Meet Bromelain

Don’t let the name confuse you - we’re sure that you’ve already met. That’s right, bromelain is a complex mixture of protease (enzymes) found in the core of pineapples.

That’s right, pineapples.

What’s so great about bromelain? Well, it’s a bit of a powerhouse especially when combined with the other benefits of pineapple. Bromelain and vitamin C combine to take on respiratory issues (so be sure to have a few pieces of pineapple with a cup of nettle tea during allergy season). The bromelain will help reduce the amount of mucus and phlegm. In fact, it’s been shown that eating pineapple on a regular basis can help boost immunity levels, so stock up before cold and flu season as well.

Bromelain doesn’t stop there. If you have digestion issues ranging from diarrhea to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pineapple can help. The bromelain helps to break down proteins and improve digestion.

Pineapple has been directly connected with preventing cancers of the mouth, throat, and breast thanks to its powerhouse collection of antioxidants and vitamins including things like vitamin A, beta-carotene, bromelain, flavonoids, and manganese. Bromelain, specifically, has been noted for its anti-cancer properties.

Bromelain has been used in Europe for years to help treat and reduce the pain associated with surgical wounds, trauma, and deep burns thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties.

Caution: Bromelain can trigger menstruation so excessive amounts of pineapple are not recommended for pregnant women!

As with all herbal supplements and medicinal plants, please be sure to talk to your doctor before taking them as these may have negative interactions with certain drugs. Anyone who is pregnant or may become pregnant or is breast feeding should also speak with a doctor before taking herbal supplements.

This information is not intended to diagnosis, treat, or cure any disease or illness and is provided for educational purposes only. For more information, please talk to your doctor.

The Miracle Weed

Many of us have probably experienced the pain of stinging nettle and even if you haven’t, you’ve probably heard stories. While the burning and itching are enough to make anyone wary of this plant, we’re hoping to change your mind and move nettle from weed to wonder plant.

The “sting” in stinging nettle happens when you brush against the hairs on the plant which release a collection of chemicals that cause a burning or stinging sensation. Boiling the nettle, however, neutralizes those chemicals and takes away the sting, allowing you to access the many benefits of this plant.

Health Benefits:

Treats Respiratory Issues - allergy season is dreaded by many, but it doesn’t have to be. Nettle is known for its positive affect on asthma, hay fever, and seasonal allergies

Helps Prevent Kidney Stones - nettle is a known diuretic but also has nephritic qualities which means it helps to break down kidney and gall stones

Aids in Pregnancy/Labor - it can help reduce pain during excessively painful labors and acts as a coagulant to help stop excessive bleeding. It also promotes milk production and can make lactation easier

Improves Circulation - thanks to its high vitamin C and iron levels, nettle can increase iron absorption in your gut and stimulate increased red blood cell production

Anti-Inflammatory - nettle has been used for years to treat things like rheumatoid arthritis and even supplement treatment for gout

As with all herbal supplements and medicinal plants, please be sure to talk to your doctor before taking them as these may have negative interactions with certain drugs. Anyone who is pregnant or may become pregnant or is breast feeding should also speak with a doctor before taking herbal supplements.

This information is not intended to diagnosis, treat, or cure any disease or illness and is provided for educational purposes only. For more information, please talk to your doctor.

Meet Andrographis Paniculata

No one likes being sick. Unfortunately, cold and flu season comes every year and brings with it thousands upon thousands of cases of sniffles, coughs, fevers, and aches. What if there was a natural supplement that could help you feel better, faster?

Nature has a possible solution.

Photo By: J.M.Garg - Own work

Meet Andrographis paniculata, or green chireta. This plant has been used traditionally to treat fevers and coughs, sore throats, infected wounds, and even malaria. Today, it’s primary usage is for cold and flu relief. Andrographis is anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, and anti-viral. What does that mean? A quicker end to your cold and flu symptoms. When taken at the first sign of an upper respiratory infection, Andrographis helps to reduce the severity of the symptoms as well as their duration.

This means a shorter, less severe cold for you.

As with all herbal supplements and medicinal plants, please be sure to talk to your doctor before taking them as these may have negative interactions with certain drugs. Anyone who is pregnant or may become pregnant or is breast feeding should also speak with a doctor before taking herbal supplements.

This information is not intended to diagnosis, treat, or cure any disease or illness and is provided for educational purposes only. For more information, please talk to your doctor.

Meet Schisandra Chinensis

Let’s face it - most of us lead stressful lives. There are always bills to pay, work to be done, medical worries both expected and unexpected. All of that stress can have huge negative physical impacts on our bodies and our minds.

Thankfully, nature provides a cure.

Photo By: Vladimir Kosolapov - Own work

Meet Schisandra chinensis (also known as the magnolia-vine), a Chinese climbing shrub whose berries have been used traditionally to increase energy and endurance, treat stomach issues, slow the aging process, and prolong life. Modern medicine can now explain the benefits by exposing the inner workings of this berry and how it may help you to live a better, healthier life.

Health Benefits:

“Calms the Shen” - traditional medicine had it right in that the components/properties of this plant work together to fight against anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, and worry due to stress

Improves Brain Function - the lignans in the berries help to improve concentration, fine coordination, and sensitivity

Hepatoprotective - whenever toxins are about, Schisandra actually reduces liver damage and promotes liver repair

Reduces the Effects of Stress - it lowers elevated cortisol which reduces fatigue and weakness, common symptoms of stress

Treatment of Menopause - because of its stress reducing effects, Schisandra can be an effective health supporter throughout menopause

As with all herbal supplements and medicinal plants, please be sure to talk to your doctor before taking them as these may have negative interactions with certain drugs. Anyone who is pregnant or may become pregnant or is breast feeding should also speak with a doctor before taking herbal supplements.

This information is not intended to diagnosis, treat, or cure any disease or illness and is provided for educational purposes only. For more information, please talk to your doctor.

Kitchen Herbs and Their Hidden Benefits

There are many herbs that we use everyday whether or not we realize it. Things like basil and oregano can be found in all sorts of sauces. Parsley is often added as a garnish to many meals. Thyme, rosemary, tarragon, and more are most likely hiding away in your pantry right now.

Besides their obvious delicious qualities, these kitchen herbs have surprising medicinal qualities as well. Today we’re going to take a close look at some of these common herbs and how they may help you support and maintain your health.

Before increasing the intake of any herb or supplement, please contact your primary care provider to talk about any possible drug interactions or side effects. Some herbs should not be take in high amounts during pregnancy or while on certain medications.

Oregano

This kitchen staple is actually cousin to mint and is one of the few herbs that gets more potent in smell and taste after being dried. It’s easy to find, easy to cook with, and easy to grow yourself.

Health Benefits:

Antibacterial Properties - thanks to thymol and carvacrol

Stimulating Agent - slightly increases the production of white blood cells and boost metabolism for faster recovery from certain illnesses

Boost Immunity - thanks to the antioxidants rosmarinic acid and thymol

Aids Digestion - oregano is high in fiber with a half gram per teaspoon

Improves Heart Health - thanks to it being a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids

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Basil

This is probably one of the easiest herbs to grow yourself and is a wonderful addition to any kitchen window. Snip off the leaves and toss it into salads and sauces and be amazed at the difference in taste and smell when compared to dried basil.

Health Benefits:

Antimicrobial Agent - inhibits the growth of bacteria like E. coli, staph, and cholera

Anti-Inflammatory - thanks to eugenol, basil can help reduce swelling, pain, and help reduce fevers

Improves Heart Health - thanks to its high levels of beta-carotene

Improves Sleep - its high levels of magnesium increase blood flow and may aid in sleep issues

Can Aid Diabetes Care - its high antioxidant properties can help lower blood sugar levels and aid in managing diabetes

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Parsley

Parsley has long been offered as a garnish rather than an ingredient, but don’t be so quick to push that piece of green off your plate. Parsley should be a main player in your herbal arsenal.

Health Benefits:

Rich in Antioxidants - parsley contains luteolin, apigenin, lycopene, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene which help prevent free radical damage to cells (free radical damage can increase the risk of many chronic diseases)

Cleanses the Kidneys - the vitamins and antioxidants in parsley help prevent kidney stones, bladder infections, and urinary tract infections

Anti-Inflammatory - parsley can reduce internal inflammation and cleanse the liver

Can Aid Diabetes Care - thanks to myricetin, parsley can reduce blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance

Reduces Risk of Osteoporosis - thanks to its high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K, B-vitamins, and calcium

Improves Brain Health - the flavone apigenin boosts memory and learning

Pain Relief - thanks to its vitamins and the antioxidant, quercetin, parsley can help reduce the pain from bruises, joint pain, fatigue, stiff muscles, arthritis, toothaches, earaches, and even breast tenderness during lactation

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Rosemary

Rosemary is often paired with red meat, which should be a limited part of any healthy diet. Even so, there are plenty of other ways to add more rosemary into your culinary creations and reap the many medicinal benefits.

Health Benefits:

Aids in Digestion - rosemary can relax the intestinal muscles which can help reduce upset stomach, constipation, and bloating

Anti-Inflammatory - thanks to carnosol and carnosic acids, rosemary can help treat and prevent things like gout and arthritis and help maintain healthy blood pressure

Improves Brain Health - rosemary can help improve memory performance and quality as well as increase your ability to focus

May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s - rosemary prevents beta-amyloid plaques and suppresses AChE activities, both of which are associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia

Reduces Liver Damage - its antioxidants help reduce liver cirrhosis

Helps Prevent Macular Degeneration - thanks to carnosic acid

Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Microbial - rosemary is one of the best when it comes to preventing bacterial infections like staph and H. pylori (associated with things like stomach ulcers and cancers)

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thyme

Thyme is an evergreen shrub that has been used since the ancient Egyptian empires. It’s a common kitchen herb that is used in a wide array of dishes. It thrives in hot, dry conditions so it’s a good fit for our summers here in Eastern Washington.

Health Benefits:

Anti-Fungal - thanks to the most active ingredient in thyme, thymol

Respiratory Agent - perhaps the most common usage (and the earliest) has been to help bronchitis, chronic asthma, congestion, colds, flu, and allergies

Antioxidants - thyme has one of the highest concentration of antioxidants which promote overall health and reduce free radical damage

Improves Circulation - thanks to its high levels of iron that help promote red blood cell production

Protects Your Eyes - the carotenoids and vitamin A in thyme help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts