Is a powerful immune-booster.  It is very effective against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Garlic contains a compound known as allicin, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood clotting, and has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and anti-microbial The antibiotic qualities of garlic appear to be a direct result of the allicin produced from raw, crushed garlic.  This is destroyed by age and cooking – cooked garlic has virtually no antibiotic value although it still retains other benefits. Garlic is low in calories, but high in nutrients, containing Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, selenium and fiber. One study found that a daily dose of garlic reduced the number of colds by 63%, while reducing the average length of cold symptoms by 70%.

Honey…

Is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal, and when combined with garlic you have double power to help you fight infection, sore throat, coughs, colds or the flu. Raw honey is packed full of antioxidants, along with enzymes and minerals including iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. In case that isn’t enough, it also contains Vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. (Commercial honey is often heavily processed, and excessive heat destroys its natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals.)

Helpful hint:  When infused with honey, raw garlic becomes far more palatable.  Yummy even!  So keep a jar of this on hand at all times in your refrigerator so you will be prepared for winter (or the next time you start to feel sick).  This garlic is ready to eat after a few days but tastes even better over time.  You can replace the garlic cloves with fresh ones whenever you take some out, so the jar remains full at all times and the honey becomes saturated with garlicky goodness.

Ingredients

• 3-4 heads of garlic
• 1 cup of raw honey
• Small mason jar with a lid

Directions

1. Separate the heads of garlic into individual cloves.
2. Peel the cloves removing the outer layer.
3. Fill the jar with the unpeeled garlic cloves.
4. Slowly pour the honey over the cloves.
5. Make sure the cloves are completely covered by honey, and put the lid on the jar.
6. Allow the mixture to infuse for a few days, either in the fridge or at room temperature.
7. Taste and enjoy!

At the first sign of illness, eat one clove of honey garlic every hour or two.

By the spoonful, the honey alone is a wonderful cough suppressant.  It’s also soothing and coating to sore throats.

Mix one tablespoon of the honey, one clove of garlic, 2 TBSP raw apple cider vinegar (or the juice of one lemon), add hot water and drink this as a tonic when you’re sick.  Add a pinch of cayenne pepper – this is excellent for opening up your sinuses.

The post Honey Garlic for Cold and Flu Prevention & Treatment appeared first on Dr. Betsy Rice, ND.

Cinnamon, one of the first trade spices of the ancient world, is highly delicious and powerfully medicinal! Cinnamon is one of the oldest tonic plants on the globe. It’s been used medicinally for thousands of years, dating back to before the great pyramids of Egypt were built.   The plant can reach heights of up to 30 feet.  The leaves are deep green and the blossoms usually white.  Once the trees reach six or seven years old, the bark is peeled off into cinnamon sticks.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cinnamon heats up a cold body, improves the circulation (gets the blood rushing around) stoking up the waning fire, and is prescribed for loss of vigor, whether due to stress, aging, or illness.  In-vitro and in-vivo studies from different parts of the world have demonstrated numerous beneficial medicinal effects of Cinnamomum:

• Loaded with powerful antioxidant: one teaspoon of cinnamon packs as much antioxidant potency as a half cup of blueberries
• Strongly anti-inflammatory: Cinnamaldehyde inhibits the NF-kappaB proteins (transcription factors for pro-inflammatory genes) and it prevents blood platelets from clumping – all of which protect against heart disease and other diseases of inflammation
• Improves sensitivity to insulin: this is arguable the most well researched health benefit from cinnamon
• Lowers blood sugar levels: Numerous human trials have confirmed the anti-diabetic effects of cinnamon, showing that it can lower fasting blood sugar levels by up to 10-29%
• Antibacterial and antifungal: Research has shown Cinnamon is one of the most effective substances against  E-coli, and  Salmonella, as well as,Campylobacter . Another study found Cinnamaldehyde from Cinnamon Bark Oil in its various forms is effective against adenovirus. Cinnamon Oil was effective against three strains of Candida, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei.
• Great for digestion: As a digestive, cinnamon dramatically reduces the uncomfortable feelings associated with IBS especially bloating.
• Stomach bugs or stomach flu:  Cinnamon is a natural astringent and will dry up your bowel very quickly.
• Reduces LDL Cholesterol: Studies have shown that just a half of teaspoon of cinnamon per day can help lower LDL cholesterol.
• Great source of trace minerals: great source of manganese
• Enhances cognitive processing – just from smelling cinnamon!

Adding cinnamon to your diet is simple, healthful, and tasty.  You’ll want to purchase ceylon cinnamon or “true” cinnamon, which does not contain high contents of coumarin (a substance that can be toxic to the liver at high doses). A typical dose of cinnamon may be up to 2 tsps a day.  A safe dose may be 1 tsp per day – but be sure to check with your doctor before taking regularly.   While cinnamon is a very safe spice for children, be sure to test them for allergies or sensitivities before adding it to their diet.  A sprinkle a day would be appropriate for the youngsters.

• Sprinkle cinnamon into your coffee, or add it to your coffee grounds before brewing
• Stir cinnamon into any nut or seed butter and use as a dip for fresh apple wedges
• Add to smoothies, soups, and stews
• Sprinkle on top of your toast
• Boil the sticks or powder and strain.  Serve as a tea adding some honey and almond milk to taste

The post Health Benefits of Cinnamon appeared first on Dr. Betsy Rice, ND.