Herbs are Nature's Medicine

Monday, October 6, 2014

Healthy Eating Helps Prevent Degenerative Diseases and Obesity

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Healthy Eating Helps Prevent

Degenerative Diseases and Obesity

Healthcare continues to be on the list of hot topics of debate. Healthcare costs have risen from $3,468 per person in 1993 to $8,160 in 2008, and are estimated to rise another 50% by this year! I believe most people would agree that prevention is the real key to reducing healthcare costs. And peer-reviewed medical research has demonstrated that eating health-promoting foods is one of the best ways to prevent or help prevent our most common degenerative diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

In a society with epidemic proportions of obesity, fewer topics gain more attention than the importance of a healthy weight for overall health. The connections between obesity, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis are widely recognized, and now, a recent report on adult and childhood cancers reports that the most significant diet-related risk factor for cancer is also obesity!

The researchers found that the most diet-related prevention factor is keeping body weight within a healthy range, which means having a body mass index of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 (see BMI); the researchers found that "dietary changes are one of the most important, and at the same time, cheapest prevention tools we have regarding the modification of cancer." They prescribe breast milk for children, foods rich in dietary fiber, omega-3-rich fish, fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains combined with exercise and caloric restriction. Sound familiar?

What I find so remarkable about the chronic preventable disease patterns (including obesity) is the degree to which they overlap when it comes to dietary prevention. Based on current research, we do not seem to need one diet for preventing cancer, a second diet for preventing diabetes, a third diet for preventing osteoporosis, a fourth diet for preventing heart disease, and a fifth diet for preventing obesity. The beauty lies in that fact that what seems to be needed is that the changes in the foods we eat move in the same general direction: decreased intake of sugar, salt, animal fat, and processed foods, and increased intake of lower-calorie, lower-fat plant foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Dietary prevention focuses on eating health-promoting foods like the World's Healthiest Foods prepared by using the hundreds of Recipeswe have created to make eating this way fun, delicious and enjoyable.

Mosby, T.T., Cosgrove, M, Sarkardei, S., et al.

Nutrition in Adult and Childhood Cancer: Role of

Carcinogens and Anti-carcinogens.

Anticancer Research 32: 4171-4192 (2012).

Enjoy your Healthiest Way of Eating and Cooking this week,

SOURCE: http://whfoods.org/

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Relieve Insomnia and Improve Children's Appetite with Kitchen Herbs/Foods that Raise our Spirits, Energy and Health

There is an easily accessible place in our homes that is bursting with healing herbs/foods that can raise our spirits, energy and health! That is the kitchen. The mustard on your table and many of the spices on your shelf come from herbs; most of the vegetables in your salad are herbs; and if you have a yard, many of the plants growing there (whether by your or their own design) are also herbs.

ROSEMARY, which is often used to season breads and meats, as a tea is useful for bad breath, coughs, headaches and bronchitis (and asthma: made into a syrup with equal parts mullein and coltsfoot); heart stimulant, gas/indigestion, liver tonic, low blood pressure, menopause, nervousness and poor circulation. Rheumatism, premature balding, dandruff, urinary problems and wounds/sores.

CELERY SEED tea sipped slowly will improve appetite, relieve hives and hysteria; will ease insomnia taken one-hour before retiring; eases lung congestion (flavor with a little peppermint), good for nervousness/hyperactivity (with equal parts skullcap), rheumatism (with Damiana). Stimulant as strong morning tea. Promotes urination and as an external wash/internal douche will relieve itching rashes/venereal disease. Celery Seeds is one of the best herbs for prevention and cure of all forms of rheumatic ailments, also neuralgia; a remedy for liver trouble, dropsy, tumors; removes stomach gas, restores appetite (especially in children) to old and young; steadies nerves and cures hi-blood pressure, as well as improves eyesight.

GINGER, which is on the spice shelf of most homes, not only neutralizes the toxicity of meat when cooked with it, but is one of herbology's greatest 'carrier herbs.' Meaning that one of its dominant properties is its ability to 'carry' and act as a 'catalyst' to other herbs' medicinal values. Its warm energy and its ability to carry things through the body makes it extremely efficacious in "dispersing" or "carrying away" fevers - internally in tea as well as externally as a Ginger foot bath, which aids in rapid decreasing of high fevers. Ginger (and cinnamon) tea is very warming in cold weather, as it is of great aid in warming the extremities of people whose hands and feet get cold faster than most; also by the application of ginger or cayenne powder in socks and gloves is very warming.

TUMERIC, addresses blood impurities as a tea or take the powdered spice in capsules, 1 or 2 capsules three times a day. Tumeric reduces serum cholesterol in the blood and counteracts accumulations of ingested cholesterol in the liver. For eye discharge, conjunctivitis or opthalmia, make an eyewash of the powder. Tumeric acts similar to hydrocortisone as an anti-inflammatory for gout, rheumatoid arthritis, varicose veins or inflammation drink as a tea or make a poultice. Tumeric stimulates the liver when taken with dandelion. Its powerful antioxidant properties kill staph germs.

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Sunday, October 5, 2014

Get a FREE MINI-CONSULTATION when you sign up for my Newsletter

If you sign up for my Newsletter from this Blog, I will give you a FREE 15-MIN CONSULTATION that will include herbal recommendations for any of your health concerns.

It's not just any Newsletter - here are some of the exceptional topics you can look forward to: Men's Health, Womb Purity, Understanding Chakras to Heal Your Emotional Wounds, Healing According to your Zodiac Sign, Develop/Nurture your Children's Chakras/Soul, Kitchen Herbology, Herb of the Month, Crystal of the Month, and Healing Yoga Postures.

In addition to this Newsletter, some of the services I am launching this month include FREE teleconferences, private healing circles, and a FREE monthly Holistic Healing Marketkplace. For further information about these specific products and services click here.

You can be privy to all this . . . just by simply signing up to receive my FREE NEWSLETTER.

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P.S. ~ How would you feel knowing that your friends and family got inspired to live a healthier lifestyle with natural remedies by following your lead! To share the Sign Up Form with only those Framily you think would value the information shared in the Newsletter, please feel free to forward this Blog Post to them and have them

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TO GET YOUR FREE MINI-CONSULTATION . . . . Once you sign up for the newsletter, send me an email (herbsthatheal7@gmail.com) with the words: FREE MINI-CONSULTATION in the subject line. I will then contact you and set up your private mini-consultation, which will include herbal recommendations for your personal healing.

Thank you

Zakiyyah MaaKheper-Ast

The Herbalist

Thursday, October 2, 2014

NEW 6 Week After School Kids Yoga Program - Harlem, NY - JOIN NOW WHILE THERE'S STILL ROOM

Dear Bikram Yoga East Harlem Family and Friends:

We are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with
CHELSEA BEST
of

Awesome Asana Yoga
To Create a
Six Week After School Kids Yoga Program
at
BYEH!





CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW!!
The Six Week Program
Starts
The Week Of
October 13th - November 21st
On
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Ages:
3 - 5 from 3pm - 3:45pm
6 - 9 from 4pm - 4:45pm
10 - 12 from 5pm - 5:45pm
(classes are held in our small studio #2 with no heat)

Six Week Program
$144

per child

Sibling Discount
$260
for 2 children in same family

Drop-In
$15
per class

Each Class Size is Limited to 10 Students.
Advanced Purchase Is Strongly Recommended.
Drop - ins will only be admitted if space is available.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE NOW!!

For more info please visit our web site
www.bikramyogaeastharlem.com
or call:
212-369-1830

Bikram Yoga East Harlem

4 East 116th Street, 2nd & 3rd Floors

NYC, NY 10029

212-369-1830

www.bikramyogaeastharlem.com

bikrameastharlem@aol.com

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5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Yoga

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By Kristen Domonell for Life by Daily Burn

Yoga increases flexibility and reduces stress, but the practice can do more than help you twist your body into pretzel shapes and find inner peace. These hidden benefits will help you in the kitchen, office and bedroom -- and will give you five new reasons to show off your yoga skills (plus recommended poses for each one!).

1. Boost Immunity
A recent Norwegian study found that yoga practice results in changes in gene expression that boost immunity at a cellular level. And it doesn't take long: The researchers believe the changes occurred while participants were still on the mat, and they were significantly greater than a control group who went on a nature hike while listening to soothing music. Yoga also helps to boost immunity by simply increasing overall health, says Mitchel Bleier, a yoga teacher of 18 years and owner of Yogapata in Connecticut. "As you breathe better, move better and circulate better, all the other organs function better."

Strike A Pose: Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)
This sequence of eight poses performed in a row can be found in almost any yoga class. It creates great circulation and tone, plus sweat, says Bleier.

2. Ease Migraines

Research shows that migraine sufferers have fewer and less painful migraines after three months of yoga practice. The cause of migraines isn't fully understood, but Bleier says it could be a combination of mental stressors and physical misalignment that create migraines and other issues. Hunching over a computer or cell phone with your shoulders up and head forward causes overlifting of your trapezius and tightening of the neck. This pulls the head forward and creates muscle imbalances that can contribute to headaches and migraines.

Strike A Pose: Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-distance apart on the floor. With your hands resting on the floor, begin to press down into your legs and draw your hips toward the sky. The key, Bleier says, is to keep your shoulders in line with the base of your neck, moving the back of the shoulders together so the shoulder blades are close. Lift your chest towards your chin and your chin away from your chest, so the upper trapezius muscles flow away from the head.

3. Boost Sexual Performance
Studies have found that 12 weeks of yoga can improve sexual desire, arousal, performance, confidence, orgasm and satisfaction for both men and women. How? Physically, yoga increases blood flow into the genital area, which is important for arousal and erections, says Bleier, and strengthens the "moola bandha," or pelvic floor muscles. Mentally, the breathing and mind control involved with the practice can also improve performance.

Strike A Pose: Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Sit with your feet together and your knees bent and reaching toward the floor. Slowly fold over your feet while trying to bring your knees closer to the ground while moving the groin back and engaging the pelvic floor muscles. "It's a great hip opener, plus the pelvic floor engagement tones the muscles for orgasm," says Bleier.

4. Sleep Better
Researchers from Harvard found that eight weeks of daily yoga significantly improved sleep quality for people with insomnia. And another study found that twice-weekly yoga sessions helped cancer survivors sleep better and feel less fatigued. This can be attributed to yoga's ability to help people deal with stress, says Bleier. "Sleep issues are like anxiety. Your head can't stop spinning, you don't know how to relax," he says. "Breathing and mental exercises allow the mind to slow down, so you're going to start to see yourself sleep better."

Strike A Pose: Corpse Pose (Savasana) With
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Savasana is the final pose in a yoga class and is meant to restore the body. Lay on your back with your legs slightly apart and your arms extended at your side and your hands on your belly. Inhale and exhale through your nose, follow the breath and feel the belly rise and fall under your hands. The breath, muscles and mind should be completely relaxed.

5. Fight Food Cravings
Researchers from the University of Washington found that regular yoga practice is assocated with mindful eating, an awareness of physical and emotional sensations associated with eating. By causing breath awareness, regular yoga practice strengthens the mind-body connection, Bleier says. The awareness can help you tune in to emotions involved with certain cravings, and yoga breathing exercises can help you slow down and make better choices when cravings strike.

Strike A Pose: Meditation
Sit or lay in any comfortable position and bring attention to the natural breath moving in and out through your nose. Next, bring attention to the triangular area around the tip of your nose and upper lip, paying attention to your breath hitting this space as you exhale, the temperature of your breath, and which nostril you're breathing through. Try this for two minutes, working up to five or more. "The key is to try and be still and focus just on the breath," Bleier says. "No moving, no reacting, just stay present."

SOURCE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/12/yoga-health-benefits_n_4768746.html

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Oct 1st NEWSLETTER - Did you get it? OPT-IN NOW! Here are Excerpts from This Issue: Understanding the Chakras; Herbal Honey; Yoga Postures to Trim Your Waistline, Buttocks, Thighs; Dr. Llaila Afrika Video: Healing Diabetes

In the event you haven't signed up for the Herbs are Nature's Medicine Newsletter yet, at the end of this Post I have included information about the Newsletter contents and a link to Opt In and sign up for the Newsletter - here are a few excerpts from the Oct 1st's Issue:

excerpt from: Understanding the Chakras

Chakras are energy vortexes in our emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. The physical body is a series of separate, yet related systems of energy. This system is referred to in the ancient texts as the Chakras. A Chakra is the interface point between the physical and non-physical form. They lie along a linear pathway along the spine from the Crown Chakra, located at the top of the cranium, to the Root Chakra, located at the base of the spine. There are 7 primary basic lower Chakras

with colors representing the 7 Rays. Activation and balance of energy flow in the Chakras allows the body's systems to be at their optimum with the higher self.

Each Chakra acts as a transformer within the body. The purpose is to bring into the system a higher frequency of vibration, from the subtle portions of the Matrix Grid, into the thicker frequencies for purification and healing of negative energies. The seven primary chakras, each with its own vibration and color, is assigned to each of the seven endocrine glands.

The spin rate of the Chakras is a part of the fine tuning of this system. The higher chakras spin faster than the lower ones. There is a direct relationship between each individual chakra center and the specific ranges of energy within the human/creation Matrix. The chakra is the interface point, the energetic organ linking various aspects of the physical body to its non-physical counterparts...i.e. the Matrix Grid.

excerpt from: You Asked . . .

a column where I answer people's questions about their personal health issues/concerns:

Greetings Family, whenever I do workshops or seminars, many people express concern with regularity. Way too many people seem to have difficulty maintaining regular bowel movements. When I ask about their diets, I get these general responses: coffee, eggs, bacon, bagels/cream, soda, cheese, toast, sausage, pancakes, sugary drinks, grits, hash browns!!!! But here's what you need to think about: you've just awaken from 8 hours of your body resting, your organs revitalizing, and your body (along with the Universe) is rising, looking to replenish its vitality to energize your days activities. NONE OF THE FOODS MENTIONED ABOVE SERVE THAT PURPOSE FOR THE LIFE ENERGY NEEDED TO RUN YOUR HEART, BRAIN, LUNGS, DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OR BLOOD OR KIDNEYS.

excerpt from the FEATURED PRODUCT . . . .

FEATURED HERB PRODUCT

~ Herbal Honey: by the spoon or as a tea ~

For years I had the dream of making an herbal honey that mixed all the powdered herbs

in a gourmet honey. This special blend

could be taken straight from the jar

by the spoonful or mixed in a cup

of hot water to make a potent,

healing, hot tea!

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!

Herbal Honey . . . by the spoon or as a tea!

The Honey itself is a specially selected Gourmet Raspberry Honey that is harvested in the Pacific Northwest by beekeepers who are dedicated to harvesting the most natural raw honey straight from the hive. They use a temperature controlled system to ensure that the honey retains its natural enzymes and nutrients.

There are four flavors . . . two are in stock and can be purchased via the Newsletter

Pictures from Last Month's Marketplace (Sept. 6th)

Here's a photo covering the whole room. Far left in the front is my set up with crystals, herbs, Sage, and healing clay and herbs to detox the liver and eliminate fibroids. Behind me (mirror reflection) is a client receiving a Reiki Healing and far right is a chair shiatsu massage.

I have been an herbal practitioner and educator for over 30 years. I became a Certified Herbalist in 1986 by Michael and Leslie Tierra (author of "The Way of Herbs," and "Planetary Herbology" and others). I have traveled around the country teaching herbology, martial arts, meditation and other healing arts in such places as Yale U in Connecticut, Kent State in Ohio, Evergreen State College in Washington State, Hofstra U in NY and Loyola U in Chicago, to name a few. My intention remains focused on teaching people how to heal their mental, physical and emotional bodies with herbs, foods, crystals and other alternative healing modalities, so that their healing can be natural, safe, inexpensive and eliminate frightening drugs and dangerous side-effects.

Website: http://www.sacredhealing7.com/

~ ~ Your Invitation ~ ~

~ to sign up for the Newsletter ~

I am excited about inviting you to join our Newsletter Community. The Sacred Healing 7 Herb Center has been around for over 30 years. I taught my very first "Herbs are Nature's Medicine" herb course in July of 1987 at the TRS Professional Suite (they used to be on 30th Street off 5th Avenue in Manhattan, and have recently moved to the Wall Street area). As in life ~ we all must change ~ and the Herb Center is also growing and expanding, and you are in for some exciting NEW programs, services, discounts and FREE Give-Aways.

It is evident to me that in my Life's Path I have always been wired to serve. To this end, as a herbal practitioner and educator, I am now about to self-publish my first (of three) book(s), INTRO to Herbs are Nature's Medicine, (see book's cover to the right).

Last month I launched a series of new services, programs, products, and discounts for recipients of this DYNAMIC NEWSLETTER. Here are some of the articles and subject matter you can expect in the coming months: Men's Health, Womb Purity, Understanding Chakras to Heal Your Emotional Wounds, Healing According to your Zodiac Sign, Develop/Nurture your Children's Chakras/Soul, Kitchen Herbology, Herb of the Month, Crystal of the Month, and Healing Yoga Postures.

The October 1st Issue will contain a video by the reknown healer: Dr. Llaila Afrika (African Holistic Health) on healing Diabetes! You don't want to miss that!

In addition to this Newsletter, some of the services I am launching this month include FREE teleconferences, private healing circles, FREE monthly Holistic Healing Marketkplace where you can get a FREE mini-consultation from me with the Newsletter's Coupon. For further information about these specific products and services click here.

You can be privy to all this . . . just by simply signing up to receive my FREE NEWSLETTER.