Are Natural Ingredients For You? Of Course They Are

Natural herbs and ingredients have been used for centuries to cure common ailments such as upset stomach, colds, tooth aches, depression and joint pain.

Research continues to prove the benefits of these ingredients in promoting a health body and mind. We will outline some common ingredients and their benefits that can be found in natural remedies. These ingredients can improve your health, body and mind without chemicals found in most "modern" medicines.

Black Tea has been shown to reduce LDL "bad cholesterol" and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. It is also one of the most powerful antioxidants that science has discovered. Tea can help prevent different kinds of cancer, lower blood pressure and may reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Chai tea enhances the positive effects of black tea by adding other ingredients that benefit your overall health. Some of the most common ingredients in Chai tea are nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, clove and ginger.

Nutmeg is used to add a rich flavor. Cardamom stimulates the mind. Cinnamon enables other herbs to work faster. Clove helps generate heat in the body which is useful during cold and flu season.

Chamomile is another ingredient found in some teas. Chamomile is used to calm upset stomach and helps with sleep. German chamomile can help fight bacteria and reduce swelling.

Most of us eat these herbs in our food already without realizing the benefits of these ingredients. These ingredients can also be found in natural remedies and homeopathic medicines. Here are just a few of the ones you might be familiar with and their benefits.

Cinnamon-can lower blood sugar if taken daily.

Rosemary-reduces heterocyclic amines (potent carcinogens implicated in several cancers) because it contains carnosol and rosemarinic acid which are two powerful antioxidants that destroy the heterocyclic amines.

Ginger-a powerful antioxidant that blocks the effects of serotonin that can cause upset stomach. Ginger can also prevent motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy and sick stomach caused by chemotherapy. Ginger may also decrease blood pressure, pain from arthritis and osteoarthritis and serve as an anti-inflammatory. The anti-inflammatory properties can also help kill ovarian cancer cells.

Holy Basil-can reduce stress by increasing adrenaline and decreasing serotonin. Basil is also effective in relieving headaches and indigestion.

Garlic-consumed in high doses can lower risk of several cancers including ovarian and colon cancer. Garlic has been shown to reduce colon polyps. Garlic may also prevent strokes by reducing arterial blockages.

Tumeric-often used in curry is a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces the Cox-2 enzyme that causes the pain and swelling of arthritis. Tumeric has also been shown to reduce precancerous lesions when taken with quercetin (antioxidant found in onions, apples and cabbage).

There are many more herbs and natural ingredients that can be found in natural remedies and supplements. It is important that you understand the ingredients and the benefits and downfalls of each item. The most important thing is to know what you are putting in your body. Be wary of products that don’t include a full list of ingredients. Reputable companies aren’t afraid to tell you exactly what is in their products.

Obviously there are plenty of benefits associated with living a natural and organic lifestyle, but it is important to discuss trying new products with your doctor beforehand to avoid any reactions with your current medications and conditions. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to discuss with your doctor before trying ANY new supplement or medication. One other note of caution is that children may react differently than adults to some ingredients. Discuss with child’s doctor before administering any herbal medicine.