Dented Cans – Safe or Unsafe?

Are canned foods unsafe to eat if the can is dented?

ANSWER – Dents in cans can put stresses on seals and cause them to leak. If this happens, microoganisms can enter the product and cause it to spoil.

http://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/food-preservation/faq/dented-cans

Store canned foods and other shelf-stable products in a cool, dry place.
Never put them above the stove, under the sink, in a damp garage or
basement, or any place exposed to high or low temperature extremes.
Store high-acid foods, such as tomatoes and other fruit,
up to 18 months. Low-acid foods, such as meat
and vegetables, can be kept 2 to 5 years.
While extremely rare, a toxin produced by
Clostridium botulinum is the worst danger
in canned foods. NEVER USE food from
containers that show signs of “botulism”:
leaking, bulging, rusting, or badly dented
cans; cracked jars; jars with loose or bulging
lids; canned food with a foul odor; or any
container that spurts liquid when opening.
DO NOT TASTE THIS FOOD! Even the tiniest
amount of botulinum toxin can be deadly.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/topics/foodsec_cons.pdf

Oolong Tea

Cleaning up my house and I came across some Oolong Tea I brought with me from China. I forgot I had some and am reading up on it about the benefits Oolong Tea has to offer. If I had known of all the positive benefits I would have had a Oolong Tea long ago. Enjoy the link I am posting.

Health benefits of oolong tea include reducing chronic bodily conditions such as heart diseases, inflammatory disorders, providing vital antioxidants, reducing high cholesterol levels, promoting superior bone structure, robust skin and good dental health. The oolong tea is fragrant with a fruity flavor and tasty aroma. It is considerably low in caffeine and extremely relaxing to drink.

Health benefits of oolong tea are doubled because of combined qualities of black tea and green tea. According to Tea Association of USA, oolong tea falls between green and black teas, as its leaves are only partially oxidized. There are numerous kinds of tea in this world; oolong tea being one among them. The origin of oolong tea dates back to almost 400 years in the history of China. It is a semi-green fermented tea. But, the fermentation process is halted as soon as the tea leaves start to change their color.

Nutritional Value: Tea is a nature’s gift that is rich in anti-oxidants. It also contains vital minerals and vitamins such as calcium, manganese, copper, carotin, selenium, and potassium, Vitamin A, B, C, E and K. in addition to folic acids, niacin amide and other detoxifying alkaloids. Developed in semi-fermented processing, the oolong tea is rich in numerous polyphenolic compounds, adding value health benefits of oolong tea.

Benefits: The various health related benefits of oolong tea are as follows:

• Controls Obesity: The polyphenol compound found in oolong tea is very effective in controlling the fat metabolism of the body. It activates certain enzymes and thus enhances the functions of the fat cells in human body. Daily consumption of oolong tea can reduce obesity.
• Removal of Harmful Free Radicals: The polyphenolic compound is also responsible for removal of free radicals in our body, thus saving us from potential harm that these free moving cells may pose to the human body.
• Treatment of Skin Disorders: According to scientific experiments, patients diagnosed with eczema skin disorder can benefit from drinking 3 cups of oolong tea 3 times in a day. The beneficial results of oolong tea could be seen in less than a week with these patients showing remarkable skin improvement.
• Promoting Good Bone Structure: The antioxidants present in oolong tea protect the tooth against decay, strengthens the bone structure and boosts normal healthy growth of human body.
• Treatment of Diabetes: Oolong tea is used as an herbal brew for treating type 2 diabetic disorders and as an appendage to other supplementary drugs for treating the disease.
• Protection against Cancer: It is well-known fact that tea drinkers have lower risk of acquiring skin cancer. Moreover, oolong tea compound polyphenol promotes apoptosis in stomach related cancerous growth. This polyphenol extract also acts a chemo-preventive instrument against development of other cancerous forms.
• Stress Buster: In a detailed study conducted at the Osaka Institute for Health Care Science, in Japan, the experimental mice that were ingested with oolong tea showed a remarkable improvement in stress levels by more than 10 to 18 %. The natural polyphenols in the oolong tea is said to be the main stress buster.

So, drink several cups of oolong tea in a day, it is best for your good health and also wonderful to taste.

This article was contributed by Seema Adnani

Back to Health Benefits of Food

References: Osaka Institute for Health Care Science and Tea Association 

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/health-benefits-of-oolong-tea.html

Tulsi Tea

I just learned about Tulsi Tea and always try things out before I post about them. Currently I am going through a very stressful time in my life and a friend on mine suggested Tulsi Tea. Tulsi Tea is Holy Basil helping the body to relax and still stay alert. So I gave it a try. This tea is amazing. I am hooked. The taste is wonderful, it is organic tea, and really helps relax the body. “Increases the capacity to cope and adapt to
changing and challenging environments, and reduces the negative physical and psychological
effects of stress (adaptogenic).”

Please open this link to read the wonderful article of Tulsi Tea and it’s benefits:

http://www.organicindia.com/pdffiles/tulsi-article.pdf

What is Tulsi ?

What is Tulsi (Holy Basil)?

"The Queen of Herbs" – is the most sacred herb of India. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), although also known as Holy Basil, is a different plant from the pesto variety of Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Tulsi has been revered in India for over five thousand years, as a healing balm for body, mind and spirit, and is known to bestow an amazing number of health benefits. ORGANIC INDIA is pleased to offer Organic Tulsi, for the first time, as a stress-relieving, energizing and delicious tea. For our ORGANIC INDIA Tulsi Tea Collection we utilize a proprietary combination of 3 varieties of Tulsi: Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum). Each variety lends its own distinct and characteristic taste that contributes to the delicious flavor and aroma of our blend.

What are the health benefits of Tulsi?

Tulsi is rich in antioxidant and renowned for its restorative powers, Tulsi has several benefits:

• Relieves stress / adaptogen
• Bolsters immunity
• Enhances stamina
• Provides support during cold season
• Promotes healthy metabolism
• A natural immuno-modulator

http://www.organicindia.com/tulsi-facts.php

Where can I buy Tulsi Tea?

At most health food stores.

Picture by Antoine Henrich‘s http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1046

Health Disclaimer

All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

Eating Carrots

I love eating carrots and carrot salad. Let me give you a nice recipe that my Mama used to make me.

Take 7 fresh organic carrots and place them in a food processor, add some fresh squeezed lemon juice, some olive oil, organic cut apples and some Hawaiian brown sugar. If you like add some organic raisons as well. The olive oil is important, it helps absorb the beta carotene by the body.

Here is a wonderful article about carrots by Carla.

Carrots should be considered a goldmine of natural vitamins and nutrients. Among other raw vegetable juices, carrot juice is an absolute leader in the context of the variety of its therapeutic effects, the contents of useful elements and its compatibility with other juices or foods. Nutritional and therapeutic values of carrot juice were discovered by the health practitioners of early European civilizations. Carrots originate from the Mediterranean region, where this vegetable was used by the Ancient Greeks since the 20th century B.C. They loved drinking carrot juice for its excellent cleansing effects and, in addition, it was considered a good remedy for constipation and physical exhaustion.

As we all know, no other vegetable contains as much beta-carotene as carrots. In our body, beta-carotene is  converted into Vitamin A, which assists in improving our eyesight and the functioning of our immunity system, strengthening our bones and teeth, preventing possible problems with the functioning of the thyroid glad. Vitamin A also has positive effects on our hair, nails and skin. Besides, this Vitamin is associated with good cleansing effects: it can clean our liver from fat and other unnecessary elements. However, for receiving maximum results for the liver, it is necessary to drink carrot juice on a regular basis.

The list of useful microelements and nutrients which are contained in carrots is really very impressive. Along with the mentioned beta-carotene, it includes also Vitamins C, B, E, D and K, proteins, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, aluminum, sodium, manganese, iron, copper and a lot of other minerals. Carrots contain great amounts of nicotine acid, which is important for metabolism of fats and lipids. The vegetable is a great source of natural magnesium, which assists in decreasing bad cholesterol levels in the body, helps to relieve spasms and strengthen our blood vessels.

Carrot juice has very good anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous and anti-aging properties. Carotene is a known anti-oxidant, which can prevent degenerative processes in the cells and has great anti-aging effects. The compounds containing in carrot juice also have antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. That is why it can be effective to treat wounds and insect bites with some carrot juice, which in such case will also bring some slight relief for pain and help to avoid swelling. Also, drinking raw carrot juice can be helpful for lowering the symptoms of stresses and normalizing the function of your digestive system.

Many specialists underline that mixing carrot juice with other fruit or vegetable juices can substantially boost therapeutic effects of these natural remedies. For example, adding some spinach juice to a glass of your carrot juice can help you to refresh your mind, calm down and improve your sleep. Also, this mixture has very good cleansing properties and can relieve the symptoms of constipation. It is recommended to mix carrot juice with beetroot juice or with the juice received from various berries: such drink will be a great tonic, which can also provide you with your daily doze of Vitamin C.

Drinking carrot juice is extremely beneficial for pregnant women and young children. Vitamins A and E are very important for normal development of the fetus. Since carrot juice has good amounts of natural sugar, the majority of children like drinking it. For your little one, you can mix carrot juice with some orange juice or a little of lime juice, and your child will receive a healthy doze of all useful microelements and nutrients, as well as have a better appetite and lower risks of having a cold or a flu.  Always remember that two glasses of fresh carrot juice a day can substantially improve the overall health of you and all the members of your family.

http://guide2herbalremedies.com/health-benefits-carrot-juice/

Picture by Simon Howden

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=404

Anise Tea

I just got back from Germany and bought a lot of tea while I was there. Growing up in Germany we used tea for about any illness and ache. I love Anise Tea, I like the smell of Anise, that’s why I like Licorice so much. Here is a wonderful link with interesting facts about Anise Tea.

http://www.teabenefits.com/herbal-tea-benefits/anise-tea-benefits.html

Anise Tea Benefits

Anise Tea Benefits have been recognized in the annals of folk remedy for centuries.

Anise is a member of the family of plants that includes carrots, caraway, cumin, dill, fennel, and cilantro. Anise is also known as aniseed, pimpinel seed, and sweet cumin. Its latin name is pimpinella anisum.

Anise’s sweet and strong fragrance and its essential oil are due to to trans-anethole, making up to 90% of the oil. Other components of the taste and smell of anise include estragol (iso-anethole), anise aldehyde, anise alcohol, p-methoxy-acetophenone, pinene, limonene, and gamma-himachalene (2%).

Due to the strong flavor of anise, it has been used to give licorice candy its flavor. Anise seeds can also be steeped in boiling water at home to produce a natural mouthwash; many mouthwashes and toothpastes sold in natural foods stores also contain anise.

To extract the antiseptic and antispasmodic beneficial essences of anise, anise tea can be made by steeping 2 teaspoons of crushed anise seeds in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.

In some sensitive individuals, anise can cause inflammatory skin conditions, including rosacea and acne. Large doses of anise can also act as a narcotic in the system. So anise tea is best taken in moderation.

Anise Tea benefits for the health include the following:

• Anise Tea makes an excellent expectorant as it helps loosen phlegm in the throat and lungs.

• Anise Tea may help in the overall treatment of such respiratory ailments as colds, pneumonia, bronchitis and sinusitis.

• Anise Tea may help enhance the supply of mother’s milk.

• Anise Tea may help in the treatment of colic.

• Anise Tea may be effective in the treatment of an upset stomach and may reduce flatulence.

• Anise Tea may help in getting rid of hiccups.

Jasmine Tea

I am back from China and learned so much while we stayed there. With every meal in China you were offered Jasmine Tea and in China they have a lot of Tea places where folks gather, drink tea and change stories. Our guide drank Jasmine Tea in a bottle I have never seen before. The matter of fact is, that every Chinese person had a bottle like that with their tea. She told me that the tea is very good for the eyes and gives you beautiful skin. Well, that was enough for me to buy 6 big bags of Jasmine tea,the bottle, and check out the benefits of Jasmine Tea.

Here is a web-site where you can buy the travel press bottle.  http://www.goldenmoontea.com/Bodum_Travel_Press_P66.cfm

And the Jasmine Tea. http://www.goldenmoontea.com/Jasmine_Tea_P36.cfm

Tea Ceremony in Guangzhou, China.

The Health Benefits of Jasmine Tea

Can Sipping This Fragrant Drink Have Medicinal Benefits?

© Kristie Leong

Apr 27, 2009

Sipping jasmine tea may be more than just a thirst quencher. It appears this natural tea may have significant health benefits.

Sipping a warm cup of jasmine tea may do more than titillate the taste buds. It appears that the leaves from this flower may have disease preventive properties ranging from cancer prevention to lowering elevated cholesterol levels. Although larger studies are needed to confirm these benefits, the possibilities are intriguing. What are the health benefits of jasmine tea?

Health Benefits of Jasmine Tea: Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Several studies in animals have demonstrated the ability of jasmine to slow down the growth of cancer cells. One study carried out in rats showed a chemoprotective effect for breast tumors, while another showed benefits against prostate cancer. In fact, Israeli researchers have developed an anti-cancer drug using Jasmonate, a component from the jasmine plant, that’s believed to protect the plant against injury. The researchers discovered this new, natural drug derived from the jasmine plant can inhibit the action of a certain enzyme known as hexokinase that allows cancer cells to grow and prosper. They’re hoping that one day this drug derived from the jasmine plant will be used alongside other cancer chemotherapy drugs to help them work more efficiently. Such is the power of the incredible jasmine plant.

Health Benefits of Jasmine Tea: Anxiety Relief

A study carried out in Japan showed that the smell of jasmine tea had a calming, sedative-like effect on a group of twenty-four volunteers. When the volunteers were allowed to smell the odor of jasmine tea, their heart rates dropped and they became more calm and relaxed. A cup of jasmine tea could offer significant advantages over traditional anti-anxiety medications.

Health Benefits of Jasmine Tea: Lower Cholesterol

A study conducted on hamsters showed that green tea catechins extracted from jasmine green tea lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels in hamsters when the animals were given a high fat diet. Although more studies are needed to confirm that this effect holds true in humans, jasmine green tea could hold health benefits for those who eat a fatty diet.

Health Benefits of Jasmine Tea: Anti-bacterial Properties

In a study carried out at Kansas State University, it was shown that jasmine tea has the ability to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause food borne illness such as Salmonella and Listeria. This may have applications in the food industry where natural means of killing bacteria that cause food poisoning are needed.

Read more:

http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_health_benefits_of_jasmine_tea#ixzz0XuNBgGKp

Health Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus is an alkaline food which is rich in protein but low in calories and carbohydrates.  It is an excellent source of potassium, folic acid, vitamins A, C and K, and traces of vitamin B complex.

A good source of dietary fiber, asparagus is also rich in niacin, phosphorus and very low sodium.  And certainly most impressive is that it is one of those few vegetables that actually has the calcium and magnesium in the ideal ratio of 2:1.

Asparagus has an abundance of an amino acid called asparagine, that helps to cleanse the body of waste material.  As a result, some people pass out smelly urine after eating asparagus.  Don’t worry if this happens to you.  Just be glad that your kidney is functioning as it should.

Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that is highly dense in healthful nutrients that help many ailments.

You never could stand the taste or smell of Asparagus but you would be amazed at all the health benefits that little vegetable has.

So here are the great health benefits I have compiled for the wonderful food of Asparagus…

• It is high in vitamin K and Folate
• Eat asparagus when you are pregnant or thinking about conceiving – because of it being high in folic acid it helps prevent birth defects such as spina bifida
• Great for your heart
• Helps w*Helps menstrual cramps with fertility problems
• Great for your gastrointestinal tract and your colon
• Helps menstrual cramps
• Great food to help treat depression
• Has been known to increase the success rate of chemo therapy
• Is considered a diuretic which means it is a good anti-inflammatory – best for arthritis, asthma rheumatism, and even water retention…PMS
• Help get rid of warts
• Helps detoxify your body
• Add more asparagus to your diet to lover cholesterol
• Great for nursing mothers stimulating milk production
• Has antioxidant agents – prevents the effects of aging
• Has antifungal and antiviral qualities
• Great for your kidneys – cleansing your body by stimulating urination and preventing kidney stones
• Helps prevent bladder and urinary tract infections
• Use to be used as an a aphrodisiac – increase sexual and comforting feelings
• Helps with treating HIV
• Helps prevent multiple sclerosis
• Helps prevent scurvy
• Asparagus has anti-cancer agents – especially lung cancer
• Helps fight chronic fatigue syndrome
• Helps fight off high blood pressure
• If you bruise easily – eat more asparagus
• Is considered a laxative – eat an asparagus if you have diarrhea and constipation
• Great for your capillaries – eat more asparagus to avoid varicose veins
• Great for your eyes preventing cataracts
• If you are experiencing hair loss- eat more asparagus
• Helps treat toothaches

• http://healthmad.com/alternative/health-benefits-of-asparagus/

• http://www.juicing-for-health.com/asparagus.html

How to cook Asparagus:

Luo Han Guo – Natural sweetener

LUO HAN GUO

Sweet Fruit Used as Sugar Substitute and Medicinal Herb

by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon

Luo Han Guo (luohanguo) refers to the fruit of Siraitia grosvenori, formerly called Momordica grosvenori, a member of the Curcubitaceae (1). The fruit is well-known for its sweet taste; this plant family (Gourd family) has other members that contain remarkable sweet components, including additional species of the genus Siraitia (e.g., S. siamensis, S. silomaradjae, S. sikkimensis, S. africana, S. borneensis, and S. taiwaniana 2) and the popular herb jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum). The latter herb, which has both sweet and bitter tasting triterpene glycosides in its leaves, is now sold worldwide as a tea and made into an extract for use in numerous health-care products (3). Luohanguo has been used as a medicinal herb for treating cough and sore throat (4) and is popularly considered, in southern China, to be a longevity aid (5). These are the same uses as listed for jiaogulan. Luohanguo has more recently been developed into a non-caloric sweetener to compete with other herbal sweeteners such stevioside from the unrelated Stevia leaf. (6).

Luohanguo is primarily grown in southern China, mainly in Guangxi Province, with most of the product from the mountains of Guilin. The steep mountains provide shade and they are frequently surrounded by mists that further protect against excessive sun, yet the temperature in this southern province is warm. The wild plant is rare, thus luohanguo has been cultivated in the region for many years. There are descriptions of its cultivation in the area dating back to 1813 (5). Guilin now has a 4,000-acre luohanguo growing area that produces 10,000 pieces of fruit annually (7). Most of these fields are in Yongfu and Lingui Counties, which are recognized in China as sites having an unusually high number of residents living to an age 100 years or more (8, 9), which some attribute to the consumption of luohanguo, as well as the pristine environment. However, the local residents mainly proclaim the benefits of tranquil lifestyle, simple diet, and regular exercise.

Longjiang Town (Dragon River) of Yongfu County was named "Home of Chinese luohanguo Fruits." Several factories have been established in this region to produce luohanguo extracts and finished products, the oldest being the Yongfu Pharmaceuticals Factory. A carefully prepared visual presentation of luohanguo cultivation and its environs is offered by the Dragon River Company, a New York based international company that set-up manufacturing in the town of Dragon River.

Luohanguo is collected as a round green fruit that turns brown upon drying. The sweet taste of luohanguo comes primarily from mogrosides, a group of terpene glycosides, present at the level of about 1% of the fleshy part of the fruit (10). Both the fresh and dried fruits are extracted to yield a powder that is 80% or more mogrosides. The mogrosides have been numbered, 1-5, and the main component is called mogroside-5, previously known as esgoside (see chemical structure diagram below). Other, similar compounds from luohanguo have been labeled siamenoside and neomogroside. The mixed mogrosides are estimated to be about 300 times as sweet as sugar by weight, so that the 80% extracts are nearly 250 times sweeter than sugar; pure mogrosides 4 and 5 may be 400 times as sweet as sugar by weight.

A process for making a useful sweetener from luohanguo was patented in 1995 by Procter and Gamble Company (2). As described in the patent application, the fruit itself, though sweet, has too many additional flavors that would make it unsuitable for widespread use as a sweetener, so P&G developed a method for processing it to eliminate the undesired flavors. The fruit is seldom used fresh anyway, due to the problems of storing it; further, the raw fruit has unattractive flavors and a tendency to easily form off-flavors by fermentation; also, its pectin eventually gels. So, it is common to dry the fruits for any further use, and this is how they appear in Chinese herb shops. The fruits are slowly dried in ovens; the drying process preserves the fruit and removes most of the objectionable flavor of the fresh fruit, which is associated with volatile components. Unfortunately, the drying also causes the formation of bitter, astringent flavors. These flavors limit the use of the dried fruits and dried fruit extracts to the preparation of dilute teas and soups and products to which sugar, honey, and the like are added. In the P&G process, the fresh fruit is picked before ripening and allowed to complete its ripening during storage so that processing begins with the just-ripe fruit. The peel and seeds are then removed, and the mashed fruit becomes the basis of a concentrated fruit juice or puree that can be used in food manufacturing. Further processing involves using solvents to remove volatile and off-flavor components. Numerous sugar substitutes derived from luohanguo by similar processes that isolate the sweet compounds are now readily available for manufacturing and for kitchen use.

HISTORY AND TRADITION

During the Tang Dynasty, Guilin was a major Buddhist retreat area with many temples. The fruit (guo, a term used mainly for gourd-like fruits) is named after the luohan, which are advanced Buddhist practitioners (see classic painting of some luohan, left; in India, they are called arhats) The story told in China is that knowledge of this fruit first emerged from monks who were using it during the 13th Century. Due to its limited natural growing area (mainly mountain sides in Guangxi and Guangdong; to a much lesser extent, in Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Hainan Island), and difficulty in cultivating it successfully, this fruit did not enter the general herb tradition of China, which depended on more abundant products. So, it is not mentioned in the traditional herb guides (10).

The herb became more prominent during the 20^th century. One early English-language report on it is an unpublished manuscript written in 1938 by Professor G.W. Groff and Hoh Hin Cheung (11). The fruits were reported to be frequently used as the main ingredient in cooling drinks (that is, drinks consumed to counteract hot weather, fever, or disorders described in the tradition as warm or hot in nature). The juice of fresh fruits was known to be very sweet. Groff and Hoh noted that the "luohan fruit of commerce, when cooked with pork or steeped with tea, provides a common Chinese household remedy for colds and congestion of the lungs." They confirmed through interviews that the fruit had only become extensively used in China in recent history. Still, it appears that the development of distinct cultivars, and extensive knowledge of its growth, pollination, and climatic requirements implies a fairly long history of cultivation activity by at least a limited group of people.

The herb had been brought to the U.S. early in the 20^th century. Groff mentions that during a 1917 visit to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, botanist Frederick Coville showed him a luohan fruit obtained from a local Chinese store in Washington, DC.. Seeds from luohan fruits purchased in a San Francisco Chinese store were included in the original botanical description of the species in 1941.

The beginning of research into the sweet component of luohanguo is attributed to C.H. Lee, who published an English report in 1975 (12), and to Tsunematsu Takemoto working in Japan in the early 1980s (he later turned his attention to studying jiaogulan (3). Development of luohanguo products in China has grown steadily since that time, particularly with the more recent development of highly concentrated extracts for use as sweeteners.

Probably the best depiction of luohanguo medicinal use in southern China during the 20^th century is that given by Dai and Liu in their book Fruit as Medicine (4), originally published in Chinese in 1982, then published in English in 1986. Here is their description:

Dried fruit may be bought in the city markets. The outer surface of the dried fruit is round and smooth, dusty yellow-brown or dusty green-brown. It is covered with fine, soft hair. The fruit is covered by a hard but thin shell. Inside is a partly dry, flexible substance containing the juice, as well as a large number of seeds. The skin, juicy part, and seeds all have a good sweet flavor. Its nature is cool, and it has no poison. The fruit helps relieve sunstroke, moistens the lungs, eliminates phlegm, stops cough, and promotes bowel movements.

Applications:
1. Heat stroke with thirst: Take one fruit, break it open and stir into boiled water. Drink the liquid in place of tea.
2. Acute or chronic throat inflammation; aphonia. Take half a fruit and 3-5 seeds of sterculia. Cover with water and simmer, then swallow very slowly.
3. Chronic cough. Take 1 piece of fruit, cover with water, simmer, and drink the liquid. Do this twice each day.
4. Constipation in the aged. Take 2 pieces of fruit, obtain the juicy part and the seed (put the shell aside for other uses), break apart, cover with water, and simmer. Drink before going to bed.
5. Diabetes. Take an appropriate measure of the fruit and crush it or simmer it into a thick juice and add to food being prepared, using it as a substitute for sugar.

Find more on http://www.itmonline.org/arts/luohanguo.htm

Himalayan Crystal Salt

HEALTHY SALT FOR YOUR FOOD

Salt is a necessary and essential part of our life and existence, however, regular table salt is extremely harmful to our bodies due to the chemical treatment it endures before reaching our food. There is a healthy alternative, Himalayan Salt comes from an area that has remained unpolluted, the Himalayan Mountains. This salt has been called “white-gold” because it contains ions of stored sunlight, it is pure, natural, and contains 84 essential minerals that are so necessary for our bodies. This salt is also the only salt scientifically proven to actually be beneficial for the body.

The crystals of Himalayan Salts have been exposed to earth pressures for millions of years, perfecting the geometric crystalline structure of the salt. The more perfect the geometric shape, the more potent it’s energy content and absorption by the body is much easier, providing primal energy to the body with the smallest amount of energy loss.

You can find this wonderful Himalayan Salt at The Gypsy Sun in Surf City, NC. http://www.thegypsysun.com/index.php?id=57

Technorati Tags: Himalayan salts

Apple Cider Vinegar

I grew up with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). My mom makes herself a wellness drink every morning with ACV, Honey, and hot water. That was her vitamin drink. We also cleaned with it and bathed in it. So the smell did not seem to bother me. I have been using ACV for many years now. ACV is proving to be one of the greatest aids to health known to science. It is 100% natural. ACV kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of common mold, and 80% of germs and viruses. It is a wonderful germ fighter in the home. The benefit is that it is free of dangerous chemicals you are breathing in. Once a month I bath in ACV, it is a natural fighter against yeast and fungus infections of the body and mucus membranes. It is a wonderful cure for athletes foot, acne, eczema, insect bites, and bee stings. If you choose to take a ACV cocktail, mix it with local honey from your are and hot water.  Apples contain enzymes, boron, iron, minerals, trace minerals and fiber and are rich in potassium.  Potassium is the fountain of youth, and artery softener. Check out the book by Bragg “Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System”.

“Toxic poisons are the cause of most troubles in the human body. Most people do not have sufficient vital force to supply the eliminative organs with the strength to remove normal waste from the body. The toxins remain and lodge in the joints and organs of the body. We have a name for each symptom that gives us pain and trouble. Certain toxic wastes that are harmful to the whole body are  rendered harmless by a miraculous substance in organic, raw ACV with the powerful mother. Scientists call this protective action acetolysis.”

Paul C. Bragg N.D., Ph.D.

Do you remember the quote: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” The apple is one of God’s great health-giving foods.