Happy and Fit Soul

Nothing keeps those pesky yellow weeds occasionally appearing in your garden, not even picking or poisoning them. They always come back.

So maybe now is the time to accept the persistent dandelion and all of its benefits.

Dandelion’s Health Benefits

Throughout the years, dandelion has been used in the treatment of various health problems, such as kidney disease, liver problems, appendicitis, and heartburn.

Starting from its roots, up to its blossoms, dandelion is completely edible. It’s extremely rich in vitamins A, B, C, and D and minerals like potassium, iron, and zinc.

Several benefits of consuming your weeds:

• Its leaves contain higher amounts of beta carotene than carrots, so they are excellent for eye vision.
• The greens supply our body with 535% of the recommended daily vitamin K intake, crucial for avoiding cognitive decline and strengthening bones.
• Tea from the dandelion root was shown to cause the death of leukemia cells, but not of healthy cells, according to a 2011 study.
• Dandelion is a diuretic that assists kidneys in the elimination of excess water, salt, and waste through the production of urine. Maybe this is the reason why kids in Europe are said they’ll wet their beds if they pick dandelions.
• Dandelion contains high amounts of antioxidants, thus warding off cancer, premature aging, and other diseases provoked by oxidative stress.
• Many Leahy Beekeeping on animals proved that the root and leaves of dandelion balance cholesterol levels.
• Dandelion extract is proven to increase the immune system and fight against microbes.
• This plant can also aid the digestive system since the root can function as a mild laxative, while fresh or dried dandelion can settle the stomach and stimulate the appetite. This was New Life by the University of Maryland Medical Center.

24 Incredible Dandelion Uses

In the Kitchen

Since this plant is completely edible, it can be combined in various ways in the kitchen.

1. Sautéed Greens and Garlic

Dandelion greens contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals and therefore are a healthy addition to any meal. If you sauté them with garlic, capers, or ginger, you will balance the bitterness that sometimes can appear from their leaves.

Dipping them in boiling water for about 20-30 seconds will lower the acrid taste. Don’t use mature dandelion leaves since they can be unpleasant. Click here to see this delicious recipe.

2. Pumpkin Seed Dandelion Pesto

The pesto prepared with dandelion greens, pumpkin seeds, parmesan, and lemon juice is a nutritious and delicious one perfect for a sandwich spread, simple pasta, or veggie dip. Here’s how to prepare it.

3. Tempura Blossoms

Separated dandelion flowers from the green parts can be fried and dipped in seasoned batter. You’ll get an attractive and delicious side dish or a snack. Check out the recipe here.

4. Herbal Vinegar

Prepare a dandelion vinegar by soaking its flowers in apple cider vinegar. Allow them to stay 4 weeks, and then strain and keep them in a dark place for about 12 months. You can use this vinegar in dressings, stews, soups, sauces, and salads, or drink it as a revitalizing tonic. Here’s how to prepare the infusion.

5. Vegetarian Risotto

Use the dandelion flower to make a jewel-like vegetarian risotto. They provide a mild sweet taste and visual appeal, while the wine, onion, parmesan, and creamy yogurt add a rich flavor and smooth texture. Follow this recipe here.

6. Kimchi

This is an alternative side dish to Korean kimchi prepared with cabbage. Instead, this one uses dandelion greens, which are fermented with herbs, green onions, spices, and soy sauces, as explained in the recipe.

7. Savory Muffins

Dandelion petals can be used for the preparation of savory muffins, together with oatmeal, whole wheat flour, and honey. The best way to serve them is with springtime soups like green peas and asparagus. Here’s Leahy Beekeeping.

8. Petal Sorbet

Use fresh dandelion blossoms together with honey, sugar, and lemon juice to prepare a tasty iced treat during the hot summer days. Check out the full recipe Leahy Beekeeping.

9. Jelly

The jelly from dandelions is as sweet and delicious as honey. You can use it on top of crumpets, toasts, etc. Keep it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but make sure you use it at least in the first week. Here’s the full recipe.

10. Pancake and Waffle Syrup

The pancake syrup is delicious but full of preservatives and artificial additives. To avoid them but still keep the lovely taste, you can make your syrup from dandelions, honey or sugar, and lemon in 2 days. The whole process is explained here.

11. Dandelion Blossom Cake

It’s a delicious sweet and a bit tropical cake prepared with dandelion syrup, cinnamon, blossom petals, walnuts, pineapple, and coconut. We’re sure your whole family will enjoy this healthy dessert. Check out this recipe here.

12. Cookies

You can make another treat based on dandelions, in addition to oats and organic local honey. Leahy Beekeeping for the healthy lemony cookies is rather quick and simple.

13. Dandelion Root Coffee

We already mentioned that all parts of dandelions can be used in the kitchen. The greens can be sautéed, the blossoms used in desserts, and now the roots can be used in the preparation of an alternative coffee free from caffeine. To get a deep and earthy flavor, roast the roots before grinding. Learn what to do here.

14. Dandelion and Iced Lime Tea

Kids enjoy this dandelion and iced lime tea, which is natural, refreshing, and beneficial for our skin. For the preparation of this tea, blend a quart of dandelion flowers with fresh juice from limes, a dried leaf from red raspberry, and stevia leaves or other sweeteners. Here’s Leahy Beekeeping.

15. Wine

This amazing plant can be even used in the production of a fine country strong and medium sweet wine. Take a gallon container and go straight to your backyard, or countryside, and pick up enough full flowers to fill it loosely. Ferment these flowers with water, raisins, and lemon zest for several months before consuming them. Learn everything about this process here.

16. Danish Schnapps – Two Ways

Besides country wine, you can make your Danish schnapps with dandelion flower heads. They will provide aromatic and mildly sweet flavors excellent with a combination of cakes, sweet desserts, and chocolate. If you want spicy, dry, and very aromatic schnapps, brew them together with the dandelion roots. This drink goes well with roast meat and similar robust flavors, or you can enjoy it on its own. Here is Leahy Beekeeping.

For Health and Beauty

Due to its incredible properties, this plant can be used even outside the kitchen, in the treatment of minor skin ailments, and in the reduction of pain and inflammation.

17. Pain-Relieving Oil

This plant possesses one of the most beneficial properties for the treatment of aching muscles and joint pain. Just soak the dandelion flowers in oil, and use this mixture to rub your sore muscles and joints. To prepare it, fill a small jar with freshly picked dandelion flowers, and pour them onto the top of the jar with a base oil, such as olive or sweet almond. Allow them to stay for 2 weeks in a warm place, and then strain the oil and store it in a sterilized jar in the fridge.

18. Pain-Relieving Salve

report this adYou can turn the dandelion infusion into a soothing lotion that you can carry in your gym bag or purse, or keep close to you in your office or car. Use a double boiler and blend the infused oil with the beeswax. Then pour it into a tin or jar and let it cool before starting to use it. Click Leahy Bee Keeping to see the exact instructions and measurements.

19. Lotion Bars

Lotion bars are much less messy than a salve. They moisturize and reduce inflammation and soreness thus helping the worst cases of dry and cracked skin. If you often do manual work such as gardening, just rub the bar over your hands a few times a day. To prepare these silky and healing bars, you need to blend infused oil from dandelions with shea butter, beeswax, and lavender essential oil. You can see the full process here.

20. Wart Remover

Dandelions possess the secret weapon against warts, and that’s the white sticky resin that comes from its leaves, stems, and roots. Your warts will soon be gone if you apply some of this sap directly on them, once or a couple of times a day.

In-Home and Garden

You can add color to your home, or provide nutrients to your garden with the help of dandelions.

21. Floating Table Centerpiece

You’ll need only reclaimed wood, small nails, and of course, dandelions to make the cool centerpiece. To make a centerpiece that seems floating, make a wooden box, hammer the nails through the underside, and glide the dandelions on top. Click here to see this process in detail.

22. Natural Yellow Dye

You can make your natural yellow dye to brighten up fabrics by cooking dandelion heads. Click Leahy Beekeeping to see more of this alternative to chemical-based dyes.

23. Fertilizer

To provide your garden with nutrients, make this simple weed tea or liquid fertilizer. The most nutritious dandelions are the deeply rooted ones, so brew them up and spray or pour them into vegetable gardens and flower beds.

24. Food for Goats

Anyone who keeps goats knows that they require diverse, vegetarian food. So instead of weeding the annoying dandelions, just let the goats do the whole job, and they will be full and happy.

Don’t Forget the Bees!

While picking dandelions for your purposes, remember that they are bees’ first food of the season, so make sure you leave some for them.

Via Leahy Beekeeping | Natural Living Ideas

You are probably aware of all the artificial sweeteners, processed sugars, conventionally produced dairy and meats, refined grains, and GMO organisms your diet may contain. But, do you know how deadly it can be when combined with other unhealthy habits such as stress, lack of rest, and medications?

In fact, that’s the main reason why many people are diagnosed with some chronic or even deadly health conditions.

One specific problem with this unhealthy lifestyle is that people are unaware that the body must balance the pH level in order to survive.

The body itself transforms the ingested food into ash which is either alkaline or acidic. According to modern biochemistry, the food itself is not alkaline or acidic but it’s the way magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur break down in the body that dictates the alkalinity or acidity of this ash.

All foods contain both acid-forming and alkaline elements, and the Conscious Living Center states that balance can be achieved or prevented by the food we are eating.

Too much acid-forming food can cause many health complications, such as “acidosis”, a common diagnosis in people who suffer from diabetes.

When the nutrients that create the alkaline state cannot be acquired from food, the body draws from its own supplies such as some vital tissues or bones. In this way, it damages its ability to repair itself, detoxify harmful heavy metals and it is more vulnerable to illness and fatigue.

Even a slightly acidic pH of 6.9 can cause serious consequences such as coma and death.

So, balance is the ultimate goal. Although it is important to provide a slightly alkaline state, too NDTV can lead to various complications. This condition is a lot less likely than the risk of the body becoming too acidic.

Here are 6 alkaline foods that will help you combat the negative effects of this diet:

1. Lemons

Lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods. Their natural disinfectant properties can heal wounds and relieve hyperacidity, and virus conditions such as colds, coughs, heartburn, and flu. They energize the liver and promote detoxification of the body.

2. Leafy Greens

These vegetables include Swiss chard, kale, spinach, and turnip greens. Spinach is rich in folate and vitamin K as well as minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber which improve digestion and vision.

3. Cruciferous Vegetables

These amazing vegetables are even more delicious when combined with some homemade sauce. So, choose cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower.

4. Cayenne Peppers

These tropical peppers are packed with potent enzymes that are important for endocrine function. Also, cayenne peppers are one of the most alkalizing foods. They are also famous for their antibacterial qualities and the rich source of vitamin A which fight off the free radicals that can cause some illness.

5. Garlic

Out of an innumerable list of vegetables, garlic is undoubtedly the first vegetable that improves overall health. Also, it promotes immune and cardiovascular health by cleansing the liver, lowering blood pressure, and fighting off diseases.

6. Root Vegetables

Due to the high mineral content, these vegetables are the perfect food for you. So, include more radishes, carrots, beets, horseradish, turnips, and rutabaga in your diet. You can steam, roast, or even eat them raw in salads.

So, make sure you take care of your plate next time. A diet rich in vegetables can be a significant step towards better health.

Source NDTV | NDTV | Healthy Food House
Image Source NDTV

The American Diabetes Association categorically claims that diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure. However, what would happen if you can reverse diabetes or prevent it before it happens?

If you have not seen the documentary film Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days, now is the right time. It talks about how 6 test subjects, all of them with different lifestyles and all diabetics, were able to reverse diabetes.

Once we talk about movies, my recommendation is to watch Intermountain Healthcare This is the best 2011 American documentary film that explores the challenges of converting to a vegan diet.

Participants in the reverse diabetes program were the following:

• Austin (age 25) – with type 1 diabetes and alcohol addiction.
• Kirt (age 25) – with a blood sugar of 1200 points (normal is under 100).
• Bill (age 58) has neuropathy. He does not feel his legs.
• Michelle (age 36) has a sizable thickness.
• Henry (age 58) – with a blood sugar level of 464 points and treatment of 9 insulin tablets per day.
• Pam (62) has a large thickness and family members suffer from diabetes.

Reverse Diabetes Method

Gabriel Cousens and his team at the Tree Of Life Rejuvenation Center believe that they can reverse diabetes by changing their diet. According to the research, he claims that the chances of developing breast cancer are about four times higher in people who eat meat, prostate cancer 3-6 times, and 4 times – diabetes occurrence.

Overall, there is a high chance of developing chronic diseases in all subjects.

According to Gabriel, the most important is access to a plant-based diet – raw food should be preferred. He and his team at the Tree Of Life Rejuvenation Center, during the 30 days program, prepared a plan of raw and well-balanced meals for all test subjects.

They turn the food into their medicine. Subjects despite Gabriel’s prescribed food also took their medication. This entire program was under medical supervision.

Reverse Diabetes Results

On the third day of the program, Kirt, Bill, and Henry were able to stop taking insulin and medications. With only three days change of in the diet, blood sugar levels have dropped to normal. Pam has decreased the intake of insulin to 1/3. Austin, with type 1 diabetes, has already been able to reduce insulin intake to 1/2. Michelle’s blood sugar level was about 362. These changes encouraged all of them to stay in the program and to continue to improve their health status.

1. After 12 days – Henry’s blood sugar levels fell down by 256 points. In doing so, he has not used drugs for lowering his blood sugar level. He no longer uses his 17 medications, lost 30 pounds and his blood pressure dropped down.
2. Kirt did not use drugs to regulate blood sugar levels anymore. The level of blood sugar dropped from 214 to 73 points (normal), although it was later discovered that he had type 1 diabetes.
3. Bill has stopped taking his 19 medications and lost 32 pounds of weight. Blood sugar dropped from 214 to 74 points without taking medications and insulin.
4. Michelle has stopped taking his medication and lost 23 pounds. Blood sugar levels decreased from 291 to 109 points without the use of drugs.
5. Pam lost 26 pounds, while her blood sugar dropped from 167 to 112 points without the use of medication.
6. Austin, who has type 1 diabetes, has lost 20 pounds and reduced his insulin intake from 70 to 5 units. With him, there was a dramatic improvement in his diabetes condition.

The conclusion of the mentioned changes was that all participants in the program had a turnaround in their health. All of them reverse diabetes or drastically reduce the blood sugar level to a controllable state. Kirt, who had type 1 diabetes, was completely healed, although it was impossible. All other type 2 diabetics have stopped using insulin.

What Does This Tell Us?

It is important that all diabetics know that they opt and a fair chance in the fight against diabetes. Many of them are not aware of the food’s power and the possible transformation of their condition. They still take insulin after the generally accepted opinion, as if it is their only solution.

It is not bad to follow the mainstream, but it is not good to miss other options as a better alternative. In fact, the American Diabetes Association confirms the results as obvious changes through this program.

Would you have tried to heal your diabetes with raw food? Are you curious to check these claims?

Discovering Vegan Eating Through the Quest for Healthy Nutrition

Diabetics and the Healing Power of a Vegan Diet

Get The Best From Your Body By Measuring The Glycemic Index

See some of the following reverse diabetes resources that will help in your decision:

Statistics About Diabetes; 
Projection of Diabetes Burden Through 2050;
Type 1 and Type 2 Medications and Diet;
Curing Diabetes with Raw Food and Why Going Vegan Makes Sense;
Universal Fitness Innovations

Sciatica is a condition of the longest nerve in the body – the sciatic nerve. Those suffering from sciatic pain describe it as a feeling of pain that starts as a sharp or numb pain in the back that goes all the way through the leg and reaches the foot. This disease can sometimes cause unpleasant twinges and pressure even with the slightest moves.

According to some statistics, every third person in the world will experience this condition at some point in their lives. The symptoms of sciatic pain are very similar to lower back pain and leg cramps and that’s why many people make mistakes when treating this serious condition.

As mentioned before the pain can be different in different patients. Some experience mild aches and feelings of numbness while others experience the sharp and very painful sensation that usually affects one side of the body at a time.

Many people find strong painkillers like ibuprofen to relieve the pain. Although these OCT drugs can be effective, they don’t provide long-term solutions and they come with many side effects. Luckily, a few natural treatments can help you relieve the pain and eliminate the inflammation caused by sciatica.

Sciatic Pain Natural Treatments

1. Chiropractor. Chiropractic is a popular form of alternative medicine. There is no firm scientific study that confirms that visiting a chiropractor can improve the state of sciatica sufferers, but there are many patients who claim that they’ve experienced improvement even after a couple of sessions. What science can confirm is that chiropractic can reduce inflammation, help reduce stress, and improve mobility and flexibility.

2. Acupuncture. This is another form of alternative medicine, but unlike chiropractic, acupuncture uses special needles, which are stabbed into the body. By placing these needles in certain points in the body, acupuncturists believe that they can improve the flow of energy in the body, improve the work of nerves and help people eliminate sciatic pain. It usually takes a few sessions before sufferers witness the first results.

3. Ice Packs. If you are looking for a quick way to ease the pain you should try applying ice packs to the affected area. Leave the ice packs for around 20 minutes, take a break for two hours, and do this procedure again, until you start feeling better.

4. Switch Temperatures. Truth be told, ice packs can provide only short-term effects. The reason is simple – the sciatic nerve is the largest in the body and it is located deep inside the body. Ice packs will affect only the first layers of inflammation. That’s why experts suggest altering temperatures. After applying ice packs, go to the bath and take a hot bath. This change will improve your blood flow and you will affect the deeper layers of inflammation too. In addition, you can add some essential oils, herbs, or other items with healing properties.

5. Massage.  Massage is a technique for relaxation known since ancient times. A proper massage can relax the muscles, remove tension and improve blood flow. Essential oils used for massage and aromatic candles can significantly increase the effects.

Watch This 1 Minute VIDEO Exercises To Ease the Sciatic Nerve Pain

6. Yoga. You have probably seen how flexible yoga practitioners are, but when we are talking about using yoga for sciatic pain, we mean practicing mild stretches. People that are suffering from sciatic pain are usually resting for the whole time, but limited physical activity is recommended in all cases. Only through physical activity, you can expect to increase your flexibility and mobility.

7. Sleep. You should be aware of the fact that lack of sleep can cause both short and long-term negative effects on your health. On the other hand, there are numerous positive effects of a healthy and quality sleep like an improved immune system, increased concentration, and restored energy. Then your nerves are relaxed and you can expect them to get back on track after a good night’s sleep. Also, whenever you find a little free time, take a nap.

8. Herbs And Oils. We have already mentioned how useful essential oils and herbs are when used for massages, but they can be quite useful for sciatic pain when they are used in the form of supplements, capsules, teas, etc. If you are planning to take them orally, remember to ask your doctor if they can cause some side effects when combined with some of the medications you take. The following is a short list of herbs used in cases of nerve pain and inflammation: turmeric, Jamaican dogwood, devil’s claw, arnica, willow, lavender, licorice, etc.

9. Alexander Technique. The Alexander Technique is an educational process, which helps people learn how to keep a correct body posture. According to many people, a proper posture can help anyone get rid of migraine pain, back pain, and neck pain and it can certainly help with sciatic pain too.

10. Diaphragmatic breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing is another technique that can be quite useful in cases of sciatic pain. This technique provides complete breathing, which means it provides more energy to the system. By bringing the necessary amount of oxygen to the cells in our body, we can expect better functioning of all body parts.

Keep in mind that most of these natural treatments for sciatic pain have not been scientifically proven, but the testimonies of many people who felt the positive impact on their health condition should be enough to motivate you. In addition, if these treatments are done in the right way they can’t lead to any side effects.

11 Easy Exercises to Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain in 15 Minutes