Kombucha (Japanese origin) is basically a probiotic fermented tea that has a variety of health benefits (unless of course you are allergic to it).  It is known to boost the immune system and metabolism, helps digestion and appetite control, and even helps promote healthy skin and hair.  The list goes on a bit more, but we’ll leave it at that.

Now the question is, does it do all that we are told it does?  Everyone is unique and so what Kombucha does for you may be a bit different from what it does for me, but here is what I can tell you based on my experience with drinking Kombucha (1-2 bottles every one or two weeks…but having at least a little each day)…

I don’t really get sick often anyway so whether drinking Kombucha has boosted my immune system I don’t know.  My skin has been healthier (more blemish-free, smoother), although I also drink a lot of water, which also helps skin stay healthy.  It gets rid of the gnawing stomach feeling that happens in the morning sometimes.  Kombucha definitely controls the appetite.  If I don’t want to eat just yet, but feel hungry, I will drink a glass of Kombucha and that takes care of it.  If you are trying to lean down/lose some weight, you can try having Kombucha for dinner for a while.  I also sleep more soundly if I drink Kombucha before bed (but not late at night… just water after 9).  I also feel more energetic, both mentally and physically, and feel like getting things done.  It seems to help my mind focus and I tend to be more alert.

Basically, I like it a lot.  I feel healthy, energetic, and strong on both the physical and mental level.  The only down-side is that the taste is similar to vinegar due to the fermentation.  But, there is hope!  The Kombucha that I drink is called “Synergy” and it is 95% Komucha and 5% fruit juice, so that helps .

As I am not a licensed professional in natural medicine or herbology, please be aware that, although the information is well researched, I cannot be held responsible for personal outcomes. Like all types of medicine, different people react differently to certian plants. And so . . . use at your own risk .

Summer is great!  You can go to the beach, go swimming, eat popsicles, and go out at night in shorts and a t-shirt or halter and still be warm!  But you’ve got to be careful about sun exposure.

The sun is very strong in the summer time and, even if you don’t burn at all this summer, you have to make sure to protect your skin while in the sun and after being in the sun, especially if you’ve been in chlorine.

It’s not news to anyone that wearing sunblock protects your skin from harmful rays.  If you have sensitive skin, or just have the preference, there are chemical-free sunblocks, as well as ones with more natural and/or organic ingredients.  I suggest going to Whole Foods, if there is one in your area, or just searching online (Try Jason Cosmetics) if you prefer a more natural or chemical-free sunblock.

Before being in the sun, make sure and put on sublock.  After being in the sun, especially if you’ve been swimming in a chlorinated pool (chlorine dries the skin), moisturize your skin.  Prolonged exposure to the sun, even with sunblock, can dry out the skin.  When the skin dries out it loses elasticity.  Always apply lotion, oil (such as Jojoba, Shea, Avocado, Coconut…), butter (shea butter, cocoa butter), or aloa vera to your skin, especially areas like the shoulders, which tend to get a lot of sun.  I personally use cocoa butter (Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Stick).

Have fun in the sun, but don’t neglect your skin! 

Heartburn, pain and discomfort caused by the stomach acids getting into the lower esophagus, is very unpleasant and can ruin a nice family dinner or a night out with friends, but is avoidable and treatable. If it is a chronic condition, then there may be a more serious cause for heartburn and a doctor should be consulted.

Heartburn may be caused by eating too fast and/or eating too much.

Eating chocolate, foods high in fat, and drinking beverages that contain alcohol can also cause heartburn; beer, in addition to milk, coffee, and sodas, increase the acidity of the stomach.

Lying down right after eating will probably cause heartburn, and even nausea. The lying down alters the direction of gravity and slows down/alters the digestive process. Standing or sitting up helps digestion. If you need to lie down, wait 2-3 hours after you eat.

Pungent/spicy foods, such as curry, jalapeno, and pizza with crushed red pepper, and acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruit, also tend to cause heartburn.

Most of the time, if you stay away from eating/drinking too much of the foods mentioned, you don’t lie down right after eating, and you don’t over-eat or eat too fast, you will avoid heartburn. Eating healthy (plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, minimal amount of greasy foods) and drinking enough water will also help you avoid heartburn.

If you have heartburn, drinking peppermint tea will help relieve it. Eating a few TUMS is also a popular remedy, but is loaded with food coloring. I prefer the peppermint tea .

Yes, mushrooms are a fungus, but, when eaten, taste great and have many beneficial properties.

Mushrooms are a good source of  Vitamins B1, B2, and B3 (which are important for a healthy nervous system and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and germanium, which increases oxygen efficiency of the body, counteracts the effects of pollutants, and enhances the immune system.  They also decrease the fat level in the blood and help get rid of excess mucus in the respiratory system.  Because mushrooms are low in calories, they are also helpful for weight loss.

There are many different types of mushrooms, white button mushrooms being the most common.  Some other types are cremini, oyster, shitake, and portobello.  Each type of mushroom has its own taste but all are easy to prepare.  They may be eaten raw, sliced in a salad, sauteed, stir-fried, put in soups, lasagnas, sauces, gravies, and even barbequed on a stake, or straight onto the grill, as with portobello mushrooms (I highly recommend this last one).

Water is essential for life, but there is always the question of how much water to drink, or even when it should, or shouldn’t be drunk.

On that note, should you drink water during meals? The answer to that question is no. Drinking water during meals will dilute the digestive juices that break down your food. As a result, many of the nutrients that a food has may not absorb into your system and you may become malnourished (in the long run). Try to drink water before the meal, but do not drink too soon after the meal so your digestive system has time to work. If you must drink water during the meal, drink only a few ounces.

Nuts (and seeds) make very good snacks and are healthier than a bag of chips. Although nutrient amounts vary, they contain fat (which the human body does need), protein, and vitamins and minerals, such as B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, iron, and magnesium. Some nuts are even high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Caution: One does have to be careful not to go overboard on nuts however. Eating too many nuts is hard on the liver and can slow its metabolism. This can cause acne breakouts, insomnia, and even nightmares.

Remember to click on the Rainforest Site, Animal Rescue Site, Hunger Site, Literacy Site, and Child Health Site tabs to the right to help out each out, it doesn’t cost you a thing

Also, just a reminder . . .

As I am not a licensed professional in natural medicine or herbology, please be aware that, although the information is well researched, I cannot be held responsible for personal outcomes. Like all types of medicine (and foods), different people react differently to certian plants (and foods). And so . . . use at your own risk.

Most headaches are tension or stress related. Others could be caused by musculoskelatal problems in the neck and upper back (massage can help in this case). Caffeine headaches are also common. If you are trying to cut down on the amount of coffee you drink, you will get headaches temporarily until your body gets used to the new routine.

Next time you’ve got a headache, take some time to relax. Remember that no matter how much work you have to do, you need to keep your sanity to do it. You don’t want to create more serious health problems by pushing yourself too far. Try catnip, chamomile, or peppermint tea. Combining catnip, peppermint, and chamomile, sweetened with honey, works as well. Passionflower also helps relieve headaches, as well as nervous tension, insomnia, and muscle spasms.

Aside from herbal teas, using lavender, chamomile, or rosemary in aromatherapy may also help relieve headaches.

Stress is quite an inconvenient feeling. You need to get a lot of things done, but you don’t want to do anything when you’re stressed. Different people react differently to stress, such as with anger, anxiety, depression, or fear. But reacting in these ways without release of the tension can result in illness. Stress can cause muscle tension, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, digestive disorders, psychological problems, and even cancer and heart disease. Stress can also cause weight gain or weight loss, depending on how you react to it.

Stress is mainly the result of emotional or psychological situations. The mind affects the body and the body the mind. If your mind is constantly worried or agitated, the body becomes tense. If the body is tense, then the mind reacts by altering hormone and chemical levels. The body then gets exhausted from adapting to the stressful situation and its day to day functioning begins to suffer. There are various ways you can deal with stress:

Physical exercise is one of the best ways, in my opinion, to relieve stress. It oxygenates body tissues and the blood, dissipates stress hormones, and relieves tension. Regular exercise helps the body relax by releasing tension buildup. I always feel a whole lot better, and less stressed, after I’ve exercised.

Deep breathing also helps oxygenate the body. It also helps still and calm the mind. Meditation and Yoga are also very helpful.

Make sure you are getting your vitamins. During stressful times, make sure you are getting enough Vitamin B complex (regulates nerves), Magnesium (muscle relaxant) and Vitamin C (supports immune system). It is important to take Vitamin C regularly and in divided doses (best after meals) because urinary excretion of the vitamin increases during times of stress.

Certain foods help stressful conditions: Fresh fruits and vegetables (uncooked), shitake mushrooms, potatoes, onions, yam, pasta, oats, whole grains, legumes (like lentils, peas, beans), fatty fish, salmon, sardines, albacore tuna, seafood, honey, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, cold pressed organic canola oil

Fruit and vegetable juices, especially carrot, are also good in times of stress.

As far as herbs go, chamomile and spearmint have relaxant properties. Chamomile or spearmint tea with honey once or twice a day when you’re stressed can help you relax. Passion flower tincture (1 dropperful a few times a day) reduces stress. Ginseng is also good to strengthen the organs of the body.

Aromatherapy is also very helpful in promoting relaxation and relieving stress. I find lavender and chamomile to be the most effective. Rose, bergamot and other citruses are also good for relieving stress.

Getting a massage once a week or two during times of stress is very helpful. Massage increases blood circulation and removes toxin buildup within the muscles. It calms the body and the mind, especially combined with aromatherapy.

Last but not least . . . just do what you have to do as fast as you can without affecting quality, stop volunteering for more hours or special projects when you know you have enough to do as it is, take a night or two during the week to go out with friends, spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, brother/sister, and turn that darn T.V. off when you know you have things to do . . . it sucks up your time and attention; put on some music instead.