| UCCHIN—TURMERIC {Curcuma longa; ukon, jiang huang, Indian saffron) Turmeric, or ucchin, is an herb that every Okinawan is intimately familiar with. Many drink it as a tea, others take it in tablet form, but most simply use it in their cooking. Its wonderful orange-yellow color gives saffron rice and yellow curries their distinctive taste and yellow hue. Originally from India, turmeric belongs to the ginger family.
Weight and health benefits. |
| It is, in fact, a common backyard herb and one of the most prolific "weeds" in the world.
Weight and health benefits. Chickweed holds a reputation as a folk remedy for obesity and as a topical treatment for skin conditions throughout old Europe. In Okinawan folk medicine, it has been used to increase milk production in young mothers, to decrease appendicitis inflammation, as a treatment of kidney problems, and as a remedy for scurvy. Research has confirmed high amounts of vitamin C and flavonoids in chickweed,42 which helps explain its effectiveness in treating skin irritations and scurvy. |
Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D.
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 There are also herb teas made of a combination of pure cranberries and other herbs. You can also buy fresh cranberries by the bag (November is the best month to do so), freeze them, and use them throughout the year. One whole cup contains less than 50 calories, and you can make cranberry sauce or relish to put on your turkey or chicken, or a stew to enhance the taste of other fruits. We eat lots of cranberries at home and my wife does marvelous things with them. |
Mark Hyman, M.D.
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 We feel integrative medicine is too often a patchwork quilt of disparate systems fused together in an almost haphazard way, hoping for some kind of benefit: Swallow this herb, take this acupuncture treatment, try this healing touch. But all of those treatments in themselves are separate systems, representing worldviews that don't necessarily blend well. |
Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
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 Sparkling water with lemon or herb tea
MIDAFTERNOON SNACK
1 cup nonfat milk blended with 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon honey 1 ice cube
DINNER
4 ounces roast chicken breast (stuff chicken with fresh rosemary and onions before roasting)
Glazed Carrots:
2 carrots, peeled and sliced into i4-inch diagonals, cooked in 1 teaspoon olive oil and Vi cup orange juice until tender. In a small bowl, mix until smooth Vi teaspoon cornstarch, lA teaspoon ground ginger, pinch of nutmeg, and 3 tablespoons water. Add ginger mixture to carrots and stir over medium heat until sauce thickens. |
The Complete Book of Alternative NutritionSelene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books
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| Why the renewed interest in a funny-looking herb that's so odoriferous that it's sometimes called the stinking rose? After all, garlic has been around for as long as anybody has kept track of plants and their uses. Why all the renewed attention?
Chalk it up to a recent spate of scientific studies proving garlic's value in helping to prevent heart disease.
Garlic appears to protect your heart and blood vessels in a number of different ways. You may have already heard that garlic helps lower cholesterol levels. |
Margarita Artschwager Kay
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 Rosemary is also used as a culinary spice; it is available in grocery stores as well as medicinal herb stores.
Phytochemistry. Analyses (Duke 1985:412-13) indicate that the oil from the leaves contains tannins and many mono-terpenes, including alpha-thujone. Thujone possesses abortifacient properties. Romero also contains expectorants such as alpha-pinene and cineol, camphor, diosmin, trimethyl-rosmaricinem, luteolin, and apigenin (Winkelman 1986: 120-21). Users of rosemary oil in bath preparations and toiletries should note that it can cause erythema and dermatitis (Duke 1985:413). |
The Complete Book of Alternative NutritionSelene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books
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| If you're using the roots of the herb, put some water in a pan, bring it to a boil, add the roots and simmer for about 15 minutes over low heat. When using leaves, bring the water to a boil but remove it from the stove before adding the tea leaves. Then steep it for up to 10 minutes. After steeping, strain the leaves or roots from the tea and enjoy.
Diarrhea
"Blackberry tea is one of the oldest remedies for diarrhea and is generally pretty effective," says Dr. Tyler. Health food stores carry blackberry tea in bags, ready to brew. |
Earl Mindell and Hester Mundis
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 But this is not an herb for amateurs, and unless you know how to brew it properly?don't. High doses can cause diarrhea as well as burns of the mouth and esophagus.
CHAMOMILE
Frequendy the tea of choice before bedtime because of its sedative, stomach-settling properties, it should be drunk in moderation. It is a highly allergenic tea, and can cause severe allergic reactions—includingfatal shock—in individuals with hay fever, or those sensitive to ragweed, asters, and related plants. |
| As an herb, it is often employed as a respiratory stimulant and a laxative. As a flavoring, natural licorice is often used in candy.
Consumption of large quantities (31/2 ounces) daily over long periods can cause severe hypertension and cardiac arrhythmia. (Most American licorice candy is made with synthetic flavorings and does not pose these hazards—which is just as well, since synthetic flavorings have enough of their own.)
NUTMEG
A little sprinkled on your rice pudding won't hurt. But nutmeg, like juniper, contains nervous system toxins. |
The Complete Book of Alternative NutritionSelene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books
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| Upping Immunity with Echinacea
When it comes to warding off colds, no herb has better word-of-mouth endorsements than echinacea. A plant that's native to North America, echinacea seems to work by pumping up the immune system to help your body keep infections at bay.
Animal studies show that substances in echinacea root stimulate the immune system to produce more of the proteins alpha-interferon, beta-in-terferon and interleukin-1. These proteins are necessary for the production of immune system cells, the hardworking foot soldiers that defend your body against infection. |
Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D.
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 Ginger
Ginger is a culinary herb whose phytochemicals are useful for a wide variety of disorders. Ginger contains the phytochemicals gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, all of which are antioxidants. Gingerol is listed in the United States Department of Agriculture's phytochemical database as an antiemetic, which means that it acts to prevent nausea and vomiting. It's no wonder that ginger ale has long been a favorite home remedy for a queasy stomach. Ginger is used in Europe for morning sickness and for the nausea associated with motion sickness. It also is useful as a decongestive remedy. |
The Complete Book of Alternative NutritionSelene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books
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| On this kind of regimen, you don't eat food, but you can drink fruit juice, vegetable juice or herb tea. That way you're giving your digestive system a much-needed break, but you're still providing fuel for your body.
Other advocates see juice fasting as a first step for people who can't handle water fasting right away. "Water fasts are the best, but a lot of people are just too 'toxic' to have a successful water fast," says Dr. Bailey. "So we have them work up to it and cleanse their bodies with a few juice fasts first. |
| Haas, although some people have reported experiencing restlessness or digestive upset while taking the herb. Also, since ginkgo affects blood clotting (because it suppresses PAF), be sure to check with your doctor if you're currently taking aspirin or another anti-clotting drug or if you have a clotting disorder.
**t*& t\t ln0Sit0'
% ^ V V Sandwiched somewhere between
«AC^\k&^* choline and riboflavin, you'll find inos-Xi gA V1 itol on the ingredient label of many multi-
-ftt^ Cyt^ vitamin supplements. You can also buy inositol
%OJV » o& ^* by itself in supplement form. |
James F. Balch, M.D.
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 This herb increases blood flow in capillary networks, relaxes the capillaries, and also repairs oxidative damage to the capillary walls. It appears to repair damage in the retina also. When tested on people with vision already impaired by macular degeneration, a significant number of them were able to see better at long distances. If taken early as a preventive, ginkgo may help to avoid the problem altogether. I recommend 40 to 80 mg daily.
Bilberry extract is associated with improved eyesight in many ways. In particular, it is able to cross-link collagen fibers to strengthen capillary walls. |
Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
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| For example, we consume canavanine in alfalfa sprouts, hydrazines in raw mushrooms, and other carcinogens in herb teas. Cooking destroys some of these natural toxins, but creates others, such as nitrosamines and nitropyrenes formed when meat is cooked. Dr. Ames states that eliminating the small amount of synthetic chemicals in our diets would have no effect on cancer rates, and that exposure to pesticides is nowhere near as important a health concern as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, being overweight, or consuming too much saturated fat. |
Earl Mindell and Hester Mundis
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| Fruit juice, herb tea, decaffeinated coffee or tea, and fat-free and 1 percent milk do equal 100 percent water. Caffeinated drinks (sodas, iced tea, coffee, black or green tea) equal only 50 percent water. Alcoholic drinks equal 0 percent water.
CAUTIONS AND COMMENTS Thirst is not a reliable indicator of water needs, especially in children and the elderly. Extreme temperatures (hot and cold) and exercise increase water loss. Always drink extra fluids on airplanes and in any environment with dry, recirculated air. If your urine is amber instead of pale yellow, you probably need more water. |
Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
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| Herb tea
Nutritional information: 465 calories, 22 percent fat (11.5 grams), 67 percent carbohydrate, 11 percent protein, 10.3 grams fiber
BREAKFAST 3
Potatoes and Egg:
Blanch 2 small, diced red potatoes in rapidly boning water (about 10 minutes). Drain. Saute 3 tablespoons diced onion in 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat (about 3 minutes). Add potatoes, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, a dash of red pepper flakes, and !4 teaspoon each paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 minutes. Poach one egg in boiling water 3 minutes, until cooked through. Serve over potatoes. |
| BREAKFAST 5
1 whole-grain muffin with raisins and nuts topped with
7 tablespoon cashew, almond, soy, or peanut butter
1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned in own juice 1 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced herb tea
Nutritional information: 477 calories, 34 percent fat (18.3 grams), 56 percent carbohydrate, 10 percent protein, 10. |
| Drizzle chicken with oil, rub with herb mixture.
Pour chicken broth in heavy roasting pan. Place chicken in pan. Bake 20 minutes. Turn chicken, bake another 10 to 20 minutes or until no longer pink in the center.
Pour the balsamic vinegar over the chicken in the pan. Transfer chicken to a plate. Stir leftover liquid in pan and drizzle over chicken.
Makes 4 servings.
Nutritional information per serving: 136 calories, 11 percent fat (1.6 grams, less than 0. |
The Complete Book of Alternative NutritionSelene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books
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| Use a teaspoon or two of the herb per cup of boiling water and steep for ten minutes. You can drink blackberry tea all day with no ill effects, but it takes about three to six cups a day to help stop diarrhea, according to Dr. Tyler.
Heart Disease Prevention
Every year, some 1.5 million Americans have heart attacks. These people and countless others pop pills to lower their blood pressure or cholesterol, or they cut back on everyday activities because their hearts just can't go the distance. Heart disease is so common in this country that just being an American adult puts you at risk. |
Hemp TodayEd Rosenthal
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| The conspirators, Herer claims, set in motion a scheme to prohibit hemp by associating it with marijuana and concurrently running a fear campaign against the herb. Hearst, the media giant, used its vast influence to create anti-drug hysteria. This propaganda fanned fears of violent minorities going on a rampage and middle-class youth seduced and disgraced.
Since the industrial and intoxicating varieties of cannabis were both affected when the government started regulating the plant, Herer feels that they both must be re-legalized at the same time. |
Barnet Meltzer, M.D.
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 Like its fellow bulbous herb, garlic, the onion is alleged to cure many illnesses. Onions are an acidic vegetable; their organic sulfur compounds are responsible for stimulating the tear ducts.
Tlaerapeutic and Healing Powers: Onions are reputed to lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. By extension, they are considered a natural antibiotic. Their sharp, spicy taste tends to clear out the sinuses, and onion-based soup has long been considered a folk remedy for sore throats, tonsillitis, and the common cold. |
Donald M. Epstein
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 According to the Tree of Knowledge, a simple herb or other natural remedy that is inexpensive and readily available could not possibly be of value, while a new drug synthesized from a parasite that inhabits the polar seal (and not just any polar seal, but the male albino polar seal) must possess magical healing powers. The drug meets the requirements of being exclusive, expensive, complicated, and rare. The educated mind likes to play the game of believing that such a product is supreme, and respects any service or medical procedure that fits into the same model. |
Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
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| BREAKFAST 6
% cup low-fat granola (made with canola oil) topped with
2 tablespoons dried fruit bits 214 cups nonfat milk
Yi cantaloupe filled with Yi cup plain, nonfat yogurt and Vi cup berries herb tea
Nutritional information: 463 calories, 8 percent fat (4.1 grams), 75 percent carbohydrate, 17 percent protein, 7.5 grams fiber
Breakfast Burrito:
8-inch whole wheat tortilla filled and heated with
V2 cup scrambled egg substitute,
2 tablespoons salsa
3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
1 cup grapefruit juice
Nutritional information: 281 calories, 15 percent fat (4. |
Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D.
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| Caraway Seeds
The herb caraway is a member of the carrot family. The seeds are among the richest known sources of the cancer-fighting phytochemical limonene. Caraway is 3-percent limonene by dry weight. A teaspoon of caraway seeds mixed in with a brick of low-fat cream cheese will boost the phytochemical content of your basic bagel-and-cream-cheese breakfast. Caraway seeds are often found on rye bread.
Carrots
Carrots and other vegetables with a deep orange color contain large quantities of beta-carotene. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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 Note: In excess amounts, this herb can cause drowsiness. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Do not use kava kava if you are pregnant or nursing, if you have
Parkinson's disease, or if you are taking a prescription medication for depression or anxiety.
¦ To combat blood-sugar swings, take a cup of licorice tea once or twice a day for the first week of therapy.
Note: Do not take licorice on a daily basis for more than five days in a row, as it can elevate blood pressure. Do not take it at all if you have high blood pressure. |
the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing
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 This flavorful herb has a surplus of sulfur compounds that hunt down LDL cholesterol without harming the HDL variety. As little as one-third of a clove of garlic can reduce total cholesterol by about 12 percent and LDL cholesterol by 14 percent.
Understanding the Cholestin controversy
Cholestin is made from rice fermented in red yeast. The Chinese have used it for centuries to add a brilliant red color to certain dishes, like Peking duck and spareribs. Today, it's also used as a natural and effective way to lower cholesterol. But Cholestin has come under heavy scrutiny in the United States. |
Sydney Walker III, M.D.
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 A similar example of psychiatric power and its consequences, cited by Stuart Kirk and herb Kutchins in The Selling of DSM, involved a wealthy and influential man judged by a court to be incompetent and stripped of his voting rights, his ability to manage his own money, and his right to marry without the permission of a court. The reason? The man's parents disapproved of his support of controversial politician Lyndon LaRouche. |
Zorba Paster, M.D. and Susan Meltsner
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 Perhaps you took up jogging ten years ago and stuck with it, or read up on herb teas and vitamins and now supplement your diet with them. Maybe you quit smoking or never started, bought a car with airbags, or joined a support group to help you cope with the stress of caring for your elderly in-law. Longevity may not have been your prime objective, but it is often the payback for these healthful choices.
Longevity is also what we lose when we make choices and adopt behaviors that threaten our health or safety. |
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