explore the medicinal magic in your kitchen€¦ · they also protect you from ailments doing the...

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www.moongaizingapothecary.com Believe it or not, common spices are actually some of the healthiest foods on the planet. Most of you have a spice rack filled with seasonings you use every day for cooking, but what do you know about their medicinal properties? According to Kelly M. Shattuck, a Certified Herbalist based in North Carolina, before health food stores made herbs such as Goldenseal and Echinacea readily available, people relied on culinary herbs in their kitchen to play a very important medicinal role in their lives. Using herbs and spices for healing is really nothing new. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurvedic systems have recognized the healing and culinary benefits of spices for thousands of years. Some health benefits are unique to each spice, and others are shared among different spices. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods found a direct correlation between the antioxidant phenol content of many spices, and their ability to prevent heart disease and premature aging 1 . According to this study, the spices that have the most phenol are: cloves, cinnamon, allspice, oregano, marjoram, sage, thyme, tarragon, and rosemary. Spices also help us digest food, detoxify our bodies, and keep our hearts and minds active. They are not only great in meals for added flavor, but they also provide vitamins and minerals, and are key to the nutritional density in the foods you eat. Because of their nutrient density, they are thermogenic, meaning they naturally increase metabolism. Therefore, you can easily boost the nutritional value of your meals and metabolism by simply adding spices. By the same token, spices can "upgrade" your meals by reducing toxic compounds created during the cooking process. In a 2009 study by McCormick Company, it was demonstrated that adding an antioxidant- rich spice blend to meat prior to cooking reduced the level of malondialdehyde (a chemical marker for oxidation) in the meat by 71 percent, and resulted in a 49 percent reduction of this compound in urine levels of the 11 participants. Explore the Medicinal Magic in Your Kitchen INSIDE: 1 Explore the medicinal magic in your kitchen 2 Winter Spices 2 Chai Tea Recipe 3 Selecting spices for their medicinal benefits 3 What’s in your kitchen medicine cabinet 5 How to make tea from spices 6 Tips to incorporate spices in your cooking 7 Recipes “Spices are thermogenic, meaning that they naturally increase your metabolism.” By Toni Camacho, PhD, HHP Moongazing Herbal Apothecary, San Diego, California 92126 www.moongazingapothecary.com [email protected] 858.564.8880

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Page 1: Explore the Medicinal Magic in Your Kitchen€¦ · They also protect you from ailments doing the rounds this time of year. Boost your immune system and stay healthy by drinking home-made

www.moongaizingapothecary.com

Believe it or not, common spices are actually some of the healthiest foods on the planet. Most of you have a spice rack filled with seasonings you use every day for cooking, but what do you know about their medicinal properties? According to Kelly M. Shattuck, a Certified Herbalist based in North Carolina, before health food stores made herbs such as Goldenseal and Echinacea readily available, people relied on culinary herbs in their kitchen to play a very important medicinal role in their lives.

Using herbs and spices for healing is really nothing new.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurvedic systems have recognized the healing and culinary benefits of spices for thousands of years. Some health benefits are unique to each spice, and others are shared among different spices. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods found a direct correlation between the antioxidant phenol content of many spices, and their ability to prevent heart disease and premature aging1. According to this study, the spices that have the most phenol are: cloves, cinnamon, allspice, oregano, marjoram, sage, thyme, tarragon, and rosemary.

Spices also help us digest food, detoxify our bodies, and keep our

hearts and minds active. They are not only great in meals for added flavor, but they also provide vitamins and minerals, and are key to the nutritional density in the foods you eat. Because of their nutrient density, they are thermogenic, meaning they naturally increase metabolism. Therefore, you can easily boost the nutritional value of your meals and metabolism by simply adding spices.

By the same token, spices can "upgrade" your meals by reducing

toxic compounds created during the cooking process. In a 2009 study by McCormick Company, it was demonstrated that adding an antioxidant-rich spice blend to meat prior to cooking reduced the level of malondialdehyde (a chemical marker for oxidation) in the meat by 71 percent, and resulted in a 49 percent reduction of this compound in

urine levels of the 11 participants.

Explore the Medicinal Magic in Your Kitchen I N S ID E :

1 Explore the medicinal

magic in your kitchen

2 Winter Spices

2 Chai Tea Recipe

3 Selecting spices for their

medicinal benefits

3 What’s in your kitchen

medicine cabinet

5 How to make tea from

spices

6 Tips to incorporate spices

in your cooking

7 Recipes

“Spices are thermogenic,

meaning that they

naturally increase your

metabolism.”

By Toni Camacho, PhD, HHP

Moongazing Herbal Apothecary, San D iego, Cal iforn ia 92126

www.moongaz ingapothecary.com contactus@moongaz ingapothecary.com 858.564.8880

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The culinary and medicinal powers of winter spices have been known by herbalists for centuries. Science is now confirming what traditional me dicine has known all along – that spices such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, cardamom and oregano have strong therapeutic effects.

When trying to stay healthy this winter, Instead of letting a cold

or the flu strike, fight back by reaching towards your kitchen instead of the medicine cabinet. Winter spices do much more than just add flavor to your pies and desserts. They also protect you from ailments doing the rounds this time of year. Boost your immune system and stay healthy by drinking home-made chai tea daily. Moreover, three cups of caffeine-free chai tea a day will provide you with the same amount of energy as one cup of coffee. This tea is made from various combinations of winter spices. It is a spicy, pungent drink made from some of the world's most medicinal winter spices. Its basic components include black tea, cinnamon, ginger, clove, cardamom and black pepper. These spices provide a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients that support digestion and immunity, balance blood sugar and combat inflammation. It has also been suggested that some of the spices in chai tea have anti-bacterial and anti-cancer effects.

Unfortunately, modern-day commercialized chai beverages tend to be sugar laden and more of a health threat than a health benefit. When buying prepared chai tea, pay attention to the ingredients on the labels, or better yet skip the coffee shop and make your own from scratch or using pre-mixed tea bags or Moongazing’s organic chai tea mix.

H E A L T H Y C H A I T E A R E C I P E

This will make about 5 cups worth and it’s caffeine free, so your kids can drink it too.

Bring 4 cups of water to a boi l. Then lower the heat to a gentle s immer and add al l the fo l lowing ingredients . Cover with a secure lid and continue gentle s immer for 20 mins. Then turn the heat off and let i t s i t . You can drink it right away but the longer i t s its , the better i t tastes. 10 whole cloves 12 whole cardamom pods 12 whole black peppercorns 2 cinnamon sticks 4 sl ices fresh ginger root (chopped) 1 cup coconut mi lk, soy milk, rice mi lk or a lmond mi lk 1 tablespoon raw honey, agave or 1 teaspoon stevia

If you want a caffeinated version of chai tea add 1 organic unflavored black or green teabag to each hot serving. Steep for 5

minutes. Discard teabag before serving.

Chai Tea with Almond Milk and

Honey

“Boost your immune

system and stay healthy

this winter simply by

drinking chai tea daily.”

Winter Spices

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You really can't go wrong when using herbs and spices in cooking. Let your taste buds dictate your selection. You can also choose spices based on their medicinal benefits.

• To boost the Immune system: licorice, turmeric, black pepper,

oregano, dill, nutmeg, thyme

• Anti-inflammatories: turmeric, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, peppermint,

cinnamon, cardamom, dill, fennel, oregano, rosemary

• Anti-microbials: garlic, basil, cayenne, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves,

thyme

• Anti-fungals: garlic, cayenne, cloves, oregano, thyme

• Mental health and anxiety: nutmeg, natural salt, thyme

• Heart health: garlic, cayenne, basil, cardamom, fennel, nutmeg

Most ground spices begin to fade in flavor and medicinal properties after a few months, so it’s best to buy whole and grind as needed. Some herbs like cinnamon are somewhat tough, so you’ll need a sturdy spice grinder or fine grater. If your only option is to buy ground spices, try to find high quality ones made from organic spices.

Always buy organic herbs and spices. Herbs that are either organic or

wild crafted are at their peak of maturity and their concentration of active ingredients is highest, making them more effective than their counterparts. Organic herbs and spices are easy to find. They cost more, but not having pesticides, chemicals and irradiation exposure makes them completely worth it.

The following herbs and spices show particular promise for promoting good health.

Herb/Spice Health Benefits Notes

Basil Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, good source of magnesium. Promotes cardiovascular health because of its high content of Vitamin A through its concentration of carotenoids such as beta-carotene. Called "pro-vitamin A”. Basil oil applied to the skin helps prevent pimples. Anti-aging properties, rich in anti-oxidants.

Cayenne

Anti-irritant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, migraine prevention, anti-allergen, digestive aid, useful for blood clots, detox support, joint pain reliever, anti-cancer, supports weight loss, promotes heart health.

Studies at Loma Linda University found that cayenne pepper may help prevent lung cancer in smokers. According to Dr. Edward Group, this may be related to cayenne’s high quantity of capsaicin, a substance that might help stop the formation of tobacco-induced lung tumors. Other studies have shown a similar reaction in cayenne’s resistance to liver tumors.

Cardamom Anti-spasmodic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, detoxification, improved blood circulation, nausea and vomiting relief, aphrodisiac, gastrointestinal protection, cholesterol control, anti-cancer, relief from cardiovascular issues, improvement of blood circulation.

A study conducted by Isao Kubo, Masaki Himejima, and Hisae Muroi at the Division of Entomology and Parasitology at the University of California has verified the presence of antimicrobial properties in cardamom.

Culinary Spices

Selecting Spices for Their Medicinal Benefits

What’s in Your Kitchen’s Medicine Cabinet

“Studies at Loma Linda

University found that

cayenne pepper may

help prevent lung cancer

in smokers.”

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Herb/Spice Health Benefits Notes

Cinnamon Anti-spasmodic, anti-emetic, anti-diarrheal, helps fight infections, the common cold, loss of appetite and erectile dysfunction (ED). Cinnamon may lower blood sugar in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, lowers LDL cholesterol.

Buy Ceylon Cinnamon whenever possible. It comes from Sri Lanka and is widely considered to be the best in the world.

Clove Anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-fungal, relieves respiratory infections, improves digestion, aphrodisiac, pain relief.

High in antioxidants and a good source of minerals — particularly manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and vitamins.

Coriander Lowers cholesterol, anti-inflammatory for the skin, anti-fungal, anti-septic, digestive aid, lowers blood pressure.

Coriander or cilantro is also a wonderful source of dietary fiber, manganese and iron. Coriander leaves are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K and protein. They also contain small amounts of calcium, phosphorous, potassium, thiamin, niacin and carotene.

Dill Boosts digestive health, reduces Insomnia, hiccups, diarrhea, dysentery, menstrual disorders, respiratory disorders, and cancer. Can protect from bone degradation, and is anti-inflammatory.

The health benefits of dill are derived from its organic compounds, vitamins, and minerals. Dill has a significant amount of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, as well as trace amounts of folate, iron and manganese.

Fennel The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and Vitamin K content in fennel all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength. Fennel speeds up metabolism, aids digestion, increases iron absorption, is estrogenic (promotes estrogen production), excellent source of Vitamin C, anti-inflammatory.

Top-quality fennel seeds are yellow and tinged with green. Ground fennel starts to lose its flavor after six months, while whole fennel seeds keep for three years, so it’s best to buy whole and grind as needed.

Garlic Anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, reduces blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, helps prevents Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, may increase longevity, improves athletic performance, detoxifies heavy metals in the body, may improve overall health.

Garlic is low in calories and very rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and manganese. It also contains trace amounts of various nutrients.

Ginger Anti-nausea, reduces morning sickness, reduces muscle pain and soreness, Anti-inflammatory, can help with osteoarthritis, lowers blood sugar, lowers heart disease risks, treats chronic indigestion, reduces menstrual pain, lowers cholesterol levels, anti-cancer, protects against Alzheimer’s disease, helps fight infections.

When buying fresh ginger root, look for knobs that are firm with smooth skin. Store fresh, peeled ginger in a paper bag in the refrigerator; it will keep for two weeks. You can also keep unpeeled ginger indefinitely by freezing.

Mint Reduces seasonal allergy symptoms, fights the common cold, indigestion, depression, fatigue, memory loss and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Is a breath freshener, antiseptic, and anti-carcinogen. Relieves nausea, headache, respiratory disorders, cough, and asthma. Helps with weight loss, oral care, increases mother’s milk.

Mint leaves are best to add either raw or near the end of cooking in order to maintain their delicate flavor and texture. When preparing mint, use a sharp knife and cut gently.

Nutmeg Provides pain relief, soothes indigestion, improves cognitive function, detoxifies the body, boosts skin health, alleviates oral conditions, helps with insomnia, increases immune system function, helps prevent leukemia, improves blood circulation and brain health. Aphrodisiac.

Try to buy whole nuts instead of the powder form, since it may be adulterated with other inferior-quality nutmeg varieties. Store whole nuts (as well as ground powder) inside an airtight container and place in a cool, dark and dry place, where it can stay for several months.

Oregano Immune support, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, useful for respiratory infections.

Research has shown essential oils from oregano may kill the foodborne pathogen Listeria and the superbug MRSA, making it a useful addition to hand soaps and disinfectants2 .

Parsley Supports immune system, tones bones, heals the nervous system, flushes water from the body, therefore supports kidney function, inhibits tumor formation, excellent source of Vitamin C, supports blood vessels, protects from rheumatoid arthritis, anti-cancer, lowers blood sugar.

In a recent study conducted at the University of Missouri, researchers found that a natural chemical in parsley, celery and other plants called “apigenin” decreases tumor size in an aggressive form of breast cancer. This may be a promising non-toxic treatment for cancer.

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Herb/Spice Health Benefits Notes

Rosemary Rich in anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, improves circulation and digestion, enhances memory and concentration, neurological protection, prevents brain aging, anti-cancer, protects against macular degeneration.

Whenever possible, choose fresh rosemary over the dried form of the herb for cooking since it is far superior in flavor. The sprigs of fresh rosemary should be free from yellow or dark spots.

Sage Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, possible Alzheimer’s treatment, improves brain function, has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

As with Rosemary, whenever possible choose fresh sage over its dried form. Sage leaves are very delicate. To protect its beneficial properties, it is best to add it near the end of the cooking process.

Thyme Anti-microbial, lowers blood pressure, relieves coughs, boosts mood and immune system. Gets rid of pests(rats, mice and others).

Natural unrefined salt or Himalayan salt

Helps stabilize irregular heart rate, regulates blood pressure, extracts excess acidity from cells in the body (particularly brain cells). Balances sugar levels, clears lungs of excess mucus ( particularly in asthma and cystic fibrosis), clears sinus congestion, is a natural anti-histamine, regulates sleep, prevents muscle cramps, contributes to firm bones, helps prevent gout and gouty arthritis, is essential for maintaining sexual libido, helps prevent varicose veins.

Supplies the body with over 80 essential mineral elements. Refined salt such as table salt has been stripped of all but two of these elements, and contains harmful additives such as aluminum silicate, a toxic chemical found in a UK study to be the primary cause of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Turmeric Anti-inflammatory, provides liver support, contains brain-protecting substances, boosts cognitive function, supports joint and muscle health, boosts detoxification, supports cardiovascular function, promotes healthy mood balance and healthy radiant skin, supports natural weight loss. Studies found that onions and turmeric synergistically work together, to protect against cancer.

Research shows that turmeric from Alleppey, India contains nearly two times more curcumin (its active ingredient) than any other turmeric. Turmeric is very hard to grind, and is therefore almost always sold already ground. Buy turmeric in a quantity you will use up in a few months. One problem with curcumin is that it's not easily absorbed. However, studies show that black pepper significantly enhances its bioavailability.

Use one teaspoon of dried herb or two tablespoons of fresh herb for each cup of water. There are 2 ways to make tea – infusions and decoctions. Infusions are for preparing teas containing the fragile parts of herbs and spices such as flowers, grasses and leaves. Bring two cups of water to a boil, remove from heat and place the spices in the water. You may place the herbs directly in the water or in a large muslin bag. Steep for at least 20 minutes. Decoction is used to break down more tenacious herb materials such as roots, bark, seeds, fruits and nuts. Bring water to a boil, add the spices, lower heat to a gentle simmer, and let brew for 20 minutes before turning off the heat. You may also soak tenacious herb materials overnight to soften them before simmering.

Be sure to strain before drinking.

How to Make Herbal Teas from Spices

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The following are super easy suggestions that will help you incorporate healing spices in your diet as preventive medicine.

• Flavor your milk or coffee with a pinch of nutmeg.

• Simmer a whole cinnamon bark in soups or stews.

• Sprinkle cinnamon on fruits such as apples, bananas, melons, and oranges.

• Combine spices and use them as dry rubs for meats or fish:

� Combine equal parts cinnamon, cardamom and black pepper, and use as a rub

for meats.

� Coarsely grind coriander and rub it into meats or fish before cooking.

� Rub ginger into meat before grilling to help tenderize and add flavor.

• Add cinnamon to rice pilaf.

• Before sautéing vegetables or making stir-fry, sprinkle oil with turmeric,

stirring for a few seconds so it toasts a bit but doesn’t burn.

• Add turmeric to fried onions.

• Use turmeric generously in lentil dishes.

• Blend turmeric in melted butter and drizzle over cooked vegetables.

• Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a large pot of chicken noodle soup.

• Add a teaspoon of turmeric to homemade chili.

• Mix coriander seeds with peppercorns in your peppermill.

• Add whole or ground coriander seeds to stews, casseroles, marinades,

vinaigrettes and pickled dishes.

• Fennel seeds naturally complement many foods from the Mediterranean

diet, including tomatoes, olives, olive oil, basil, grilled meat and seafood.

•• Add ground fennel to scrambled eggs.

• Use fennel stalks as a soup base or stock.

• Sauté fennel leaves and stalks with onions for a side dish.

• Mix sliced fennel with a variety of your favorite fresh vegetables to make a fresh salad.

• Add roasted fennel bulbs to any entrée.

• Grate fresh ginger over cooked tofu, vegetables or soba noodles.

• Toss sliced or chopped ginger into stir fries.

• Steep a coin-sized piece of fresh ginger with your choice of tea.

• Sprinkle ground ginger and a little brown sugar on acorn squash or sweet potatoes before baking.

• Use mint to flavor Middle Eastern dishes, such as lamb, soups and vegetable salads.

• Make mint limeade by mixing together lime juice, agave or stevia and muddled mint leaves. Top off with filtered

water and ice cubes.

• Incorporate mint into a fresh fruit salsa with chopped apples, pear, lemon or lime juice, jalapeno and honey.

• Add mint leaves and cucumber to your water for a refreshing treat.

• Incorporate Sage with poultry and pork.

• Mix cooked navy beans with olive oil, sage and garlic and serve on bruschetta.

• Use sage as a seasoning for tomato sauce.

• Add fresh sage to omelets and frittatas.

• Sprinkle some sage on top of pizza.

Tips to Incorporate Spices in Your Cooking

“A natural chemical

found in parsley, celery

and other plants known

as apigenin has been

found to decrease tumor

size in an aggressive

form of breast cancer.”

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S P I C E D T E A

• Put a quart of any brewed tea into a pot.

• Add 2 cups of apple juice, and gently simmer with a sliced lemon and two

cinnamon sticks for 10 minutes.

S P I C E D O L I V E S

Marinate 2 cups of green olives in ½ cup extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon each of fennel seeds, dried oregano and dried thyme.

H E R B B U T T E R

Herb butters made with savory herbs can be spread onto breads, meats or vegetables, and used in sauces and sautés. Peppermint or sweet herb butters can be served with pancakes, waffles, warm muffins and other desserts. • 4 to 6 tablespoons fresh herb leaves (basil, chives, dill, fennel, mint,

parsley, tarragon, cilantro, thyme, sage).

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened.

• Chop herbs.

• Blend herbs into the butter with a fork.

• Pack the butter into a roll of waxed paper and refrigerate for up to 24 hours

to distribute flavors and firm up.

• Slice the roll into disks or shave into curls to serve, or use the herb butter

for cooking.

Recipes

H E R B O I L

Herb oils are excellent in salads, for sautés, on bread, or poured over sliced hard-boiled eggs. Use herbs such as basil, bay, dill, fennel, garlic, lemongrass, mint, oregano, rosemary, thyme, dried chilies or peppercorns, and the seeds of dill, fennel, cumin or coriander. Make oil with a combination of herbs and spices or with a single herb. • 3 to 4 tablespoons (or 4 to 6 sprigs) of fresh herbs.

• 2 cups olive oil.

• Put the herbs into a sterilized jar, set aside.

• Heat oil until just warm and slowly pour over herbs.

• Once cool, strain into a sterilized bottle, cover and label. Herb oils will keep for a week in the refrigerator.

BOB B Y F L A Y ’ S HO T AND S P I C Y D R Y R U B

• 3 parts cumin • 3 parts paprika • 3 parts garlic • 3 parts onion powder • 3 parts chili powder • 3 parts raw brown sugar • 6 parts Himalayan or regular sea salt • 1 part cayenne pepper • 1 part black pepper • 1 part white pepper

Mix all ingredients together store them in an air tight container.

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H E R B ROA S T E D PO TA T O E S B Y T Y L E R F L O R ANC E

• 2 pounds of red new potatoes, quartered

• ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil

• Leaves from ¼ bunch fresh thyme

• Salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Toss together the potatoes, oil and thyme, and sprinkle with salt. Dump the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast until tender and crisp on edges (30 to 40 minutes).

P UM P K I N S P I C E A ROMA E S S E N T I A L O I L B L E N D

Diffusing essential oils (EO) is a simple and effective way to fill a room with your favorite seasonal scent. This spice blend not only has a fresh-baked pumpkin pie scent, but will also help disinfect the air. This year, skip those synthetically-perfumed candles and make this delicious smelling treat!

• 20 drops cinnamon EO

• 20 drops ginger EO

• 20 drops nutmeg EO

• 15 drops clove bud EO

• 5 drops cardamom EO

Add all essential oils to a glass bottle. One ¼ oz bottle will hold this blend perfectly. Screw cap on

tightly and invert the bottle to blend the oils.

Diffusing: Fill your essential oil diffuser reservoir with water. Add 5-6 drops of the Pumpkin Spice

Essential Oil Blend. Light a tea candle in the base of your diffuser and enjoy as your space fills with

this spicy aroma!

BA S I L S K I N TON E R

This recipe is great for those with skin prone to acne. Basil is an antiseptic, helps clear acne-causing bacteria, and improves skin circulation. Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons dried basil leaves

• 1 cup boiling water

Directions: Crush the dried basil leaves and infuse them in a cup of boiling water. Let it sit for 20 minutes, strain out the leaves, put it in a spray bottle and spritz your skin. Use a cotton ball to spread the toner gently around your face. Do this daily after cleansing.

C I N N AMON -C L O V E -G I N G E R

B R ONC H I T I S R E M E D Y .

Mix 1 teaspoon each of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in two cups of hot water. Decoct for 20 minutes, add honey or stevia. Drink while hot. Combine these with other bronchitis remedies (such as herbal steams, tinctures, etc.) for best effect. You may add a teaspoon of dried elder berries to improve taste and to create an even stronger remedy. Prolonged or severe bronchitis should be managed under

physician supervision.

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Toni is a Holist Health Practitioner (HHP) & Herbalist in San Diego, California. She holds a PhD in psychology from SDUIS, an Herbalist Certificate from Self-Heal School and a HHP certificate from the School of Healing Arts in San Diego. In private practice as a HHP for over 10 years, she has been influenced by a variety of clinical modalities and orientations, and by the diverse life experiences of her clients. Toni’s approach to healing is holistic & transpersonal. In her work, she integrates the principles of Eastern and Western nutrition, herbololgy, energy medicine, Buddhist mindfulness and personal counseling to assist others in working through their physical or emotional blocks to attain optimal health. In addition to her practice, Toni founded Moongazing Herbal Apothecary in 2013, with the vision of making accessible and affordable organic herbal health and skin care products, that can be used as *alternatives to the toxic medications and skin care products that exist today. Moongazing’s goal is to create the finest products free of synthetic materials from ethically-grown and harvested ingredients, as well as to improve the overall lifestyles of its clients by education and example. Moongazing provides value through a combination of top-quality products, excellent customer service, and fair prices. Because it directly sources and manufactures its products, Moongazing can ensure they are not only safe and gentle, but also eco-friendly. Protecting the earth and the health of its customers is essential to Moongazing. Its organic and wild-crafted commitment states that no conventionally-grown materials will be used in any of its products. When certified organic materials are not available, Moongazing will use ones that are free of synthetic ingredients, are ethically harvested in the wild, and cultivated without chemicals. *Moongazing’s products support health in the areas of: immune support, cold/flu relief, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), cholesterol management, blood pressure regulation, hypothyroidism, blood sugar regulation, seasonal allergy relief, women's health (hormone balance, menopause symptom relief, fibroids, etc.), men's health (testosterone increase), detoxification, and digestive tract cleansing and much more!

Visit Toni at: www.moongazingapothecary.com

About the Author Toni Camacho, PhD, HHP

As you can see, your spice rack can be a powerful healing tool. And you don’t have to be a professional herbalist to use many of these same spices to treat and prevent illness and disease. It is as simple as incorporating them into your cooking. It is so easy to open your medicine cabinet for a quick fix for a headache or an upset stomach. My hope is that I have inspired you to replace synthetic pills in your medicine cabinet with items from your spice rack.

R E F E R E NC E S :

McCormick, Company (2009): Adding Spices to Meat Help Decrease Damage When you Cook It Dearlove RP1, Greenspan P, Hartle DK, Swanson RB, Hargrove JL (2008). Inhibition of Protein Glycation by Extracts of Culinary

Herbs and Spices. Journal of Medicinal Foods Mueller M1, Lukas B, Novak J, Simoncini T, Genazzani AR, Jungbauer A. (2008). Oregano: a Source for Peroxisome Proliferator-

Activated Receptor Gamma Antagonists. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19053389 Exley C. (2014). Elevated Brain Aluminium and Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease in an Individual Occupationally Exposed to

Aluminium: A Case Report. Journal of Medical Case Reports.

*This statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Disclaimer:

The contents of this document are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The research and information presented should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. The resources listed or services described are not a substitute for medical care, but may be a complementary adjunct or source of information to the reader. If there is a health condition or problem, or an awareness of possible medical or psychological difficulties, consult your appropriate health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this document. Links and references on this document are provided as an informational resources, and though they have been carefully researched, no responsibility is assumed for their availability, accuracy or content.

Medical Emergencies

If you have a medical emergency you should call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not rely on these products for urgent medical care.

Medical Advice

Moongazing strongly advises you to always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health care practitioner prior to starting any new treatment and/or changing current treatment. Using the products mentioned on this document does not create a practitioner – patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical treatment or consultation. Moongazing Herbal Apothecary products are neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult your physician or qualified health care practitioner with any questions you have regarding a medical condition.

Liability

You assume full responsibility for using the products listed on this document, and you understand and agree that Moongazing Herbal Apothecary and its owners, are not responsible or liable for any claim, loss or damage resulting from its use by you or any user.