The ancient tea that will help burn fat, reduce anxiety and reset your hormones

Holy basil, also known as tulsi, was used for medicinal purposes even 3,000 years ago.  This aromatic plant has been celebrated in Purana and highly appreciated in Ayurvedic medicine.  Although it grows in many tropical climates worldwide, it is believed that it is native to tropical Asia. Due to its potent healing properties, holy basil is now widely used as adaptogen herb and even used to promote overall health.

In an article by Dr. Axe, adaptogen  ( anti-stress) herbs, are described as follows:

“Adaptogens are a unique class of healing plants: They help balance, restore and protect the body. As naturopath Edward Wallace explains, an adaptogen doesn’t have a specific action: It helps you respond to any influence or stressor, normalizing your physiological functions.

Naturopath Marcelle Pick of Women to Women reports that adaptogenic herbs can recharge your adrenal glands, helping you to respond to stress. Adaptogens include ashwagandha, astragalus, ginseng, licorice root, holy basil, some mushrooms and rhodiola.”

Holy Basil Benefits

These days, holy basis is mostly used in the form of tulsi tea or in the supplement form.  It is used to treat acne, anxiety, blood sugar, adrenal fatigue, and hypothyroidism.

Acne

A group of researchers from Thailand teamed to study the effectiveness of holy basil essential oils against acne-causing bacteria. As testing its antimicrobial activity, they found that a 3% concentration of holy basil works best against bacteria responsible for acne.

Eugenol, the active compound of holy basil is the primary compound of the potent antimicrobial clove oil, too  Given that clove is one of the best essential oils when it comes to treating acne, it`s no wonder holy basis works wonders as well.

When using tulsi for natural acne treatment, opt for unrefined virgin coconut oil as carrier as it absorbs into the skin easily and much more efficiently compared to other oils.

Cancer

According to a review published in Nutrition and Cancer, holy basis contains potent immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against stress, pain, and fever. Therefore, people who consume holy basil on a regular basis are less susceptible to poor immunity and developing cancerous cells.

The phytochemicals contained in holy basil protect against lung, liver, oral, and skin cancer, due to their ability to boost antioxidant activity, prevent blood vessel growth, alter healthy gene expression, and induce cancer cell apoptosis.

Tulsi extract prevent radiation-induced sickness and mortality, and are known to protect normal tissues from the detrimental effects of radiation.

In brief, holy basil is an effective natural cancer treatment which not only kills cancer cells, but it protects against destructive effects of conventional cancer treatments.

Diabetes

Holy basil`s ability to keep blood glucose in check has been widely known since the mid-1900s. For example, to investigate its ability to treat and reverse diabetes, a team of researchers from Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (India) studied the effects holy basil leaves had on rats.

The group given holy basis exhibited amazing results.  The fasting glucose dropped by by 21 mm/dl, post-meal glucose dropped by 15.8 mm/dl, which represented reduction of 17.6 percent and 7.3 percent.  In addition to this, cholesterol levels were also significantly decreased.

Another study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, has proved that the extract of tulsi decreased glucose by over 36% in normal rats and up to 18% in diabetes-induced rats.

Hormones and Thyroid

Apart from managing diabetes by keeping blood sugar levels in check, a recent study published in the the journal Die Pharmazie (German for “The Pharmacy”) suggests that holy basil  is also capable of regulating serum cortisol levels.

Cortisol, commonly known as the ‘stress hormone’, affects the body in a variety of ways, wreaking havoc on weight gain, bone density, memory, learning, heart disease, and lowered immune function.

Increased cortisol levels are dangerous to the extent of being refered to as “Public Enemy #1”! Supplementing with holy basil has been found to lower cortisol levels, and thus reduce emotional stress and anxiety.

Some of the most common symptoms of high cortisol levels include puffy face, high blood pressure, acne, weight gain, excessive thirst, muscle aches and pains, mood swings, poor sleep, and increased urination.

Holy Basil Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 quart water
• 4T tulsi leaf or 2T powder
• 2T lemon grass
• 1t anise seeds
• 1/4t vanilla powder or vanilla stevia
• 1/2t dried ginger root pieces or 1t fresh
• 1T coriander seeds
• 1T coconut sugar or raw honey

Instructions:

• Infuse all the ingredients in boiling water for about 20 minutes
• Strain, then add vanilla and sweeteners
• Drink as tea

source: 

http://besthealthyguide.com/ancient-tea-will-help-burn-fat/

https://draxe.com/holy-basil-benefits/

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6 foods you had no idea were destroying your hormones and your skin

Nearly every woman has gone through the sudden transition of feeling like a fully functioning adult woman to feeling like a teenage girl in puberty. Those with imbalanced hormones are especially prone to this issue, manifested by cystic acne, struggle with their period, and a hormonal imbalance called polycystic ovary syndrome.

There is no joking with hormonal acne, as they are not the same as the occasional blemish everyone gets. Most solutions on the market, including Retin-A, antibiotics, and benzoyl peroxide often aggravate the issue.

How Hormones Affect Your Skin

Endocrine imbalance is the root cause of hormonal acne, a problem which typically affects women around mid-cycle or before their periods.  Estrogen and testosterone are at their higher point in the cycle. However, they don’t negatively affect properly functioning endocrine systems, but rather those whose hormones can`t process correctly.

These women have trouble carrying out detoxification and if they tend t make poor food and lifestyle choices, it is very likely that their elimination organs like the skin will be at risk, too.  These effects are at their highest point before their period since during this period the blood comes closer to the skin`s surface.

The Path to Better Skin

Being the largest organ responsible for elimination, the skin works in synergy with other players in the elimination like large intestine, lymphatic system, and the liver.  Once you understand the relation between these organs, you`ll start understanding why using drying ointment doesn’t do the trick.

In other words, the problem starts much deeper and what you ingest determines the outcome on your skin.  The foods you consume, the products you use, and the cleaning products you deal with have to be eliminated properly. Instead of using creams or prescription pills, prevent the issue through wise food choices.

What to Skip

1.     Dairy

Not only dairy products contain synthetic hormones, but they are also pro-inflammatory food which causes leaky gut syndrome.

2.     Gluten

Just like dairy, gluten is yet another strong pro-inflammatory food.

3.     Soy

The phytoestrogens in soy contribute to acne, especially in those who are already hormonally sensitive.  Read the labels well, since soy can appear in unexpected places like supplements.

4.     Peanuts

Even those who aren’t allergic to peanuts may experience side effects like breakouts and skin inflammation.

5.     Caffeine

Caffeine can deprive your body of magnesium, zinc, and B-vitamins, affecting skin`s immune response.

6.     Canola, sunflower, safflower, and vegetable oil

All of these cooking cools are high in omega-6 fats, which are known to cause skin inflammation.

What to Embrace

1.     Get the right nutrients

Clear Skin Juice Recipe: half a green apple, half a cup of cilantro, four leaves of romaine lettuce, half a cucumber, four frozen strawberries, and the juice of half a lemon.

2.     Replenish good bacteria

Start taking probiotics to ensure you have enough good bacteria, which are key to proper gut health and balanced hormones.

3.     Go organic with your beauty products

Avoid any products containing the following ingredients:

–         Anolamines (look for the acronyms DEA, TEA, MEA)
–         Petrolatum or petroleum jelly
–         Endocrine-disrupting phthalates (look for the acronyms DBP and DEHP)
–         Sodium lauryl sulfates and ether sulfates (look for the acronyms SLS and SLES)
–         Parabens (including methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl)


source: http://healthandwellness365.com/2016/12/25/6-foods-you-had-no-idea-were-destroying-your-hormones-and-your-skin/
http://www.drfranklipman.com/prevent-hormonal-breakouts/

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10 ancient Chinese herbs that are used to balance hormones and that actually work

Generally speaking, when we have the knowledge of what`s going on with our bodies, we are better prepared to make certain changes need to balance thing.  This rule applies to hormone imbalance as well, which is very common these days.

Signs and Symptoms that You Need Herbs for Hormone Balance:

The symptoms of hormone imbalance are wide-ranging, including menstrual irregularities like cycle length, painful periods, PMS, and time between cycles; spotting after the cycle, headaches; digestive imbalances; sleep irregularities; depression; weight gain; and temperature fluctuation.

Top Household Herbs for Hormone Balance:

The herbs below are some of the best when it comes to hormone balance. They are tasty and can be easily incorporated in your daily diet.

1.     Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi)

·       It is packed with antioxidants
·       It nourishes the blood and yin
·       It is beneficial for blurred vision and dry eyes, ridged or brittle nail, headaches after a cycle, and hang nails
·       Can be made as tea, added to oatmeal, or anything else in which you typically use cranberries or raisins
·        Easily accessible and found in most grocery stores and health food stores

2.     Dang Gui

·       It nourishes blood and is great for blood or yin deficient
·       It is a natural phytoestrogen which regulates cycles, builds blood, and helps with hormone imbalanc
·       It is added to soaps or stocks like chicken soups. It can be also made as tea and consumed during the day with blood builders like goji berries

3.     Astragalus Root (Huang qi)

·        It is great for blood deficiency and can help build yang energy, as long as used properly and as long as possible
·        It boosts energy levels and strengthens the immune system
·        It can be found in Chinese Herbal store or in health food store
·        It can be added to soups or made into a tea and sipped daily

4.     Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou)

·        It works wonders for insomnia, palpitations from exhaustion, and anxiety
·        It nourishes the blood and calms the mind at the same time
·        It can be found online or in Chinese Herbal store
·        This tasty fruit can be added to oatmeal or desserts in which you typically use cranberries or made into tea and consumed daily

5.     Chinese Wild Yam  (Shan Yao)

·        It is good for both Yang and Qi deficiency
·        It improves digestion, strengthens the kidney system, and acts as powerful hormone balancer
·        It is delicious and highly versatile! It can be made into tea, added to chicken soup, or ued in blends
·        You can buy it fresh at the grocery store or get a dried version online

6.     American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen)

·        It is much milder than Chinese ginseng
·        It nourishes yang and yin energies, boosting immunity and improving Qi
·        It maintains hormone balance by supporting the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
·        It improves sex drive and performance
·        It is an adaptogen which helps the body deal with stress better
·        Boosts the digestive system and improves the absorption and use of nutrients from food
·        Can be made into tea and sipped during the day or added to soups and stews
·        Avoid it late at night as it may affect your sleep pattern

7.     White Peony Root (Bai shao)

·        It regulates menses, nourish Yin, calms the liver Yang, and builds the blood
·        It can help with headaches associated with periods, improve dull complexion and brittle nails, help with PMS,  and  treat irritability
·        It can be found in Chinese Herbal markets
·        Can be made into tea or added to broth and base for soups

8.     Lotus Seed (Lian Zi)

·        Regulates the hormones and builds blood due to its ability to strengthen the digestive system
·        Supports the reproductive system in both women and men, by treating bleeding and discharge in women and treating premature ejaculation in men
·        Can help with insomnia, anxiety, and irritability
·        It can be combined with rice and vegetable dishes or added to baking or snacks
·        Don’t use the lotus seed in case you have constipation, bloating, or dry stool

9.     Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma)

·        It is beneficial for the liver and the kidney system
·        It is known to darken hair and treat dryness of hair, skin, eyes, and bowels
·        Easily accessible and typically found in grocery stores
·        Can be added to sautéed vegetables and cereals

10.  Chinese Red Dates (Da Zao)

·        These nourish the blood and build the Qi
·        Eating one or two of these dates helps promote energy
·        It can be found in well-stocked food stores and in an Asian market
·        It can be made into tea with rose, goji berries,and chrysanthemum,
·        It can be also added to soups, broths, and smoothies


source: http://besthealthyguide.com/10-ancient-chinese-herbs/

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3 Food Tips to Bring Your Hormones Back to Balance

The prevalence of hormonal imbalances is constantly on the rise, affecting more and more women who are not even aware of it.  They are faced with different health issues, such as and lack of energy, problems concentrating, sleepless nights, acne, cramps, PMS, and eating junk food.

Common Signs of Hormone Imbalance

• Sleep disorders
• Persistent acne
• Memory fog, hindered learning ability and memory
• Constant hunger
• Digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome. bloating, and constipation
• Constant fatigue
• Mood swings and depression
• Weight gain
• Headaches and migraines
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Breast changes
• Vaginal dryness

Contrary to popular belief, not all women are “hormonal” and not all types of bloating, cramps, or fatigue are normal.  Whatever the cause of these issues, these symptoms are definitely not normal.  They seek attention and need to be dealt with properly and on time.

Unfortunately, most people take these signs for granted and instead of looking for the underlying cause, they turn to caffeine, sleeping pills, midol, or birth control pills to get temporal results.

Stop Masking the Problem and Eliminate It from the Core

Restoring hormonal balance doesn’t happen at once, but is rather a day-by-day journey which requires persistence, strong will, and determination.

This article gives three tips on how to begin this hormonal journey and achieve hormonal balance in an all natural way.

1. Watch Your Nuts And Seeds Consumption

Seeds and nuts often contain detrimental omega-6s in their content, which makes you more susceptible to certain diseases.  They also tend to mimic high-estrogen levels, causing acne, cramps, and fatigue. To stay on the safe side and keep your hormones in check, opt for healthier varieties like hazelnuts and hemp seeds.

2. Avoid Soy

Soy is actually more detrimental than beneficial, particularly for women.  Soy is genetically modified and tends to mimic high estrogen balance, disrupting the balance of your hormones.  It also contains phytates, compounds which interfere with the absorption of minerals in the body.

3. Magnesium Supplement

Magnesium deficiency is extremely common these days, due to the modern lifestyle which includes excess sweating, alcohol intake, and consumption of phytates-rich foods.  Lack of magnesium is associated with headaches, dizziness, fluid retention, bloating, low blood sugar, and sugar cravings.

Additional Tips

• Balance leptin by avoiding foods like high fructose corn syrup and simple carbs
• Exercise wisely (combine light cardio with short sets of heavy lifting)
• Get enough sleep
• Cut out caffetine
• Get enough vitamin D
• Boost your coconut oil intake

source: https://www.healthandlovepage.com

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