Onion Juice or Garlic Oil For Earaches - Trial

My daughter (8) is telling me that her ear hurts. She has had earaches twice before, and we have treated it traditionally, by heading to the doc, spending $30.00 on the visit, then heading to the pharmacy for antibiotics.

I am not against this plan, of course. Medications are important when we need them. But first I'm trying this:

Onion Juice!

I have read online that garlic infused in olive oil and the juice of an onion (not together) can quickly and effectively take away the pain and irritation of an ear infection while the body heals. I'm gonna give it a try.

I have found, from online research, that people have different ways of cooking and preparing the onion. I chose to keep an onion whole and in the skin, and bake it for 35 minutes at 350*. I would say that it could have cooked longer to get softer, or at a higher temp. But we made do with this. I cut the onion into pieces and squashed them to release the juice. I collected the onion juice in a small bowl, and let it cool. I then (after doing so to myself to show my daughter she wouldn't turn green and start foaming) used a spoon to gently drip some onion juice into the hurting ear. I have read that it's good to let the juice sit in there for several minutes, and I got about 2 or 2 1/2 out of my daughter before she insisted that she needed to get up and drain it. (She wasn't crazy about the experiment, so I was willing to take what I could get)

I had planned to ask her once an hour about her level of discomfort. Less than half an hour after putting the onion drops in, she informed me that her ear was not hurting anymore. What? Regardless of this report, it always takes time to kill an infection, and we have agreed together to repeat the process three more times today (so that would be morning, noonish, 4ish, then before bed.) Then maybe once in the morning for good measure.

I would be very pleased if this works! If you have any experience with this process, positive or otherwise, I'd love to hear about it.

Update: We treated dear daughter's ear with onion juice four times yesterday. This morning, she said that her ear was hurting. So I decided to abandon the onion juice and go for the garlic in olive oil treatment, as I have used garlic to treat other infections in the past with great success. This time, I looked online, and followed this preparation:

Put 1/2 cup of olive oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Peel and smash two cloves of garlic. Put it into the olive oil and microwave on high for 15 seconds, or until hot. (The directions I read said 30-60 seconds, but mine was plenty hot after 15 seconds. Use your judgement on that.) Mix and wait until the oil cools down. Drip 1/4 teaspoon or so into the ear. (While the person lies on his/her side with the infected ear up.) Use a rice bag or rice in a sock that is gently dampened and heated in the microwave - or a warm damp cloth to cover the ear, and wait. The directions I read said to "put on a 30-minute movie" but I wasn't going to get 30 minutes out of my daughter. After 10-15 minutes she drained the ear. I asked her about 2 hours later how her ear felts, and she said it felt great. I will give her this treatment again one more time today if she'll let me, and assess tonight and in the morning.

Update: It is two days later. Yesterday, I asked my daughter a couple of times throughout the day how her ear felt. Each time, she told me that her ear felt fine. After a day out and about, she took a bath, submerging the ear several times, and continued to feel fine after that. I will ask her again this morning when she gets up.

Second Update: I asked her several times yesterday how her ear felt, and she has continued to give positive reports. So garlic in olive oil it is! By the way, I did give her a second dose of this that day. So four doses of onion juice, no change. Two doses of garlic oil, no more pain or discomfort. Was it the combination of the two? Hard to say. But if this comes about again, my plan is to try the garlic oil only.

I hope this works for you! Let me know!

Oregano Essential Oil For Colds/Flu Trial

More than half a year ago, I purchased a bottle of Young Living oregano essential oil. I had read about the benefits online somewhere. It arrived, I smelled it, and put it with the others. Where it sat. For a long time. Sometimes it takes me a while to get around to trying a new oil. Why, I don't know. I guess I'm comfortable with what works.

Recently, our family was hit with the flu. And when I say hit, I mean hit. Hard. We were all sick for more than a week. I like to try to use natural remedies, and was feeling discouraged at the amount of Tylenol, Motrin and eventually antibiotics I ended up giving to my children. In the moment you use what works. But I would like to do better.

So I ended up online again. And read about oregano essential oil...again. And the reviews got me wanting to do more than just smell the bottle.

So..... I started to feel... I don't know. Tired. Tense. Worried that something wicked was coming my way. So I started to add oregano oil to my water bottle. Well, the reviewers are not kidding when they say that this oil can be hard to palate! It is incredibly strong. One drop in my 5-cup water bottle, and the flavor is almost overwhelming. Wow. But it's for a good cause, so I ponied on. I drank it, and even added more. Now many days later, no illness has descended. Good enough? Of course not. I don't know that I was fighting anything to begin with. But I have learned that I can palate the stuff if need be. But it's very easy to add too much, so when online reviews of the stuff say to take 2-3 drops 2-3 times a day, I say... not likely. 2-3 drops throughout one day, yeah, I can handle that.

So yesterday my 5-year-old started to complain of cold symptoms. Oh boy, thought I. A chance to test this for real. Hm. How to get this stuff, that I can barely get past my lips, into a child? Not easy! I mixed one drop of oregano essential oil into a mug of water. He took one sip and retreated with shock in his eyes. I tasted it, and had the same reaction. Yuk! So I attempted to make it manageable by pouring out half of the mixture, refilling it with water, and adding a bunch of honey. That made it ok. Pretty weak, but ok. Then this morning I remembered something.

I had also read online that for kids you can mix this oil in a carrier oil (sweet almond, olive, etc.) and rub it on the soles of the feet. So that is what I did this morning. I put ONE drop of oregano e.o. into a dime-sized pool of sweet almond oil, and rubbed it on my child's feet. And on my own.

The problem with this study is that it is really impossible to know whether the duration of the cold would be longer without this treatment. But I will report on my findings! And I will attempt to treat the others in the family as well, and report whether they get sick as well, and if so, for how long.

So. Day 1:

My child's symptoms today are: crunchy cough, good energy, scratchy throat.

Everyone else: Healthy

Those treated with Oregano: Me (internally in water over last few days and on soles of feet today,) two kids (one internally yesterday, both soles of feet today) Did this early in the day.

The sick child seemed to feel good for most of the day. Just an occasional crusty cough. No fever, good energy. Symptoms got a bit worse in the evening. His throat got scratchy again (which could be heard in his voice) and the cough got a bit worse. I applied oregano again to the soles of the feet of both kids and myself. Hubby politely declined, so he becomes my "control." =)

Day 2:

Now it's the next morning, and the sick child slept very well. No breathing problems. He has a productive cough this morning. Very lungy sounding. No fever. Good energy. I again applied oregano oil to the soles of our feet.

Evening: Sick child had cough throughout the day. His energy was good. No fever. Once again evening came, and he started to feel more symptomatic. Very tired. Everyone else continues to be well. Another application tonight.

Days 3 and 4:

Basically the same report. Sick child continues to have a cough which sounds uncomfortable, but doesn't seem to get worse. Overnight on day two he had a very restless night, as he was unable to breathe through his nose. He tossed and turned all night. Regardless, he was in very good spirits on the morning of day 3. Days 3 and 4 he remained about the same... not worse, not better. He felt warm, but no high fever. On day 4 his energy was a bit lower than it has been, and his appetite was down a bit. Everyone else remains healthy. I'm applying oregano each morning and evening, and will continue to do so for a couple of days.

Days 5 and 6: Same report, though now sick child is starting to get better. Gross nose, which frequently needs blowing, but the cough is slowing down. Everyone else remains healthy!

This morning, day 6, I stopped the oregano application. Little boy is getting gradually better, and none of the rest of us have gotten sick. (yet?)

Has the oregano helped? It's impossible to say. But it is compelling that the rest of us stayed healthy, though that incudes hubby, who did not use oregano oil.

Soo..... if any of the rest of us do get ill, I'll update it here. Otherwise, I plan to try this again, out of curiosity, just to see what happens. Why not?

Update: Earlier this month, the same child experienced a stomach bug. It was crazy. He was sick, then better, then sick again, then better, then sick AGAIN, all over a period of about 2.5 weeks. The doctor, in typical fashion, said it could be this or this or this, and keep an eye on it. I read about the Norovirus, and am convinced that is what he had. It was awful, he was very sick to his stomach and on the other end, too, and I am very glad for him and for us that it has passed. All throughout this time period, I treated the kids and myself with oregano oil on the feet (and I drank some, too) The rest of us managed to avoid the bug. Now to be fair, hubby did not get sick, either, and he did not get treated with the oil. I can't explain it, I can't show a definite cause and effect here, but he got sick, really sick, and we didn't. So there's that. ? I am hoping this little guy gets a good break from illness now. Geez.

Trauma

On Monday, March 28th, my children and I were in a terrible car accident. While returning home from posting a notice at the vet's about our missing cat, we were rear-ended while stopped to turn into our road. This car pushed us into oncoming traffic, and we were hit again by a man traveling the other way. It was horrible, surreal, shocking, and a thousand other things. Although there are a few little things I remember, my entire focus was on my children. I recall saying, "We're ok, we're ok, we're ok" over and over again. Hoping, praying, that it was true. Both children cried right away (the pediatrician later asked this.) They didn't scream, as I recall. But cried, yes. Not me. I was in Mama-mode the entire time. Make the children ok as soon as possible. So I talked at them and went right to them. I don't remember at all if I put the car in gear, or turned it off.... I must have at least put it in park. My only recollection is that the air bag deployed, and that it seemed smaller than I thought it would be. I don't remember if it hit me. I don't remember if I hit anything. My glasses flew off my face. I got out of the car and opened the rear driver's side door to get the children out of the car. I held my son and put my arm around my daughter, and walked us across the street to the grass. I thought I was heading toward our road, but I was heading toward the opposite road. During the accident, my car had been turned completely around, so we ended up facing the opposite direction. Without glasses and being so stunned, it took me several minutes to realize this. I remember realizing the corner didn't look like our street, and trying to find the street sign. My son stopped crying shortly after getting out of the car. My daughter continued to cry for several minutes. Strangers came up to offer their help. I particularly remember two people, who stayed near us for the duration. A tall, thin man, who offered his car, his coat, his scarf, and a blanket that belongs to his infant child. We took all but the car, my daughter being uncomfortable with that idea. A woman, older than me, with light colored hair. I actually told this woman my name, and she mine, but the information is gone. Several other people offered us the warmth of their car. Only my daughter was wearing her coat.  Eventually, after a police officer offered his car, my son asked to sit in it. My daughter stood outside the door for a few minutes, then indicated that she'd like to get in, too. I tried to light-heartedly show the kids the emergency vehicles as they arrived, and the inside of the police car. My son noticed my driver's license and car documents in a clip on the inside of the police car and said, "Is that your picture on the roof?" Surreal. Two neighbors showed their faces and offered their help. The police officer offered to get things from the car, and the only thing I could think to request was my glasses. (Cell phone? Coats? Didn't even cross my rattled mind) Before getting into the police car, I asked the tall man if I could use his cell phone, and I called my husband and asked him to come get the kids. My daughter was getting upset by the sight of the car. A first responder did his best to check us for physical complaints. I turned down a hospital visit. I thought getting home was best for the children. Hubby arrived, and shortly thereafter we were given a print-out of the information of all of the driver's, and were ok to go home.

My car saved our lives. And kept us from serious injury. My daughter had a small scratch on her cheek. My son had a mark on his neck where his seat belt did its job. I developed a bruise on my left knee.

But we didn't walk away unscarred. I physically quaked for about three days. I am still reliving the accident at least once a day, typically at night as I try to rest. My daughter is having dreams about the accident. She had one this morning. My son keeps asking about the car. And as time goes on, I process. As the total shock starts to wear off, my feelings start to come through. How utterly lucky we were to come away physically unscathed. Several people commented about this fact. Including the police officer on the scene. Which car were you in? THAT one? That's a good car!! Then the total unrailing of our lives. Initally, my husband having to leave work suddenly to come help us. Saying goodbye to my car as the remains were hauled onto a flatbed truck and taken away. Comforting my traumatized children and reassuring them that right now it was ok for Papa to drive on the grass in order to keep out of the way of the cars that had to be rerouted around the scene. Telling the police officer that there was nothing in the car he could get for me, because my mind was a total blank. Home. Headache. Fear. Exhaustion. I don't know what we did for the remainder of the day. I really don't know. We all fell into bed exhausted.

Phone calls. My version of the accident to my insurance company, and to the one of the man who hit us from the front. Four days later, a letter from the insurance company of the woman who hit us. I had to call them. A woman, telling me that there was a limit on what they would pay! But a strong suggestion to replace the car seats, and charge the insurance company. Excellent. The front-hitter's company sent letter, too. They want a form filled out, and a drawing done. They also took a recorded statement over the phone. Hope you're ok, sorry that happened, we'll take care of things, etc. But please rate us a 10 in the survey. (Holy...)

At the suggestion of several friends (over Facebook, where is everyone?) I took the kids and myself to our doctors and had us checked out. As I knew, we were all physically fine, but now there is a record that we followed through with this.

I badly needed someone to talk things through with during the first couple of days. But that wasn't do-able because I was using borrowed time from hubby as it was to get the kids and me checked out, to be one the phone for long periods, to get us from here to there. So I talked to him, one night, in tears. But because of that 10 minutes of being able to shake at him and express my upset, I was able to sleep. I am feeling better every day. On top of the stress, the second night, my son was up at 3:30 a.m. He didn't express upset, but was wide awake, for the duration of the morning. So I was exhausted upon exhausted upon tired upon shaken etc and so forth. And then, during that same night, the cat, who had been gone for 7 days, appeared at the back door. Causing me to break out in tears, not knowing what emotion to allow to surface first. And then hearing my daughter say, the next day, that the accident was the cat's fault, because we were coming home from the vet when it happened.

But it's Saturday, and I'm feeling a lot closer to normal now.

So today's job is to help my daughter process all of this. To help her to understand why she is dreaming about the accident. To understand that it's ok to feel nervous about it all, even though the fault was not ours. How I shook while getting in the car for two days. For a couple of days, when we'd get into hubby's car, she would ask me not to "break Papa's car" and I would remind her that we did nothing wrong. And she would say, "I forgot." Yesterday, she asked me if I was awake enough to take her to school. I don't take offense. I understand.

Originally, I set out to write about the stages of trauma, which I looked up this morning in order to better help my daughter, primarily, but all of us, to get through all of this. And I ended up moving myself along the stages. Hm. It all makes me feel so tired.

Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil For Cold/Chest Congestion

I have a cold that has been going on for more than a week. It went through all the basic phases, and I was well on the way to recovery when some stressful events prevented the good rest and sleep required to nip the sucker in the bud. So it's lingering. And it's in my chest. I figured that in order to give my body the extra boost it needs to get on top of this thing, I'd look into essential oils for chest congestion. As I have read before for colds, I found that eucalyptus is recommended for chest congestion. I read that HERE.
I bought some recently, to use with the kids when they get sick. As suggested, I put 3 drops of eucalyptus globulus essential oil in a bowl, and poured some boiling water over it. I breathed in the steam for about two minutes (five minutes was recommended, but I have a 3-year-old) I am waiting to see how effective this is. I will do this again tonight, and will diffuse some in our bedroom before we go to sleep. It is supposed to loosen things up, but also help zap the bug that's causing it to begin with. I'll come back with my results.

Ok, it has been maybe 45 minutes, and my cough is much reduced. I can feel the eucalyptus in my chest. I have since looked up several more articles on chest congestion, and the majority of those recommended eucalyptus oil, among others. Peppermint e.o. is also frequently suggested. I have learned that the idea of steam inhalation with eucalyptus is that the steam helps to open the chest allowing the e.o.s to get in there and kill the virus/bacteria. So at this point I can say that the treatment is giving me some relief. Time will tell if it will actually help to end this cold/bug.

My sinuses started to bother me about 3.5 hours after my first eucalyptus treatment, so I just did another one. I felt pretty good for that amount of time, though. Not without a cough at all, but a less persistent and productive one. The trial continues...

Candida Diet vs. GAPS diet

I have made the decision to switch from the anti-candida diet to the GAPS (Guts and Psychology Syndrome) diet.

I have been following the anti-candida diet for about 1.5 months to date, and have noticed the following changes in myself: My constant sinus issues disappeared. That happened pretty much right away. My bloated belly issues also disappeared right away. My "cycle" changed a little, in that it starts, stops for a couple of days, then starts again. (related? I don't know) I get cold. Every day, while at home, I get cold. If not my entire self, my hands. Very strange. This may have to do with drinking coffee somehow. I dunno. Another thing is that my appetite for coffee has increased (I though with the removal of sweeteners it might decrease...) I am sure this has do to with appetite suppression. The only other change that I am acutely aware of is that I'm hungry all the time. Part of that is I'm simply not good at feeding myself well. I am not a cook, so I tend to grab what's easy, such as nuts and sunflower seeds, and occasionally eat something more filling, such as a salad or an egg. I have been lucky to have wonderful, filling dinners a la hubby. But I'm hungry all the time. I also went through a brief period where I felt quite anxious, and one night I had a glass of wine. The result was that the anxiety in my body went away, and the anxiety in my mind lessened. So I started to have a glass every night. Not lots of wine, just enough to bring that sense of calm. I also have continued to drink coffee every morning since beginning the diet, only removing the sweetener. I continue to add half and half or creamer. Coffee, coffee lighteners, and alcohol are taboo on the anti-candida diet, so I haven't been strict. But other than these things, I have followed the diet very closely, having no additional sugars, no carbs from wheat (I have eaten rice, which is ok), no dairy other than feta cheese, and so on.

Yesterday after re-reading (for the millionth time) the anti-candida "ok" and "not ok" food lists, I decided to check back on the GAPS diet to see if that would make sense for me at this point. If the additional things I'm eating aren't upsetting my system, and if it allows some foods that will help me to feel full and expand my diet a bit, I'm all for it. So.....

In the next few weeks I will be adding back to my diet: fruit! cheese! and other wonderful things. I will be paying close attention to my sinuses (dairy??) and my belly, of course.

It's funny how freeing the GAPS diet seems from this perspective. When I tried the GAPS diet in the past (last summer) it was too restrictive, and I couldn't stick with it! The anti-candida diet is much more restrictive and I've managed to stick with that ok. (other than my vices....) So I'm excited and looking forward to the changes. Here's hoping the changes are all good!

Metamucil Can Cause Heartburn

I have been using Metamucil, about every other day or so, for months. Hubby and I started taking one glass of powder in water in the evening after he received some blood work indicating his lipid count was slightly high. Metamucil can help reduce cholesterol. (See my post Metamucil For Lowering Cholesterol)

For about a week, I have been getting heart burn nightly. I have had a few dietary changes over the last few weeks (see my posts on the Anti-Candida Diet) including a giant increase in my consumption of nuts and seeds, and lemon juice. I also take fish oil capsules, and have been told by one person that fish oil caused them to get heart burn. So basically, my thoughts were everywhere but on the Metamusil. By process of elimination, I got there. So this morning I decided to do a little internet searching just to eliminate the possibility. Bingo, I've found my source.

Here are a couple of places where others have indicated having the same issue:

Here

And here

Neither of these gives any explanation as to why this occurs in some people, but shows that others have experienced the same effects I am. I'll try to find something a little more scientific...

I have to add that after doing a bunch of reading, there are other side effects as well. Before taking Metamucil, do a little research. If you have a pre-existing condition for which you are taking Metamucil, or other fiber supplement, read what others with a similar condition have experienced. Some with ulcerative colitis or other conditions have had difficulty tolerating Metamucil. For some, it is a wonderful, side-effect-free experience with many bonuses. For others, not so much.

UPDATE: Since writing this, I have decided to try experimenting with flavorless Metamucil to see if made a difference in how well my belly tolerated it. I bought this:

I wanted to give it a few days to see if that made a difference. I have now taken this kind (description below) three times, in the evening.

Metamucil, Clear and Natural, Clear-Mixing Powder. Flavor-free and taste-free, this one is made from 100% inulin, natural vegetable fiber. This kind calls for one TEAspoon per 8+ ounces of water. (The orange flavor kind calls for one TABLEspoon per 8+ ounces of water.

I have had no heartburn at all with this product. It is quite different from the orange flavored kind. It stirs clear in the water, and you cannot tell it's in there when you drink it. Very different from the orange kind, which is very obvious in the water (despite the flavor) as it is very thick. The longer it sits in the water, the thicker it becomes. If you don't stir as you drink, you can end up with a sludge at the bottom of the glass. It's a very different experience, and so far, a better one for me. For those with physical reactions to the other kind, it's definitely worth a try. And who needs the flavor, really. And who needs the sugar?? I'm glad to have found an alternative. 

The Health Benefits of Nuts and Seeds

On the candida diet, I am not supposed to eat many of the "filler" foods I typically eat in large quantities. These include pasta, wheat crackers and bread, cheese, and so forth. And I am a person who grazes all day, and I eat a lot. I like to feel full! One of the hardest parts of going on any kind of diet is feeling satisfied after eating. It is probably the reason why so many fail to stick to a diet. It is essential to be surrounded by "ok" foods that make you feel full. For me, those "ok" foods include eggs, avocados, and seeds and nuts. Everything else is veggies and rice and such, which is great, just not filling. So on my kitchen counter is a collection of nuts and seeds and rice cakes. And I munch on them alllll day long. Granted, I have likely increased my fat intake quite a bit, but things will even out in the end. I just have to get used to eating differently. And so far, I have been satisfied, and that is the reason I am able to continue with the diet.

But a fun motivator is to look up the benefits of the foods I'm consuming a lot at the moment. So here goes. The benefits of eating seeds and nuts are....

According to this website:

"Researchers found that people who eat nuts regularly have lower risks of heart disease. In 1996, the Iowa Women's Healthy Study found that women who ate nuts >4 times a week were 40% less likely to die of heart disease."


...and...


"Nuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. They are rich in fiber, phytonutrients andantioxidants such as Vitamin E and selenium.  Nuts are also high in plant sterols and fat - but mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 - the good fats) which have all been shown to lower LDL cholesterol."


This website states the following:


"The amino acid arginine is also present in nuts which, as stated in this month's lead article on impotence, can help overcome erectile dysfunction. Arginine has also been found to boost immunity and lower elevated blood pressure levels. In addition, certain nuts like pecans, walnuts and almonds contain tryptophan - another amino acid that stimulates the production of the 'feel good' hormone serotonin in your brain, which can help ward off depression and promote a more relaxed state. "


From the same website:


"Another must are Brazil nuts. A recent study conducted at the University of Illinois in the US suggests that Brazil nuts may play a vital role in preventing breast cancer. According to the scientists who carried out the study, this benefit is probably a result of the high amounts of selenium they contain. 

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralise harmful free radicals that can attack healthy cells and increase the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and cancer - including breast cancer as already mentioned, and lung, bowel and prostate cancer. "


Good stuff. Now for the seeds!


This website discusses the benefits of pumpkin seeds: 

Prostate Protection
They promote overall prostate health and alleviate the difficult urination associated with an enlarged prostate.

Improved Bladder Function
In some studies, pumpkin seed extracts improved bladder function in animals.

Depression Treatment
They contain L-tryptophan, a compound naturally effective against depression.

Prevention of Osteoporosis
Because they are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Pumpkin seeds effectively reduce inflammation without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevention of Kidney Stones
They prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, according to studies.

Treatment of Parasites
They are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites. Studies also show them to be effective against acute schistosomiasis, a parasite contracted from snails.

Great Source of Magnesium
1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds contains 92% of your daily value of magnesium, a mineral in which most Americans are deficient.

Lower Cholesterol
Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.

Cancer Prevention
The same phytosterols that lower cholesterol also protect against many cancers.

This website discusses the benefits of Flaxseed:

"(HealthCastle.com) Its high content of alpha linolenic acids has made the ancient flax seed become our modern miracle food. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is a type of plant-derivedomega 3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish such as salmon. Benefits of flax seed as shown in many studies include lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Other benefits show that flax seed may also help lower blood triglyceride and blood pressure. It may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the risk of a heart attack.

Other Benefits of Flax seed

Aside from alpha linolenic acid, flax seed is rich in lignan. Lignan is a type phytoestrogen (antioxidant) and also provides fiber. Researches reveal that lignan in flax seed shows a lot of promise in fighting disease -- including a possible role in cancer prevention especiallybreast cancer. It is thought that lignan metabolites can bind to estrogen receptors, hence inhibiting the onset of estrogen-stimulated breast cancer."

Both of these are going on my shopping list along with Brazil nuts!!

The Benefits of Lemon Juice

I have been attempting to follow the Anti-Candida Diet for about a week and a half. On most days, I have a salad with lunch or dinner. Because vinegar is a no-no on this diet, my salad dressing has been lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. As soon as I started eating salads with this dressing, I started craving it like mad. I look forward to eating it! I've always appreciated salads, but this is ridiculous. So I started to wonder why my body was so in need of lemon juice. I mean, I'm still craving the dressing after eating it nearly every day for 12 days! So I'm doing a little online research on the benefits of lemon juice:

*Vitamin C
*Very high in citric acid which helps fight off colds
*Liver stimulant (can help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome )
*Can control conditions such as constipation and diarrhea
*Can help with heartburn, bloating and gas
*Contains calcium, potassium and magnesium
*Etc.

Source


According to this source , the health benefits of ingesting lemon include: Indigestion and constipation (relief of), fever, dental care, hair care, skin care, burns, internal bleeding, rheumatism, weight loss, respiratory disorders, and so on.

Wow, who knew? I wonder which of these things my body is using it for.... The websites, especially the second one, make for some interesting reading. I also occasionally add a few drops of therapeutic grade lemon essential oil to my drinking water, for immune support. (I get mine from http://www.YoungLiving.com)

Love these natural cures!