herbalkerbal

 

  These are the comforting, nostalgic foods that evoke warm memories of childhood: Quality Street chocolates, Angel Delight desserts, Horlicks night-time drinks, and Knorr stock cubes. As brands, they persist. They may not be as avant-garde as their contemporary counterparts on supermarket shelves, nor are they particularly healthy. Indeed, some of the beloved comfort foods from our youth harbour ingredients that contribute significantly to health risks. The primary offender is often hidden in the small print of ingredient labels: hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO). While it may sound innocuous, it ranks among the most hazardous substances incorporated into our diet. Though food safety alarms are not new, HVO poses an unprecedented health risk. Recent scientific studies indicate its potential role in causing a substantial number of heart attacks, the exact magnitude of which remains uncertain. Clinical research reveals that consuming merely two grams of HVO daily—the amount found in ...

 Discover twenty five wild food plants you can forage and harvest in January. Availability should only be seen as a rough guide. Variations in climate and location will make a difference to what’s available. Birch – Betula pendula Twigs: Tea. Bittercress – Cardamine spp. Leaf: Raw, cooked. Burdock – Arctium spp. Root: Raw, cooked. Cleavers – Galium aparine Shoots: Raw, cooked. Creeping thistle – Cirsium arvense Root: Cooked. Daisy – Bellis perennis Rosette: Cooked. Dandelion – Taraxacum officinale agg. Leaf: Raw, cooked. Fennel – Foeniculum vulgare Root: Raw, cooked. Ground elder – Aegopodium podagraria Leaf: Raw, cooked. Hogweed – Heracleum sphondylium Root: Cooked. Horseradish – Armoracia rusticana Root: Raw, cooked. Lesser celandine – Ficaria verna Leaf: Cooked. Mahonia – Mahonia aquifolium Flowers: Raw. Meadowsweet – Filipendula ulmaria Root: Cooked. Navelwort – Umbilicus rupestris Leaf: Raw, cooked. Nipplewort – Lapsana communis Leaf: Raw, cooked. Orpine – Sedum telephium Root...

 A Nutrient-Rich and Satisfying Soup This soup is rich in essential nutrients and offers numerous health benefits through its diverse ingredients, including: Ginger: Contains antibacterial properties, antioxidants, and aids in digestion. Tomato: A significant source of the antioxidant lycopene, as well as Vitamin C, potassium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K. Mushrooms: Provide Vitamin D and B Vitamins. Silken Tofu: An excellent source of protein. Dried Seaweed: Offers antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and is a good source of iodine. Spinach: Supplies Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, folate, and potassium. Additionally, it is high in fiber. Beyond its nutritional value, this soup is flavorful, satisfying, and filling. To enhance it into a complete meal, consider adding cooked soba (buckwheat noodles) or leftover brown rice. Proceed to the recipe. Detox Soup Recipe Instructions Heat the Pot: Begin by heating a soup pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, followed by ginger. Co...

 

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a valuable herb known for its ability to support the immune system, regulate circulation, and aid in wound healing. As temperatures drop and seasonal transitions begin, yarrow’s astringent and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for colds, fevers, and digestive support. It can be used in teas, tinctures, or infused oils.  Energetically, yarrow is considered a boundary-setting plant, helping to fortify both physical and emotional resilience which may also be useful during this time of year. A mil-folhas (Achillea millefolium) é uma erva valiosa conhecida pela sua capacidade de apoiar o sistema imunitário, regular a circulação e ajudar na cicatrização de feridas. À medida que as temperaturas baixam e as transições sazonais começam, as propriedades adstringentes e anti-inflamatórias da mil-folhas tornam-na útil para constipações, febres e apoio digestivo. Pode ser usada em chás, tinturas ou óleos infundidos.  Energeticamente, a mil-folhas ...

 

  Inflammation explained  Inflammation is the body’s natural defense system. Acute inflammation is the body’s immediate response to injuries like a cut or burn. The immune system releases chemicals to increase blood flow and immune cells (cells that clear out harmful particles) to the damaged area. This process usually stops after a few days, once healing is complete. Chronic inflammation occurs when this response is ‘on’ for long periods of time, leading to the ongoing release of inflammatory cells that damage healthy cells. It can result from persistent infections, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, or lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity. Chronic inflammation can contribute to chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A inflamação explicada  A inflamação é o sistema de defesa natural do corpo. A inflamação aguda é a resposta imediata do organismo a lesões como um corte ou uma queimadura. O sistema imunitário liber...

  What's the link between inflammation and cancer? Prolonged inflammation can damage your body's healthy cells and increase your cancer risk. But you can take steps to reduce inflammation by making these healthy lifestyle choices. Qual é a relação entre inflamação e cancro? A inflamação prolongada pode danificar as células saudáveis do seu corpo e aumentar o risco de cancro. Mas pode tomar medidas para reduzir a inflamação fazendo estas escolhas de estilo de vida saudável. What does inflammation have to do with cancer? “Prolonged inflammation can damage your body’s healthy cells and tissue, and weaken your immune system,” says Karla Crawford, a senior clinical dietitian in MD Anderson’s Integrative Medicine Center. This weakened state can increase your risk of diseases like cancer.  However, not all inflammation is bad. Your body’s inflammatory response is essential for you to heal. This response tells your body’s immune system to send white blood cells and chemicals to help f...