Plants4Health
Talking about plants that help everyday mood and feeling.
14/07/2022
Stinging nettle🌿 has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times.
Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle to treat arthritis and lower back pain, while Roman troops rubbed it on themselves to help stay warm.
Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves can cause a temporary burning sensation upon contact.
The leaves have hair-like structures that sting and also produce itching, redness and swelling.
However, once it is processed into a supplement, dried, freeze-dried or cooked, stinging nettle can be safely consumed. Studies link it to a number of potential health benefits.
07/07/2022
Fun facts about apples 🍏🍎
Did you know all of them?
Few dishes you can prepare with apples for that daily intake of all the goodness apple brings. 🍏🍎
An apple a day keeps the doctor away 😉
06/07/2022
BENEFITS OF APPLES PART 9 🍏🍎
Support a Healthy Immune System
According to research in animals, a diet filled with soluble fiber helped convert immune cells that were pro-inflammatory into anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting ones. Another animal study, published in May 2018 in the journal Immunity, found that a diet high in dietary fiber protected mice against the flu. Whether those effects would be seen in humans is unclear until there are more studies.
Still, there’s reason to believe that apples may bolster immunity, in part because they contain immune-boosting vitamin C. A review published in November 2017 in the journal Nutrients found that vitamin C plays many roles in helping the immune system function, such as by strengthening the epithelial (a type of tissue) barrier against pathogens and guarding against environmental oxidative stress, such as pollution to radiation, according to research.
BENEFITS OF APPLES PART 8 🍏🍎
May Lower High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Savor a juicy apple and you may help keep your ticker healthy in the process. “Studies have linked apple consumption with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, which may be related to the cholesterol-lowering benefits of the soluble fiber found in apples,” says Anzlovar.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gellike material, according to the Mayo Clinic. According to the University of Illinois, soluble fiber helps prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls, therefore lowering the incidence of atherosclerosis (restricted blood flow in the arteries due to plaque buildup) and heart disease. It can also help lower blood pressure levels. A study found that a higher intake of soluble fiber was associated with a decreased cardiovascular disease risk.
Research shows that eating apples (or pears) regularly was associated with a 52 percent lower stroke risk.
05/07/2022
BENEFITS OF APPLES PART 7 🍏🍎
Protects your brain
Quercetin in apples may protect your brain from damage caused by oxidative stress.
Research in rats shows that quercetin’s antioxidant effects may protect the brain and nerves from oxidative damage and prevent injuries that can result in degenerative brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
In addition, quercetin may prevent stress-associated nerve damage by regulating oxidative and inflammatory stress markers.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that most research focuses on a specific compound instead of whole apples. Therefore, further research is still needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
BENEFITS OF APPLES PART 6 🍏🍎
Fights asthma
Antioxidant-rich apples may help protect your lungs from oxidative damage.
An excess of harmful molecules called free radicals can cause oxidative damage. This may lead to inflammatory and allergenic responses in your body.
Apple skin is rich in the antioxidant quercetin, which can help regulate your immune system and reduce inflammation. Theoretically, this could make apples effective against late phases of bronchial asthma responses.
Similarly, other compounds found in apples, including ones called proanthocyanidins, may reduce or prevent allergic asthma airway inflammation.
04/07/2022
BENEFITS OF APPLES PART 5 🍏🍎
Promotes gut health
Apples contain pectin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic. This means it feeds your gut microbiota, which is the good bacteria in your gut.
Being involved in many functions related to both health and disease, your gut microbiota plays an essential role in your overall well-being. A healthy gut is often key for better health.
Since dietary fiber cannot be digested, pectin reaches your colon intact, promoting the growth of good bacteria. It especially improves the ratio of Bacteriodetes to Firmicutes, the two main types of bacteria in your gut.
New research suggests that, by beneficially altering your gut microbiota, apples may help protect against chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
BENEFITS OF APPLES PART 4 🍏🍎
Lowers risk of diabetes
Eating apples may also reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.
A compilation of studies found that eating apples and pears was associated with an 18% reduction in type 2 diabetes risk. In fact, just one serving per week may reduce the risk by 3%.
Their high content of the antioxidant polyphenols quercetin and phloridzin could explain this beneficial effect.
Quercetin’s anti-inflammatory effects may reduce insulin resistance, a big risk factor for the onset of diabetes. Meanwhile, phloridzin is believed to reduce sugar uptake in the intestines, contributing to a reduced blood sugar load and thereby reduced diabetes risk.
02/07/2022
BENEFITS OF APPLES PART 3 🍏🍎
Good for your heart
One reason may be that they contain soluble fiber. This kind of fiber can help lower your blood cholesterol levels.
Another reason may be that they offer polyphenols. Some of these, namely the flavonoid epicatechin, may lower blood pressure.
Studies have also linked high intakes of flavonoids with a lower risk of stroke.
Plus, flavonoids can help prevent heart disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing LDL cholesterol oxidation, and reducing atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
Another study has also linked eating white-fleshed fruits and vegetables, like apples and pears, to a reduced risk of stroke. For every 1/5 cup (25 grams) of apple slices consumed per day, the risk of stroke decreased by 9%.
01/07/2022
BENEFITS OF APPLES PART 2 🍏🍎
May support weight loss
Apples are high in fiber and water, two qualities that make them filling.
An increasing feeling of fullness works as a weight-loss strategy, as it helps manage your appetite. This, in turn, might lead you to reduce your energy intake.
In one study, eating whole apples increased feelings of fullness for up to 4 hours longer than consuming equal amounts of apple purée or juice. This happened, because whole apples reduce gastric emptying — the rate at which your stomach empties its contents.
Research also suggests apple intake may significantly reduce Body Mass Index (BMI), a weight-related risk factor for heart disease.
Interestingly, apple polyphenols may also have anti-obesity effects.
BENEFITS OF APPLES PART 1 🍏🍎
Nutritious
Apples are considered nutrient-dense fruits, meaning they provide a lot of nutrients per serving.
Apple offers following nutrients:
🍎 Vitamin C.
This is a powerful natural antioxidant that can help boost your body’s resistance to both infectious agents and damage caused by free radicals. Each time you eat an apple, you’ll get a healthy dose of this important vitamin.
🍎 Vitamin K
This vitamin helps to make proteins, which strengthens your bones and encourages normal blood clotting.
🍎 B- complex vitamins
This includes riboflavin, thiamin and vitamin B-6, all of which are essential in maintaining red blood cells and keeping your nervous system strong and healthy.
🍎 Dietary fiber
Dietary fiber is a key component of apples and is actually a type of carbohydrate. Best known for helping to prevent and relieve constipation, dietary fiber is great for keeping you “regular.”
🍎 Phytonutrients
These polyphenolic compounds function as antioxidants that can protect against damage from free radicals. In addition, they can provide anti-inflammatory effects and enhance your immune system.
🍎 Minerals
When you eat apples, you’ll get a boost of important minerals like calcium, potassium and phosphorus. These minerals are required by the body in order to perform various functions, like strengthening your bones (calcium), building muscle (potassium) and filtering out waste (phosphorus).
30/06/2022
Apples are a popular fruit, containing antioxidants, vitamins, dietary fiber, and a range of other nutrients.
Not only do apples taste delicious on their own or when added to dishes but they come loaded with health benefits. “Apples have been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved gut health and reduced risk of stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and some cancers.
Learn more on apple benefits in next posts.
09/06/2022
FUN FACTS ABOUT CHAMOMILE. Swipe to learn them
08/06/2022
PREPARATION AND SELECTION OF CHAMOMILE
The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.
To make tea, steep one heaping teaspoon of chamomile flowers in two-thirds of a cup of boiling water for five to 10 minutes before straining. You can also buy commercial teas. Chamomile is also available in capsules.
As a gargle or mouth rinse, prepare as a tea, then let it cool. Gargle as often as desired. You may also make an oral rinse with 10 to 15 drops of German chamomile liquid extract (aka tincture) in 100 milliliters of warm water.
There is no standard dosage of chamomile. Dosages used in studies vary. For instance, capsules containing 220 to 1100 milligrams of German chamomile extract have been taken daily for eight weeks to help alleviate anxiety.
Is it OK to drink chamomile tea everyday?
Drinking 1-2 cups of chamomile tea every day is completely safe. In fact, studies have shown that it is OK to drink up to 5 cups of chamomile tea a day.
BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE PART 8 ⭐️
Treats Cuts and Wounds
Did you know that Chamomile tea has been used by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians to treat wounds and promote healing? This is because the plant Chamomile tea is derived from Matricaria chamomilla L, which has anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
07/06/2022
BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE PART 8 ⭐️
Reducing menstrual pain
Because chamomile tea is antispasmodic, it could also help ease period cramps. A study published in the Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility found that after drinking chamomile tea twice a day during the luteal and menstrual phases of their cycles (two weeks before you get your period, along with when you actually bleed), 40 women reported experiencing fewer cramps and lower anxiety than a control group.
06/06/2022
BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE PART 7 ⭐️
Benefits your skin
Because chamomile is helpful in reducing stress and encouraging sleep—two things that can impact your skin—drinking the herbal tea may indirectly provide a one-two punch for your skincare routine. However, it's more likely to have a bigger impact if an extract is applied topically.
For example, a small study from the 1980s found applying chamomile extract could help heal skin wounds after tattoo removal. And a review of studies in 2011 noted the herb has traditionally been used to treat skin irritations, bruises, burns and conditions like eczema. "It’s also common to see chamomile as an ingredient in skincare to help soothe irritation or relax muscles.
BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE PART 6 ⭐️
Slowing or preventing osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the progressive loss of bone density. This loss increases the risk of broken bones and stooped posture. While anyone can develop osteoporosis, it is most common among post-menopausal women. This tendency may be due to the effects of estrogen.
A 2004 study found that chamomile tea might have anti-estrogenic effects. It also helped promote bone density, but the study’s authors caution that further research is needed to prove this apparent benefit.
05/06/2022
BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE PART 5 ⭐️
Helps with anxiety
Speaking of stress, chamomile may be helpful for those struggling with anxiety or higher-than-usual stress levels.
More research is needed to understand why, but a small study published in Phytomedicine found consuming chamomile extract reduced moderate-to-severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Scientists also need to further dig into the risks and benefits, but the Mayo Clinic says limited data has shown short-term use to be generally safe and potentially effective in reducing symptoms.
Just keep in mind that chamomile may not work the same for everyone, so it’s always best to consult with your doctor before starting any sort of medical treatment plan.
04/06/2022
BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE PART 5 ⭐️
Improving hear health
Chamomile tea is abundant in flavones, a class of antioxidants.
Flavones have been studied for their potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are important markers of your heart disease risk.
One study of 64 diabetic patients found that those who drank chamomile tea with meals had noteworthy improvements in their total cholesterol, triglyceride and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, compared to those who drank water.
More research is necessary to confirm chamomile tea’s role in promoting heart health, but it certainly couldn’t hurt to include it in your diet.
04/06/2022
BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE PART 4 ⭐️
May Benefit Blood Sugar Control
Drinking chamomile tea may aid in lowering blood sugar levels.
Its anti-inflammatory properties may prevent damage to the cells of your pancreas, which occurs when your blood sugar levels are chronically elevated.
The health of your pancreas is extremely important, as it produces insulin, the hormone responsible for removing sugar from your blood.
In one study of 64 diabetic people, those who consumed chamomile tea daily with meals for eight weeks had significantly lower average blood sugar levels than those who consumed water
BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE PART 3 ⭐️
Promotes digestive health
Chamomile can be clutch for problems in the digestive region because it’s antispasmodic, meaning it helps reduce spasms within the body, including the stomach and intestines. It also contains bitter compounds called cesquiterpene lactones, which trigger the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes needed to break down food.
Chamomile is a perfect herb for gently managing our stress response, so you may not experience the digestive symptoms to begin with.
03/06/2022
BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE PART 2 ⭐️
Boosts Immunity and treats cold
Many studies have shown that Chamomile tea will not only kick illnesses to the curb, but also work as a great preventive measure. "It fights harmful bacteria, and has the ability to boost your immune system," says Dr. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital.
Chamomile is good option when you are feeling under the weather. It’s naturally cooling, which helps to balance an overheated state, and is calming to the digestive tract, which can get out of balance when you’re ill or recovering from being sick.
02/06/2022
BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE PART 1 ⭐️
Sleep Quality
Chamomile has some unique properties that may benefit the quality of your sleep.
It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia, or the chronic inability to sleep.
In one study, postpartum women who drank chamomile tea for two weeks reported better sleep quality compared to a group that did not drink chamomile tea. They also had fewer symptoms of depression, which is often linked with sleeping problems.
Drinking chamomile tea before bed is certainly worth a try if you have trouble falling or staying asleep.
02/06/2022
Chamomile tea is a popular beverage that also offers a variety of health benefits.
Chamomile is an herb that comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. It has been consumed for centuries as a natural remedy for several health conditions.
To make chamomile tea, the flowers are dried and then infused into hot water.
Many people enjoy chamomile tea as a caffeine-free alternative to black or green tea and for its earthy, somewhat sweet taste.
Furthermore, chamomile tea is loaded with antioxidants that may play a role in lowering your risk of several diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
Chamomile has properties that may aid sleep and digestion, as well.
31/05/2022
Lavender is one of the most highly versatile herbs you can grow. Not only does it look beautiful in the garden but it is used in fragrances, traditional herbal medicine and as a culinary herb. So in honour of one our favourite scents, here are some other interesting facts you might now know about the captivating flower.
31/05/2022
The many uses of lavender in all its forms 💜
Lavender is a multipurpose plant. People use lavender in many ways to promote good health and well-being, including:
💜 Beauty products
With a color and scent as appealing as lavender’s, it’s not surprising that countless beauty products feature it prominently, including:
face masks
cleansers
body bars
shampoos
As with lotions and creams, these products may not impart much clinical benefit, but can be a pleasant part of a beauty regimen.
The many uses of lavender in all its forms 💜
Lavender is a multipurpose plant. People use lavender in many ways to promote good health and well-being, including:
💜 Creams, lotions, and salves
For application on wounds or extremely dry skin, try a lavender salve. A salve is typically made with thicker oils, like coconut oil, or wax, like beeswax or soy. You can purchase them or make them yourself.
Lavender creams and lotions may not deliver the same therapeutic benefits as more concentrated oils, salves, or capsules, but they’re a soothing way to experience lavender’s calming scent and moisturize skin.
Purchase a lavender-infused lotion or create your own by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil into an unscented base.
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