|
Healing
Wise ...
Just
Say No to Synthetic
Vitamins and Processed Foods!
by Cori Young
|
|
Just Say No to Synthetic Vitamins
and Processed Foods!
by Cori Young
For some time now there has been a sort
of gross reductionism going on in the
field of health and nutrition. Part of
it is due to the type of research being
done, and the way that it is interpreted
to serve the corporations sponsoring it.
Specific nutrients that are shown to be
beneficial in clinical studies are isolated,
often in synthetic form, and heralded
as new weapon against cancer, heart disease,
old age, etc.
There are some rather disturbing marketing
trends going on right now that are geared
towards women and children. Television
and print advertisments show smiling,
athletic women racing from one place to
the next while nibbling on a "just
for women" candy bar that has been
"fortified with a bunch of synthetic
vitamins and minerals as well as a whole
host of other artificial addditives and
preservatives.
Children have 'fortified juices, cereals,
ceral bars, and even flouridated 'nursery
water'.
What these ad campaigns don't show is
no matter how fancy these products are
dressed up and displayed, they are still
dead, processed foods that may contain
harmful ingredients like hydrogenated
oils, preservatives, and neurotoxins.
Even in the field of "alternative
health" we find this same sort of
reductionism going on. Herbal compounds
are isolated, extracted and ingested in
inappropriate quantities, without the
synergy that the whole plant provides.
We've all heard the alarming research
showing that a specific herb has been
found to be toxic - comfrey, ephedra,
kava, etc. Yet somehow Native peoples
managed to use these herbs very successfully
for many generations. Many of us still
do. There is something to be said for
using plants and foods in their whole
forms and for cultivating a relationship
with the different energies offered by
the plants around us.
It's very hard to improve on a diet of
wild foods and herbs. Well-nourished bodies
and minds enjoy balnaced hormones and
hearty immune systems.
Many of us commonly turn to herbs in times
of imbalance - but the use of herbs can
also be a wonderful preventative ally.
Daily infusions of nourishing herbs such
as nettle, raspberry leaf, oatstraw,and
lemon balm are a wonderful way to add
extra nutrients to your diet.
I say we trade in the food labels showing
the isolated synthetic ingredients provided
in the de-natured, processed products
for a diet rich in wild foods and nourishing
herbs.
Unlike synthetic pills, daily herbal infusions
provide essential nutrients in a highly
assimilable form.
Vitamins & minerals are abundant in
many common herbs:
~VITAMINS~
VITAMIN A Enhances immunity, prevents
eye problems and skin disorders. Important
in bone and teeth formation. Protects
against colds and infection. Slows aging
process. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, borage
leaves, burdock root, cayenne, chickweed,
eyebright, fennel seed, hops, horsetail,
kelp, lemongrass, mullein, nettle, oat
straw, paprika, parsley, peppermint, plantain,
raspberry leaves, red clover, rose hips,
sage, uva ursi, violet leaves, watercress,
yellow dock.
VITAMIN B1 (Thiamine) Promotes growth,
improves mental attitude, aids digestion,
helps strengthen nervous system and prevent
stress. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, bladder
wrack, burdock root, catnip, cayenne,
chamomile, chickweed, eyebright, fennel
seed, fenugreek, hops, nettle, oat straw,
parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaves,
red clover, rose hips, sage, yarrow, and
yellow dock.
VITAMIN B2 (Riboflavin) Needed for red
blood cell formation, aids growth and
reproduction, promotes hair, skin and
nail growth. Important in the prevention
and treatment of cataracts. HERBAL SOURCES:
Alfalfa, bladder wrack, burdock root,
catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed,
eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng,
hops, horsetail, mullein, nettle, oat
straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry
leaves, red clover, rose hips, sage, yellow
dock.
VITAMIN B3(Niacin) Essential for proper
circulation and healthy skin. Increases
energy, aids digestion, helps prevent
migranes. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, burdock
root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed,
eyebright, fennel seed, hops, licorice,
mullein, nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint,
raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hips,
slippery elm, yellow dock.
VITAMIN B5 (Panothenic Acid) Enhances
stamina, prevents anemia, helps wounds
heal, fights infection, strengthens immune
system. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, burdock
root, nettle, yellow dock.
VITAMIN B6 (Pyridoxine) Needed to produce
hydrochloric acid. Aids in absorption
of fats, and protein. Mildly diuretic,
helps prevent kidney stones. Helpful in
treating allergies, arthritis, and asthma.
HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, catnip, oat straw.
VITAMIN B12 (cyanocobalamin) Helps prevent
anemia. Protects nervous system, improves
concentration, aids digestion. HERBAL
SOURCES: Alfalfa, bladder wrack, hops.
VITAMIN C (ascorbic acid) Helps calcium
and iron formation. Enhances immunity.
Helps prevent cancer. Aids in production
of anti-stress hormones. Antioxidant required
for proper tissue growth and repair, and
adrenal gland function. HERBAL SOURCES:
Alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chickweed,
eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, hops,
horsetail, kelp, peppermint, mullein,
nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, pine
needle, plantain, raspberry leaf, red
clover, rose hips, skullcap, violet leaves,
yarrow, yellow dock.
VITAMIN D Essential for calcium and phosphorous
utilization. Prevents rickets. Needed
for normal growth of bones and teeth.
Helps regulate heartbeat. Prevents cancer
and enhances immunity. Aids thyroid function
and blood clotting. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa,
horsetail, nettle, parsley.
VITAMIN E Antioxidant which helps prevent
cancer and heart disease. Prevents cell
damage. Reduces blood pressure and promotes
healthy skin and hair. HERBAL SOURCES:
Alfalfa, bladder wrack, dandelion, dong
quai, flaxseed, nettle, oat straw, raspberry
leaf, rose hips.
VITAMIN K Promotes healthy liver function.
Helps bone formation and repair. Increases
longevity. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, green
tea, kelp, nettle, oat straw, shepherds
purse.
~MINERALS~
CALCIUM Builds and protects bones and
teeth. Helps maintain regular heartbeat.
Prevents muscle cramping. HERBAL SOURCES:
Alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chamomile,
chickweed, chicory, dandelion, eyebright,
fennel seed, fenugreek, flaxseed, hops,
horsetail, kelp, lemongrass, mullein,
nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, peppermint,
plantain, raspberry leaf, red clover,
rose hips, shepherd's purse, violet leaves,
yarrow, yellow dock.
CHROMIUM Vital in the synthesis of glucose
and the metabolism of cholesterol, fats
and proteins. Maintains blood pressure
and blood sugar levels. HERBAL SOURCES:
Catnip, horsetail, licorice, nettle, oat
straw, red clover, sarsaparilla, wild
yam, yarrow.
COPPER Converts iron to hemoglobin. Protects
against anemia. Needed for healthy bones
and joints. HERBAL SOURCES: Sheep sorrel.
GERMANIUM Helps fight pain, detoxify the
body, and keep immune system functioning
properly. HERBAL SOURCES: Aloe vera, comfrey,
ginseng, suma.
IODINE Needed in trace amounts for a healthy
thyroid gland , and to help metabolize
excess fat. HERBAL SOURCES: Calendula, tarragon
leaves, turkey rhubarb.
IRON Essential for metabolism, and the
production of hemoglobin. HERBAL SOURCES:
Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne,
chamomile, chickweed, chicory, dandelion,
dong quai, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek,
horsetail, kelp, lemongrass, licorice,
milk thistle seed, mullein, nettle, oatstraw,
paprika, parsley, peppermint, plantain,
raspberry leaf, rose hips, sarsaparilla,
shepherd's purse, uva ursi, yellow dock.
MAGNESIUM Prevents calcification of soft
tissue. Helps reduce and dissolve calcium
phosphate kidney stones. Helps prevent
birth defects. Improves cardiovascular
system. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, bladder
wrack, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed,
dandelion, eyebright, fennel, fenugreek,
hops, horsetail, lemongrass, licorice,
mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley,
peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover,
sage, shepherd's purse, yarrow, yellow
dock.
MANGANESE Minute quantities of this mineral
are needed for healthy nerves, blood sugar
regulation, normal bone growth, and thyroid
hormone production. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa,
burdock root, catnip, chamomile, chickweed,
dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek,
ginseng, hops, horsetail, lemongrass,
mullein, parsley, peppermint, raspberry
leaf, red clover, rose hip, wild yam,
yarrow, yellow dock.
MOLYBDENUM Small amounts of this mineral
are required for nitrogen metabolism.
Supports bone growth, and strengthens
teeth. HERBAL SOURCES: Red clover blossoms.
PHOSPHOROUS Needed for teeth and bone
formation, nerve impulse transfer, normal
heart rhythm, and kidney function. HERBAL
SOURCES: Burdock root, turkey rhubarb,
slippery elm bark.
POTASSIUM Regulates water balance, and
muscle function. Important for health
nervous system and regular heart rhythm.
HERBAL SOURCES: Catnip, hops, horsetail,
nettle, plantain, red clover, sage, skullcap.
SELENIUM Provides an important trace element
for prostrate gland in males. Protects
immune system and helps regulate thyroid
hormones. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, burdock
root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed,
fennel seed, ginseng, garlic, hawthorn
berry, hops, horsetail, lemongrass, milk
thistle nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint,
raspberry leaf, rose hips, sarsaparilla,
uva ursi, yarrow, yellow dock.
SULFUR This mineral helps skin and hair.
Fights bacterial infection. Aids liver
function. Disinfects blood. Protects against
toxic substances. HERBAL SOURCES: Horsetail.
VANADIUM Needed for cellular metabolism
and formation of bones and teeth. Improves
insulin utilization. HERBAL SOURCES: Dill.
ZINC Promotes growth and mental alertness.
Accelerates healing. Regulates oil glands.
Promotes healthy immune system, and healing
of wounds. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, burdock
root, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion,
eyebright, fennel seed, hops, milk thistle,
mullein, nettle, parsley, rose hips, sage,
sarsaparilla, skullcap, wild yam.
Nourishing Daily Brews
Daily infusions
of nourishing herbs such as nettle,
raspberry leaf, oatstraw,and lemon balm
are a wonderful way to add extra nutrients
to your diet. Children and toddlers can
benefit from them as a healthy alternative
to sugary juice drinks. Herbs that help
tame stress and anxiety can also play
a huge part in keeping our systems in
balance. A convenient way to prepare your
daily brews is to make them in the evening
and let them steep overnight. In the morning
you can strain out the plant material
and refrigerate your infusion if desired,
or carry it with you to drink throughout
the day.
Here's to your health!
For permission to reprint
this article, contact us at: susunweed@herbshealing.com
For permission to reprint
this article, contact us at: susunweed@herbshealing.com
Common
Herbs for Natural Health
http://www.wisewomanbookshop.com/
by Juliette
de Bairacli Levy
Re-indexed, re-designed, and expanded. Lore and uses for 200
herbs including cosmetic, culinary, and medical recipes. Juliette
de Bairacli Levy is famed for her mastery of herbal lore and her
many books on living in tune with nature. Foreword by Rosemary
Gladstar. 236 pages, index, illustrations.
Retails for $11.95
"This is the book that got me started
in herbal medicine. It's solid gold; not only useful but incredibly
fascinating." Susun Weed
Read a review
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_Apr-02.htm#book
Order Common
Herbs for Natural Health in the BOOKSHOP
http://www.wisewomanbookshop.com/
Introducing:
ABC
of Herbalism
A Correspondence Course with Susun Weed
A special course for the aspiring herbalist
who would like to have me "by your side" teaching
you how to identify, harvest, and buy 52 healing herbs. I'll
"watch over your shoulder" as you make nourishing
herbal infusions, tinctures, vinegars, oils, honeys, poultices,
soups, and beauty aids.
Your studies will be both experiential and intellectual.
You will make and use herbal remedies as well as reading about
them in a variety of sources. You will try out my
favorite remedies and learn how to nourish and promote health.
Your course materials include:
* Fifty-two herbal projects and twenty health projects to
complete at your own pace. (Value $100)
* Guidance in developing a green ally.
* Six herbals: 1. A City Herbal; 2. Common Herbs for Natural
Health; 3. Healing Wise; 4. The Herb Book; 5. Natural Health
Bible; 6. Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs. (Value
$80)
* Up to four more books -- your choice from the enclosed list.
(Value up to $65)
* Four of my audiotapes or one of my videotapes -- your choice
from the enclosed list. (Value $40)
* Three hours of phone time to talk with me personally. (Value
$300)
* Initiation and completion gifts.
* Erratic mailings several times a year for two years. (Value
$50)
* A 50% discount on three days of classes with me. (Value
up to $150)
* A graduation certificate for you to frame and hang. (Priceless)
Total price for ABC of Herbalism is $500. (Total value exceeds
$750). Pay in ten $50 installments and receive your course
materials as you pay. Or pay in full and receive all your
course materials at once.
Register online at www.wisewomanbookshop.com
or via mail:
Susun Weed PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498 ~ phone/fax: (845)
246-8081
click here to learn more details about the ABC's
of Herbal Medicine Course
Learn
more about Wise Woman classes with Susun Weed
|
Weed Wanderings herbal ezine is sponsored by
www.susunweed.com and www.wisewomanbookshop.com
Susun Weed is one of America's best-known authorities
on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women's health. Heour
best-selling books--recommended by expert herbalists and well-known
physicians--are used and cherished by millions of women globally. Topics
include childbearing, breast health, menopause, wellbeing, and
more.
The Wise Woman Center exists to re-weave the healing
cloak of the Ancients. This land is sacred, it is a safe space for
women, and a place for the teachings of the Wise Woman Way. The Goddess
lives here, as do goats, fairies, green witches, and elders. There
are many classes, workshops and intensives that are offered at the
Wise Woman Center.
For a schedule of events, please call, write or e-mail us.
©Susun Weed -Wise Woman Center
The content provided by Susun Weed and the Wise Woman Center is for
information purposes only and is in no way intended to be a substitute
for medical consultation with a qualified professional. We encourage
Internet users to be careful when using medical information. If you
are unsure about your medical condition, consult your own health practitioner.
Although we carefully review our content, Susun Weed cannot guarantee
nor take responsibility for the medical accuracy of documents published
on this site, nor can Susun Weed assume any liability for the content
of Web sites linked to and from our site.
|