Maca, the Peruvian super food

MACA, the Peruvian super-food:

• grows at altitudes of 3500 m and above,
• contains protein, fiber, 19 amino acids, 6 vitamins, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium, several glucosinolates, 20 free fatty acids, and unique compounds called macaenes and macamides,
• is very beneficial for hormone balancing, endocrine and thyroid function enhancement and even immune system enhancement.
• when consumed regularly has several benefits including greater energy, stamina, clarity of mind and spirit, the ability to handle stress and healthier sexual life.

Try this tasty Maca Strawberry Banana Smoothie:

Ingredients:

6 fresh strawberries

1 banana

1 tsp maca powder

1/4 cup milk or almond milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 small ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Frankincense: how the aromatic holiday scent is making a comeback

An article by Allison Brooks, B.S. in Biomedical Anthropology.

As the holidays creep up among us and our houses start to smell of cinnamon and sweet pumpkin pies, I bet no one had a second thought about the effect of those scents on the body and mind. Certain scents open different parts of the mind and body to produce positive effects. And if you don't think this is true...think again.

The Alphabet of Essential Oils

A rich selection of essential oils can be used in aromatherapy and many of them have similar properties. Choosing essential oils for making effective blends is a  fascinating process which requires a deep knowledge of their properties and a mood for experimentation. The resultant blend must exploit the therapeutic properties of its constituents in full, utilize their synergistic action and have a fragrance as pleasant as possible to the person being treated. 
The following alphabet of essential oils lists some basic oils which I personally use a lot because they have a vast field of application.

Pesticides suspected for Parkinson

I have read recently, in issue 305/2011 of the Journal of the American Medical Association *, that researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Sciences and the Parkinson's Institute and Clinical Center in California are associating the use of pesticide substances rotenone and paraquat with an increased risk of developing Parkinson disease. My first thought about the results of this research was that, once again, some chemical substances prove to be harmful to people. The incrimination of chemistry was in this particular situation only half true.

Spikenard

According to the orthodox Christian Holy Wednesday is dedicated to Magdalena, the sinful woman that showed repentance and washed the feet of Jesus. According to researchers the oil used by Magdalena was derived by a plant called spikenard.

Spikenard (lat. nardostachys jatamansi, greek ναρδοστάχυς) is a plant that flourishes in the Himalayas at a height of 3000-5000 meters. The essential oil of spikenard was widely used in ancient times. It was a basic constituent of Kyphi (a compound incense used in ancient Egypt for religious and medical purposes) and the Ayurvedic botanical medicines used in India. The Romans used spikenard to produce the fragrance called nardinium.

Today the use of spikenard essential oil is restricted due to its rareness and high price. It can be used as fragrance, incense, sedative and botanical medicine.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is used for a long time in the cuisine of Asia, especially Thailand and India. It gives a slightly spicy, citral flavor in tea, soups, dishes with chicken or fish, sweets, etc.

Due to its strong, pleasant smell and low cost the essential oil of lemongrass is used in the production of soap, beverages, fragrances, deodorants and numerous other products. It is also used as insect repellent and pesticide.

Lemongrass has fungicidal and microbicidal properties. In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) and in aromatherapy lemongrass essential oil is used against fever, depression, nervous problems, muscle pain, rheumatism, digestive problems, skin irritations and headache. It can be utilized through massage, foot bath, inhalations and compresses. Mixed with apple vinegar it produces a conditioner beneficial to oily hair.

Don’t you think it is worth planting lemongrass in your garden or balcony? 

Therapeutic herbs

In the mid 20’s the scientists started to discover how many vitamins, metals, amino-acids, lipids, enzymes, endophrines and neurotransmitters are required to maintain optimal function of the human brain which gives the orders for all biochemical body processes. However even today many people do not comprehend that mental and physical health depend greatly on the adequate concentration of basic natural components in our bodies.

Apart from the main nutritional groups, especially rich sources of such useful nutrients are herbs and spices.