Astragalus: Herb and Spice Awareness Month

In this crazy world, sometimes it's easy to think that illness and suffering runs rampant and there's nothing that can be done, and that G-d is completely out of the picture.

When in fact, G-d's nature is bursting with powerful subastances that are meant to heal us and keep us healthy.

The problem lies when our health vocabulary is limited, and we aren't aware that these G-dly gifts exist and are at our disposal.

What herb is on my mind? You guessed it: Astragalus (Huang Chi root)

Used frequently in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this herb has been known to boost the immune system. As an adaptogen, it helps the body to cope and adapt to various stresses. It strengthens digestion, improves adrenal gland function, and aids in heart health.

The sticks/pieces of the dried root can be added to soups or stews, or boiled to make a tea.

I throw it in a pot with a cinnamon stick, make myself a brew, say the blessing on the tea, and kick back with a good book. What an easy way to get healthy...

G-d bless!!

Check it out:
http://www.naturalnews.com/027223_ASTRAGALUS_immune_system.html

January is Herb and Spice Awareness Month

January is a time of beginnings for many people. And as the cold frost bites into our fingers and toes, we withdraw inside our homes and into the warm hearth. This is the moment of reflection.

Warmth, reflection, ah!

These are all great ingredients for a good herbal tea...

And G-d/Hashem has provided more ingredients for us to add. Various herbs and spices that warm the body, nutrients to build our system, and love to make us healthier beings.

So, this month is Herb and Spice Awareness!

And I want to start off with THYME. I had an annoying and persistent cough and remembered reading that thyme was excellent against coughs. So, after work, I headed for the local health food store. And that night I brewed myself a good strong cup of thyme and ginger tea, sweetened with maple syrup.

A delicious and effective brew if I do say so myself!!!

Thyme, which can also be used as a spice in cooking, has amazing health benefits:
it boosts the immune system, eases sore throats and coughs (can I get a witness? me!!), helps digestion, eases menstrual cramps, and prevents growth of microorganisms ie. ANTI-SEPTIC.

Veeery nice!!!

What else does Hashem have up 'His sleeve?!!'

G-d bless!!!

Check it out:
http://www.crazyfortea.com/thymeherbaltea.html

Astragalus

I am getting acquainted with a new friend: the herb Astragalus, a native plant in Asia. It is considered as one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese Medicine.

One key function of this herb is to strengthen the immune system.

In Chinese Medicine, it is believed that the immunity or wei qi hovers around the nose, mouth, and skin. It protects against incoming germs and pathogens. When our immunity or wei qi is compromised, it become easier to catch a cold or just get sick.

Astragalus works by increasing the body's white blood cells (the body's defense system) and acts as a strong anti-biotic-stopping the activity of certain microbes.

The root of astragalus is boiled in water. Either 4 ounces of fresh astragalus root or 3 to 5 tablespoons of dried astragalus root. Boil for a few minutes, strain, and drink.

To read about possible side effects check out http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/Astragalus.htm

G-d bless!

Check it out:
http://bodyecology.com/articles/chinese-herbs.php

How to Make Sauerkraut

The good bacteria in our gut strengthens our immune system. It's great to remove the junk in our diet, but we have to remember to put in the good stuff, too!!

G-d bless!!!