Medical professionals, especially in Europe and Japan, have been using licorice more and more in medicine. The Chinese consider licorice to be a superior balancing and harmonizing agent, so it is added to many herbal formulas. It is reputed in many countries, including the United States, to be a treatment for stomach, intestinal and many other problems. What is it used for?
Antioxidant Properties
Licorice is being studied for its effects against oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a major component in atherosclerosis. Approximately 300 different phytonutrient compounds found in natural licorice are considered possible antioxidants.
Anti-Viral Properties
Licorice is being tested for its ability to help prevent certain viruses from replicating themselves in body cells. It appears to stimulate the immune system into producing interferon, which is known for its anti-viral effects. It is an effective aid in treating herpes and hepatitis. Promising results are also being reported in tests using licorice to combat SARS, influenza and HIV.
Stomach and Intestinal Problems
Licorice is a natural home remedy for heartburn, gastritis and acid reflux. It helps to promote new cell growth in the lining of the stomach. It also enhances the stomach’s self-protecting abilities. Licorice has been used to treat peptic ulcers and aid in […]
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Medical practices treat the symptoms of disease. They do not prevent the illness itself. Alternative medicine offers a complement to the traditional methods. More and more physicians are realizing this and responding to it in their own practices.
It is becoming more common for physicians to enlist the aid of the natural world in treating their patients. Often, along with traditional medicine, doctors will suggest using a natural product in conjunction with a prescription. One such natural healer is the mushroom.
The Maitake and Other Mushrooms
Mushrooms come in many different varieties and species. They contain a large number of compounds that offer potent healing properties. One of the most useful species of healing mushrooms being recognized for its effectiveness is the maitake mushroom. This mushroom is being tested for its ability to enhance the production of infection-fighting cells in the human body.
Mushrooms are found in wooded areas all over the world and cultivated by both professionals and amateur collectors. If you wish to harvest your own mushrooms, it is vital to your health and safety that you research what each species looks like. Some mushrooms are poisonous to the point of being life-threatening.
These spongy fungal foods are used to make certain immune […]
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The elderberry has been an important and popular part of European alternative medicine for ages. It is revered by herbal healers for its effectiveness in treating many ailments. As far back as 400 B.C., Hippocrates was referring to the elder tree as his “medicine chest.”
Today, elderberry is being used for more than its popular medicinal purposes. It is also becoming more and more key as a functional ingredient in foods. In Austrian, German and English markets, the elderberry is gaining much respect for its flavor and health benefits.
Where Does it Grow?
The elderberry primarily grows in Austria. The Beerenfrost Co-op in Austria is responsible for the majority of elderberry production, and more than 1,000 elderberry growers were involved in building the giant berry freezing facility. Harvesting occurs in September, and the elderberries must be cooled immediately or they will spoil. At Beerenfrost, they are chilled to 20 degrees Celcius in less than 24 hours.
Common foods made with elderberries are juices, jams, fruit yogurts and wines. However, demand for the extract made from elderberries is growing rapidly as a nutraceutical product. This means it is nutritionally and pharmaceutically beneficial.
The Beneficial Berry
Research conducted in Europe shows that elderberries are a source of anthocyanins, […]
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