Lavender

Lavender is a sedative, diuretic, carminative, antiseptic, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory herb that has been medicinally used for centuries. It is known to help relieve nervous headaches, migraines, anxiety, depression, insomnia, dizziness, bloating, indigestion, flatulence, hypertension, asthma, and reduce symptoms from colds, flu, and fever. Lavender has wonderful phytochemical and antioxidant properties making it an excellent herb to sprinkle on salads, mix in homemade tea or lemonade, or even add to your baked squash, potato, or rice dishes. Essential oil of lavender has been known to help soothe the skin and relieve pain or discomfort from psoriasis, bee stings, acne, athlete’s foot, sun burns, eczema, poison ivy, and candida outbreaks. It can even help to prevent scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles. Try adding a few drops to your bath, liquid soap, or moisturizing cream. Essential oil of lavender is also wonderful for aromatherapy uses and can significantly reduce lung and sinus infections and all types of headaches and mental tension. For household use, lavender is a great natural disinfectant and insecticide and can be used safely around pets, children, and the elderly. Leafy Greens 4 ‘A’s: Antiviral, Antibiotic, Anti-inflammatory, and Anticancer. With powerful antiviral, antibiotic, anti- inflammatory and anticancer compounds, leafy greens such as collard greens, Mache, kale, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, and Swiss chard are immensely nutritious. They’re packed with vitamins A, E, and B-complex, along with minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. They contain all eight of the essential amino acids and have more vitamin C than an orange. They’re also exceptionally rich in vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids, which are easily absorbed by the body because they’re plant-based. Omega-3 is vital for neurological disorders and cardiovascular health. Leafy greens are also a phenomenal source of folate, which is an essential nutrient for women of child bearing age. Detoxification Teeming with phytochemicals called glucosinolates, leafy greens are an excellent detoxifying food that helps to purify cells, tissues, and organs in the body. Better Vision With incredibly high vitamin A content, they’re amazing for eye and vision problems including age related macular degeneration, blurry vision, weak nighttime vision, and dry, itchy eyes. Leafy greens contain sedative properties that relax the nerves and calm the body. They can help prevent nightmares and provide support for a good night’s sleep. Leafy greens are essential for bone health. They help prevent breakage, fractures, and osteoporosis. With their high silicon content, leafy greens can also help repair joints, bones, arteries, and connective tissues. Leafy greens also contain a compound called syringic acid, which has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels in the body, making it an ideal food for those with diabetes or blood sugar issues. Can Help Heal: Type 2 diabetes, cancer, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic sinusitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, COPD, hemorrhoids, constipation, high blood pressure, age related macular degeneration, chronic infections, heart disease, asthma, anemia, Alzheimer’s disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, cardiomyopathy, Lyme disease, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones, joint pain, and depression. Other Potential Benefits: Can help prevent, arthritis, anemia, osteoporosis, and asthma, as well as numerous immune related disorders. Reduces inflammation, helps maintain healthy cognitive function, and assists with weight loss. Highly beneficial for eye and skin health. Helps prevent degenerative diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, prostatitis, and neurological disorders. Aids with cognitive disorders such as brain fog and memory loss. Is helpful in the prevention of stomach, colon, breast, ovarian, cervical, lung, skin, liver, and prostate cancers. Can help to significantly lower cholesterol. Helps with sleep problems. Healing Tip: Choose organic leafy greens whenever possible. To get more calcium than a glass of milk, make a smoothie by blending a head of romaine with two oranges. You can also make a smoothie with bananas, blueberries, romaine, and a little coconut water for an energy and protein boost. Tasty Tip: Beyond salads, chopped romaine makes an excellent crunchy base for all of your fixings. Try stuffing whole leaves with guacamole, salsa, and sprouts. Eat like a taco.