Rosellica: Natural Support for Hypertension

Janzee Incorporated contacted me recently to review a dietary supplement they have formulated called Rosellica.  This supplement contains Hibiscus sabdariffa an herb that has shown amazing blood pressure lowering properties for those suffering from mild to moderate hypertension.  A Tufts University study in 2008 showed that people who consume Hibiscus sabdariffa tea daily saw a blood pressure reduction of up to 13.2 percent.  Another study found that the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa were statistically similar to a common anti-hypertensive medication only without other side effects.  Awesome!

Hypertension isn't something I personally struggle with, so I have not personally tried the product but I always like to pass on a natural alternative to try when dealing with various health issues.  I know that many who do struggle with hypertension lament the side effects of the blood pressure medication more than the high blood pressure.  This may be a wonderful alternative.  Obviously this should be done under the care of your physician. 

Hibiscus - so pretty!

Rosellica is in capsule form and also contains other active ingredients including cranberry powder, elderberry powder, orange juice, and olive leaf powder.  That sounds yummy!


Janzee is an interesting company born 10 years ago out of the founder Michael Ruehle's need to help a mother who had suffered a serious stroke.  It speaks volumes to me personally when the founder of a company is motivated by helping someone near and dear to their own heart and to the quality of their products. 


You can purchase a 30 day supply of Rosellica for $29.95 by going to http://www.rosellica.com/.  They also conveniently sell on Amazon!


Karla


(If you have a great natural product and would like to see it reviewed here on Living A Whole Life please feel free to email us at this link!)

Back to Living A Whole Life...

It's been way to long...I know.  I had my third child almost 2 years ago.  I always planned to someday get back to blogging when time freed up a bit, but wow 2 years have flown by (and for all you other moms...time has not freed up)!  :)  Somehow - without my help, this blog has continued to grow and double in size.   Add to that a lot of recent requests to review some fun, new products (it's like Christmas for me when they show up on my porch) and it looks like I'm back!  

Rosellica

I've kept busy on my own these last two years.  Of course 3 kids would be my biggest project,

but I've continued working part-time in a busy neo-natal intensive care.  I've continued my study of naturopathy with the focus in herbs, homeopathy, nutrition aromatherapy, and yoga.  

Moroccan Method

In the last few months, I've had the blessing of purchasing and Avatar EAV and training to do BioEnergetic Assessments or Electrodermal Screening.  I'm very excited about this as it combines so many aspects of naturopathy that I love!  (Here is a link for those not familiar with this technology...http://www.natural-cancer-cures.com/electro-acupuncture.html).  I can do this remotely too if anyone is interested...hint/wink!

Wayfare Foods

I've brought along another friend in Tina Stone. (You saw her first post here). Tina is a talented (can I say Very Talented) herbalist. She grows/wild-harvests many herbs; creates her own tinctures; and makes just about all of her own household products. I know her posts will have tons of useful information and please feel free to send her your questions!

Super Body Care

Anyway, thanks so much for continueing to read and support our blog...as a treat, stay tuned for some great product reviews and our favorite...GIVEAWAYS!!  I'm not going to tell you
what is coming up...(but check out the pictures on this post for hints!!)

Healing Essence

Nourishing Herbal Infusions - Three Part Series

Three Part Series on Nourishing Herbal Infusions

PART ONE of THREE - How to Make a Basic Nourishing Herbal Infusion

by Tina Stone, Aspiring Herbalist

Whitmore Lake, MI

Nourishing Herbal Infusions (ie a strong tea used as a “drinkable vitamin”)

                                   Stinging Nettles, Urtica dioica

Free, highest quality nourishment (vitamins, minerals, plant constituents) - readily available for you - maybe even in your backyard!

Here’s a wonderful, affordable way to get your daily vitamins - inexpensively and just by venturing out your back door or not too far away...

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) makes a lovely tea - and it’s vitamin and mineral composition is off the charts - it surpasses spinach and many other vegetables in its nutrient content.  This is the essence of local food - wildcraft it in your own backyard or nearby in a wild area that is not sprayed or polluted.

Some campers feel like Stinging Nettles is a nuisance because the minute hairs inject irritants when touched.  To deactivate the sting just dry the herb or cook it into a tea (you can actually make lasagna with it too and other such preparations - just like how you would use spinach).  Fold the nettle leaf into itself and crush it to deactivate the sting.  Harvest it with gloves on.  It is most tender to eat in early spring and then also easiest to harvest.

Nourishing Herbal Infusions are easy to make - that’s just a fancy name for a strong, long-steeped tea.  Here’s how to make your own nourishing infusion:

~ a quart mason jar & lid (or a teapot, or a saucepan with a lid)

~ one ounce of herb (dried or fresh) - [with dried usually this fills about 1/3 of the mason jar with nettles]

~ one quart of boiling water [adding a knife to the jar before you pour the boiling water in can help your jar to not break or crack]

~ steep your infusion (covered) for 20 minutes minimum on your kitchen counter - you may steep for 4-8 hours (overnight) to fully extract all the nutrients

~ This infusion will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. It will keep out on the counter for several hours... herbs are very amazing that way since so many of them have lots of natural anti-microbial and anti-bacterial actions built in.  Sip your strong tea throughout the day for nourishment. 

It is an excellent daily ritual to make your nourishing infusion each morning and then drink it later in the afternoon - or the night before and then drink it the following morning.

This is a strong tasting brew - mostly tasting pretty “green”.  You can add other herbs to tweak the flavor and medicinal action.

Supplements can be helpful - kind of like a natural temporary “prescription”, but for ongoing health what better way to nourish yourself than to connect with nature, harvest for yourself and your family, drink your vitamins from wild plants.  It is affordable, sustainable and no pill or supplement can compare with the freshness and bio-availability.

Midwives of old used to go to a home to care for a patient and bring almost nothing with them in their medicine bag.  They would assess their patient and gather what was needed in the yard of the person they were visiting!  If we can wake up to what is right around us... oh the riches!!!

Take a nature hike, explore and find a stand of stinging nettles (hint: it grows well near horse pastures/fencing), make your own “drinkable vitamins” and observe for yourself how your health is affected.  Know for sure what a plant is before you harvest it and consume it - bring a good field guide or a more experienced herbal enthusiast with you on your hike.  Stinging nettles is a perennial so once you find a stand of it you can go back and find it each year - just be sure to harvest ethically (just take what you will use and wisely pick leaves so it can grow back each year and the plants can stay healthy).  Finding the plant with the sting will be confirming that you have found what you were looking for!

For myself drinking a nourishing infusion with nettles in it has been a wonderful improvement on overall well-being and really lowered my seasonal allergy flare-ups.

References and Resources: 

Jim mcdonald - Herbal Intensive

Matthew Wood - “The Earthwise Herbal, A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal          Plants”

Isla Burgess - “Weeds Heal, A Working Herbal”

Kiva Rose - class correspondence

John Gallagher - herbmentor.com and learningherbs.com

http://etc.usf.edu/clipart

Secret to Silky Smooth Hair

I have been growing my hair out for the past year and thought I would pass along a quick tip for shiny, smooth hair.

It's simple...just fill a small spray bottle with olive oil from your kitchen, then before you plan on showering, lightly spray your hair, comb through, let it sit for about 5 minutes. I usually twist my hair up into a clip. Then wash/condition as you normally would. It only takes an extra 5 minutes and you will notice a difference right away!

I recommend this treatment once a week.

Coconut Water

Coconut water, the liquid from a young unripe coconut, is a natural isotonic beverage filled with immune boosting vitamins and nutrients. This healthy drink offers replenishing electrolytes, as well as potassium, calcium and magnesium.

This nutrient rich beverage contains organic compounds with beneficial growth properties that can dramatically improve your health. It is completely free of chemicals and is save for children and babies. Some pregnant women prefer drinking coconut water as a natural aid for digestive problems during pregnancy. The lauric acid found in coconut water is the same as human breast milk.

Regular consumption of coconut water can naturally improve immunity, increase metabolism, alter HDL and detoxify the body. Consistent consumption of coconut water can help regulate intestinal function which is known to provide a wide variety of health benefits including a clearer complexion. Coconut water also contains monolaurin which acts as an antiviral monoglyceride which has the abiltiy to kill a variety of viruses and bacteria in the body.

Coconut water is a natural sports drink. Providing 15 times the electrolytes than most sports drinks, coconut water promotes hydration by stimulating the plasma which contributes to 55% of human blood. It is contains calcium and serves as a nutritious cholesterol free boost after a workout. Coconut water has fewer calories and sodium than most soft drinks or juices.

In addition, coconut water is high in potassium and consumed regularly can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension.

Health Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water Regularly

• Naturally boost immune system
• Improve intestinal health
• Increases metabolism & weight loss
• Balance body ph
• Detoxify & fight viruses
• Stop fatigue
• Helps prevent hypertension
• Control diabetes
• Aids in circulation
• Reduces cancer risk
• Treats kidney stones
• Eases stomach pain & vomiting

Today there are several ready-to-drink organic coconut beverage available. Some popular brands are Vita Coco, Zico Pure and O.N.E. They all provide fresh coconut water in tetra packaging to preserve nutrients.

Give it a try! - Shannan

Source: suite101.com

Hearty Salsa

It has been a crazy day around here with little time to eat. So at now 8:30 p.m., after the kids have been tucked in, I am enjoying a healthy, filling snack and a glass of organic red wine.

Hearty Salsa

1 15 1/4 oz. can corn, drained (you could also use frozen corn, thawed)

1 16 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 16 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 8 oz. jar mild or spicy salsa

Mix the above ingredients and enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips. Mine are always the Trader Joe's Veggie & Flaxseed Tortilla Chips.

You can also add avocado and olives for a little variety.

My wine...Our Daily Red. It is organic and contains no detectible sulfates. I got mine at Whole Foods.

The perfect ending to a busy day.

- Shannan

Galactogogues...What?

I just love the technical term for herbs or medications that are used to stimulate an increase in milk production while breast feeding. It sounds like something you might encounter while watching Star Trek.



Most of our regular readers know that I'm pregnant. I have about 5 weeks left until baby and I'm finally getting a few things ready for the big day. This is our third and it's funny how much less you actually "do" to get ready the third time around. I've had some issues with low milk supply during breastfeeding with my other two though and have been researching ways to encourage my body naturally to produce enough milk. There are so many things out there, but one thing I'm definitely stocking up on is herbs to make teas. I thought I would share some of my research with you - if you aren't currently breastfeeding, pass this information on to an expectant or new mother that you know - she will thank you!



Most Common Herbs: These herbs are the most commonly used to stimulate milk production. They can all be purchased in bulk and used as a tea and/or mixed together for a tea blend. My favorite place to buy cut, bulk herbs and seeds is our affiliate Mountain Rose Herbs. They have a great variety of herbs, fantastic quality, and reasonable prices.

• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)




• Goat's Rue (Galega officinalis)




• Milk Thistle (Sklybum marianum)




• Blessed Thistle leaves (Cnicus benedictus)




• Borage Leaves (Borago officinalis)




• Hops (Humulus lupulus)




• Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)




• Anise (Pimpinella anisum)




• Raspberry Leaf (Rubus Idaeus)




• Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)




• Fennel (Foeniculum vulagare)




• Caraway Seed

Galactogogue Brew: My OB gave me this great recipe for a breastfeeding tea that can be made at home.

1 oz dried Blessed Thistle or Borage leaves

1 oz dried Raspberry leaves or Nettle leaves

1 teaspoonful of any of these seeds: Anise, Cumin, Fennel, Caraway, Coriander, Dill

Place leaves in a half-gallon jar and fill to the top with boiling water. Cap tightly and let steep overnight. Strain out herbs and refrigerate liquid until needed. As you get ready to nurse, pour off one cupful of the brew and heat it almost to a boil. Pour it over a teaspoonful of any of the aromatic seeds listed above. Let it brew and cool for 5 more minutes before drinking.

I know that some may not want to mess around with cut herbs or making your own teas. Weleda makes a highly praised nursing tea that incorporates several of the herbs listed above. You can read more about that by clicking the link below.

Karla