I have been studying herbal medicine for about 8-9 years now. I haven't had medical insurance for about that long and have found a basic understanding of herbs has really helped. Nothing magical here- herbs have chemicals in them that affect the body. Some positive some negative as we know. I am currently in school and majoring in chemistry. I hope someday I will advance far enough to really combine the two sets of knowledge but for now I only have a basic knowledge of chemistry and a great knowledge of herbal medicine. So here are just some basic recipes.
1. Dandelion coffee: Mix equal parts or to taste of your regular coffee with dandelion root and burdock root. Brew normally.
**helps out your liver and builds your blood up. Also contains inulin which is indigestible for us (and harmless) but feeds your gut bacteria. Also, without losing much in the way of taste it lowers your caffeine intake a bit which is good for when you are cutting back on nicotine. Nicotine allows you to process far more caffeine than you could on your own so if you dont cut down you may notice that you are more sensitive than usual.
**(side note) I really love dandelion root and leaf as well as burdock root. I toss them in pretty much any blend I make just for their overall positive effects. Burdock is actually used as a vegetable in Japanese cuisine so is entirely non toxic. Dandelion leaf is a great diuretic (makes you pee) because it does not deplete potassium. Its more for just kind of moving water along through your system more efficiently. Great for bloating/water retention in general. The roots (dandelion/burdock) actually can make an awesome hangover remedy too=) Ill post the recipe if anyone is curious.
2. coconut water:
***natures Gatorade and way better for you. You need to stay super hydrated which is more than just water. You also need a little sugar/salt/minerals. This can also take the place of the fruit juice they say to sip to keep your blood sugar level (much less sugar but enough to do the job). I recommend mixing it with ice water.
3. There are many different kind of anti stress and sedative type herbs. They will all do the trick for the most part so whatever you can get ahold of is fine. Valarien, Chamomile, Mint, California poppy, damaina and if you are buying tea bags anything that says sedative is probably fine. Honestly I recommend against kava. This is one of those herbs that has been picked up and sensationalized. It is a mildy toxic herb that probably wont hurt you but isnt great for your liver. Most do not have the materials or know how to brew it correctly. Plus it also tastes horrible
You would be better off using any of the other herbs mentioned above for a stronger/better effect without the risk of stressing your liver even more.
4. CAUTION. Lobelia: aka "pukeweed". It fills some of the same receptors of nicotine and is not addictive. It is however poisonous. A little too much and you start throwing up, a little more and you could actually die. (you would have to use a lot for that). I recommend finding a blend with it in it (which will already have the right dosage). In small amounts it can be really helpful just be smart about it and when in doubt just say no. I wont recommend anything more than doing your own research or asking your doctor. Just wanted you to know about it.
=) good luck and please add your own recipes and ideas!!!
1. Dandelion coffee: Mix equal parts or to taste of your regular coffee with dandelion root and burdock root. Brew normally.
**helps out your liver and builds your blood up. Also contains inulin which is indigestible for us (and harmless) but feeds your gut bacteria. Also, without losing much in the way of taste it lowers your caffeine intake a bit which is good for when you are cutting back on nicotine. Nicotine allows you to process far more caffeine than you could on your own so if you dont cut down you may notice that you are more sensitive than usual.
**(side note) I really love dandelion root and leaf as well as burdock root. I toss them in pretty much any blend I make just for their overall positive effects. Burdock is actually used as a vegetable in Japanese cuisine so is entirely non toxic. Dandelion leaf is a great diuretic (makes you pee) because it does not deplete potassium. Its more for just kind of moving water along through your system more efficiently. Great for bloating/water retention in general. The roots (dandelion/burdock) actually can make an awesome hangover remedy too=) Ill post the recipe if anyone is curious.
2. coconut water:
***natures Gatorade and way better for you. You need to stay super hydrated which is more than just water. You also need a little sugar/salt/minerals. This can also take the place of the fruit juice they say to sip to keep your blood sugar level (much less sugar but enough to do the job). I recommend mixing it with ice water.
3. There are many different kind of anti stress and sedative type herbs. They will all do the trick for the most part so whatever you can get ahold of is fine. Valarien, Chamomile, Mint, California poppy, damaina and if you are buying tea bags anything that says sedative is probably fine. Honestly I recommend against kava. This is one of those herbs that has been picked up and sensationalized. It is a mildy toxic herb that probably wont hurt you but isnt great for your liver. Most do not have the materials or know how to brew it correctly. Plus it also tastes horrible
You would be better off using any of the other herbs mentioned above for a stronger/better effect without the risk of stressing your liver even more. 4. CAUTION. Lobelia: aka "pukeweed". It fills some of the same receptors of nicotine and is not addictive. It is however poisonous. A little too much and you start throwing up, a little more and you could actually die. (you would have to use a lot for that). I recommend finding a blend with it in it (which will already have the right dosage). In small amounts it can be really helpful just be smart about it and when in doubt just say no. I wont recommend anything more than doing your own research or asking your doctor. Just wanted you to know about it.
=) good luck and please add your own recipes and ideas!!!
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