A NATURAL IRON BOOST
Looking for a natural, inexpensive way to
increase your iron intake? Try this recipe, recommended by Aviva
and Tracy Romm in their book ADHD Alternatives.
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) works quickly — taken as a syrup,
the herb can raise iron levels in a matter of weeks. Blackstrap
molasses is high in iron, and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
enhances iron absorption and assimilation.
YELLOW DOCK IRON-RICH SYRUP
1/2 ounce dried yellow dock root
1/2 ounce dried dandelion root
1 quart water
1/2 cup blackstrap molasses
Combine yellow dock and dandelion roots in water. Bring to a
boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 4 hours. Strain liquid
into a saucepan. Simmer, uncovered, until liquid is reduced to 1
cup. Add molasses and stir well. Pour into a clean glass jar, cool
to room temperature, and seal jar. The syrup will keep for 2 weeks
in the refrigerator.
Take 1 to 2 tablespoons daily, along with 250 mg vitamin C to
enhance iron absorption.
Source: Romm, Aviva and Tracy Romm. ADHD Alternatives. Pownal,
Vermont: Storey Books, 2000.
ENJOY A CHAI HAZELNUT SMOOTHIE
In her book Wai Lana’s Favorite Juices, yoga
instructor and juicing enthusiast Wai Lana provides this delicious,
exotic recipe, which makes an energizing breakfast. The smoothie
provides antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
CHAI HAZELNUT SMOOTHIE
Serves 2
1 cup milk
3/4 cup chai
2 teaspoons fresh ginger juice
11/2 frozen bananas
1 heaping tablespoon hazelnuts
1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste
1 pinch cinnamon
1 teaspoon flax oil
1 scoop protein powder
Blend, pour into glasses and enjoy!
Source: Lana, Wai. Wai Lana’s Favorite Juices. Malibu,
California: Wai Lana Productions, 2003.
REMEMBER THREE HERBS FOR A BETTER MEMORY
Need a mental boost? The following are a few of
the best time-tested herbs to help improve memory.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). Besides being useful for memory loss,
studies have confirmed ginkgo’s effectiveness for mental fatigue,
senile dementia and an inability to concentrate. Ginkgo improves
blood supply to the brain, increases the brain’s ability to use
oxygen, and increases glucose uptake and energy production, thereby
increasing aptitude and alertness. A commonly recommended dose is 3
capsules containing at least 40 mg of standardized extract daily —
or follow the manufacturer’s or your practitioner’s
recommendations. It often takes about two months before ginkgo’s
effects are noticed.
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica). This herb has a longstanding
reputation as a memory enhancer. It’s used in both Ayurvedic and
Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as by Western herbalists, for
longevity and to improve mental function. A typical dose is up to
eight 400- to 500-mg capsules daily or 20 to 40 drops of tincture
twice daily.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary contains more than a
dozen antioxidants, as well as several compounds that help prevent
the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Noted
herbalist and Herbs for Health editorial adviser James Duke, Ph.D.,
recommends using rosemary in shampoos and baths for its
aromatherapeutic effects. You can make your own rosemary shampoo by
adding a few drops of the pure essential oil to your shampoo
bottle.
LOVELY LEMON BALM
Common names: Lemon balm, melissa, balm
Latin name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae
Part used: Leaf
Medicinal uses: Lemon balm is used as a gentle sedative for
insomnia and to relieve digestive gas and settle the stomach.
Studies have shown lemon balm cream to be an effective treatment
for cold sores.
Forms commonly used: Tea (from fresh or dried leaf), capsules
and cream.
Side effects: According the Botanical Safety Handbook (CRC,
1997), lemon balm is a Class 1 herb, meaning it can be safely
consumed when used appropriately.
Notes: Lemon balm has been used medicinally for at least 2,000
years. It has long been a popular folk remedy for insomnia.
The plant, a perennial in the mint family, is native to the
Mediterranean, western Asia and northern Africa, but grows widely
throughout the United States and elsewhere.
Lemon balm has lush, green, lemon-scented foliage and white
flowers that attract bees. In fact, the plant’s botanical name,
Melissa, comes from the Greek word for “bee.”
HERBAL HOUSEKEEPING
Many herbs — and their essential oils — have
antibiotic, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. They provide a
safe, inexpensive alternative to chemical cleaning products.
ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
Better — and safer — than the popular antibacterial cleaners on
the market today, this cleaner is ideal for kitchens and
bathrooms.
2 tablespoons borax
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 cups hot water
20 drops tea tree oil
Combine borax, lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Cap and
shake well to dissolve borax. Add tea tree oil and shake again. Use
as you would any commercial all-purpose cleaner.
LAVENDER ANTIBACTERIAL SPRAY
This spray smells wonderful and can double as a disinfectant and
air freshener. It’s perfect for garbage cans.
1 cup warm water
25 drops lavender essential oil
Combine water and oil in a spray bottle and shake well to blend.
To use, spray into the air or onto the surface you’re
disinfecting.
ROSEMARY SOFT SCRUBBER
This creamy cleanser is gently abrasive, making it ideal for
sinks and showers.
1/2 cup baking soda
1/8 cup liquid vegetable-based soap
10 drops rosemary essential oil
Combine ingredients in a small bowl and stir until you have a
smooth consistency. To use, scoop a small amount onto a damp
sponge. Scrub the surface you’re cleaning with small, circular
motions. Rinse well.
