Abigails Herbs

Ayurvedic doctors use every bit of the bel tree (bark, roots, leaves,tree and fruit) to treat many different ailments. The bel leaves  and the bel fruit contain tons of tannin. Tannin is an astringent substance which is useful in washing and cleansing burns and skin abrasions.

These tannins are effective in the treatment of ulcers. The bel leaves are soaked in water overnight. In the morning, the patient drinks the bel leave infused water. The healing substance forms a coating on the stomach’s internal lining and helps to heal the ulcers.

The bel leaves contain Vitamin C and some Vitamin B complex, as well as iron, phosphorous and calcium. The Ayurvedic bell tree is a wondrous gift.  More on bel leaves and bel fruit in upcoming articles.

I have a friend who has developed a severe case of eczema all over the surface of her skin. She had recently given birth to a new baby. She was unable to breastfeed her baby due to this severe skin condition. The usual treatment for eczema would be steroid creams, which can sting and and create a burning effect. Her dermatologist was unable to prescribe any kind of steroidal cream for her anyway because she was breastfeeding her child.

Eczema is so uncomfortable and annoying; trying not to itch and scratch it is a challenge in and of itself. Well, a mutual friend of mine recommended that she try to rub primrose oil on her skin. She did just that; she spread a variety of different kinds of primrose oils and lotions on the affected areas of her skin (all over her body), up to three times per day. By the way, it seems that evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Instead of feeling a sting (such as in steroidal creams and solutions), the primrose oil and lotion was instantly soft and soothing to her skin; a huge consolation, especially in the midst of breastfeeding.

Well my friend’s rash is now cured, thanks to the promrose oil.  I think that the primrose oil is a successful healing oil because it penetrates deeply through all layers and levels of our skin cells. She also uses it on her toddlers to eliminate their skin rashes I think it is always better to use natural and organic measures to heal our bodies, however,  always consult your doctor first before attempting to use anything new.

I love lemon-poppy cake. To me, it has a citrus-fresh taste. Well, here is a good recipe for lemon-poppy teacake which is gluten-free.  It is quick and easy to make. It only requires about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake.  It is sweetend with low-glucose agave nectar.This is the ultimate recipe for a perfect lemon cake:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil, plus more for the pan
• 2/3 cup rice milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup poppy seeds
• 3/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flour
• 1/2 cup brown rice flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup agave nectar (light or dark)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons  pure lemon extract
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 7-by-4-by – 3 inch loaf pan with coconut oil.
2. Pour rice milk, vinegar and poppy seeds into a small bowl, but don’t stir; set aside.  In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, xanthan gum and salt.  Add coconut oil, agave nectar, applesauce, vanilla, lemon extract and zest to the dry ingredients and stir until all ingredients are blended; the batter will expand slightly.
3. Pour batter into pan and bake on the center rack for 35 minutes, rotating the pan 180 degrees after 18 minutes. The finished teacake will be golden brown and a tooth pick inserted in the center will come out clean.
4. Let the teacake stand for 20 minutes, then gently run a knife around the edge. Cover the top with a cutting board and invert the loaf onto the board. Lift the pan away and re-invert onto a plate. Serve warm or cooled.

Each serving equals 266 calories, 13 grams fat (10 grams saturated), 2 grams protein, 37 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 486 millgrams sodium.

Nuts and seeds go hand in hand; like music and dancing, or, like dogs and their bones. Just one little handful of this perfect snack provides an ideal mix of carbohydrates, monounsaturated fat, fiber and protein. Additionally, walnuts and flaxseeds (both should be grinded to be more effective), are especially good for your heart because of the omega-3 fatty acids they contain.

Almonds, brazil nuts, cashews (try cooking these nuts in green bean dishes and salads), pumpkin and sunflower seeds make an excellent salad topping and can be cooked with entrees. For storage, keep all  flaxseeds and nuts in your pantry if you are planning to eat them up within one month. They will stay fresher (and keep up to three months) if you store them in the refrigerator or freezer though.

Dried fruits such as apricots, cranberries, dates and raisins are conncentrated versions of all the fiber and vitamins in regular fruit. But since dried fruit has high concentrations of sugar, it is best to eat them in small portions and with nuts or whole grains to get additional fiber and protein to help maintain steady blood sugar.

I have been exercising to speed up my metabolism; especially weight bearing exercises. I alternate between weights and aerobics from day to day. I also take apple cider vinegar supplements, green tea and cayenne and other hot pepper sauces in order to burn fat. However, I am finding out that the main antioxidant in turmeric- curcumin – may help your body burn fat burn fat instead of storing it.

Mice that ate curcumin gained half as much total body fat as those that didn’t, according to a 2009 research study in The Journal of Nutrition. You can get your fair share of turmeric by cooking with it, of course. However, you can also drink turmeric as a tea. I prefer to cook with it. It has the kind of taste that grows on you. The more I eat it, the more I like the taste of turmeric.

Word to the wise:  Forget about those chemical supplements. You can lose weight naturally by increasing your intake of calcium, cayenne (capsicum),apple cider vinegar,vitamin D, white tea, green tea and turmeric.

Gotu kola or Centella asiatica, has been used for centuries as an effective mental enhancer, and recent studies with animals and humans support its use in increasing memory and improving cognitive functions. Gotu kola has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a balancing herb which promotes relaxation and energizes the senses. For this reason, it is particularly popular among yoga practitioners, who use it to enhance their meditation practices.

Western research on the effectiveness of gotu kola is still growing, but initial findings support its ancient reputation for brain building and relaxation. Research published in a 2008 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found gotu kola promoted stronger cognitive function and reduced mood disorders in healthy elderly patients who took 750 milligrams daily for two months.

The key memory booster is believed to be a group of  ingredients called triterpines, which are standardized to about 8 percent in high-quality extracts. The best way to take gotu kola is in tea form. For a quick mental pick-me-up, drink a tea made with one teaspoon of dried gotu kola steeped in one cup of hot water. Stir in a little lemon and some natural sweetener to mask any bitterness. Teas are a traditional way to consume herbs and a good choice for people with weak digestion.

Beans are good for more than your heart.  Eating  just half a cup per day of  lentils and  beans increases your fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, protein and zinc intake, helping to regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Stock up on a few bean varieties that you like, such as black beans, cannelini, kidney, navy beans and all varieties of lentils.

Caution:  Dried beans must be soaked overnight prior to cooking. Dried beans are preferable to canned beans because they have much less sodium, however, canned beans can be used as a last minute solution if need be;  just look for the low-sodium brand.

Storage Tip:  Transfer dried beans and lentils  from original packaging into airtight glass containers labeled with the date you bought them. They will keep for one to two years.

I have noticed that I love coming home to “where my heart is” after making it through another stressful day at work. I can put up my feet and lean back; I can stretch into any shape or position I want to and I just love the freedom I have to relax and get rid of the tension. I am free to play my piano, do some deep breathing and just change my mindset. I have arranged my furniture and wall hangings in such a way (that is uniquely my style), to calm and soothe my psyche. I breathe into my body the positive energy that surrounds me. I have set up my living environment like that; yes, it is a bit crowded with decorations and candles, but that is what relaxes me.

So, I would reccommend that you make sure that your home and work environments are claming so that you don’t take on needless anxiety. Even the best herbs will not work if you are surrounded by a stressful environment. Choose herbs that help to calm the nervous system. Chamomile is a mild herb that eases nervousness, restlessness and stress.

Skullcap also heps relaxes muscle spasms and produce endorphins. Passionflower and lindenflower also clam nervousness. Find and use these herbs in tea form, and drink a cup or two everyday. AND, remember to sit back and relax. You deserve it!

Aloe vera gel or juice has been scientifically proven to improve the efficiency of the human digestive track. A recent controlled trial study done in normal human subjects, demonstrated that aloe vera supplementation increases the ability of our body to absorb vitamin C and E, plus it increases the time these vital vitamins stay in our plasma.

These vitamins are closely associated with recovery and healing, and this finding lends further understanding to the way in which aloe supports overall wellness. Oral ingestion of aloe has been shown to have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the digestive track. A recent clinical trial demonstrated its potential use as an effective treatment for irritable bowel disease, wherein it was shown that oral administration of aloe vera gel promoted  clinical remission in 30%, improvement in 37% and response in 47% of the patients as compared with 7%, 7% and 14% in  the placebo group respectively. This difference was found to be statisticallly significant.

The two bibliographic references for the two studies mentioned in this article are as follows:

1. Vinson JA, Al Kharrat H, Andreoli L.  Effect of Aloe Vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E.  Phytomedicine. 2005 Nov; 12(10):760-5.
2. Bland, Jeffrey.  Effect of Orally consumed Aloe Vera Juice on Gastrointestinal Function in Normal Humans.  Preventative Medicine.  March/April 1985.