Benefits and uses of parsley - The worlds most used herb

History:

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) got a bit of a bad reputation in the beginning with both Greeks and Romans associating this herb with death, their fear of this herb was to such an extent that they were once beaten on the battlefield by a clever Celtic tactic of attaching parsley to the battle horses. The story goes that the Greeks fled the battlefield and the Celtic kingdom was spared an invasion. However the fears of this amazing herb were short lived as over time more and more of parsleys medicinal properties became apparent.

Nowadays parsley has become the worlds most consumed herb used in thousands of dishes and regarded highly for both its taste and array of nutritional benefits.

Benefits of parsley:

• Stronger immune system – The high levels of vitamin B12 and C found in parsley as well as betecarotene help to strengthen our immune system and protect us from unwanted invaders such as colds and flu.

• Anti inflammatory properties – It Is thought that regularly eating parsley is beneficial to people suffering from inflammatory illnesses such as arthritis, this is due to a substance known as luteolion that works in our bodies to remove swelling of the joints.

• Full of powerful antioxidants – Antioxidants help to protect our bodies from the harmful effects of free radicals and parsley is full of them. This not only helps to remove toxins from the body, but also helps to protect our eyesight and offers cellular energy.

• Cancer fighting properties - A number of recent studies have been showing that parsley contains essential oils that could be beneficial for people suffering from certain forms of cancer.

• Strong bones – The high levels of vitamin K found in parsley help to make our bones stronger as well as avoiding excess builds of of calcium that can often lead to strokes.

• Cardiovascular health - Both potassium and vitamin B found in parsley are used by our heart to control blood pressure and heart rate. Eating raw parsley can help to purify our blood and improve the health of our veins and blood vessels.

Parsley benefits. Medicinal properties of Parsley plant

 

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If you have any questions or know of any use's we have missed out, please drop us a comment below.

The top 3 natural wart remedies

Warts like cold sores are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) they are extremely common across the globe and in most cases easily treated with conventional medicine, but what if you don’t like the idea of burning of your wart using harsh abrasive chemicals? In fact, there are a wide range of natural remedies that have traditionally been used to treat warts some of which proving to be highly effective.

Apple Cider Vinegar:  

It seems there are very few problems in life that can’t be solved with a bottle of high quality raw ACV. Perhaps the most famous of all natural wart treatments, apple cider vinegar is a powerful acidic liquid that can break down the walls of the wart.

What will I need to treat my wart using ACV?

• Cotton buds
• Surgical tape
• High quality raw ACV

Step 1: The first thing you need to do is soak a cotton bud in your raw apple cider vinegar, make sure to squeeze out any excess vinegar after it’s been soaked.

Step 2: Apply the cotton bud to the wart and attach using surgical tape, make sure to secure tightly as we need to keep the bond between the cotton pad and the wart at all times.

Step 3: Repeat steps 1 & 2 each day for 1 – 2 weeks, you will notice at first your wart will turn black (this is normal do not worry) After around a week  the structure of the wart to break down until it completely drops off. A small hole will be left where the wart once was, this is fine and will heal by its self once exposed to air for a few days.

Be sure to only use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar as some types of vinegar can burn the skin and leave lasting damage.

Vitamin C for warts

Not only can Vitamin C destroy your wart, but it’s thought this mighty vitamin can even help to remove the virus that caused it in the first place.

What will I need to treat my wart with Vitamin C

• A packet of vitamin C tablets
• A pestle and mortar or pill crushing device of some description
• Fresh lemon juice
• Surgical tape

Step 1: Take one of your vitamin C tablets and add it to your mortar, crush the tablet until it forms a fine powder.

Step 2: Next we want to make the power into a paste, this is done by adding a little lemon juice.

Step 3: Now we need to apply the paste to the wart, try to avoid getting this on to healthy areas of skin. Once the wart is covered use surgical tape to keep mixture in place.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1 – 3 everyday for 1 – 2 weeks, in a similar manor to apple cider vinegar over the first week you will see the wart darken and slowly break down. If your wart hasn’t gone after two weeks we advise looking into other options.

Tip:  To avoid having to crush vitamin C pills which can be both time consuming and tricky it’ possible to buy high quality vitamin C in powdered form.

Manuka honey

Native to New Zealand, Manuka honey is the most powerful antiviral honey known to man, unlike many other forms of honey Manuka is extremely stable meaning it can cope well with fluctuations in temperature without loosing any of its healing benefits.

What will I need to treat my wart with Manuka honey?

• Raw Manuka honey
• Bandage
• Surgical tape

Step 1: Cover the whole wart in honey; it does not matter if honey gets on to your healthy skin.

Step 2: Use a bandage to cover the honey and keep it in place. Be sure to make sure this is attached well as we want to make an air tight bond between the wart and Manuka honey.

Step 3: Repeat steps 1 & 2 every day for around a week

That’s it you are now ready to tackle even the most challenging of warts with ease, If you have found these remedies useful or have any questions please drop us a comment below.  

Top 5 health benefits of rocket (Arugula)

With a distinct leaf similar in shape to that of the oak tree Arugula (Eruca sativa.) often referred to as rocket is a nutritional powerhouse. This mineral rich salad plant has a peppery flavour and is used as a main component or garnish in many culinary dishes both modern and old.

• Supply dietary minerals - Rocket can offer our body’s a wide range of essential minerals including iron and copper, this can be useful for people suffering from anemic conditions.

• Natural aphrodisiac – First used for this purpose by the Romans rocket leaf had a long history of use as an aphrodisiac often combined with other aromatic herbs to make ‘love potions’ Those who regularly eat rocket are said to be more sexually energized.

• Reduce ulcers - In a recent study carried out in Saudi Arabia rocket was found to offer as a safe natural alternative to regular pharmaceutical options.

• Detox our blood - Rocket contains high levels of a compound known as chlorophyll, sometimes referred to as ‘liquid sunshine’ chlorophyll helps our bodies by detoxifying cells and increasing oxygen levels.

• Hydrating effects – Up to 90 percent of rocket is made up of water, and not just any old water the moisture found in the leaves of the rocket plant contains a wide array of vitamins including  A and C.

Growing at home:

Rocket lives up to its name, after planting it was only around 2 – 3 weeks until I was eating my first salad. It really does shoot up. Simply add some seeds to a container of your chosen compost and cover with around 1cm of soil. Next, add some water and leave your pot on a sunny window sill. You should see the first signs of growth in just a couple of days. Be warned rocket is 90% water and if left to become dry will wilt and die very quickly, to avoid this, make sure you water the plants at least once a day. 

Ideas on how to use rocket can be found here at our Pinterest account:

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6 Health benefits & uses of Dill

History of dill:

Native to the Mediterranean and southern Europe dill has a rich history of documented use dating back at least 5000 years where it was used by both Egyptians and ancient Greeks for its powerful healing properties and as a symbol of wealth. Romans often used roasted dill seeds on wounds to promote healing.

Dill was also popular with Celtic populations that would hang the herb in their home during times of superstition to warn of bad spirits.

How can dill help me?

• Dill contains powerful antioxidants – Dill is packed full of antioxidant compounds that help to protect our bodies from the oxidizing effects of free radicals

• Strengthen bones – You may have heard that drinking milk is good for your bones as it contains calcium, well dill also contains calcium and not just small amounts. One severing of dill can offer our bodies as much calcium as drinking a whole glass of milk.

• Digestive enzymes – Dill helps our bodies to increase production of digestive enzymes that have a relaxing effect on our intestinal system. This can be particularly beneficial for babies suffering from colic.

• Headache relief - This is one of the oldest traditional used of dill, simply infuse dill with hot water, making a tea that calms and relaxes the body.

• Stop insomnia – Since ancient times, dill has been used to promote a good nights sleep, many cultures chew dill seeds before bed, this is also thought to stimulate melatonin production.

• Stop the hiccups – The hiccups have got to be one of the most annoying things we regularly encounter, but dill can help! Simply  add dill to some hot water and breath the warm steam, drinking the water from pickled dill is also known to help with hiccups

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6 Health benefits & uses of sage

History of sage:

You may well have a pack of dried sage in your cupboard, but this fragrant herb is far from a new addition to our kitchens. Sage (Salvia Officinalis) has a long history of cultivated use dating back to Egyptian times where it was used as a fertility aid. The Greek physician Dioscorides was known to have written about the benefits of sage in the first century C.E. Reporting that sage helps to stop bleeding of wounds and ease internal pains if drank in a tea. Sage is known to contain a substance called thujone that can be poisonous if enough is consumed for this reason we recommend talking to a qualified naturopath before adding sage to your diet.

• Sage helps people with diabetes – Sage tea has many amazing uses, one of our favourite here at Eden Nuganics is the ability to boost insulin activity in diabetics. For best results always use fresh sage, around two tablespoons should be enough for your team, simply add it to 18 ounces of hot water and leave to brew for 5 – 10 minutes.

• Treatment of gum disease - Sage is found as an active ingredient in many natural mouthwash products, this is due to powerful tannins known to treat gingivitis that can be found in the leaves.

• Stop excessive perspiration – Sage contains compounds known as phytosterols, these are known to have a cooling effect on the body with some official studies showing up to a 50% reduction in perspiration.

• Antibacterial properties – Sage is not only wonderful at treating infection of the mouth and throat, but can even help to reduce temperature in people suffering from fever.

• Postpartum aid – Sage is a useful tool for women after pregnancy, it can help the beasts to stop milk production. To use sage for this reason take ¼ of a teaspoon three times a day. I recommend mixing the sage with vegetable juice, making it easier to consume.

• Sore throat and coughs – Sage has been used to treat sore throats since its first documented use and with good reason, its powerful antibacterial action wastes no time clearing your throat of unwanted guests. Try adding some sage to apple cider vinegar next time you get a cold and see for yourself.

 ‘SAGE is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-hydrotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, aromatic, astringent, carminative, emmenagogue, oestrogenic, relaxant, spasmolytic, vermifuge.’

Cautions:

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. 

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Top 5 health benefits of bananas

Bananas are one of those fruits I eat everyday, and when I say everyday, I really can't remember that last time I left home for work without one. Not only are they a great mid morning snack, but bananas can offer our bodies a wide range of amazing natural benefits.

Belonging to the genus Musa Bananas are native to Indonesia and Malaysia but had spread across most of the globe by the early 14 hundreds. Now days, bananas are one of the most popular fruits worldwide and with good reason, these carb filled fruits offer us a wide range of nutritional benefits.

Top uses of bananas:

• Fight depression: We all get a little down from time to time, it’s to be expected, but next time you're      feeling down in the dumps reach for a banana. Bananas contain vitamins B6 an essential vitamin used by our bodies in the production of serotonin. Bananas also contain high levels of serotonin in the fruit its self, but this is not thought to be able to pass the blood brain barrier.

• Bananas help with digestion: The high fiber content of bananas helps to keep things regular and their powerful prebiotic action stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the intestinal track. Bananas are also good for people suffering from an upset stomach as the restore lost electrolytes.

• Mental alertness: Ever find yourself having a hard time concentrating? Or maybe you get the mid afternoon dip where you struggle to stay awake? Either way bananas can help. The high potassium content of bananas makes them great stimulants by increasing our body’s ability to deliver oxygen to the brain.

• Great for pregnant women: Bananas have long been used by pregnant women as a way of combating morning sickness, in addition they are known to help regulate body temperature and are used by many native cultures for this reason.

• Soothes bug bites: I thought this one sounded kinda crazy at first, but trust me it works! You know those nasty bug bites that just won’t stop itching? Well, simply rub the inside of a banana peal across effected area and allow it to work for around 5 minutes, this will not only stop the nasty itching but reduce swelling and redness as well.

Best ways to include bananas in your diet?

For me this isn’t hard at all, I love bananas and regularly east up to 5 a day, but for some people that simply isn’t an option, whether it’s the texture or the taste that puts you off there are still ways to include bananas in your diet that offer all the benefits and taste great.

Smoothies are all the rage currently with new bars opening up in high streets around the country offering high quality yet over priced drinks, however this may not be the best option for you. I would strongly advise buying a decent blender for your kitchen, not a day goes by that mine isn’t in action. To make a great tasting banana smoothie all you need is a small bunch of bananas around a glass of milk and I love to add a handful of frozen berries these not only add amazing taste but help to cool down the mixture making it perfect for a hot summer’s day.

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The top 4 all natural cleaning products and how to use them.

Vinegar – Vinegar comes in many forms and has long been used both in medicine and as a powerful cleaning agent, the most common type of vinegar used for cleaning is white vinegar but each type offers us a unique range of benefits.

• Cloudy glasses: I’m sure we have all had this at some point, as hard as you try your kitchen glassware becomes cloudy over time. Simply adding white vinegar to your dishwasher or skin will have your glasses sparkling again in no time.

·         Residue left from stickers: Kids love to go wild with a pack of stickers, but when the time rolls round for some redecorating they can be a nightmare to remove, well that’s unless you have some vinegar to hand.

·         Spills of the carpet: White vinegar can be great at removing stubborn stains from even the deepest pile carpets. Make a 50x50 solution of vinegar to water and add this to a spray bottle

·         Cleaning windows: Vinegar is a top product for streak free, shiny, clean windows. Make a 1 - 1 vinegar to water mixture and spray onto the glass after 2 minutes, wipe clean with a cloth or using a newspaper.

Baking soda – Also known as bicarbonate of soda, baking soda is an extremely versatile household cleaner that can be used on its own or in combination with other products, often with outstanding results. 

Best uses for baking soda include:

• Safely clean children’s toys: Use four heaped tablespoons in one glass of warm water and wipe over the toy’s using a clean sponge.

• Freshen up your laundry: Simply add half a cup full of baking soda to the rinse cycle on your washing machine for amazing soft fluffy towels and bed linen.

• Clean your silver: Baking soda is a great way to bring shine back to old or neglected silverware, to do this you need to turn the baking soda into a paste the best formula for this is 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water mix well before use.

• Freshen Sponges – There is nothing worse than old smelly sponges, but fear not, baking soda is here to help. Simply soak the sponges in a bowl of warm water with 4 tablespoons of baking soda, after just one hour they will come out clean and smelling fresh with no foul odors.

Lemon juice – Lemons really are one of the most versatile citrus fruits, and a must have for any health conscious consumer. But a little known fact about lemons is that their juice can be used as a high quality household cleaner capable of removing tough grease and grime.  Lemon is one of the best natural cleaning agents due to its powerful antibacterial properties and natural acids.

Best uses for lemon juice include:

• Countertops: Lemons work great when cleaning kitchen surfaces, to do this simply cut a lemon in half and wipe over said area for added effect the lemon can be dipped in baking soda before use.

• Chopping boards: By rubbing lemon juice into a wooden chopping board and allowing it to sit for around 20 minutes you will be able to remove even the toughest marks and stains. Not only this, but it will remove bad smells that linger in the wood.

• Copper bottom pots: This is an age old technique for brightening up used cooking pots, simply add the juice of half a lemon to your pot and leave it to soak over night the next day after a little scrub the copper should be shining bright and looking almost new.

•  Cleaning the microwave: Simply squeeze a lemon into a microwave proof bowl (you can add the lemon as well.) Add the bowl to your microwave and set power to full for 3 minutes, the vapor released from the lemon water will loosen all food and grime from your machine, making it easy to wipe clean with a cloth.

Hydrogen peroxide - When looking for powerful natural home cleaner’s hydrogen peroxide has got to be top of the list, simply water with an extra oxygen atom, this is packs a serious oxidative punch. Be careful not to get the 35% on your skin as it will cause burning.

 

• Whiten grout in your bathroom: If your bathroom grout has seen better days simply add hydrogen peroxide to a spray bottle and cover the chosen area, you will need to allow for around 20 minutes giving the peroxide time to get to work on the grime.

• Cleaning pots and pans: If you’re struggling to remove burnt on food from your pots or pans hydrogen peroxide could be just what you're looking for. Once in contact with food or dirt its powerful oxidative action goes to work loosening up stuck on food and grime.

• Clean your toilet bowl: Want to have your toilet looking like its new? Simply add some 35% peroxide to the toilet before bed, in the morning after just one flush you will be amazed at the difference.

• Remove stains from clothing: Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a pre wash treatment for tricky marks and stains, simply soak the problem area in 3% peroxide for a couple of minutes before putting on a regular wash.

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Top 10 health benefits of lemon water

Lemons are the fruit of a species of small citrus tree native to South East Asia, famed for their intense flavour and health benefits the use of lemons has spread around the world where they are now consumed in huge quantities across every continent. But lemon's don’t just go well your favourite alcoholic beverage.

Lemon water is a highly alkalizing drink that can kick start your metabolism and offers our bodies a wide range of benefits:

• Lemons help to cleanse the liver – Had a heavy weekend and thinking a detox is in order? Well, According to a study published in 2014 in "Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology," a compound found in lemons called naringenin calms liver inflammation, not only this but you can gain up to 55% of your daily intake of vitamin c from just one lemon.

• Great source of potassium – lemons come loaded full of potassium, making them great for people suffering from cardiovascular conditions, potassium is also used by our brain and nervous system, making it essential to keep our bodies with a good supply of potassium rich foods and drinks.

• Reduces mucus – The acidic properties of lemon juice help to break up mucus in the throat, you can even add lemon juice to a blow of warm steaming water to add to its decongestant effect.

• Aid with arthritis – A lot of people are falsely under the impression lemon juice is acidic once consumed, but in fact lemon juice is highly alkalizing for our bodies and can help to destroy build up of uric acid that form in our joints.

• Speed recovery times – Lemons are packed full of antioxidants that help to clean our blood of free radicals ‘molecules that come as a result of environmental toxins and activities including alcohol consumption and smoking.’

• Immune system booster – Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, however our bodies lack the ability to store vitamin C meaning a steady supply through our diet is required.

• Freshens your skin – Drinking lemon juice has been shown to reduce bags under the eyes and help hydrate our skin, not only this, but lemon juice can be used directly on the skin as a great natural toner.

• Ease suffering from UTI’s – Lemon juice has diuretic properties, meaning it helps the bladder to expel more urine helping to remove bacteria from the bladder.

• Relieve constipation – Lemon juice helps to trigger digestive enzymes within our bodies, by mixing this with water, it is possible to loosen the stool and regain regular movement.

• Hydration – The most essential thing for human health, lemons make water taste great and water makes us healthy, combing these two things will improve your life in a matter of days and won't pull on your purse strings.

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients: 

Lemon (Citrus Limon), fresh, without peel
Nutritional Value per 100 g

	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	29 Kcal	1.5%
Carbohydrates	9.32 g	7%
Protein	1.10 g	2%
Total Fat	0.30 g	1%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	2.80 g	7%
Vitamins
Folates	11 µg	3%
Niacin	0.100 mg	1%
Pantothenic acid	0.190 mg	4%
Pyridoxine	0.080 mg	6%
Riboflavin	0.020 mg	1.5%
Thiamin	0.040 mg	3.5%
Vitamin C	53 mg	88%
Vitamin A	22 IU	1%
Vitamin E	0.15 mg	1%
Vitamin K	0 µg	0%
Electrolytes
Sodium	2 mg	0%
Potassium	138 mg	3%
Minerals
Calcium	26 mg	3%
Copper	37 µg	4%
Iron	0.60 mg	7.5%
Magnesium	8 mg	2%
Manganese	0.030 mg	1%
Zinc	0.06 mg	0.5%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-߸	3 µg	–
Carotene-a	1 µg	–
Crypto-xanthin-ß	20 µg	–
Lutein-zeaxanthin	11 µg	–

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Spice cheat sheet: Your one stop spice resource

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Bay Leaves: The Healthy Leaf from the Past?

Bay Leaves are an ancient spice, most famous for their usage in ancient Greece. It’s now a staple in European cuisine, as well as growing in popularity around the world. They can be used in cooking most soups, stews, sauces, vegetable and meat dishes. One or two leaves plus a slow cooking method is enough to infuse a score of new taste. The leaves are most often used whole and removed before eating, so making them very simple to add to recipes.

Nowadays, more parts of the world have also begun to cultivate their own Bay Leaves. India and Pakistan have their own Bay Leaves. Indonesia, California and Mexico do too. So what is it about this herb that has everyone wanting a piece of it?

Health benefits of Bay Leaves

They improve glucose and lipid profiles of Type 2 Diabetics. A study found that merely consuming 1-3 grams per day of bay leaves led to a decrease in risk factors for diabetes and health diseases for type II diabetics. To get the maximum results, these leaves have to be consumed as a powder. This is because the compounds in bay leaf enable the body to process insulin more efficiently. Source:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2613499/

Antiseptic, and anti-cancer: Bay leaves are loaded with many active components. Among these, the most well researched include α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, α-terpineol, geranyl acetate, eugenol, and chavicol. These naturally occurring compounds have been extensively studied and known to have been antiseptic, anti-oxidant, digestive, and thought to have anti-cancer properties. Source: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/bay-leaf.html

Aromatherapy: Due to their smell, Bay Leaves are also great for use in Aromatherapy. Research by the US Government found that the use of this particular tradition in some cultures led to better stress relief. They found that it helped to alleviate headaches, migraines and also ease the pain during a flu and common cold. The reasoning is that it smells of various popular herbs: Eucalyptus, Pine and even grass. However, some people also complained that they stress returned after therapy overdoses. Source:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1062165/

Anti-inflammatory, and immune system boosting: Indian Ayurvedic literature covers Bay Leaves as a remedy for many ailments. These were researched scientifically, and many claims were found to have some substance to them. These include the antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-cancer properties mentioned earlier. They also found that it had immune system boosting properties and acted as a good anti-inflammatory substance. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24236996

Bay Leaves Cooking Tips

Of course, we know that Bay Leaves are hugely popular for their flavour alone. Here’s how you can use them.

Bay Leaves impart a warm herbal and wine flavour to food. The original Bay Laurel, grown in Turkey, has a soft flavour profile that benefits greatly from slow cooking. It’s often the crux to cooking warm, layered flavours such as those found in soups. Add whole leaves to liquids and let them release their flavour in the long, slow cooking processes.

You can also steam with bay leaves. When steaming fish or vegetables, put a few Bay Leaves in the steamer with the food. You’ll find that a subtle taste and the intoxicating aroma of the Bay Leaves has been fused into the food.

Use Bay Leaves in pickling. Add a few leaves to whatever you’re pickling overnight to discover a new part to this ancient herb.

Infuse with desserts! This one is almost always overlooked, but it’s one way to turn an ordinary custard into an exotic dessert. Infuse the bay leaves with milk-based desserts, and carry on cooking as normal.

Remove before eating: Bay Leaves are very tough, and not intended to eat directly. Always remember to remove the leaves before serving food to avoid choking or general discomfort. Bay Leaf powder can be eaten, but be aware of buying bay leaves directly as powder: it’s often mixed with flavourless part such as stems. Not to mention, with powder you have no idea of the quality. Always buy whole!

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