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How to Make an Infusion

One of the most common methods for herb use you’ll see today is infusions. They are similar to tea, and many herbalists use the term interchangeably, but they are not the same. They are the same in that they both use water and steeping the herb for a set amount of time to extract the active chemicals out of a plant. The difference lies in the strength of the end product. Teas are much weaker and can be easily sipped on as a beverage. Infusions are a much more concentrated medicine.

Infusions can be made with both hot and cold water.

Hot Infusion

A standard recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 rounded teaspoon (1/2 to 1 ounce) of dried herb. Pour boiling water (one cup water per teaspoon of herb) over the herb and steep for fifteen to twenty minutes. Strain the mixture, saving the water. Can be drunk warm or when cooled if desired. This method is usually used for leaves and flower to make instant medicine for drinking. The parts of the plant that are harder like bark, root, seeds, resin, bruised nuts, seeds, and buds can be used in infusions if they are powdered so they are then receptive to steeping in boiling water.

Cold Infusion

Steep the herb in cold water or cold milk for several hours. Wet, mashed herbs can be used internally as a drink or as poultices on the body.

Infusions do not have a long shelf life. They should be made as soon as they are needed. Making the infusion can be a healing process as well. While the infusion is steeping, inhale the steamy warm vapors. If you desire, tent a towel over your head to trap more steam to get a more concentrated steam treatment. This can act as a decongestant and prepare your body to receive the medicine you are creating. As you inhale the vapors, visualize your body receiving the medicine and your body healing. Studies show that such meditative visualization stimulate the immune system to fight many diseases more effectively.

The main problem with infusions is their taste. Most healing herbs do not taste very good and are quite bitter. This is nature’s way of discouraging overdose, but if you can’t swallow your medicine, it does not good. To help make your medicine a bit more palatable, mix in sugar, honey, stevia, milk, lemon, herbal drinks, whatever tastes you think will help you get it down. If you still can’t manage, try another method instead. Practice with infusions does make it easier as you become more accustomed.…

Top 10 Supplements for Diabetics

Medical supplements that keep diabetes at its minimal level will not work on their own, because the medicine -taker has to keep a healthy lifestyle. But what is sure is that the supplements, with proper diet and exercise, can help in keeping you healthy and diabetes-free. If you are planning to take medical supplements, ask your doctor first if he will recommend you to take it and have for reconsideration the brand of the supplement. Also, read the instructions before taking the supplement, know the possible side effects and when to stop taking it.

1. Selenium

This is the most sought-after, as well as most researched and wanted, among the supplements for health-conscious diabetics. However, different takers have different opinions about selenium, so there is really no concrete information as to its effect. Some of its takers say that it is a great supplement, while other say it is not that good. What could be possible is that selenium may have different effect on different bodies. But eating a well-balanced diet will ensure proper intake of selenium without additional supplements.

2. Chromium

Of all the supplements, this is the most expensive. But despite its high price, it has multi-supplements qualities designed to avoid or control diabetes. Chromium is preferred by bodybuilders because this has the quality of decreasing body fats without compensating their muscle tissues. Everything that helps in reducing body fats or allowing one to have normal body weight also helps in fighting diabetes.

3. Glucomannan

This melts easily thus ensuring quick absorption of its nutrients by the body when taken. Its quick solubility is associated with soluble fiber. Diabetics are encouraged to take dietary fiber as a regular part of their diet.

4. Cinnamon

Of all the supplements, this may be the most satisfying in preventing diabetes. Cinnamon extracts helps the body in soaking up the sugar better. This may a favourite of many because of its good flavor or after-taste. However, this should be taken in pills, and not as the cinnamon in the baking section of groceries or bakeshops.

5. Poisonous Melon

This helps the body to detect and ingest insulin shots. This melon has to be taken in the form of tablet to achieve its desired effect.

6. Garlic Clove

This helps by promoting blood circulation in the body.

7. Magnesium Mineral

This is less expensive than the other supplements.

8. Alpha dog Lipoic Acidity

This is an anti-oxidant present in other foods such as teas, carrots and spinach among others. This is said to reduce blood sugar levels.

9. Jelly gamat

The less studied among the supplements, this is said to be effective not just for diabetes but also for cancer.

10. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

A good form of fat, this can be found in salmon, fish oil capsules and in some grain seed.…

Green Tea to Improve Health

Green Tea has long been valued in China for its contribution to good health. Popularity of the tea in the United States continues to grow, showing that it is a natural source of antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect the body from accelerated aging and increased risk of diseases. Decades of research show that the tea inhibits the development of undesirable cell colonies, thus making it the healthiest tea available.

Green tea has higher contribution to health than other teas, because of the way it is dried. It is organically grown and the traditional drying technique used with it prevents the tea from the negative effects of fermentation. The products come in potency levels. Some supplements contain low potencies of the active polyphenols, while others go as far as using un-standardized tea leaf powder.

It has been prove that green tea is bursting with health benefits. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, which has been know to help prevent cancer, recover from the harmful cholesterol, and protect against damage caused by free radicals.

1. Medical Benefits

Green tea has many medical benefits, and is also know for prevention of the following diseases: Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, High Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Disease, Infection, and Impaired Immune Function.

2. Promotes Weight Loss

The leaves of the plants help raise metabolism in the body. By increasing the amount of calories burned in a 24-hour period,it promotes weight loss.

3. Prevent Bad Breath

An element found in the tea decreases the growth of odor-causing bacteria. It is mention that drinking a cup or two of it may help maintain fresh breath.

4. Reduce Smoking Risks

Cigarette smokers who drink up to six cups daily reduces their susceptibility to risks caused by the toxins emitted in cigarette smoke.

5. Beauty Remedy

Green tea may be use to freshen up the face and sooth tired or strained eyes. It can be apply to spots and blemishes to lessen their visibility.

6. Antiseptic Properties

Green tea is also know to treat minor cuts and rashes, and are an effective treatment for sunburn. The teas inhibit the expression of antigens made by the body, substances that can trigger an immune response.…