Herbal Stimulants and Oregano

Herbal Stimulants and Oregano 

Since my energy level seems to be rapidly depleting the closer we get to 4:30 today, I decided that today’s blog post will feature some of the natural stimulative properties associated with herbs. As an alternative to consuming a variety of different caffeinated beverages to get you through that afternoon ‘slump’ at the office, why not try herbal energy?

I don’t know about you, but I know that as my day progresses my energy level tends to decrease and I find myself consuming a variety of caffeinated products…and as we all know caffeine consumption isn’t the best for your health, especially when consumed in large quantities.

Since my oregano plants really seem to be flourishing this summer, I think I’ll start by adding oregano oil to my daily water consumption. All you have to do is add 1-2 drops of oregano oil to your 8oz glass of water twice a day! (And for an added healing benefit you can add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your oregano infused water. Apple cider vinegar is believed to promote internal healing and have a detoxifying effect.)

Oregano (along with other herbs like sage, peppermint, thyme, lemon balm, clove, allspice and cinnamon) has high concentrations of all-natural antioxidants…and according to some sources, herbs might even be a smarter choice as an all-natural source of dietary antioxidant than other more common foods like fruits, berries, cereals, and even vegetables (Adrian, 2008)!

Oregano is also packed full of Vitamin K, is high in iron, manganese, and other essential minerals, as well as being a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Who would have guessed that something so easy to grow and so tasty could have so many health benefits associated with it?! Some of the other health benefits liked with oregano consumption include protection from chronic conditions, a boosted immune system, aided digestion, and helping the body detoxify. (Odebunmi, 2011) 

It sounds like when I get home from work tonight I should head out into the garden to cut some fresh oregano and start adding more of it to my daily diet! After all, oregano is still one of my favorite herbs… second to basil of course.  

Resources  

Adrian. (2008, September 30). The Health Benefits of Oregano. Retrieved June 27, 2013, from Elements 4 Health: http://www.elements4health.com/oregano-for-the-treatment-of-intestinal-parasites-and-candida.html

Odebunmi, O. (2011, April 1). What Are the Health Benefits of Wild Oregano? Retrieved June 26, 2013, from Livestrong: http://www.livestrong.com/article/413228-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-wild-oregano/?utm_source=dontgo2&utm_medium=a3

 

Herb it up!

Homegrown Garlic in my Garden

Herb it up!

I just love herbs! They are relatively easy to grow, they taste great and add amazing flavors to my cooking, and (even better) there are a number of different health benefits that are said to be associated with the consumption of herbs. It has long been said (at least in my family) that herbs will help with fighting off germs and other toxins while helping boost the immune system.

So what are some of the health benefits associated with the consumption of herbs?

Herbs are great because they taste amazing and have a variety of all natural and unique anti-oxidants, essential oils, vitamins, and phyto-sterols (just to list a few of the known natural elements derived from herbs). Some of the health benefits associated with the consumption of herbs include (but aren’t limited to) (Healthy Herbs Nutrition Facts, 2009):

• Anti-inflammatory functions (thus providing symptomatic relief of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ulcerative colitis)
• Reducing blood sugar levels
• Reducing total cholesterol levels
• Lowering blood pressure
• Preventing certain cancers (like prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancers)

Here is a list of some of my favorite herbs and the health benefits that are associated with each:

• Rosemary – promotes good cardio health and aids in preventing damage to blood vessels, also said to help with indigestion, memory, and reducing joint pain. Some studies also say the active ingredients in Rosemary help prevent the spread of cancer (Gilbert, 2012, p. 1). 

• Parsley – promotes good heart health by lowering high blood pressure and many studies (Gilbert, 2012, p. 2) say parsley inhibits the growth of cancer because its packed full of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and the chemical apigenin

• Ginger – an effective anti-inflammatory that helps relieve joint pain. Also said to be good for treating gastrointestinal disturbances, especially for relieving diarrhea and nausea

• Garlic – most commonly known for its healing abilities, potential to help prevent cancer, and for helping slow down some diseases (such as hypertension and the common cold)

• Chives – a great antioxidant that is packed with vitamins A and C, also helps reduce gastric cancer risks (Gilbert, 2012, p. 7)

• Coriander – helps lower bad cholesterol while rising good cholesterol and also helps lower blood sugar levels. Is also said to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties

• Bay Leaves – excellent at providing sinus relief! Also helps prevent heart disease, treat arthritis, and strengthen the immune system (Gilbert, 2012, p. 9)

• Also good to know… cinnamon is believed to help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol, and is also thought to have some antibiotic and  anti-inflammatory properties (Gilbert, 2012, p. 4)

• Although I think it’s a weed and not an herb, Dandelion Root is said to great for helping with digestion, liver disorders, and high blood pressure (Gilbert, 2012, p. 10) 

Go get cooking with herbs! Not only does adding herbs to your food provide amazing flavors, but it also provides a variety of health benefits.

Resources:

Gilbert, B. (2012, September 27). 10 Healthy Herbs And How To Use Them. (P. F. Bass, Ed.) Retrieved June 25, 2013, from Huffpost Healthy Living: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/27/healthy-herbs-cooking_n_1865033.html

Healthy Herbs Nutrition Facts. (2009). Retrieved June 24, 2013, from Nutrition and You: Your Guide tp Healthier Nutrition: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/healthy-herbs.html

 Basil from my home garden

Have acne? Get some Basil!

I know I've said it before, but basil is by far one of my favorite herbs... I don't think I could ever have too much basil! Not only is basil one of the tastiest and easiest herbs to grow, but it is also one herb with a number of health benefits associated with it!

Who would have guessed? Basil can help you get rid of that annoying blemish! The oils found in basil help combat the pimple causing bacteria. It’s really quite simple. All you have to do is follow these 6 quick and easy steps!  

Step 1

Boil about a handful of fresh basil leaves in 1 cup of water for about 10 minutes. 

Step 2

Let the water and basil mixture cool

Step 3

Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and pat it on the areas where you are prone to breakouts

Step 4

Wait about 10 minutes

Step 5

Splash with water

Step 6

Repeat once or twice daily

 

Caution: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, discuss the use of basil with your physician before using.

So instead of heading to the pharmacy and spending your hard earned money on expensive acne creams, head out into the garden instead and pick yourself some fresh basil and make your own all natural acne treatment!

Resource:

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20500778_2,00.html

Work on your garden while working out your body

There are so many ideas I have for this blog that I’m finding it hard to figure out where to start. I guess a good place to start out is by talking about some of my favorite things to grow in my garden and cook with. I’ll also highlight some of the reasons that you should grow some of your own food in your garden.

I’m a big advocate for growing your own herbs. Growing your own herbs is handy, your herbs will be close by when you need them and (more than likely) you won’t run out. Not only is growing your own herbs fun and easy, but it’s also one way to save some money at the market. Cooking with fresh herbs also provides more flavors and is more nutritious than dried store bought herbs. Furthermore, working in the garden is also a fun way to get your workout done.

Fresh basil is one of those herbs that I could never have too much of. Not only is basil (at least in my opinion) one of the easiest herbs to grow, but it is also one type of herb that I use in my cooking almost every single day. Although it’s a little more challenging than basil is to grow, parsley and oregano are two more of my favorite herbs.    

Growing your own vegetables and herbs also provides mental and physical benefits. Work on your garden while working out your body. When planning and working in your garden you’re exercising your mind as well as your body. While working in the garden it’s easy to break a sweat, which means you’re also burning calories and working your muscles. Gardening is a nice way to get in your workout without necessarily feeling like you’re doing a workout. When gardening all of your major muscle groups get activated. Think about it… even tasks like sowing your seeds and transplanting seedlings involves squatting, which uses your legs for support, your core muscles for balance, and your arms and shoulders for digging and moving dirt. Planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting are just a few examples of some of the ways that gardening helps add purposeful physical activity to your day. Working in the garden is also a good way to relax, relieve stress, clear your mind, and get a little bit of fresh air and sunshine.

So go ahead and skip going to the gym tonight and get out in the garden instead!

Resources:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=575

Welcome :)

Hi Folks!

I figured I should start off by introducing the topic of this blog. Throughout this blog we will be highlighting all kinds of information related to the topics of gardening and cooking. We will discuss a range of gardening topics, cooking tips and tricks, as well as highlight some of the health benefits that are associated with gardening and cooking.

One of the main focuses of this blog will center around the concept of growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs to use in your kitchen. Not only does growing your own produce to use in your cooking provide you with a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment, but you will also have nice fresh herbs and produce to use in your cooking. Cooking with fresh herbs and vegetables also provides a variety of nutritional benefits. Furthermore, there has been a longstanding school of thought advocating that there are also a number of natural remedies associated with the use of fresh vegetables and produce. One of my goals would be for this blog to serve as a platform (of sorts) where we can feel free to exchange information. Being in my late 20’s (and no I’m not telling you my exact age), I’ve noticed that I don’t seem to have as many peers that are growing and cooking their own food as my parents and my grandparents did. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I grew up on a dairy farm, but back then it seemed like a lot more people grew and cooked their own food. Granted people seem to be busier and spend less time at home these days, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up on our gardens and purchase processed fast foods… it just means we need to become more efficient in our gardens and kitchens.

Like many other people in my age group, the majority of my gardening and cooking knowledge has been handed down to me from working side-by-side with my family and community members. These first-hand experiences have been combined with a little bit of research done over the years and a lot of trial and error (which is a forever ongoing process). As more and more families start transitioning to consuming increasingly more amounts of fast foods and processed foods, I feel like we’re (as a generation) losing a lot of the knowledge that has traditionally been passed down over the years. Through this blog I would also like to share some of the gardening and cooking tips that have been passed down to me over the years. I’m also hoping that maybe you will do the same and share with me some of the gardening and cooking tips that have been passed down to you over the years.

So make sure you stop back here frequently to learn everything you need to know to go from the plant to the plate with a little bit of TLC (tender loving care)!