Green Tea
A study that examined the dental health of 940 men found that those who regularly drank green tea had better oral health than those who didn’t. Men between the ages of 49 and 59 were examined on three indicators of gum disease and researchers found that for every cup of green tea consumed per day, a decrease in all three indicators occurred.
Chilly Peppers
Capsaicin the chemical that gives chili peppers their spicy kick–may promote weight loss, according to a new study on animals. The study’s findings suggest that capsaicin may be useful in the fight against obesity.
Olive Leaf
An antioxidant found in olive leaves may help protect against osteoporosis, a new study shows. Known as oleuropein, the antioxidant is also available in olive oil and in supplement form.
(Osteoporosis is a condition of decreased bone density. It affects one in six women and one in eight men over the age of fifty and is most common among post-menopausal women. Osteoporosis is often the cause of many health complications, as it progresses silently and unnoticed for years. Only after years of bone loss do signs and symptoms appear, such as pain, spinal deformity, and fractures).
Chamomile
Chamomile contains a volatile oil consisting of chamazulene and bisaboloids. Other ingredients include flavonoids (which have antispasmodic actions), mucilage ( a gelatinous substance), bitters, coumarins, choline, sulfur and calcium.
Chamomile is valued for its calming, anti inflammatory, antispasmodic and gas relieving properties. Internally, it relieves flatulence, stomach aches, intestinal cramps and menstrual pains and promotes the healing of peptic ulcers. In addition, Chamomile helps combat insomnia, as well as allay nerve pain, such as that caused by facial meuralgia. Applied externally, as a compress or oil, it nourishes the skin.
Calendula
The calendula contains an essential oil that has an antibiotic effect and lends the flower its characteristic scent. Other components include calendon – which also has a strong odour-the carotene -like dye calendulin, the therapeutic plant fiber mucilage, saponin, organic acids and various enzymes and resins.
Calendula has rather strong antiseptic properties both topically and internally. Applied externally to the skin, the plant’s antibiotic action helps promote the painless healing of minor wounds by reducing inflammation and pus formation. Because calendula improves blood circulation it is useful for alleviating skin ulcers, burns and bruises and for reducing scarring. Calendula can also be used as a gargle to relieve sore throats. Taken internally, the plant promotes the secretion of bile and thereby simulates digestion and bowel function.
Black Elder The black elder flowers contain flavonoids, rutin, mucins and tannins and a large portion of organic acids and calcium. The berries contain fruit acids, vitamins B and C and folic acid, as well as essential oils. Described as a “complete medicine chest”, black elder induces perspiration. When you have a feverish cold, take it in the form of a hot drink. Elder also promotes expectoration, which makes it a good treatment for coughing and bronchitis. The pulps of the berry and the freshly pressed juice have a diuretic and laxative effect on the body. Avoid the red berry species of elder, as it can irritate the digestive system and make you feel nauseous.