General Articles

How to Make an Herbal Infusion

Herbal Infusions are quite common and simple to make at home. They are basically the same thing as making tea. The enjoyment of herbal infusions (or teas) has been mentioned in documents dating as far back as the Ancient Chinese and Egyptian cultures. Teas are still commonly enjoyed in many cultures around the world today.

Infusions are commonly used for leaves and flowers, the more delicate parts of the herb, as they don’t require as much effort to release their beneficial properties.

Items Needed:

– 1 oz (30 g) dried herb or 2.5 oz (75 g) fresh herb

– 2 cups (500 ml) water

General Suggested Use:

Drink 1/2 cup 3 times daily.

Measurements:

Makes approximately 1.5 cups.

Instructions:

Place your herbs into a pot with a close-fitting lid, like a teapot.

Boil your water in a separate container, taking it off the heat once it boils. Wait for a moment or two and then pour the hot water over your herbs. (Electric teapots work wonderfully for this).

Let them steep (infuse) for 10-15 minutes and then pour through a strainer into your teacup and drink. Remember, the longer they steep (or infuse), the stronger the tea will be.

Infusions can be stored in a pitcher or other container in a cool place. Some like to add a couple of drops of HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) prior to drinking if their herbal infusion has been sitting out in an open container for a few hours.

Alternatively, you can use a tea bag, tea ball, infuser or strainer in your cup, pour the hot water into your cup and after 10 minutes pull the tea out. (You can tie the herbs into a small coffee filter to make a home-made tea bag).

Try using bitter herbs in the morning to help get the digestive juices flowing (your liver will appreciate it even if your palate doesn’t).

Ginger, fennel and other digestive aids make a wonderful “post large meal” tea to help alleviate the discomfort that often accompanies large meals.

Use calming herbs with mild sedative properties in the evening to aid in “winding down” from your day and gently moving your body towards relaxation and sleep. Chamomile is very popular for relaxation in both aroma, flavor and having mild sedative properties.

TIP: Vigorously boiling water can disperse the volatile oils in the steam. This is why we suggest waiting for a moment or two before pouring the boiling water over your herbs.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered complete nor is it guaranteed to be accurate. The FDA has not given approval of this information. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or other complication. Always check with your health care provider and/or pharmacist before using herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a health condition, or are taking any prescription medication.…

Type 2 Diabetes – Dental Care and Diabetes!

There are many problems associated with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes has the unfortunate ability of affecting various systems and areas of the human body. But what about dental care? Actually, it isn’t just immune to this problem either. We all know a common side effect of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is cuts and sores that are slow to heal. The last place you want an ongoing sore to continue causing discomfort is in your mouth. This can easily lead to bacteria, infections, fungi, and all kinds of other nasty conditions that you want to keep out. Excessively high blood sugar levels nourish the sugar-eating bacteria that live in the mouth. Controlling your blood sugar will ensure a much easier time keeping everything in and around your teeth squeaky clean.

If you are eager to throw caution to the wind then be diabetic and smoke. This opens the door to a very nasty condition called thrush. Thrush forms small bumps that ooze and bleed, and increase in severity and number. Smoking diabetics increase their chances of developing the condition by about 20 times over diabetics who don’t smoke.

As if diabetics didn’t go through enough from the disease itself, they are also much more prone to such mouth discomforts as gingivitis and periodontal disease. That’s why it is imperative that they not only maintain an arduous dental routine, but that they also visit the dentist on a regular basis. Some experts suggest it is the ever-present levels of sugars in the mouth due to the diabetes itself and uncontrolled blood sugar levels, that make it a breeding ground for these dental disasters. This makes it highly important to brush and floss after every meal, and gives you another reason to lay off of the sweets.

If you like to play with fire and put dental hygiene on the back burner, then you are more susceptible to tooth decay and possible tooth loss. But that isn’t the hard part. If you have to undergo a procedure to remove or repair teeth, the recovery time can be longer and more complicated due to diabetes. Surgical wounds will naturally be slower to heal and much more prone to infection.

The bottom line is that too much sugar and poor hygiene can be a breeding ground for infections and disease. These can lead to more severe infections, which can get into gums and damage or loosen teeth. Extractions can turn into even more serious infections that require much longer healing. Save yourself the aggravation and:

brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush,

floss once each day, taking care to pull the floss a bit below the gum line, and

become a regular at your dentist or periodontist at least every six months. Regular visits can help you avoid infections in your teeth and gums.

Be sure to tell your dentist and the dental hygienist who cleans your teeth you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and specify the medications you take.

Like any other complication of diabetes, catching a problem early makes all of the difference.…

Valentine’s Day Tea

The 14th of February is celebrated as the day of love and affection, across the globe. But aren’t we all just fed up with those boring candle lit dinners and heart themed formal events? Believe it or not, but the day of love is a great time to host your very own Valentine’s Day tea party. From fun filled craft projects to delectable dishes, you can have it all!

Every great party begins with a thought that manifests into a well-organized plan. For your very own tea party, you can start off by creating some customized invitations and decorations. But you need to make sure that your invitation cards have very earthy and organic notes.

Next, you can take some time off to master your table manners and your tea drinking skills. Remember that, in some cultures, the very concept of tea drinking is an art in itself. Once, you have your basic ingredients in place. You can start warming the pot. In other words, you need to get your menu in place and gather all the required ingredients. For the fun factor, at your tea party, you can choose some entertaining games and craft projects.

A Valentine’s Day tea party can be a beautiful tradition. But some years you may find it hard to keep up with this elaborate style. But don’t lose hope, for you can always keep it simple, with the help of a few dainty hearts, some cookies, chocolates and a whole lot off exotic teas. Hope these whimsical ideas, inspire and entice you!

Present below is a list of a few teatime treats and delicacies. These tiny appetizers will definitely give your tea party a healthy and wholesome boost.

1.First and foremost, a good quality tea is most essential! You can always try out the Earl Grey for its herbal, yet modest tones will soothe the harshest of palates.

Next, you can bring out that warm and nourishing cream soup with some homemade heart-shaped tea sandwiches. If you do have some more free time, then you can put in those extra hours and create some wonderful and unique fresh scones that can be served with sweetened jams, sweet mini strawberry tarts and even delicate Valentine petite fours.

If you want to become a professional Valentine’s Day tea party host, then you need to remember that flavored tea should always be served before any food item. This must always be kept in mind, for flavored teas do not always compliment certain cuisines. For instance, this rule must strictly be applied to scones and sandwiches.

The great thing about any Valentine’s Day tea party is that the menu is extremely simple and most importantly it can be made ahead of time. So on the day of your highly anticipated party, all you have to do is put on your fanciest clothes and be on your best behavior. Enjoy your well earned, scrumptious food items at your beautifully laid out table. Enjoy the day and have a blast!…

Type 2 Diabetes – Does Taking Insulin Early In The Disease Help Recovery?

In Type 2 diabetes the usual indication for the administration of injectable insulin is glucose or blood sugar control in those people who are not responsive to oral anti-diabetic medications, as stated by Medline Plus. Insulin is a hormone which facilitates the transfer of sugar into individual body cells enabling glucose to be converted into usable energy.

In Type 2 diabetes there is resistance to insulin in the bloodstream reacting to the receptor sites on cell’s surfaces, therefore preventing the receptors designed to absorb glucose from reacting as they are meant to. More and more insulin is produced in an attempt to get the cells to allow sugar to enter. Eventually there is decreased insulin produced by the pancreas necessitating the use of external insulin sources. Insulin administration prevents sudden increases in blood sugar levels. And with more consistent control, acute and long-term complications of high blood sugar can be prevented. According to Medline Plus, insulin therapy by itself is not a cure for Type 2 diabetes. It is only used to give much tighter blood sugar control.

However, in several recent studies, insulin therapy begins to change the face of management of Type 2. It is now known that insulin therapy given early in the course of the disease can help improve remission in people suffering from this metabolic problem. In a study published in May 2008 by Lancet, it was shown that intensive insulin therapy in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetics results in:

better function of their beta cells, the producers of insulin in the pancreas, and

better blood sugar control

resulting in the recovery of the person diagnosed with diabetes. In this study, 382 diabetics with ages ranging from twenty-five to seventy years old and with a blood sugar value ranging from 126 to 300 mg/dL (7 to 16.7mmmol/L) were recruited and randomly assigned either insulin administration or oral anti-diabetic medications. The anti-diabetic medications were stopped after normal blood sugar levels were achieved. These diabetics were then placed on lifestyle modifications consisting of regular physical exercise and diet.

Blood sugar levels were taken and recorded before and after the observational period of one year. After one year, the researchers noted the Type 2 diabetics who received insulin therapy had a better recovery rate compared to those who took the oral anti-diabetic medication. Thus, they concluded early intensive insulin therapy in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetics have a higher chance of remission compared to those taking oral anti-diabetic medications.

The management of diabetes has been constantly evolving, especially during the last few years, With continued research and experimentation, the treatment for this metabolic problem just keeps improving. Sooner or later Type 2 diabetes management will not only be focused on blood sugar control. It is looking like In the future, there will be a real cure.…

Yoga is a set of techniques that aim to cultivate health and well-being through physical, emotional, and mental practices. These include postures, breathing exercises, relaxation, concentration, and meditation.

Several studies have shown that yoga is good for stress reduction and can help improve fitness, flexibility, balance, and strength. It can also reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, like heart disease and high blood pressure.

Origins

Yoga is a spiritual discipline that dates back to 5000 years ago. It is rooted in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India and was started by Brahmans and Vedic priests.

The ancient Hindus believed that sacrifice was the key to joining the material world with the higher spiritual realms of spirit. This was achieved by focusing the mind for an extended period to transcend ordinary thoughts.

However, this process became tough and was only for those who renounced the material world to pursue a higher purpose. This was an exclusive practice; only the most dedicated could become expert yogis.

The ultimate goal of yoga is to still the mind and gain insight, gaining samadhi (a state of consciousness where one merge with the object of meditation). This is accomplished through various practices ranging from dhyana to kriyas to bhakti. These practices lead to the union of the individual self with the divine or supreme self.

Benefits

Yoga has many benefits, from calming the mind to improving health. It also helps with stress management, sleep, and weight loss.

It can increase strength in the core, arms, back, and legs. It also improves posture.

The breathing and meditation techniques of yoga can create mental clarity, promote calmness and sharpen concentration.

Practicing yoga in Texas regularly lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. This helps you deal with everyday challenges in a healthy way.

It can also lead to an overall improvement in your quality of life, including relationships, creativity, and learning opportunities. It can improve your ability to manage pain and other symptoms, a key indicator of your health and well-being.

You can also reduce loneliness by participating in a Goat Yoga Houston class. You get to connect with others and meditate, which can help you feel more connected to your environment. In addition, yoga can boost your energy and promote brighter moods.

Techniques

Yoga is a mind-body fitness discipline that uses various techniques to promote overall health and well-being, including meditation, breathing exercises, and poses—the meditative component of yowellbeingeduce stress, which has been linked to several diseases and illnesses.

The physical aspect of yoga focuses on developing strength and balance. It is a form of exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce body fat.

It is also a mental and spiritual discipline that helps increase calmness, mood, and energy levels. In addition, it is believed to be an effective way to alleviate anxiety and depression.

There are several styles of yoga, but the most popular is hatha yoga. This style focuses on physical self-discipline and is often considered more straightforward than more advanced types of yoga.

Instructors

Yoga instructors are skilled practitioners who may receive their training through a school or through mentors who share their philosophy. They also learn how to teach a class and lead students through yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditation.

They use their teaching skills to help people overcome their fears and push their limits. They also use their knowledge of yoga to help their students choose the right type of yoga for their needs and goals.

Those who want to become yoga instructors typically pursue a career in fitness or other health-related fields before they enroll in a certification program. They can gain experience by observing other teachers and learning new and advanced poses through individual practice.

While a yoga instructor is not required to have formal education, some employers prefer candidates with some form of secondary or post-secondary education. This could include a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, sports medicine, or another related field.

…

Connecting The Dots Between Diabetes and Brain Decline

A newly released 9-year study connects the dots between diabetes and cognitive decline. This is the first study to actually demonstrate the greater risk of cognitive decline with the severity of diabetes.

Scientists looked at the glycosylated hemoglobin blood marker, a standard for measuring the severity of diabetes. The marker shows evidence of high blood sugar because the sugar molecules become attached to hemoglobin proteins in the blood.

It was discovered that higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin were present in the more cognitive dysfunctional patients. Patients with more severe diabetes who did not control their blood sugar levels suffered faster cognitive declines.

The study, starting in 1997, enrolled 3,069 adults over 70. All the patients provided periodic blood samples and took regular cognitive tests over time. The findings were produced by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the San Francisco VA Medical Center. The data came from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) at two community clinics in Pittsburgh and Memphis.

The 9-year study supports the belief that preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes can stave off cognitive decline. Kristine Yaffe, M.D., the lead author of the study, said, “Both the duration and the severity of diabetes are very important factors. It’s another piece of the puzzle in terms of linking diabetes to accelerated cognitive aging.”

During the last few decades, scientists have learned that diabetes affects human tissue and organs, including the brain and central nervous system.

Dr. Yaffe said that the mental decline may be related to a human protein known as an insulin degrading enzyme, which plays an important role in regulating insulin, the key hormone linked to diabetes. He said that this same enzyme also degrades a protein in the brain resulting in beta-amyloid, a brain protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

There is a need for future studies to determine possible interventions that can effectively prevent, delay, or better control diabetes that would also lower people’s risk of cognitive impairment.

We are not claiming that T/C+ or other smart sugars can reverse, prevent, or delay diabetes, or cognitive impairment. We are, however, in a collaborative program with doctors, researchers, and individuals in various countries in an effort to discover if there may be synergistic benefits. The larger number of participants in the T/C+ self-funding Pilot Survey, the greater cross references of data we will be able to accumulate.…

Why Is a Chemical Laden Product Harmful to Your Body? – Free Radicals and What Harm They Cause

We are bombarded with chemical laden products today. It can be hard to know what is okay and what is causing us harm. These chemicals form free radicals in the body. These are toxins that attack our bodies at the cellular level, causing them to not work properly. Free radicals come from a variety of products from processed foods to treated water. They are also found in the air, put there by chemical waste producing factories and automobiles. They can be blamed with all kinds of ailments, including obesity. This is why many believe that you can detox obesity with herbs.

Herbs are often used to detox the body from free radicals. Many herbs contain flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. They work by attaching themselves to free radicals and neutralizing them. Thus, they are rendered powerless. Others work to cleanse the colon. This means they cause frequent bowl movements that are believed to remove toxins from the body. This type of detoxification is the most common way to detox obesity with herbs. The more chemical laden products we bring into our homes, the higher the buildup of toxins will be in our bodies. This buildup causes significant sluggishness, as well as a general unwell feeling.

Most of the time products used to detox obesity with herbs, or just in an herbal cleansing, are in the form of herbal tea. There are also pill forms of many herbs available, and they serve the same purpose. Many find it more pleasant to use the tea, as sipping a cup of hot tea seems more natural than taking a pill, and is relaxing in its own right. If beginning a detox process to rid your body of chemicals causing it to not work correctly, consider staying in for a few days as you can feel tired and ill in the beginning.

Chemical laden products are harmful to our bodies in more ways than one. The buildup of free radicals they cause can make organs work inefficiently as well as cause obesity and poor blood flow. Through detoxification and beginning a lifestyle that includes a diet free of chemicals, it is possible to reverse the effects of the toxins. Whether you begin to detox obesity with herbs, or simply want a fresh start with a clean body, discuss methods with your doctor before hand. They will give you a thorough exam to ensure there are no underlying issues, and they may want to monitor your progress.…