Article by: Rodale Wellness – Dr Axe
Essential oils have been called nature’s medicine cabinet, and with good reason. When extracted from the originating plant and distilled to separate the plant’s oil from its water-based compound, the resulting oil is a highly aromatic, highly concentrated product that can be used to treat—quite effectively—any number of ailments. And for more than 5,000 years, these concentrated plant oils have been used to treat and heal countless and conditions.
While not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, these oils have been the subject of various studies that have determined there is, in fact, a benefit to using essential oils for various therapeutic purposes. And having garnered a more mainstream following since the latter part of the 20th century, essential oils have undoubtedly earned a respectable reputation for their medicinal uses and are now a welcome alternative to standard over-the-counter (OTC) and/or prescription medicines.
Fresh Chopped Salsa
Fresh SalsaLHere is a super simple Garden Fresh Salsa Recipe that we have been making this summer:
Stir and eat with your favorite corn chips.
Healthy Info:
Cilantro: Is helpful for cleansing and detoxifying. Can also Assist with digestion.
Lime: Supports healthy immune function and antioxidant support. Can positively affects mood with stimulating and refreshing properties.
Have you ever tasted cardamom? Do you even know?
Read: the Complete Article by Dr Axe
Maybe you’re you now thinking, what is cardamom? Often referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” cardamom or elaichi is one of the most common spices seen in an Indian household, but it’s loved and used all around the world.
The seeds have a warm, highly aromatic flavor that add a unique, sweet, floral flavor to any food or drink. This spice is also widely used as a digestive aid and natural breath freshener! “Cardamom fresh” not “minty fresh” breath is a result of the common chewing of the pods by men and women in India.
There are three types of cardamom: green, black and Madagascar. Most recipes usually call for green cardamom. Overall, it’s more expensive than average spices, but don’t worry because a little goes a very long way.
Cardamom is rich in powerful phytonutrients and is especially high in manganese, a trace mineral that helps the body form connective tissue, bones and sex hormones. It’s also crucial for normal nerve and brain function and plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism, fat metabolism, calcium absorption and blood sugar regulation. Just one tablespoon of cardamom supplies 80 percent of your body’s daily manganese requirements! It truly is an amazing medicinal spice that even shows promise for the natural treatment of cancer and diabetes. I bet you’ll be surprised just how medicinal this spice can be!
7 Cardamom Benefits
Cardamom can naturally help many common as well as serious health concerns, including:
1. Bad Breath
Cardamom is a very effective remedy against a common problem known as halitosis or bad breath. Simply chewing on the seeds can help to eliminate any bad odors coming from your mouth. Some chewing gums even include it as an ingredient for this very reason.
Recently, in a study conducted by the Department of Microbiology at Kurukshetra University in India done to explore the antimicrobial effects of cardamom extracts on oral bacteria, it was found that the extracts are effective against oral pathogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. (1) Additionally, the major active component of cardamom oil, cineole, is a potent antiseptic known for killing the bacteria causing bad breath and other infections. So if you’re looking how to get rid of bad breath, look no further.
2. Cavities
Not only can cardamom kill the bacteria that causes bad breath, but it might also help prevent cavity development on your teeth or even reserve cavities and tooth decay. It has all the cleansing benefits of a chewing gum but without any of the negatives (like stickiness).
Not only can it kill bacteria in your mouth, but with its somewhat sharp yet pleasant flavor the chewing of cardamom can also encourage a cleansing saliva flow while the fibrous outer coating of the pod can provide a mechanical cleaning of your teeth.
3. Cancer
Cardamom even shows promise when it comes to cancer, exhibiting potential as a natural cancer treatment. Animal studies have shown that it can be used as a chemopreventive agent or something that’s used to inhibit, delay or reverse cancer formation.
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food showed that cardamom had a positive effect on skin health in animals. Researchers found that there was a significant reduction in the occurrence and number of tumors with oral administration of cardamom powder. The study concludes that cardamom has potential as a chemopreventive agent against two-stage skin cancer. (PubMed study)
Cardamom has also demonstrated the ability to decrease azoxymethane-induced colon cancer with its ability to decrease general inflammation, inhibit cancer cell growth and encourage cancer cell death. There is also evidence that it may have anticancer benefits by encouraging healthy and appropriate immune responses within the body. (PubMed Study)
4. Blood Pressure
Cardamom might be able to help you lower your blood pressure, which is key to maintaining the health of your heart and kidneys. A study conducted by the Indigenous Drug Research Center at RNT Medical College’s Department of Medicine in India and published the Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics evaluated 20, newly diagnosed individuals with primary stage 1 hypertension and the effect of giving them three grams of cardamom powder daily in two divided doses for 12 weeks. The results were great. Not only did cardamom help to decrease systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, but it also increased total antioxidant status by 90 percent at the end of three months. (PubMed Study)
5. Diabetes
The high manganese content in this spice makes it an excellent choice for diabetics and anyone struggling with blood sugar issues. Research has shown that individuals diagnosed with diabetes have low blood levels of the trace mineral manganese. It’s unclear if having diabetes causes levels to drop or if low levels of manganese contribute to developing diabetes. Either way, adding additional manganese to the diet is a smart idea for diabetics, which is why you should use this spice as part of your diabetic diet plan. (PubMed Study)
One clinical study found that people with diabetes who had higher blood levels of manganese were more protected from LDL or “bad” cholesterol than those with lower levels of manganese as well. All this together shows that this spice is effective at combatting the onset of diabetes.
6. Digestive System
Cardamom is a traditional remedy in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of digestive issues like stomach aches, but there is also science to back this common usage. Studies have shown that cardamom ranks above other spices when it comes to assisting the various stages of digestion.
The methanolic extract from the spice is the component that helps in controlling gastrointestinal disorders, such as acidity, flatulence and stomach cramps. Studies have shown that it has gastroprotective effects, including helping stomach ulcers caused by ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages) and aspirin.
7. Asthma
Cardamom can also provide relief for people struggle with breathing issues like asthma. One animal study indicated that it exhibits bronchodilatory effects, which means it’s a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs. Basically, cardamom was shown to help make breathing easier, which of course is the main goal for anyone suffering from asthma or any shortness of breath.
By Dr Axe
I want to share with you how essential oils can help naturally balance your hormones and the specific oils that can benefit progesterone, estrogen, improve thyroid hormones and help men naturally boost low testosterone.
3 Essential Oils for Hormones
Essential oils uses continue to amaze me, as they can be used to treat so many health illnesses and improve so many aspects of your health. For the sake of using essential oils for hormones and achieving balance, there are three main essential oils we’re going to cover: clary sage, thyme and sandalwood essential oils.
I was fascinated to find this Pubmed study – they tested orange oil to treat burn patients that had contracted MRSA. The conclusion in the study was that with the use of orange oil application with each application there was a decrease in bacteria present. After just 3 applications in some cases the MRSA virus was gone!
Read the whole: Pubmed Wild Orange Study
Coriandrum sativum
Popular across many cultures for various uses, coriander essential oil is extracted from the seed of the coriander plant. Coriander’s healthful therapeutic benefits, which can be attributed to its extremely high linalool content, range from digestive support to maintaining an already healthy insulin response.
Salvia sclarea
Clary Sage is known for its mood-lightening properties.
During your menstrual cycle, apply to abdomen for a soothing massage.
Combine with Roman Chamomile and add to bath water for a stress-relieving bath.
Apply one to two drops to the bottom of feet or pulse points.
Apply one to two drops to your pillow for a restful night’s sleep.
Add three to four drops to shampoo or conditioner to promote healthy-looking hair and scalp.
Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Well-known for its use as a spice, Cinnamon also has many unique benefits.
During your nightly routine, add one drop of Cinnamon to two ounces of water and gargle for an effective mouth rinse.
Place two to three drops in a spray bottle with water for a quick and effective cleaning spray.
During the winter months, dilute Cinnamon with Fractionated Coconut Oil and create a warming massage for cold, achy joints.
Place two to three drops in a dōTERRA Veggie Cap to maintain a healthy immune system.*
Place one drop of Cinnamon essential oil in hot water or tea and drink slowly to soothe your throat.*
Add to your favorite recipes in place of ground cinnamon for a delightfully spicy flavor.
Supports healthy metabolic function.*
Naturally repels insects.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Contact Us to learn how to get these and other essential Oil Products.
Coriandrum sativum
From the leaves of the Coriander plant, Cilantro Essential Oil is commonly used for its fresh and tasty flavor.
Add to salads, dips, and guacamole to experience Cilantro’s distinct flavor.
Place one to two drops in a dōTERRA Veggie Cap to experience Cilantro’s cleansing and detoxifying effect.*
For a fresh, clean-smelling, herbal aroma, diffuse three to four drops of Cilantro with the citrus essential oil of your choice.
Assists with digestion after over-indulging at dinner.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Contact Us to learn how to get these and other essential Oil Products
Juniperus virginiana
Cedarwood has a warm, woody, balsamic fragrance that relaxes the mind and body.
Before exercising, massage one to two drops into your chest to maintain vitality throughout your workout.
After a difficult day, diffuse Cedarwood to relax the mind and the body.
During your facial routine, add one to two drops of Cedarwood to your facial toner or moisturizer for added clarifying properties.
After noticing a fresh skin imperfection, directly apply one drop to affected area to immediately improve the appearance.
Place a drop on a cotton ball and place in closets, storage boxes, or other areas to keep moths at bay.
Add to mulch or topsoil to repel insects.
When a child wakes up scared, apply to the bottom of feet to return a peaceful feeling.
Take internally to promote relaxation.*
Naturally repels insects.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Cinnamomum cassia
A close relative to cinnamon, Cassia has a wonderful fragrance and thousands of years of historical use.
Blends well with citrus oils or White Fir.Diffuse with Clove and Ginger during fall and winter for a happy holiday. Take one to two drops in veggie capsules for healthy immune system support.* Combine one to two drops along with Lemon in a glass of water to aid digestion or ward off hunger cravings.* Massage with carrier oil for warming sensation. Put a drop in your water when hiking to support hydration.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Contact Us to learn how to get these and many other Essential Oils
Closely related to Ginger, Cardamom is known as an expensive cooking spice and for being beneficial to the digestive system.*
Flavorful spice for cooking and baking for great Indian flavor. Take internally to help alleviate occasional feelings of stomach discomfort.* Breathe in for sense of openness and clear head. Blends well with Lavender and Clove. Apply to chest while planting flowers or cutting grass. Take a drop or two internally after over indulging at dinner.* Delivers a cooling sensation on skin
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Contact Us to learn how to get these and other essential Oil Products
Piper nigrum
Stimulating and flavorful, Black Pepper enhances any dish—and your health.*
After your afternoon nap apply to the bottom of your feet for a stimulating wake up. Diffuse or inhale directly to soothe anxious feelings. Take one to two drops in capsule for antioxidant support.* Add to meats, soups, entrees, and salads to enhance food flavor. Diffuse for a vitalizing aroma. Blends with Clove, Juniper Berry, Cedarwood, or Cilantro. Add one drop to a steak marinade
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Contact Us to learn how to get these and other Essential oils