Anise Tea

Posted under Food Matters, My own observation, Tip of the week

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.

Valentines Reflexology Special

Posted under Tip of the week

How about a Reflexology gift this Valentines Day for your special someone. A one hour Foot Massage and a German chocolate. Yummy! Book it soon, I am at Porters Neck Yoga and Spa.

www.portersneckyogaspa.com

 

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a holistic science using the feet as a mini-map of the body. It is a natural non-invasive science of stimulating reflex areas in the feet or hands that correspond to our organs, glands and body parts.

Benefits of Reflexology

1. Reflexology improves the verve and blood supply and circulation.
2. Reflexology relieves and reduces stress and tension.
3. Reflexology assists with detoxification.
4. Reflexology assists the body systems to achieve homeostasis and balance.

How does reflexology work?

 

The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex" areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For example:

• the tips of the toes reflect the head
• the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
• the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
• low back and intestines are towards the heel

He believed that certain areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body. This concept was furthered by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham into the modern practice of reflexology.
Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways.
Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of "zone therapy" in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930′s into what is now knows as reflexology.
A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress.

 

What will I feel?

 

Most people find reflexology for the most part to be very relaxing.
Reflexology shouldn’t be painful. If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the Reflexologist. He or she should work within your comfort zone.
Some areas may be tender or sore, and the Reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.
If you’re ticklish, not to worry. The Reflexologist applies firm pressure to the feet.

 

Why do people get reflexology?

 

• Stress and stress-related conditions
• Tension headaches
• Digestive disorders
• Arthritis
• Insomnia
• Hormonal imbalances
• Sports injuries
• Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Digestive problems, such as constipation
• Back pain

Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.
Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.
Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.