The Honeybush MiracleWritten by Janet Holmes
Perhaps a little eclipsed by world-wide success of Rooibos,another natural South African health tea, Honeybush; is finally getting attention it deserves. Honeybush tea ( botanical name: Cyclopia intermedia ) grows along mountain slopes in Cedarberg and Langkloof area, and has a naturally sweet, almost honey-like taste. Its brewing colour is a pinky red. South Africa produces only 200 tons of Honeybush tea per year. Not much when compared to annual Rooibos tea crop of around 4000 tons. This lesser known tea has, however, apparently plenty to offer. Just like ever popular Rooibos tea, tannin content of Honeybush tea is very low; and also contains no caffeine at all. Good news for would-be slimmers is that this inexpensive and readily available tea is reported to stave off hunger pangs and reduce water retention. Scientific analysis of your typical cup of Honeybush reveals an impressive range of minerals needed for good health; such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Aluminium, and Boron. Honeybush apparently also contains anti-oxidants; those free-radical fighters which slow ageing process of body's cells. Recent scientific studies on Honeybush are not extensive enough to make any far- reaching medical claims; however, Honeybush tea is believed to have anti-carcinogenic ( cancer-fighting ), anti-fungal, antispasmodic and anti-depressant properties. Not a bad track record for an unassuming little bush growing wild in mountains and valleys of Western and Southern Cape !
| | Healing Heartburn HolisticallyWritten by Dr. Rita Louise
Everyone at some point in time has experienced some form of heartburn. Often, what we notice is a bitter, sour or acid taste in our mouths. At times, we may feel as if partially digested foods or liquids are moving from our stomach back towards our mouth. Sometimes we may also experience chest pain that increases when we lay down. Each of these is an indication of heartburn. Before we move on, however it is important to note that heartburn is only an indicator of a potentially larger digestive disorder called acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux is neither a serious disorder nor life threatening. This is especially true for those who only experience it occasionally. There are nonetheless millions of Americans that encounter discomfort associated with acid reflux monthly, weekly and for some daily. But what causes acid reflux? Well, when we eat, food moves from mouth through esophagus and into stomach for further digestion. At end of esophagus there is a circular band of muscles that relax and allow food and liquids to pass into stomach. It then tightens and prevents foods and stomach juices from traveling back up into esophagus. If, however, food or digestive juices escape stomach and travel back up esophagus, irritating esophageal lining, this is when many people experience heartburn. For some, acid reflux is due to a mechanical disorder where sphincter muscle at end of esophagus becomes weak or doesn’t close correctly. This can cause them to experience acid reflux when lying down as well as when standing up. In addition to mechanical issues that can cause sphincter muscle to relax, alcohol, smoking, prescription medications and certain foods such as chocolate, onions, spicy foods and mints can also lessen gripping power of this muscle. Other reasons people experience acid reflux includes eating large meals. A large meal increases pressure on stomach. This pressure can cause stomach contents to literally be pushed out of stomach and back into esophagus. In addition, lying down right after a large meal increases your chances of experiencing acid reflux because digestive juices can more easily move in wrong direction. Pregnancy and obesity can also increase abdominal pressure and increase your risk of experiencing acid reflux as well. Other digestive disorders such as a peptic ulcer or insufficient digestive enzymes in stomach can also cause stomach acid to build up and back up into your esophagus.
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