Health Benefits of Raspberry Leaf Tea for Women

Raspberry leaf tea is a mild tasting similar to the taste of black tea, but without the caffeine. The tea is made from dried leaves of the raspberry plant. This powerful herb is high in vitamins, nutrients and tannins which makes it great for women in all stages of life, and pretty much everyone else.  I discovered raspberry leaf tea in my first pregnancy and used it again in my second with wonderful results. I was reintroduced recently when I began to research some natural treatments for my own personal health issues. This post will share with you the benefits of including raspberry leaf tea to your routine. 

Nutritional Information for Raspberry Leaf

 

Raspberry leaf tea is very rich in vitamins and minerals and is a great way to boost the immune system when feeling ill and can also be used as a base for homemade electrolyte drinks. Raspberry leaf tea contains high amounts of:

• Calcium
• Carotenoids
• Pectin
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Iron 
• Vitamins A, B, C, D& E. 

Because of the high nutritional value raspberry leaf tea is especially beneficial for both men and women's reproductive system as a way to detoxify extra hormones from plastics, food additives, commercial meats, dairy or natural hormonal shifts.

Health Benefits of Raspberry Leaf

 

Raspberry leaf tea has been used throughout history to treat problems such as anemia, cold/canker sores, bloating diarrhea, gum disease, sunburn, rashes and other skin disorders. This herb is ideal to balance hormones and ease symptoms of PMS, endometriosis menstrual problems and cysts. Raspberry leaf tea possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. It is said to boost fertility and is highly recommended for women who are trying to conceive and, if approved by your healthcare provider, is safe to take throughout pregnancy. Raspberry leaf tea is also shown to reduce morning sickness symptoms and leg cramps that are common pregnancy discomforts and is often recommended by doulas and midwives. The tea strengthens the uterus and pelvic muscles and studies have shown that women who drank raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy had shorter labors and were much less likely to have interventions than expecting mothers who did not consume the tea. Since I used it in both of my pregnancies I don't have anything to compare it to, but I did have two, amazing and fast natural childbirths and attest it to all the natural modalities I used throughout my pregnancy which included raspberry leaf tea, yoga, relaxation and meditation and evening primrose oil.

How To Use Raspberry Leaf Tea

Raspberry leaf tea comes in tablet, tea bags, loose leaf or tincture form. It can replace your morning or evening tea, since it doesn't contain caffeine and can be served either hot or iced. A tincture can be applied externally to help skin problems, or can be taken internally to alleviate PMS, menstrual flow that is too light or too heavy and infertility. Raspberry leaf tea can be purchased online (HERE), found at many health food stores or from health practitioners. It is important to purchase herbs from a trusted source to avoid contaminated products.  

 

I have been using raspberry leaf tea most recently as one of the natural modalities to balance my hormones and alleviate the symptoms associated with my fibroids. I have noticed a difference in my health and well-being and couldn't wait to share the information I have found with my readers.  Herbs effective everyone differently so it is best to consult a medical professional and test to see which herbs work best for you!

Do you, or have you taken raspberry leaf tea? We would love for you to share your experiences with us!

 

Sources: 

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-309-RED%20RASPBERRY.aspx?activeIngredientId=309&activeIngredientName=RED%20RASPBERRY

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_raspberry_leaf

http://www.pregnancy.com.au/resources/topics-of-interest/pregnancy/raspberry-leaf.shtml

www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/r/raspbe05.html



Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Medicine Cabinet Must Have Part III: Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been demonized for years for being high in saturated fat, as if that's a bad thing, when in fact researchers say it's a GREAT thing. Coconut oil is one of the highest sources of saturated fat on earth and is packed with nutrients. The myth that saturated fats cause clogged arteries has been debunked and many people are realizing the health benefits of Coconut oil. You can find it at most health food stores or you can buy online HERE. Make sure to buy Organic Virgin Coconut oil. Nothing processed or refined as it is basically useless and provides zero benefits.

Coconut Oil has a multitude of benefits from both eating it and applying it topically. I always have at least two bottles of coconut oil in my house at all times. One in my kitchen to cook with, and another in my bathroom. This post will share with another from my Medicine Cabinet Must Have list and why no house should be without coconut oil!

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil:

• Brain Booster
• Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial and Anti-viral
• Burns Fat
• Bone Health
• Immune Booster
• Improve Digestion
• Boosts Energy
• Oral Health
• Skin and Hair Care

Modern medical research is showing that coconut oil is treating a large number of conditions including:

• Supporting Thyroid Function
• Dissolves Kidney Stones
• Reducing Epileptic Seizures
• Improves Insulin Secretion and Utilization of Blood Glucose
• Relieve Symptoms and Health Risks Associated with Diabetes
• Reduces Symptoms of Pancreatitis 
• Relieves Symptoms of Crohn's Disease, Stomach Ulcers and Colitis. 
• Kills Viruses Associated with Influenza, Herpes, Measles, Hepatitis C, SARS, etc. 
• Kills Bacteria Associated with Ulcers, UTI, Gum Disease, Cavities, Pneumonia, etc. 
• Kills Fungi Associated with Ringworm, Athletes Foot, Thrush, Diaper Rash, etc. 

 

Ways To Use Coconut Oil 

For cooking- Coconut oil has a high smoke point so its great for cooking. You can use it in place of just about any oil and it is a much healthier alternative to Canola or Vegetable oil which I talk about HERE. Many people worry about the taste, but many people don't notice it. Some people are sensitive to it at first, but after a couple of time of using it you get used to it. It is great for baking and as a dairy free replacement for butter.

Cosmetic products- Coconut oil is a great alternative to many products and is a main ingredient in many homemade products because of its healing abilities. By itself makes great eye makeup remover, facial and body moisturizer, personal lubricant, baby lotion, hair mask, chap stick and even deodorant. When applied directly to affected areas it can help treat cradle cap, hemorrhoids, dandruff, athletes foot, eczema and psoriasis.When used during pregnancy it can also prevent stretch marks.

Wound Care- When applied topically, because of its anti-bacterial benefits it helps the infected or injured area to heal faster. It heals sunburns, chicken pox, poison ivy/oak, cold sores and cuts or scratches. Coconut oil when applied directly to affected areas can help treat cradle cap, hemorrhoids, dandruff, athletes foot, eczema, psoriasis and diaper rash.

Health & Wellness- When taken internally it is also very beneficial. Coconut oil supports healthy thyroid function, hormone production, and boosts circulation. It can improve insulin levels and cholesterol levels. Recent research is showing that because of Coconut oil's brain boosting benefits it can prevent and reverse Alzheimer's, is helpful for people with autism and can treat depression and anxiety.

With an impressive list of benefits like that who wouldn't want Coconut Oil as a staple in their house? It can has so many uses and is a much better alternative to commercial products or pharmaceutical medicines.

Do you use Coconut Oil? What is your favorite use for it?


Resources:

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

http://coconutoil.com/AlzheimersDiseaseDrMaryNewport.pdf


Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: This post contains paid affiliate links. In order for me to support my family and continue my business activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Medicine Cabinet Must Have Part II - The Healing Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

This post is a second in a series that will discuss what I refer to as Natural Medicine Cabinet must haves! Part 1, in case you missed it, was all about Bentonite Clay. This next product was the first real natural product that I got hooked on - Tea Tree Oil! We ALWAYS have this product in our house. My friends and family have heard me refer to it numerous times. In fact, my husband can attest that it is referenced, and used daily in our house.  This article will be all about Tea Tree oil and why this product needs to be included in your home medicine kit.

What is Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree oil, or Melaleuca, is a powerful essential oil that has been used to treat a number of medical conditions. Tea Tree oil is a very powerful natural agent because of it's anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. It is a renewable resource that is non-corrosive, non-staining, easy to use and very economical. It has been used for hundreds of years first by the aborigines in the Australian outback who were masters of using nature's gifts as medicine. Many studies of the healing properties of Tea Tree oil have been conducted in the past decade and many have dubbed the oil a "first aid kit in a bottle". Tea Tree Oil can be found at most health food stores or you can buy online HERE.

It has been used to treat a number of infections including those that have been shown resistant to antibiotics. It is useful to user for bacterial and fungal skin infections such as warts, rashes, dandruff, wounds, acne, sun burn and athletes food just to name a few. Tea Tree oil has also been used to treat both common respiratory problems such as coughs, sore throat and runny nose to more severe problems such as bronchitis and asthma. It can be used in babies, adults and even animals.

Because of how powerful Tea Tree oil is please take the following precautions:

• Avoid contact with eyes
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not take internally without consulting a health care practitioner (excluding toothpaste, mouthwash- without swallowing!) 
• Use patch test before using oil on sensitive skin
• Dilute Tea Tree oil with cold-pressed oil (olive, coconut, almond, avocado, apricot) when using around sensitive areas or on baby's skin. 
• Pregnant women should take extra precaution. 

 

Tea Tree Oil Uses

 

• Styles, Blocked Sinus Passages, Emphysema, Head Cold, Coughs/Congestion- Add a few drops of pure Tea Tree Oil  to a humidifier or a pot of steaming water and inhale vapors. You can also add a few drops to some carrier oil and rub on chest and back to breathe throughout the evening. 

• Sore Throat, Thrush, Canker Sores, Gingivitis, Bad Breathe, Plaque, Toothache- Add a couple drops of Tea Tree to a glass of water and swish around twice daily. It's a great natural replacement for mouthwash and much more beneficial than commercial brands.

• Acne, Boils, Minor Burns, Eczema, Insect bites, Poison Oak/Ivy, Psoriasis, Rashes, Sunburn, Warts- Apply pure Tea Tree oil to the area twice daily. Can mix with cold pressed oil and honey to create a salve. 

• Scrapes, Cuts, Wounds, Abscesses- Apply a few drops of Tea Tree oil to a cotton ball and clean the area. It's anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties will keep the area clean and able to heal more effectively.

• Athletes Foot, Corns/Callouses, Nail Infection, Foot Odor, Ringworm, Shingles, Plantar Warts- Apply a mixture of pure Tea Tree oil (or mix with carrier oil) to affected area twice a day.  Add 5-10 drops to a foot bath and soak for 10 minutes.

• Dandruff, Head lice, Itchy Scalp, Oily Hair, Thinning Hair- Add 5-10 drops of pure Tea Tree oil to shampoo and conditioner and use daily. Just try not to get any in your eyes!

• Earaches- Mix 5 drops of Tea Tree oil with coconut or olive oil. Apply a small amount into ear (a couple drops for babies). Adults can pack ear loosely with a small cotton ball. Reapply Tea Tree as necessary.

• Cradle Cap for Infants- Mix 5-10 drops of Tea Tree with some carrier oil and rub on affected area. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and then wash hair. ***MAKE SURE NOT TO GET INTO BABIES EYES WHEN RINSING!

• Diaper Rash & Skin Problems- Mix Tea Tree with a cold-pressed oil and rub on problem area. Do not use pure Tea Tree oil directly on the skin as babies are much more sensitive than adults.

• Disinfectant, Deodorizer-  You can add a few drops of Tea Tree oil to a spray bottle of water or vinegar. It is multi-purpose and can be used on any surface.

• Animal Care- Can be used to treat mange, lice, ticks, ringworm and fleas by bathing animals and mixing 1 tablespoon of Tea Tree oil per cup of water. For abscesses or puncture wounds you can apply a few drops of the pure oil directly on the affected area.

Tea Tree oil is one of the most effective natural medicinal available and even works on conditions that are extremely resistant even to strong antibiotics. With it's multi-purpose properties it is very cost effective and useful to have in the house at all times.

Do you use Tea Tree Oil regularly? If so, please share your experiences and how it has helped you!



Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Medicine Cabinet Must Have Part 1: Healing Properties of Bentonite Clay

There are a few natural medicine cabinet staples that are a must have in our house.  This series will discuss what multi-purpose health essentials I keep on hand at all times and why. These natural methods are tried and true and with very little, if any, side effects.

Bentonite clay is an ancient healing clay used by cultures throughout history for their ability to rid the body of toxins. It has been used for years for both internal and external detoxification and for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-yeast and general disinfectant properties. Bentonite clay has a high concentration of minerals such as calcium, silica, magnesium, potassium, sodium and iron. When the clay comes into contact with a toxin, chemical or heavy metal it will absorb the poison and release its minerals for the body to utilize. A study from ASU has shown that bentonite is highly effective at killing E.Coli, Salmonella and even MRSA.

Bentonite clay helps to get oxygen to cells by removing excess hydrogen and allowing it to be replaced by oxygen. It is also a common in detox and cleansing products and when taken correctly it has an alkalizing effect on the body and helps to balance gut bacteria. The clay itself has a strong negative charge which bonds to the positive charge of many toxins. When it is mixed with water it swells open like a highly porous sponge drawing out toxins though electrical attraction.

Bentonite has been used for hundreds of years for detoxification, recovery from vomiting and diarrhea, digestive disturbances, skin issues, allergies and even oral health. Because of its universal health properties bentonite healing clay should be a staple in every medicine cabinet. You can purchase the clay at most health food stores or you can purchase HERE on Amazon.

How to use Bentonite Clay:

*Do not allow bentonite to come into contact with anything metal, as it will reduce its effectiveness. If taking internally do not take within one hour of food or two hours of medication or supplements. Always consult with a doctor before using if you have a medical condition.

• Internal Cleansing- Mix a tablespoon of clay and ½ tablespoon of psyllium husks with 8 ounces of water. Take on an empty stomach preferably early morning or late evening. Make sure to drink lots of water during the day to help facilitate the clay to remove toxins from the intestines.

• Detox Bath- Adding ¼ cup bentonite clay to your bath creates a relaxing, detoxifying mud bath that is great to remove toxins and condition the skin.

• Facial Mask- Make a paste with water or apple cider vinegar. I prefer ACV. Mix it together to make a paste and apply to your face similar to a salon spa. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes and wash off. Your face will be bright red and might be pulsating a little. That is a good thing. All of your pores are opened and breathing. This can be done weekly. It is a great way to revitalize your skin and help make a healthy, youthful complexion.

• Skin Disorders/Problems- Make a paste similar to the description above, using either water or Apple Cider Vinegar. Apply it to any skin irritations such as blemishes, burns, cuts, or bites. It is extremely helpful for skin disorders such as chicken pox, eczema, psoriasis, etc. Let it dry for 20-30 minutes and then wash off. For major issues you can apply a thick layer to the affected area, cover with a wet cloth or gauze and replace every couple of hours.

• Pet Health- If your pet is sick, vomiting or showing other signs of illness you can mix a little clay with their water and or give it orally with a dropper.

• Muscle and Joint pain- Make a paste using water or Apple Cider Vinegar and apply a layer to affected area. Allow clay to dry 20-30 minutes and then wash off. It can be very beneficial to relieve arthritis, carpal tunnel, bruises and sprains.

• Oral Health- Bentonite is great for remineralizing teeth and can be used as a toothpaste or mouth wash. For toothpaste mix with baking soda, coconut oil, hydrogen peroxide and peppermint oil. As a mouthwash mix ½ a teaspoon of clay with ¼ cup of water. Swish in mouth for 1-2 minutes. Rinse with water and then repeat until solution is finished.

When taken internally bentonite removes toxins from the digestive system, cleanses the colon, stimulates liver function, reduces food allergies and improves the immune system. Externally it removes toxins by drawing them through the skin. Because of its versatility and healing properties bentonite is a MUST HAVE for household natural medicine kits.

Do you use Bentonite? If so we would love for you to share any uses not mentioned in this post and why you love it!


Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.