Herb of the Day: Boswellia

Boswellia

(Boswellia carterii ( Burscraceae frankincense family )

common names are; dhup, frankincense, Indian olibanum, mastic, olibanum, salai gugal.

Boswellia is a large branching tree about 12 ft. high, found in the dry hilly areas of India. the purified extract of the gummy resin tapped from the tree trunk is used in modern herbal preparations. With Myrrh, boswellia was traded for centuries in the Middle East.

By Biblical references to this substance under the name of frankincense, boswellia is aromatic, granular, and translucent. It is one of the most ancient and respected herbs in Ayurvedic healing. In researchers it finds that boswellia is a potent anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, and pain reliever with out any side effects. The gum and oil are used in cosmetics, perfumes, and skin care products.

Aids with; arthritis Tests shows that boswellia acids, active components in boswellia, deactivate the hormonal triggers for inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis. These acids effectively shrink inflamed tissue by stimulating the growth of cartilage, increase blood supply to inflamed joints, and enhance the repair of local blood vessels damaged by inflammation.

Dry chapped mature skin by rejuvenates the skin, by encouraging new cells to develop, helps oil production in dry skin.

 

 

 

Herbal Remedy of the Day:Pectin

Pectin is a substance found in the cell walls oa all plants. It has a strong water binding property which enables to retain their water, which makes it useful in preparing jellies. Because of its ability to gel and hold water molecules together, pectin is valuable in ridding the body of toxins. It has used effectively as a domestic remedy in some cases of bursitis and tennis elbow.

Apples are a rich source of pectin, one folk remedy of the old days are, apple gratings taken from the bottom of the apple cures constipation. and taken from the top of the apple cures diarrhea. But today it it does not matter which end is used as long as the apple is used to make sure you are consuming enough of the pectin. Pectin nourishes the intestinal flora, which helps combat control the disease bacteria responsible for dysentary, infantile diarrhea, and other intestinal disorders. The pectin goes into the intestine it combines with calcium to form calcium gel, which helps the process of elimination by providing bulk. The ingestion of pectin prevents lead poisoning, radioactive strontium 90 from the body where it could cause bone cancer and leukemia.

Pectin is contained in oranges, especially in the inner white rind, apples, sunflower seeds, bananas, tomatoes, carob, peaches, quince, pineapples, cherries, avocados, currants, raspberries, persimmons, and grapes.

Vitamin and Minerals: Vitamin A

Vitamin A

Uses of other names are retinol, retinene, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate

Vitamin A the frist ever discovered is essential for good vision, especially in the dim light, also for healthy hair, skin, and mucous membranes of nose, throat, respiratory and digestive system. It is necessary for the proper growth and development of bones and teeth, also for stimulating the healing of wounds, and treating some skin disorders. Beta carotene is the precursor to vitamin A, is a carotenoid, a type of pigment found in plants. Your skin stores beta carotene, and the body metabolizes it to produce vitamin A as it is needed. Excess beta carotene along with other carotenoids as alpha carotene, acts as a antioxidant and supports immune function, so it increases your resistance to infections. It may help prevent some cancers and night blindness in vision problems. Beta carotene may also help lower cholesterol levels thus, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Natural  sources are, orange and yellow  vegetables, fruits as dried apricots, sweet potatoes, yams, dark green leafy vegetables as broccoli, collard, mustard greens, kale, chili peppers, whole milk, cream, butter, and organ meats such as liver.

Aids with: heart disease, immune problems, high cholesterol, cancer, wounds, vision problems, viral illnesses, vaginal candidiasis.

There are precautions to it also, because it is a fat soluble, it is stored in the body long term, and toxicity is possible if one uses high doses over a long period of time. Beta carotene does not have associated toxicity, even in high doses.

Too much vitamin A can cause headaches, insomnia, restlessness, vision problems, nausea, dry flakin skin, a enlarged liver or spleen.

Recipes: One Pot Spaghetti

One Pot Spaghetti

1 lb. ground beef

2 tbps. instant minced onions

1- 15 oz.  can tomato sauce

1 – 15 oz, can spaghetti sauce

1 tsp. sugar

2 cups water

1 pkg. spaghetti

3 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

1 green pepper, diced

1 can mushrooms, drained

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Crumble beef in Dutch oven or big enough pan to hold all. Cook and stir over medium high heat until brown. Pour off any fat. Stir in onion, tomato, sauce, spaghetti sauce, sugar,green pepper, uncooked spaghetti and  Italian seasoning. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep spaghetti from sticking together. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and simmer about 15 minutes. Remove from heat stir at once. Sprinkle with cheese just before serving.

Food Recipe of the Day: My Grandmother’s Thunder Cake

Grandmother’s  Thunder Cake

Cream together one at a time

1 cup shortening

1- 3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

3 eggs, separated

1 cup cold water

1/3 cup pureed tomatoes

2- 1/2 cup cake flour

1/2 cup drycocoa

1-1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp salt

Sift together cake flour , dry cocoa, salt, baking soda. Blend together shortening, sugar, vanilla, egg yolks, cold water, pureed tomatoes. Beat egg whites until stiff then fold in. Mix dry mixture into creamy mixture. Bake in 2 greased, floured 8-1/2 inch round pans at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Frost with chocolate butter frosting. Top with strawberries.

Herbal Healing: Acne

Acne a skin problem, characterized by the presence of blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples that blocks the pores of the skin, it does not result from dirty skin. It occurs when increased production of the male sex hormone testosterone stimulates the skin to produce vastly greater quantities of sebum, or oil. This hormone also stimulates the cells lining the hair shafts to produce keratin, a tough protective skin protein that can block the passage of sebum from the pores. The testosterone byproduct dilhydrotestosterone thickens the skin and toughens its underlying tissues. There are other factors that can contribute to development of acne that include heredity, stress, oily skin, and overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. Acne lesions can progress to become nodules, which are tender accumulations of deep pus in the skin. Acne can also cause cysts, nodules that fail to drain, and pustules, which are deep seated infections that break down the soft tissues below them. If cysts or pustules left untreated or broken open they can lead to scarring and pitting.  A form of acne called, ance vulgaris ( Latin name common cane ), is most common during puberty, this is the stage of life which the body creates the most testosterone, which is heightened during puberty in both boys and girls. There are significant differences in males and females in the amount of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone produced, since males have significantly higher levels than females. As hormone levels stabilize after adolescence acne also diminishes. Adults can still have flare ups, for females these are often triggered by premenstrual release of another hormone, progesterone,. Oral contraceptives contain progesterone, the use of birth control pills can also cause outbreaks, and can steroid treatment in men. The conventional medical treatments for acne include antibiotics and large does of vitamin A. But each of these has a drawback, taking antibiotics are only effective if taken for a long period, and leads to digestive disturbances among other problems.Vitamin A supplements are safe when used as prescribed, but can cause liver damage in overdoes and birth defects if there is a unexpected pregnancy. Isotretinoin ( Accutane ) is a drug prescribed for severe acne, causes miscarriage, and multiple birth defects if taken during pregnancy, as well problems affecting the liver, intestines, eyes, ears, and skeletal system. Herbal treatments do not carry these risks. Some herbs for acne are applied externally, others herbs and herb formulas are taking internally. Beneficial herbs externally are Calendula creams, Lavender plus water as a cold compress 2-3 times a day relieves pain and inflammation, tea tree oil is a antiseptic, walnut leaf apply 2-3 times a day is a astringent that protects skin against allergens and infection, which hazel a antibacterial and astringent that stops oozing.

Precautions for the use of herbs are, if you are allergic to celery or thyme you should not use tea tree oil products, do not use barberry, coptis, goldenseal,Oregon grape if you are pregnant or have gallbladder disease , do not use goldenseal if you have cardiovascular, glaucoma disease. do not use echinacea if have autoimmue disease as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, HIV, tuberculosis.

Herb of the Day: Usnea

Usnea

( Usnea spp. )

Usnea, or larch moss refers to a group of lichens, which are plants made up of algae and fungi that grow  together in a interdependent relationship. You can find the Larch moss hanging from the larch and many other trees in the Northern Hemisphere. It is sometimes called, old man’s beard for its shaggy appearance, it frequently appears in fruits orchards.

The active ingredient, asnic, which seems to have a antibiotic effect against the Grampositive class of bacteria which includes ( for example ) Streptococcus.  It may also be effective against some fungi and protozoans.  It is believed to work by disrupting the cell metabolism of bacteria and other simple organisms. Although it dose not damage human cells, Herbalists consider it a immune system stimulant and a muscle relaxant. Some of the other species of usnea, at least 4 found in the western United Ststes are also as herbal remedies and serve as food for some animals and people.  The dried herb is available in bulk, powder or tincture.

Aids with: colds, influenza, sore throats, respiratory infections and gastrointestinal irritations.

Apply externally for skin ulcers and fungal infections as athlete’s foot, urinary tract infections as urethritis and cystitis, vaginal infections ( use as a douche ).

The side effects are not serious to some they are( if arises ) digestive disorders. call your doctor if these symptoms persist.  As I am not a doctor I have always have been a user of Herbs. I make my own salves, oil, tinctures,dried herbs,a persons yard and garden is full of them as chickweed, dandelion, yarrow,burdock, field mint, clover and so many more. Lear to find them some day they will save your life or someone else. Teach your self and family about the use of them.

Go to my website  lighthouse herb supply and maybe I can help you get what ever you need.

 

Natural Healing: Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Other name is acidophilus

Bacteria is usually something we try to avoid, but Lactobacillus acidophilus is one type of bacteria we may ant to seek out. It resembles certain bacteria that occur naturally in our bodies. These bacteria inhabit our colon and vagina, playing a important role in digestion and controlling the overgrowth of fungi and other organisms. For some people, taking antibiotics can upset this delicate balance. The reason because, antibiotics cannot distinguish between, good, bacteria and harmful bacteria. When the helpful bacteria diminish the result can be intestinal problems and, for women, vaginal yeast infections. Ingesting acidophilus during and after a course of antibiotics can help restore populations of good bacteria. Helping other ways as well, theses bacteria have been found to reduce the incidence of yeast infections in susceptible women. By helping to break down lactose ( milk and sugar ), acidophilus can make it easier for people who are lactose intolerant to digest milk. It also may help to relieve symptoms of spastic colon. Some studies suggest it may one day be useful in treating or reducing the risk of colon cancer, lower cholesterol levels, boost immunity, and help help in treatment of allergies.

Aids with: canker sores, constipation, diarrhea, gas, urinary tract infections, lactose intolerance, postantibiotic therapy, spastic colon, yeast infections.

There is a precaution, people who have a serious, medically treated intestinal problems should consult their doctor before taking acidophilus.

Acidophilus is sold in capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. It is also added to some yogurt, krfir, and milk products. Check the labels to make sure acidophilus is listed as a ingredient.

Food Recipe of the Day: Christmas Cake

Christmas Cake Has always been my favorite cake.

Christmas Cake

1 lb. butter

1 lb. white raisins

1 lb. pecans

4 c. flour

2 c. sugar

6 eggs

2 tsp. lemon extract

1 pkg. mixed fruit

Dredge raisins, pecans, and mixed fruits with 1 cup of flour. Cream butter. Add sugar gradually and beat until light and fluffy. Add 1 egg at a time and beat thoroughly after each addition. Add the lemon extract, flour raisins, pecans and mixed fruits. Mix and pour into tube pan greased and lined with wax paper. Bake in a very slow oven at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Food Recipe of the Day: Yeast Biscuits

This recipe is simple and Dose not take a lot of time to prepare.

Yeast Biscuits

1/4 c. drt yeast

1 qt. water, lukewarm

2 qt. flour ( 2 lbs. )

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 c. sugar

1 c. dry milk

1 tsp. salt

1 c. shortening

 

Mix yeast, water and sugar, let stand for 10 minutes. Sift dry milk, flour, baking powder and salt together. Cut in shortening into flour mixture and add liquid ingredients.  Roll 1/2 inch thick and cut into squares or rounds. Place in greased pans, brush with butter and let rise about 30 minutes.

Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes