If trends are anything to go by, then we can safely say that swapping a latte for a warm cup of green tea instead just may be a fad that is here to stay for longer. And if, health doctors and nutritionists weren’t singing enough praises about green tea already and even claiming that this was the first superfood that could be ‘drunk’ as opposed to other superfoods that need to be eaten; the world suddenly discovered Matcha Green Tea as well. So, is Matcha green tea actually a green tea or a variant and why should learning about its benefits actually make a difference?

To start with, Matcha is a powdered green tea that is mostly grown and packed in Japan. It is believed that protecting the leaves of the green tea plant from the sun during the last three weeks of its growth, plays an important role in increasing the presence of chlorophyll and enhances the green color of the leaves too. The extra green leaves are then taken and ground by hand or with a stone grinder to produce a coarse green powder that we call Matcha. The discovery of green tea as such is attributed to the Tang dynasty in China where green tea used to be powdered and then dried into bricks for storage purposes. As and when somebody felt like brewing a cup of green tea, a small piece from the brick was broken off and used accordingly. It is said that in the 1100’s, the concept of powdered tea was brought to Japan by a Chinese monk and since then, the tradition of drinking powdered green tea has endured and only become stronger.

Today, the Japanese include Matcha green tea in many dishes and have even created an ice-cream flavor featuring the strong taste of Matcha, not to forget smoothies and milkshakes blended with a dash of Matcha in it. Boil Matcha in water and what you get is a green tea that is rich in taste and even has froth unlike a cup of tea made using green tea granules. Unlike green tea which can be best be flavored only with honey, a dash of lime or with the essence of flowers, Matcha is more versatile when it comes to playing around with other ingredients to create a sweeter flavor. What you need to keep in mind is that, only ½ tsp of the powder is needed to brew a cup of antioxidant rich Matcha.

So, should you swap your cup of green tea for some Matcha green tea brew instead? We say yes because doing so, can actually give your health a fantastic boost and re-energize you in many ways.

1. Give Yourself an Antioxidant Rush

Nutritionists are forever talking about how eating antioxidant rich food can cleanse your body of toxins and actually give your health a boost of much deserved nutrients. And it’s so true! Think of antioxidants as the secret elves that work from inside out to keep your skin looking younger, healthier and for helping you fight a range of illnesses and diseases. One antioxidant food that most of us secretly heart is dark chocolate. But did you know that just one cup of Matcha green tea can give your body more than 5 times the antioxidant boost in comparison to other products? It’s one product that deserves all the hype associated with it. 

2. Cancer Buster Properties

You may have come across many other antioxidant rich food that’s often hailed for its ability to fight cancer. Ever wonder what the wonder ingredient is? It’s called Epigallocatechin Gallate or EGCg which is actually a kind of catechin. Matcha green tea has more than 50% of this specific compound which has already been patted on the back for its cancer fighting abilities. If you’re still not entirely convinced, then here’s another fact- Research shows that Matcha green tea contains more than 90 times EGCg than any other tea that can be purchased at your local supermarket.

3. Promotes Calm and Relaxes

The very act of preparing a cup of matcha green tea is akin to meditation and hence taken very seriously in Japanese culture. This form of green tea helps to relax the mind, promotes calm and may even help one to meditate at a higher level as well. This tea has been shown to relax the brain entirely and to help one ‘be in the moment’ without causing any form of drowsiness at all.

4. Natural Memory Booster

It’s no secret that as we age, so does our brain. It could be one reason why so many elderly people tend to forget things easily and struggle to remember even the smallest details as they grow older. Drinking Matcha green tea enhances the production of dopamine and serotonin in the body and both these chemicals have been shown to be fantastic for improving memory and promoting concentration. And yes, you’ll feel its benefits quickly once you start drinking it regularly.

5. Power up Energy Levels

Japanese tales talk about brave Samurai warriors drinking Matcha green tea before going into battle and this can be attributed to the fine powder’s ability to boost one’s energy levels. Matcha green tea like every other tea that’s commercially available, also contains its fair share of caffeine but doesn’t leave you feeling hyper, on the edge or even nervous as say, coffee may. You’ll feel a wave of good clean energy coupled with the power to think clearly and to focus well on the task at hand.

6. Reliable Calorie Burner

As if we didn’t already love all the great benefits of Matcha green tea, here’s another reason why you should consider drinking it for yourself. It’s been certified as a reliable calorie burner because it actually does burn body fat quite effectively and maybe even four times better than the next nearest competitor. What’s good about it is that unlike most other calorie burners that come with side-effects like bloating, gastritis or even an increased heart rate, Matcha green tea is gentle and soothing to the body.

7. Toxin Remover

All antioxidant rich food have the ability to work like a vacuum cleaner in our bodies. Besides removing harmful toxins that could accumulate over time and cause more serious diseases, it rejuvenates each organ that works round the clock from within. Matcha too has wonderful detoxifying abilities and that could be because of the high chlorophyll content in the leaves.

8. Improves Immunity

One reason why you may be catching a flu every time there’s a change in season, or sneezing due to an allergy could be because of a weak immune system. So, just by consuming one bowl of Matcha green tea every day, you give yourself a good helping of naturally occurring Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, Protein and Calcium. Although more studies need to be conducted on the same, there’s also a possibility that Matcha can protect the body cells from HIV attacks.

9. Better Cholesterol Levels

In short, Matcha can reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood and raise the levels of good cholesterol, simultaneously. This also means that it keeps your circulatory system in top notch condition and protects you from getting heart disease too.

10. Can be used in Cooking

Don’t fancy drinking a cup of Match every day? Well there’s no reason why you can’t get more creative and add Matcha to your cooking as well. Make your cakes, cookies and puddings more delicious just by adding half a spoon of Matcha to the mix. Use it in soups, stir-fry’s, dips and even in your breakfast morning smoothie. With such a versatile ingredient to experiment with, you’ll find that there are many ways to give your body the same benefits as brewing a fresh cup of Matcha green tea.

So, isn’t it time to think about switching over to Matcha to give your body a double dose of health boosting nutrients? Move over coffee, the new reloaded green tea is finally here!

Justicia Spicigera or the Mexican Honeysuckle is a beautiful herb which has lovely orange or red tubular shaped flowers that add a tropical look to any garden. This plant which also goes by the name of the ‘Desert Honeysuckle’ or the ‘Firecracker Plant’ is one of those rare herbs which can withstand intense heat and grow well even with minimum water supply.

 Native to Mexico, Central and South America, this herb has always been a part of Hispanic culture. Many centuries ago, it was found that the leaves of the Muicle when boiled, first turned black and then later took on a deep shade of dark blue. Artists and painters once used extracts derived from this plant to make dye, which was then used as a means for creative expression. The indigo dye which was made from the Mexican honeysuckle was used to add color to clothes, paintings, baskets, weaves and other handmade crafts. On the other hand, wise men who often treated and cured ailments relied on this attractive herb to treat a number of physical ailments ranging from dysentery to diabetes and other health disorders.

Healing Powers

Even today, the magical properties of the bark, flowers, leaves and fruit that make the Mexican Honeysuckle so invaluable are still being studied thoroughly. This plant is often used as a combination with other herb extracts to treat headaches, enhance blood circulation, pep up the digestive system, treat infections of the reproductive system, purify the blood naturally and to increase red blood cell count. When used with another natural extract called sarsaparilla, Justicia Spicigera can also treat heart disorders very effectively. Let’s take a closer look at how this wonder herb is used in different ways all over the world:

Gonorrhea Buster

Gonorrhea which is a dreaded sexually transmitted disease is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae that has been proven to multiply easily in various parts of the reproductive system such as in the cervix, the uterus and in a woman’s fallopian tubes. In men, this bacteria multiplies uninhibitedly in the urethra. There are many cases of gonorrhoea which are diagnosed in the States alone each year and yet there are many which are mistakenly diagnosed as urinary infections as well. When Muicle was tested on different strands of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, it was found that the extract inhibited the bacteria growth very effectively.

Get Rid of That Cough

We all know that a nagging cough can be highly irritating to put up with and often it feels like no matter how much one tries, getting rid of the mucus poses an impossible challenge altogether. The attractive flowers of the Mexican Honeysuckle on the other hand is great for treating such cough spells, pneumonia, common cold, influenza and even speeds up recovery from mild bouts of asthma. Syrups that are made from these flowers become even more effective when used in combination with other flowers like cowslip and mulberry. Besides, even the Aztecs knew of the honeysuckle’s powers to cure chest infections easily!

Hello Good Breath

If you have tried almost all over the counter products available to get rid of bad breath, then all you need is Mother Nature’s astringent which we can bet, works twice as effectively. That’s right, the Mexican Honeysuckle has natural anti-bacterial properties that make it much sought after for its ability to cleanse the mouth of germs easily. In fact, herb enthusiasts say that a natural mouthwash can be prepared by simply boiling the leaves. Need to gargle before bed? Use this natural mouthwash once and you’ll love the cool relief you feel in your throat afterwards. If you suffer from mouth sores or other oral concerns, you will find that the leaves help in treating such infections faster.

Boosts The Digestive System

We often forget that the liver which is also known as the in-house kitchen of the body needs to be completely detoxed every now and then. Mexican honeysuckle takes care of any liver ailments and helps to cleanse the liver of all toxins. Feeling bloated at that time of the month? A cup of home-made honeysuckle tea will get rid of any bloating and constipation. If you find yourself belching non-stop after eating a heavy meal, you’ll find that Mexican Honeysuckle tea works wonders in clearing up any acidity and intestinal gas issues. We suggest adding a dash of green tea leaves to the mix when brewing a fresh cup. Muicle is also a highly effective treatment for diarrhoea which can make the body very dehydrated and is also a good cure for mild food poisoning.

Healthy Happy Kidneys

Getting rid of a single kidney stone can be really painful and although there are plenty of good effective treatments available, you can reduce the chances of ever having to suffer this painful experience simply by taking some preventive action beforehand. In this case, that would be including the Mexican Honeysuckle in your diet. This plant acts as a powerful diuretic and helps to reduce the possibility of kidney stone formation which are caused by urate crystals deposits in the kidneys. Moreover, this herb is very useful in treating any inflammation of the urinary tract and helps weakened kidneys recover faster too.

Get a Grip On Diabetes

It is a fact that diabetes is the 5^th cause of death in America and often Type 2 diabetes tends to go undiagnosed. When tests were conducted on mice a few years back, it was found that Justicia Spicigera helped to reduce hypoglycemia in the blood and the results were quite favorable when compared to other drugs that are used for treating Type 2 diabetes. Besides helping to maintain regular blood sugar levels, Muicle may even help people who are at risk of contracting diabetes to stay healthy for longer. The Mexican Honeysuckle can be considered a safe alternative therapy for diabetic patients.

Goodbye Arthritis

Senior people who have suffered from arthritis or who take daily medication for it know just how painful it can actually be. Besides, making simple activities next to impossible to undertake, the swelling up of joints makes overall body movement very difficult. Muicle or Mexican Honeysuckle has proven to be very effective in treating such unnatural swellings and joint inflammation in the body. In fact, the leaves and flowers of this plant are very mild and work slowly and gently on the body. Regular intake of this miraculous plant extract helps to keep boils, swellings, rheumatism and other joint associated aches away.

Cancer Fighter

It’s a well-known fact that Muicle is very rich in antioxidant properties and it’s cancer fighting abilities are slowly being acknowledged as well. Since this herb has inherent flavonoids like luteolin which have been proven to slow down the rate at which malignant tumors grow, Mexican Honeysuckle can be considered as an alternative therapy for cancer patients. Consuming a freshly made brew regularly can help rid the body of any free radicals. In fact, since this is a herb after all, such patients are likely to respond more favorably to any medical preparations made using the flowers or stem without suffering side-effects as opposed to conventional treatments like chemotherapy.

The Versatile Herb

Different parts of the honeysuckle plant can be consumed safely without fear of side-effects although it is advised that pregnant women and mothers who are breast feeding, refrain from using it unless on the advice of a medical practitioner. It has also been found that Mexican Honeysuckle can interfere with natural blood clotting and if a patient takes it while undergoing surgery, then there is the possibility that it could increase the rate of bleeding as well. High blood flow from cuts and wounds can be expected if a patient takes honeysuckle immediately after a surgery as well.

The fragrant leaves and flowers of the Mexican Honeysuckle can be brewed and enjoyed as a hot delicious tea. Syrups made from the flowers are very popular with children especially when they have a productive or phlegm filled cough. Mexican honeysuckle honey has a delicious taste to it and the scent of the flowers adds a sweet fragrance as well. Jelly can also be made from the Mexican honeysuckle flower and when both lemon juice and elderflower are added, you have a jelly that can be enjoyed straight from the bottle or eaten with bread. Some with so much of wholesome goodness to offer, isn’t it time that the Mexican Honeysuckle found a place in your kitchen and home as well?

The humble dandelion with its white seeds that float away on a single puff is often considered to be a pesky weed, although its importance and place in history cannot be undervalued. As a distant cousin of the cheerful sunflower (both flowers belong to the same botanical class), the dandelion was believed to keep depression and sadness away. The name of this plant however is a very interesting one and has been directly derived from the Latin phrase ‘Dens Lionis’ or lion’s tooth, which refers to the leaves that have a rough jagged shape. Eventually, over the years the Latin phrase became ‘Dent-de-Lion’ in French and then ‘Dandelion’ in English.   

The dandelion is a tough little survivor because it can grow anywhere and often doesn’t need a lot of space to thrive in. It has been found to bloom in well-tended gardens and to grow just as well in between the cracks of sidewalks too. However, what is interesting to note are the different symbolisms that eventually came to be associated with this flower. For instance, it is considered a symbol for upholding or fighting for a righteous cause, it is symbolic of the sun itself and little children have long believed that a single puff of breath which blows out the seeds is enough to grant a wish.

Over the years, scientists have begun taking a closer look at the actual benefits of the dandelion plant and its leaves in particular. It is believed that the first ever recorded reference made with respect to dandelions as such was in its use as a natural medicine in the 10^th – 11^th centuries by physicians in the Middle East. In fact, all parts of the plant including the flowers, roots and leaves were used in various preparations and for different purposes.

Profile of the Dandelion 

Dandelions contain an interesting mix of minerals such as folate, copper, potassium, manganese and zinc as well as of Vitamins like B, C and D. However, the green leaves of the plant are an excellent source of Vitamin K and they have been found to provide almost 535% of one’s RDA. Studies are being conducted to better understand how this vitamin can help in fighting Alzheimer’s disease besides strengthening the bones in the body. Vitamin A is also present in abundance in the leaves and can supplement around 112% of the body’s RDA. As it is well known, Vitamin A works wonders for the skin and enhances the vision too. The leaves have a naturally high content of fiber which removes toxins and other built up waste in the body effectively. The combination of steroids and alkaloids play a big role in boosting one’s health and the leaves are amply rich in antioxidants too. In short, the dandelion flower, root and the leaves have a whole wide range of benefits to offer which can greatly improve poor health. Let’s take a look at the many benefits that can be yours just by including this plant in your diet today.

Undercover Cancer Buster:

In many studies that were conducted using the dandelion roots, it was found that its many antioxidants and components such as carotene, lutein and cryptoxanthin to name a few have the ability to protect the human body from mouth and lung cancers. In fact, dandelion root also has been shown to possess near ‘super’ powers which aid in specifically targeting cancer cells without hurting or destroying other healthy cells. Extracts from the roots are being further studied to understand how they can prevent cancer from spreading to healthy cells and even reduce the size of malignant cells themselves.

Get a Grip on Diabetes:

The juice from dandelion leaves may actually be a safe and healthier alternative for diabetes control vis a vis the use of pharmaceutical drugs. The juice has been proven to be highly effective in stimulating further production of insulin from the pancreas thereby keeping a check on high blood sugar levels. Secondly, its diuretic properties makes diabetic patients urinate more often and this may also help in removing extra sugar from the patient’s body. Moreover, the frequent act of urinating itself can aid in maintaining overall better kidney health. This is undoubtedly a double benefit for a diabetic patient because possible renal failure is an unfortunate condition that many people suffering from diabetes are at a risk of suffering.

Hello Healthy Liver:

The liver is often called the ‘kitchen of the body’ simply because it plays such an important role in so many body functions that we often take for granted. Thanks to the high Vitamin C content found in the leaves and due to the presence of flavonoids, the extract from dandelion leaves helps keeps the liver ever young and functioning to its maximum. Dandelion has also been proven to boost overall liver function by increasing hydration in the body, maintaining electrolyte balance, improving digestion and increasing the release of bile. The ability to cleanse the liver naturally without causing any side-effects makes dandelion a popular option in jaundice recovery and a treatment for hepatitis too.

Bone Health Booster:

One look at the dandelion’s weak white seeds and it’s easy to assume that this flower has nothing substantial to offer in terms of improving bone density and health. But here’s the surprise- the plant is very rich in calcium and the ample presence of Vitamin C and other antioxidants each play an important role in contributing to better bone health. Drinking dandelion tea on a regular basis is like giving your bones a rejuvenation shot (thanks to the number of minerals!) and helps in bringing down any bone inflammation too. This also means that if you have any swelling on any part of the body, dandelion can help rid you of aches and pains.

Cholesterol Buster:

Studies conducted on animals show that dandelion can actually be the answer to every foodie’s prime health concern- high cholesterol. The natural high fiber content helps in removing toxins from the body and also directly improves one’s lipid levels. Its diuretic properties have a direct impact on lowering high blood pressure which is often a result of soaring cholesterol levels. So, in short, simply by making dandelion leaves a part of your diet, you get the twin benefits of low cholesterol levels and low blood pressure too.

Undercover Kidney Cleanser:

We often take our kidneys for granted and yet it is the two bean shaped organs that filter large amounts of waste from the blood in the body which results in the byproduct we call urine. The kidneys also play a vital role in regulating the amount of fluid that is present in the body and even produce hormones. Dandelion juice and dandelion tea have been proven to be effective in the treatment of kidney stones because they dissolve such stones naturally and increase the frequency of urination. Its inherent kidney cleansing properties are quite powerful and that’s why health experts recommend including dandelion greens in your daily diet.

A Slimmer You:

Replace your favorite soda with dandelion tea and you’ll feel the difference in no time. Dandelion tea helps rid the body of extra water which is very useful especially when water retention has been diagnosed as a health concern. On the other hand, this tea has been proven to spike up one’s endurance levels and this means that you can pack in some extra rounds at the gym which also directly has a positive impact on one’s body and health. Nutritionists recommend drinking dandelion tea as a part of a diet which is low in calories and nutrient rich.

Here are two more ways in which the dente-de-lion can benefit you- the leaves are a highly effective remedy for the control of acne breakouts and for improving overall skin appearance. You’ll see and feel the difference within hours of applying the juice on your skin. Secondly, if you ever face any gastric discomfort after a heavy meal, simply eat a few dandelion leaves and you’ll feel better in no time, thanks to the innate properties of the plant to address any digestive problems effectively.

The Edible Plant

All parts of the dandelion plant including the flowers, leaves and roots are edible and can be consumed without any side-effects. However, it is recommended that people who have a general allergy to flowers like marigold, chamomile and ragweed should avoid consuming the dandelion entirely. Pregnant and nursing women should speak to a medical practitioner first before consuming dandelion, to make sure that they do not suffer any adverse reactions later.

Dandelion leaves are an excellent substitute for other greens in your daily salad. We advise using young tender leaves as they are less bitter, if you intend on eating them raw. On the other hand, if you have slightly older leaves to use, cooking the leaves first along with the roots will make them soft and extra delicious by reducing the bitter flavor. Vitamin pills containing dandelion extract are easily available and are a great supplement to have on a daily basis. The use of dandelion in herbal teas is very popular. When you feel stressed out, a cup of freshly brewed dandelion tea will calm you down besides giving you a shot of antioxidants that make your body healthier from within.

Include the century old dent-de-lion in your everyday and you will be many steps closer to a perfectly healthier you.

Did you know that the attractive star shaped Arnica Montana belongs to the same botanical class as the bright and cheerful sunflower? The Arnica Montana usually grows to a maximum height of around 2 feet and can be spotted anywhere by its bright yellow flowers with a slight orange tinge. Although this plant is grown specifically for its multi medicinal purposes, it is actually a native of Europe and Siberia where it can in fact, be spotted growing in the wild on the mountainside and in pastures. This plant grows just as well in soil that may be deficient in nutrients although it requires ample sunshine to grow properly. The natural perfume of this herb becomes even stronger when it grows at a higher altitude on the mountainside.

It is believed that the healing medicinal properties of the Arnica Montana were identified in as early as the 16^th century. Many medicines which could be administered both internally and externally were often prepared by using arnica flowers. Not surprisingly, this lovely yellow flower has an important place in European folk medicine and was used to treat a range of aches and ailments. According to folklore, mountain guides would often chew the leaves of this plant in order to combat fatigue while climbing the steep slopes of the mountain and tea brewed using the leaves of the arnica plant was considered the best cure for chest pain.  Arnica Montana is sometimes also called the ‘snuff plant’ because it was often used as a poor substitute for the more expensive tobacco.  Even today, the properties which make Arnica so useful in many ways are still being studied.

Arnica, Arnica Gel, Arnica Cream, etc!

Arnica is available in a liquid, gel, cream and pill form. Since arnica is quite a strong herb, direct consumption of the roots and flowers makes it makes it unsafe and dangerous. However, liquid medicines (made using the flowers) which use a highly diluted form of arnica are administered in some cases under the advice and guidance of medical practitioners. Homeopathy too, uses a highly diluted concentrate of arnica which is considered safe for general consumption. On the other hand, the real benefits of Arnica can be best felt on application of external medical preparations such as creams, oils and tinctures which are all easily available. Arnica creams for external use contain a minimum concentration of 15% arnica oil whereas the concentrate level in tinctures is usually between 20 – 25%.

So What Are People Using Arnica For?

As an Effective Painkiller

Arnica is highly effective in reducing the pain associated with sprains, muscle pains and even in dislocation of joints and bones. Its natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties help to heal open wounds faster in comparison to other forms of medical treatments. Moreover, it works wonderfully to relieve patients who may be recuperating after surgery from any kind of external ache or pain. So, the next time you have a nasty sprain, try some arnica cream instead of using an oral painkiller.

No More Bruises

We all hate the sight of big blue ugly bruises on our skin and children, understandably feel very conscious about being picked on especially if the bruise is in an exposed part of the skin. When arnica is applied to the skin immediately after a cut or wound is inflicted, its anti-bacterial properties stop the capillaries present in the skin from bleeding further. Furthermore, it helps the white blood cells present in the body to work faster in healing nerves and clears any fluids that may be trapped in the body joints.

Bye Bye Soreness

After a long tiring day at work or home, one of the best ways to relax includes using arnica oil tincture. All you need to do is to add a teaspoon of arnica tincture to a tub containing warm water and simply let your aching feet soak in it. You’ll feel relaxed in no time and any soreness that you may be feeling will be soothed away within minutes. To enhance your spa experience, add a drop or two of lavender oil to the warm water as well. Arnica is a very common ingredient that is used by established spas and rejuvenation centers in their mud packs, body wraps and even as an oil for massages.

To Relieve Arthritic Pain

Seniors and elderly people often suffer from arthritis of the joints and this painful condition can make moving about or even simply getting up from a chair, a highly painful experience. In a number of studies conducted, arnica oils and creams have proven to be very effective in treating this form of arthritic pain because of the anti-inflammatory compounds that are present in the roots of this herb.

For an Easier Labor

Midwives have a well-kept secret to help women suffering from intense labor pain - arnica oil.  Yes, you read that right! Arnica oil is a well proven remedy to help new mothers as they give birth and also to relieve body stress post-delivery. While it reduces overall bruising, it also helps to minimize the general trauma that new mothers feel while giving birth. Most importantly, it reduces the physical stress on the mother’s body by preventing the soft tissues from being strained during the labor process. In fact, the usage of arnica is even recommended for newborn babies who may suffer mild bruising during the delivery.

To Sooth Athletic Aches

It has been proven that athletes and even fitness buffs who use arnica on a regular basis can recover much more quickly from aches, pains and bruises of all kinds. Arnica Montana has also been proven to heal damaged tissues in the body and control bleeding spurts. It’s not uncommon for coaches and for medical practitioners to recommend arnica in small doses to athletes who may be recuperating from a grave physical injury or even from an emotional shock.

As a Natural Sweetener

The arnica plant contains inulin which can be used as a natural food and liquid sweetener by diabetic patients without any fear of their blood sugar levels spiking up suddenly. It can be added to desserts and cakes while baking as well. In fact, arnica is a very popular food flavoring agent that is used by food manufacturers and well-known brands in small quantities in many consumable products such as gelatin, candy, puddings and frozen dairy products.

For Flawless Skin

If you’ve tried everything under the sun to get rid of cystic acne, then maybe all you really need is a touch of arnica. Arnica gels work superbly to rid the skin of any persistent acne problems. Many users claim that 24 hours is all it takes to see visible results! In fact, you can even wear any other makeup after application of the arnica gel, without any problem. Arnica oil is naturally fragrant and that makes it a commonly used ingredient in many soaps, creams and perfumes.

No More Hair Woes

All of us have our pet peeves when it comes to our manes but here’s the good news- arnica is a one stop solution for hair problems of almost any kind. It prevents hair fall, helps hair grow faster, strengthens hair roots, improves hair density, fights dandruff and even takes care of split ends. In short, beautiful healthy hair can be yours for real.

But Be Warned

Just like any herb, Arnica too has its share of side effects and can sometimes prove fatal too. It is important to remember that the side-effects cannot be generalized and that while some users may suffer an allergic reaction on application, there are many other users who are happy with the results. Here are a few possible side-effects you could experience:

• Using arnica creams directly on broken skin or open wounds can cause irritation in the form of redness, eczema, blisters and even skin ulcers. Mothers who are breast feeding their babies and pregnant women too are advised to consult their respective doctors first before using arnica in any form.
• Arnica has been proven to be highly fatal when ingested in large quantities. It can cause abortions in expecting mothers, dizziness, increase the heart rate and also spike up one’s blood pressure.
• The high levels of toxicity are due to the presence of a component called Helenalin which can irritate the stomach. That is why the flowers should never be eaten directly as they can cause vomiting and severe diarrhea. In fact, even ingesting the roots is believed to result in sudden drowsiness and can induce a coma like state in children.
• Although arnica has been shown to be highly beneficial for patients who are recovering from surgery, there is also a risk that the patient may suffer from sudden bleeding while taking homeopathic arnica medication. Most doctors advise patients to stop such medication at least two weeks before undergoing surgery and for two weeks after the surgery is over.

Arnica is also a favorite with many cosmetic surgeons and is usually recommended to patients who have undergone plastic surgery. With so many benefits to offer, it’s no surprise that the humble Arnica Montana is called Mother Nature’s miracle worker.

Chia seeds are being touted as a highly affordable superfood but did you know that these tiny seeds were once an important part of the Aztec diet many centuries ago? Although, chia seeds have been consumed in countries like Mexico and Guatemala for many years, researchers actually began to study this little seed in further detail only around 30 years back. Chia seeds are available in three colors- white, black and in a dark brown shade. Although you may also find chia seeds in a red shade, these aren’t fully matured and are hence, best avoided. Nutritionists recommend eating a blend of both dark and white seeds as the darker variety have a higher content of antioxidants. These versatile little seeds can be enjoyed in a number of ways. For example, you can add a handful to a bowl of salad greens for extra crunch or even grind them into fine powder for extra goodness in homemade bread, cakes, cupcakes and the like.

Nutritional Profile

So what exactly does a handful of chia seeds contain? The USDA National Nutrient Database says that for every 28 grams of these seeds, you get:

138 calories

8 grams of fat

12 grams of carbohydrates

10 grams of fiber

5 grams of protein

In addition, chia seeds benefits also include 27% of phosphorus of the RDA, 30% of manganese of the RDA, 30% of magnesium of the RDA as well as other trace minerals like zinc and copper. In fact, an added benefit of chia seeds is that it also takes care of 19% of an adult’s daily calcium requirement besides containing vitamins B1, B2 and B3. Chia seeds are often compared to flax seeds since both give similar health benefits, but it has been proven that chia seeds clearly wins hands down due to its higher content of omega- 3 fatty acids, calcium, phosphorous and fiber.

So What Makes Chia Seeds a Superfood?

First, let’s understand the meaning of the term ‘superfood’. A ‘superfood’ is considered to be a storehouse of multi nutrients which contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and polyphenols in substantial amounts. Besides, giving the body a number of health boosting benefits, superfoods are also low in calories, thus making them a natural dieter’s delight. In the same way, the benefits of chia seeds too are many:

It's high antioxidant content

The high antioxidant content means that chia seeds help to destroy any free radicals that could possibly cause cancer and other ailments in the body. Antioxidants play a very important role in helping an adult body stay young from within and also help to prevent the fat content in chia seeds from going stale. In fact, this also means that chia seeds do not need to be refrigerated at all.

Fiber rich Properties

By taking two tablespoons of chia seeds every day, you give your body an extra shot of 10 grams of fiber. Including fiber in one’s diet is very important because it helps to maintain a healthy colon thereby reducing inflammation and literally acts like a mop that absorbs toxins, thus removing them easily from the body. Not to forget, eating fiber rich foods also helps an adult stay full for longer.

Natural Diabetes Buster

Chia seeds may be the much sought after answer to an effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes because of its ability to keep blood sugar levels stable. Unlike other foods that have a high carbohydrate content and which causes blood levels to spike up, chia seeds help to keep one full for longer. This may be due to the manner in which its consistency changes to a gelatin like substance when mixed with water.

Omega 3 rich Superfood

The presence of omega 3 fatty acid or Alpha-Linolenic- Acid to be more specific is another factor that makes consuming chia seeds so beneficial to one’s health. The presence of natural plant based Omega 3 fatty acids plays a major role in lowering triglyceride levels, maintaining the level of good cholesterol in the body, protecting the liver and boosting immunity naturally.

Rich in Protein

Considering that chia seeds are a plant based food, the protein content is quite substantial when compared to other plant based seeds and nuts. Incorporating a healthy amount of protein in the diet helps in controlling sudden snacking urges, keeps one full for longer and also plays an important role in weight control.

Stay Bone Healthy

We usually don’t think much about maintaining overall bone health but the high presence of minerals and nutrients in chia seeds means that these little seeds can help prevent osteoporosis in elderly people and promote overall bone health. Plus, they are rich in calcium too and are a great alternative for people who are vegan or who have an allergy to gluten and dairy products.

How to Consume Chia Seeds

1. As a Topping

Chia seeds can be added as a topping to organic or soy milk, to milkshakes, in probiotic yoghurt and even in sauces. However, do be warned- chia seeds tend to resemble gelatin once they come into contact with any liquid so if you want to enjoy a crunchy snack, add the seeds just before eating.

2. In a Jam

Give your morning jam an extra health boost by adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to the jam, just before spreading it on a slice of bread. In fact, if you would prefer to make your own jam instead, chia seeds are a wonderful add-on ingredient you could use.

3. In Smoothies & Milkshakes

If you like to kick-start your day with a home-made fruit or veggie smoothie, chia seeds are the one ingredient you shouldn’t miss out on. Blend them with a few of your favorite veggies or fruits and you’ll get a thick smoothie that can literally be eaten with a spoon.

4. In Desserts

Can chia seeds really be used in desserts? Yes, they can and guess what; they’re really tasty to eat as a sweet treat too. Chia seed pudding is one of the healthiest desserts you can enjoy after a heavy meal without the need to feel guilty about a sweet indulgence afterwards. You can even add them as a topping to your ice-cream or mousse.

5. In Your Energy Drink

Tired after a grueling workout at the gym? Instead of drinking just a protein shake, why not give yourself a natural antioxidant shot by blending your shake with a handful of chia seeds? These seeds do a great job of keeping your energy levels high and boost your mood too.

5. In a Trail Mix

You can make your own healthy low calorie trail mix by combining a variety of nuts and dried fruits in an airtight container. Keep one such container on your office table and reach out for it whenever you feel hungry.

Chia Seeds have many benefits and that’s’ why these little seeds have rightly earned their place in the Hall of Superfoods. So, give yourself and your family the multi- benefits of the seeds that the Aztecs revered, today.