cosmicsolutions Healthy Lifestyle Habits with Alternative Medicine

Infuse and Steep

As a general rule you should only fill an infuser half way as the leaves or roots will swell when they are hydrated. Whole leaf herbal teas will need more space than the small leafed black teas, therefore you should probably choose a larger size infuser.

Glass and Stainless Steel are usually preferred for ease of cleaning, and water discolouration can indicate when steeping is complete.

Herbal Teas are generally of better quality if collected or bought in the 'loose leaf form', rather than the 'tea bag form'.

Chicory and Dandelion Root Tea Benefits
Roasted Dandelion Root Tea and Chicory Root Tea have been used in traditional medicine to cure, or at the very least, alleviate the symptoms of frequent urination and poor bladder control.

The root of the chicory plant is long and thick, like the tap-root of the dandelion. When dried and roasted, it makes an excellent substitute for coffee. Chicory tea has long been hailed as a blood purifier as it is rich in Vitamins A, C, B, K and P.

The ancient Greeks and Romans often used chicory tea as a liver stimulant. Chicory root tea was used to treat intestinal parasites or worms and other ailments involving the liver and gall bladder. These days chicory root tea is also found to be beneficial to the spleen and is often prescribed to patients with gallstones.

In addition to increasing the flow of bile, studies have shown that chicory tea helps to eliminate phlegm from the gastro-intestinal tract and alleviates symptoms associated with an upset stomach. Meanwhile, chicory tea is considered a well-known appetite stimulant.

Women who suffer from severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) often find drinking chicory tea helps alleviate painful symptoms. Studies show chicory assists in maintaining hormone balance and lessens the symptoms of PMS. The tea has also been shown to discourage the growth of yeast infections.

Chicory Tea can be applied directly on skin lacerations to alleviate painful swelling or irritation, and aid in the healing process. The tea has also been shown to aid in the healing of sores and boils. The sap from the chicory plant can be used to treat sunburn.

Studies show chicory tea aids in the body's ability to absorb calcium and other important minerals.

Native Americans used dandelion decoctions to treat liver problems, kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and stomach upset. Chinese medicinal practitioners traditionally used dandelion root tea to treat digestive disorders, appendicitis, and breast problems (such as inflammation or lack of milk flow). In Europe, herbalists integrated dandelion root into remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.

Dandelion root tea has proven to be beneficial for the liver and gall bladder by assisting in the proper functioning of these organs, whilst providing protection from the detrimental effects of oxidants and infections, and by regulating the necessary secretions from both organs. Dandelion root tea is highly diuretic by nature, therefore assisting in the elimination of toxic substance deposits in the kidneys and the urinary tract. The disinfecting properties of dandelion root tea will inhibit microbial growth within the entire urinary system.

Dandelion root tea also detoxifies the body, which offers further protection from the development of tumors and various cancers. Luteolin is a compound generally found in dandelion decoctions that actually destroys essential components of cancer cells when it binds with them, thereby rendering these cells ineffective and unable to reproduce. Luteolin is also beneficial for the protection against age related bone damage, as dandelion root tea is rich in calcium, antioxidants, and luteolin, this makes for an ideal herbal root tea for also adding support and protection for bone health and age related bone damage.

Nutrient Rich Dandelion <<< For Natural and Effective Body Detoxification!

Both Dandelion root and Chicory root having very similar properties and results during treatments have made them the perfect companions for use as a herbal root detox tea.

* Chicory and Dandelion Root Detox Tea
Roasted Chicory and Dandelion Root Tea is of benefit to Flush Toxins and Fats for Liver Cleansing - Dandelion Root is one of the strongest herbal lipotropics known.
Suggested Use: Soak or Steep 1 teaspoon of 'course ground' Dandelion and Chicory Root in 2 litres of hot water (just prior to boiling) and drink one to four cups throughout the day.
Try this for an “everyday detox” tea: Pieces of licorice root, roasted chicory root, dandelion root, and sarsaparilla root. This should promote healthy liver function and boost immunity - probably best to consume in the morning.

Warning! Certain sensitive individuals may experience allergic reactions when using dandelion orally or topically. Individuals that suffer allergic reactions to chrysanthemums, daisies, or marigolds are likely to also incur allergic reactions to dandelion products.

Licorice Root Tea Benefits

Licorice Root Tea has been used by the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, and Hindus, as a traditional medicine to alleviate coughs and breathing difficulties, alleviate and heal ulcers, reduce stomach inflammation, manage blood sugar, and balance hormones. The root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) was an invaluable ingredient in many ancient herbal concoctions, and is still believed to be one of the most valued alternative herbal medicines.

The principle component of Licorice that is responsible for its typically sweet taste is called glycyrrhizin. The component glycyrrhizin is not only highly stimulative for the digestive system, but also highly supportive for the immune system. The licorice plant is a legume that is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia, and is not botanically related to anise, star anise, or fennel, which are also sources of similar flavoured compounds. Licorice is often used to flavour confectionery, reinforced by aniseed oil, so the actual content of licorice in sweets/candies is very low.

This sweet tasting yellow root contains vitamin E, B-complex, biotin, niacin, pantothenic acid, lecithin, manganese and other trace elements. Licorice root is a potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent that also contains many anti-depressant compounds. As an alternative herbal medicine, Licorice Root Tea has an impressive well documented list for its many uses for the treatment of various ailments.

Licorice is a powerful antioxidant and has been used in the treatment of ailments such as: asthma, adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and influenza, coughs, bronchitis. emphysema, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, herpes, hepatitis, viral infections, fungal infections, liver problems, Lyme disease, hormonal balance, skin issues, shingles, sore throat, tendinitis, ulcers, yeast infections, prostate enlargement and arthritis.

Suggested Use: We recommend just using small pieces of Licorice root to flavour your favourite herbal root tea – Ideal for adding to a Herbal Root Detox Tea!

Warning! Precautions with excessive usage of Licorice Extracts
Side effects have been reported with excessive usage of licorice extracts – Do Not exceed more that 100mg (4 oz) a day. Side effects include hypertension, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and sodium and water retention. These side effects will not occur if used sensibly and in small medicinal doses. If you have high blood pressure, or any other serious health issues or concerns, please consult your healthcare professional before using licorice root in any kind of long term procedure.

Ginger Root Tea Benefits

Ginger Root Tea has been used in Asian, Arabic, and Indian cultures as a herbal medicine since ancient times. Revered around the world for its pungent taste, ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a natural spice that is also widely prized for its medicinal properties.

Since ancient times, traditional healers in a diverse array of cultures have used this plant to relieve nausea, motion sickness, dizziness, inflammation, and to assist the digestive processes.

Further studies have shown ginger to minimise symptoms of the common cold, allergies, respiratory conditions, and also eases the pain of muscle aches and rheumatoid arthritis.

Chinese herbalists have relied on ginger as a medicine and flavoring for more than 2,500 years. The early Greeks mixed it into breads (hence the first gingerbread), and North American colonists sipped nausea-quelling ginger beer, the precursor of modern ginger ale. Today, many cultures continue to rely on ginger for controlling nausea and also for reducing inflammation.

A botanical relative of marjoram and turmeric, the ginger plant is indigenous to Southeast Asia and is now also extensively cultivated in Jamaica and other tropical areas. It's the plant's aromatic rhizome (or underground stem) that's used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

Turmeric Root Tea Benefits

Turmeric Root Tea is a potent alternative herbal medicine that has long been used by the ancient Chinese and Indian cultures as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat a wide variety of conditions, including flatulence, jaundice, indigestion, liver complaints, menstrual difficulties, haemorrhage, viral infections, toothache, chest pain, and colic.

Turmeric roots (or bulbs) have a mild fragrance slightly suggestive of orange and ginger, with a rather distinguished mild peppery taste. Turmeric's main constituent phytochemical, Curcumin, is one of the most remarkable and most studied of all the spice compounds.

Native to southern India and Indonesia, where turmeric has been grown and harvested since ancient times, it has also served a significant role in many other traditional cultures throughout the East. Although Arab traders introduced turmeric to Europe in the 13th century, it has only recently become popular in the Western cultures.

Most of the recent popularity surrounding turmeric (Curcuma longa) is attributable to the recent research that has highlighted its therapeutic properties and effectiveness in treatments regarding: healthy liver functions, inhibiting cancer cell growth, inflammatory bowel disease, relief for rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular protection, lowering of cholesterol, and protection against Alzheimer’s disease (just to name a few).

* Turmeric and Ginger Root Detox Tea
This organic blend is seriously detoxifying. It has pieces of turmeric root, licorice root, ginger root, orange peel, lemongrass and lemon essential oil, some of which are reputed to be naturally detoxifying, and others of which make this blend far tastier than most. It has a peppery, fiery flavour and a surprisingly sweet finish.

Ginseng Root Tea Benefits

Panax Ginseng
Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Panax Ginseng is the most valued kind of ginseng that is grown and cultivated in China, Korea and other countries. Red Panax (Korean Ginseng), mostly discovered in Korea normally gets the colour through the preparation process, while other panax ginseng types are naturally dried and lack the red colour. Studies indicate that the ginseng active compounds in panax ginseng are ginsenocides.

The followings are some of the panax ginseng benefits.
Unlike American Ginseng or Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero), Asian Panax has been a part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is used in connection with many conditions such as cancer, anxiety, colds, flu and for lowering blood levels of sugar and cholesterol, as in type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Most commonly known as an adaptogen, panax ginseng is currently being used in Asian countries to treat heart conditions and lungs, as well as for an overall health enhancer. Panax ginseng has been known to have a relaxing effect on the muscles in the lungs. The resulting airway relaxation may help to calm asthma symptoms and other airways constricting lung conditions. In some studies a combination of panax ginseng and gingko seemed to increase memory and thinking processes.

Ginsenoside can affect various enzyme systems at locations in the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, adrenal gland and immune system. Studies have shown that specific ginsenosides can stimulate the brain, sedate the central nervous system, balance certain metabolic processes, decrease blood sugar, improve muscle tone, stimulate the endocrine system, and help balance hormone levels. Research also suggests ginsenosides may be anti-tumor and anti-viral.

North American Ginseng Root

Panax Ginseng
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
American Ginseng is considered an adaptogen, meaning it has a normalising action irrespective of the direction of the disease-forming process. It has the ability to boost non-specific resistance of the body to a wide range of chemical, physical, psychological, and biological stressors.

Adaptogens such as ginseng have the unique ability to switch from stimulating to sedating effects based on the bodies requirements. Basically, an adaptogen provides a normalising influence on the body, neither over-stimulating nor inhibiting normal body function, but rather increasing the available energy of a bodily part or system. Hence ginseng provides an adaptation to stress, enhances physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and promotes vitality and quality of life.

Although ginseng is not a drug or a stimulant, many who use it, agree that if taken for a period of time, ginseng will increase feelings of well being, relieve fatigue and weak conditions and strengthen body functions. Further reputable studies in Japan and the United States have shown that ginseng stimulates every conceivable aspect of protein and nucleic acid metabolism and may help to maintain or facilitate the capacity of cells to tolerate anaerobic oxidation. Better put, ginseng may help reduce cell damage, thus, helping to counteract age-related conditions.

* Ginseng Root Detox Tea
This organic blend consists of white ginseng (peeled Panax Ginseng), rosehips, peppermint, licorice root, dandelion root and raspberry. Although it has a pronounced ginseng flavour, it has a fruitier, more sweet-tart flavour than most ginseng blends.

Siberian Ginseng Root

Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero)
Like members of the Panax (True Ginseng) family of plants, eleuthero is considered to be an "adaptogen", a substance that may help individuals cope with physical and emotional stress. Chemicals in eleuthero appear to produce moderate reductions in blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels and modest improvements in memory and concentration.

Eleuthero may also have mild estrogenic effects, and it appears to boost immune system function slightly. In laboratory studies, various chemicals found in eleuthero have also shown antiviral and anticancer properties. All of these possible uses need to be studied further before eleuthero can be recommended.

Warning! Precautions with Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero)
In clinical studies, Siberian Eleuthero Ginseng has increased the heart rate or increased blood pressure. Both of these effects may exacerbate many types of heart conditions. Individuals who have heart disease, including high blood pressure and previous heart attacks, should not take eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) without supervision from a qualified healthcare professional.

Individuals with diabetes should avoid using large amounts of eleuthero because it can lower blood sugar levels, potentially resulting in hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low). Indications of low blood sugar include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control. If not corrected, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness and even death.

Please remember!
Do not self diagnose, when it comes to serious illnesses, always consult your healthcare professional.

Whole Body Detoxification <<< The Natural Way To A Whole Body Cleanse!

Green Tea Benefits

The Ancient Chinese knew the benefits of drinking green tea for supporting good health. During ancient times green tea was used especially for the treatment of headaches and depression. The sipping of green tea has been of great importance throughout China's history as it is believed that they also used it for ceremonial purposes as well as medicinal purposes. Traditional green tea is produced from steeping the leaves of Camellia Sinensis and by adding other secretive processes prior to serving.

Green tea is a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants, in fact the richest source of flavonoid antioxidants in most diets. Flavonoids and other properties of green tea are the subjects of numerous scientific studies that link them to boosting the immune system, heart health, and bone health.

The major reason health conscience individuals select 'high quality loose leaf green tea' is because of the elevated catechin content. Catechins are a type of disease fighting flavonoid antioxidant that is responsible for preventing cell damage. As green tea undergoes minimal processing compared to black tea, it is the sort after choice for a rich supply of catechins. When preparing, pay careful attention not to add green tea to boiling water as this is detrimental for the catechins, instead use water just prior to boiling. The inclusion of lemon juice is also recommended to maximise the body's assimilation of the catechins.

Research has found green tea to be beneficial for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, prevention of cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases and heart diseases by reducing the risk of thrombosis. Drinking green tea inhibits the growth of certain cancer cells, reduces the level of cholesterol in blood, and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol. Green tea stimulates the body's immune functions, and some research shows that drinking green tea regularly may even assist to prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria that causes the dental plaque.

Ongoing international research suggests that regular tea consumption has the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease and the growth of certain cancers. Most of the studies presenting positive results relating to cancer prevention highlight the benefits of consuming green tea as opposed to black tea.