Abigails Herbs

The anti-cancer mechanisms of green tea are unsurpassed. Green tea has been shown to be effective in suppressing cancer development at  multiple stages in laboratory and experimental animal studies. It may also enhance the anti-cancer effects of some chemotherapeutic drugs. This benefit of green tea consumption was observed only in high volume tea drinkers who had ready access to high quality  green teas in the East.

Green tea or Camellia sinensis, is an acknowledged cancer-preventive beverage in Japan. Using foods as medicine is the most effective way to prevent disease. Chinese physicians were using  foods as medicine to prevent diseases about 5000 years ago. The Greek physician, Hippocrates (from about 400 B.C.), also relied on proper diet to prevent and treat disease.

Green tea inhibits tumor promoters through the polyphenols in the tea. It also inhibits the synthesis of inflammatory enzymes which cause cancer. Green tea catechins are antioxidants against free radicals, which reduce  DNA damage by carcinogens.

Green tea inhibits telomerase activity. Telomerase is an enzyme that helps cancer cells to divide and multiply. The EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in the green tea is the strong inhibitor of telomerase activity.

Green tea induces apoptosis. The process of apoptosis is defined as programmed cancer cell death. There are 37 reports found in the U.S. National Library of Medicine which show the  effectiveness of  the relationship between green tea consumption and cancer risk in humans.  Based on the these important scientific studies, green tea helps to fight cancer at numerous stages, ranging from suppression of the formation of carcinogens to hindering tumor metasteses after the cancer has been established. This is great news.

Ajwain or Bishop’s Weed is rich in calcium and iron. It grows in the rich soil on the riverbanks of  Egypt, Iran, Afghanistan. The seeds of the ajwain plant are crushed and then oil is extracted through a steam distillation process. Thymol is the active medicinal property found in ajwain. The oil has a sharp, hot and pungent taste.

Thyme, sage and parsely are essential oils which blend well with Ajwain oil. It is a natural cleanser, especially for eyes and ears. Ajwain is used to treat the following conditions:

• flatulence
• cough
• common colds
• hayfever,
• diarrhea
• toothache
• fever
• ringworm
• indigestion
• colic
• bronchitis

As a powerful antiseptic, it kills germs and contains the following important ingredients:

• moisture protein
• fat
• minerals
• protein
• carbohydrates
• calcium
• phosphorous
• carbohydrates
• iron
• carotene
• thiamine
• riboflavin
• niacin

Warning:  Pregnant women should not use ajwain.

Hot and cold flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings and frequent  perspiration are the major symptoms of menopause. Most women will tell you that it is not fun.  At night, kicking the bed covers off during intense perspiration and hot flashes; then, waking up feeling cold and clammy only to pull the covers back up to keep from shivering is not the best way to experience growing older.

Over the long term, a women’s deteriorating estrogen supply increases her propensity toward heart disease, osteoporosis and vaginal atrophy (shrinkage and dryness). With a proper diet, exercise regimen and nutritional supplements, we are able to minimize and even eliminate most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause.

Eating foods high in the B vitamins, soybeans and raw fruits and vegetables will minimize these awful symptoms. Here are some herbal remedies which help address menopausal discomfort:

1. St. John’s wort helps with depression or anxiety.
2. Damiana enhances sexual desire and pleasure.
3. Siberian ginseng aids in relieving depression and in the production of estrogen.
4. A paste made from aloe vera gel and slippery elm powder when inserted into the vagina at night can relieve vaginal dryness.
5. Amaranth, chickweed, dandelion greens, nettle, seaweed and watercress are rich in calcium, which helps prevent osteoporosis.
6. Anise, block cohosh, rasberry, licorice, sage and wild yam root are natural estrogen promoters, just like soy.
7. Hops and valerian root helps to calm the body, promoting  a restful night’s sleep.
8. Gotu kola, red clover, black cohosh and dong quai relieve depression, hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Warnings:  Never use sage if you have any type of seizure disorder.  Avoid taking Siberian ginseng if you have high blood pressure, hypoglycemia or a heart disorder. Lastly, do not use licorice for more than seven days in a row, and completely avoid it if you have elevated blood pressure.

Green tea has been popular in Asia for thousands of years. Western countries have always been more familiar with black tea. The difference between black tea and green tea lies simply in their processing. Black tea is fermented, however, green tea is prepared from steamed, dried leaves, and is not permitted to ferment. This minimal processing helps the tea to retain more of its’ green color. It has a fresh flavor and the lack of processing also preserves the active ingredients that produce the tea’s health benefits.

Green tea may help to do the following:

• prevents  tooth decay
• lowers  and prevents  high blood pressure
• prevents  heart disease
• invigorates the body, giving increased energy
• improves concentration
• stimulates the body’s metabolism, aiding in weight loss

The fluoride in green tea is what hardens teeth enamel and prevents decay.  Fluoride is a trace element. The most active ingredient in green tea is caffeine. If you are trying to give up coffee, switching to green tea will help to keep the java headaches away. It increases mental alertness and lowers cholesterol. Green tea contains no calories and is is very nutritional. Because of the tannins, polyphenols, essential oils,vitamins, minerals and trace elements, its health benefits are just unbelievable!  It improves circulation, purifies the blood and protects the liver.

Here are directions on how to prepare green tea:

1. Place one rounded teaspoon of tea leaves in a teapot. Use a tea sac or a tea ball to enclose the tea leaves.
2. Heat the water  until it is simmering (160 degress Farenheit).
3. Do not allow the water to reach a boiling point because vigorously boiling water can destroy the tea’s gentle flavor.
4. Pour the water over the tea leaves; cover the pot.
5. For a mild flavor, let the pot stand 2-3 minutes.
6. For a stronger flavor, steep for 4-6 minutes.

Warning: Green tea contains a high caffeine content. Pregnant women should avoid herbal teas for the safety of the baby.

Liver spots, also known as age spots, can appear anywhere on out bodies as we grow older. They are flat,brown circular spots, usually found on the face, neck or hands. These age spots are far from attractive. Not only are they unsightly, but these spots are a warning that something much more serious lies under the skin’s surface.

Age spots are a sign that years and years of toxic wastes have accumulated in our bodies. This buildup of waste products is called lipofuscin accumulation, a by-product of  free radical damage in our skin cells. These spots on our skin are sending us a serious message that these accumulated wastes are slowly destroying our body’s healthy cells, including our liver and brain cells. More aptly stated, they are a surface sign that free radical intoxication of our bodies may destructively affect many of our internal structures, including the retina of our eyes and our heart muscles.

This formation of  lipofuscin is indicative that we have defieciencies in a certain number of  healthy nutrients such as: Vitamin E, selenium, chromium and glutathione dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). Consumption of alcohoic beverages makes this condition worse.

Liver and colon detox is recommended. Limiting sun exposure and  reducing our consumption of red meats and fried foods will certainly slow down the toxification process.  Eating plenty of fresh fruits  and vegetables and avoiding caffeine of course ,will help to clease the body of toxins. The following herbal recommendations should be observed and put into practice:

1. Take ginkgo biloba to improves circultation. It is a potent anti-oxidant.
2. Emu oil has been proven to reduce age spots.
3. Use burdock, milk thistle and red clover to cleanse the bloodstream.
4. Other herbs that are beneficial for reducing age spots are ginseng, green tea and licorice.

Warning: Ginseng and licorice elevate blood pressure. Do not use if you have hepertension or any sign of  high blood pressure.