Dr. Gerstmar's Thoughts on Health, Happiness, and Well-Being from Aspire Natural Health » Healing Food http://www.aspirenaturalhealth.com/blog Using natural medicine to live a high quality life Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:12:02 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Kitchen Medicine: 5 More Healing Foods http://www.aspirenaturalhealth.com/blog/archives/60 http://www.aspirenaturalhealth.com/blog/archives/60#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:57:58 +0000 Dr. Tim Gerstmar http://drtimgerstmar.wordpress.com/?p=60
  • Cinnamon – Cinnamon is the first spice mentioned in the Bible.  Some of the latest research shows cinnamon is effective in helping to manage blood sugar; it has been shown to increase blood sugar metabolism twenty times over.  Cinnamon is effective against bacteria and fungus, and has anti-inflammatory properties that make it helpful for pain and stiffness of muscles and joints.  It’s great for relieving gas and has been shown to prevent ulcers in the stomach.
  • Apples – Apples have the second highest level of antioxidants of any commonly eaten fruit (cranberries are number one).  Studies have linked apple eating to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma, and diabetes
  • Avocados - Historically avocados were considered an aphrodisiac and were not purchased or consumed by any person wishing to preserve a modest reputation.  Thankfully today we know that avocados lower cholesterol, protect the eyes, the prostate, the heart, and the skin.
  • Eggs – Eggs are plentiful, cheap, easy to prepare, and loaded with nutrients.  Eggs prevent the accumulation of fat and cholesterol in the liver, and may protect against dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease).  They also help protect the eyes and may protect against breast cancer.
  • Thyme – In ancient Rome thyme was considered an aphrodisiac and girls wore corsages of thyme flowers when looking for a partner.  Thyme is effective against bacteria, and is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.  It is a digestive aid and very helpful in relieving chest and respiratory problems like coughs.
  • Bonus Food: Chocolate – Chocolate has been eaten since 1000BC, and with good reason.  Research on chocolate shows that it can help prevent clogged arteries, reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.  Chocolate has also been shown to lower blood pressure and it might even improve insulin sensitivity.  However, for chocolate to be considered a healing food it must be dark chocolate, at least 60% cocoa, and only an ounce or two needs to be eaten.

    • Making Medicine

    • Cinnamon tea (for high blood sugar) – Put 3 tablespoons of cinnamon into 4 cups of boiling water and allow to steep until the water is room temperature.  Strain the liquid, and drink one cup four times per day.  After a couple of weeks you can decrease to 1-2 cups per day.  If you have diabetes, be sure to monitor your blood sugar closely and adjust your medicines as necessary.
    • Avocados (for wrinkles) – To nourish your skin, mash up a ripe avocado and apply to your face, neck, and hands.  Leave on for twenty minutes, then wash off with water.  Repeat once or twice a week as needed.
    • Egg yolk (for acne) – Separate the yolk of an egg and apply raw egg yolk to your face, allow to dry for 10 minutes and then wash off with water.  Repeat daily for 30 days and then twice a month after that.  As a teenager with significant acne, I tried everything, including antibiotics and Retin-A, to get my acne under control.  Finally I tried egg yolk and it worked like magic.  Highly recommended.

    These 11 foods listed are all wonderful healing foods, but they are by no means unique.  There are hundreds and hundreds of foods with healing powers, and these are just a small sample.  We are used to looking at food as just food and medicine as medicine, but as the ancient physician Hippocrates said, “Let medicine be your food, and food be your medicine.”

    What are your thoughts?  We’d love to hear them, please post your comments below.

    ]]>     http://www.aspirenaturalhealth.com/blog/archives/60/feed 0     Kitchen Medicine: 5 Healing Foods from Your Pantry http://www.aspirenaturalhealth.com/blog/archives/64 http://www.aspirenaturalhealth.com/blog/archives/64#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:56:42 +0000 Dr. Tim Gerstmar http://drtimgerstmar.wordpress.com/?p=64
  • Onions –  Onions were introduced to America by Christopher Columbus in 1492.  Studies have shown that onions protect against stomach cancer, prostate cancer, and esophageal (throat) cancer.  Onions also help build stronger bones; compounds in onions help increase calcium absorption from food and block the cells that break down bones (like pharmaceutical drugs without the side effects).  Onions are also full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which are helpful in treating allergies.
  • Garlic – Garlic is one of the oldest medicines on the planet, mentioned prominently in the world’s oldest medical text, the Ebers Papyrus.  Garlic has been shown to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure, be an antioxidant, and kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
  • Ginger – In Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), ginger is considered a universal remedy.  Studies have shown benefits to the digestive system, the heart and blood vessels, with fevers and in pain relief.  Ginger soothes upset stomachs and relieves nausea (in one study, even better than Dramamine).  Other benefits include inhibiting cancer cells and boosting the immune system, and it is also effective against bacteria and viruses.
  • Honey – Honey is a precious thing.  One bee over her lifetime will only produce one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey.  Honey is formed when bees gather pollen from flowers and mix it with enzymes found in their saliva.  Honey, if unprocessed (raw, unheated, and unfiltered), is packed with nutrients and enzymes.  Honey has been shown to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
  • Oregano – Oregano is rich in nutrients and has the highest antioxidant activity found in any herb to date (four times more than blueberries).  Oregano is effective against bacteria, fungus, and parasites, and has been shown to prevent mutations in our DNA and fight cancer.

    • Making Medicine

    • Onion juice, ginger, and honey (for coughs) – Blend half an onion with two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of ginger for 20-30 seconds.  Take 1-2 tablespoons 1-3 times per day.
    • Oregano & garlic tea (for coughs and chest colds) – Boil three tablespoons of dried oregano and three cloves of chopped garlic in four cups of water for 10 minutes, then allow to cool for 10 minutes.  Cover your head with a towel (to keep the steam in) and lean over the steam breathing deeply for 5 minutes.  Be careful not to burn yourself; if the steam feels painful to your face, it is too hot.  The treatment can be repeated as often as needed, re-heating the water to a steam.  The liquid itself should also be drunk, ½ cup every two hours (sweeten with honey as needed).
    • Onion, garlic, and honey (immune booster) – Chop up one onion and a head of garlic and soak in two cups of honey overnight.  Eat a teaspoon of the honey 1-3 times per day as a good preventative against colds and flus.

    What are your thoughts? Have you used the items in your kitchen as medicine? We’d love to hear your thoughts, please post your comments below.

    ]]>     http://www.aspirenaturalhealth.com/blog/archives/64/feed 0