Remember Rosemary

The two functions that are unique to us as humans are our abilities for memory and recall.  Our brains have an almost infinite capacity, which is far beyond what we actually use and experts say that most of us use about only 5 percent of our brain power.  Slips of the memory and lost thoughts have been a human concern since man has existed.   How many times have you wished that you could tap into the human potential for enhanced memory and recall?

Medieval herbalists believed that a number of herbs were useful for enhancing the memory and early documents contain many references.  They provide modern day researchers with directional clues and studies conducted over the past twenty or so years have begun to link decreased mental function, especially which associated with aging, to a cascade of changes in the body leading to insufficiency in memory.  Today, we know that several herbs may indeed be great memory enhancers.

Rosemary, traditionally considered the herb of remembrance, is currently an important herbal subject of antioxidant research and may have a role in treating Alzheimer’s disease.   Long before Shakespeare’s Ophelia said “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.”   The concept of rosemary for remembrance had persisted in records for at least five centuries previous.

Rosemary or Rosmarinus Officinalis contains more than a dozen antioxidant compounds, some of which are in high concentrations.  Researchers have linked oxidative stress to Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative process associated with devastating memory loss, personality changes and the loss of some motor functions.  Aging itself, according to the medicinal plant specialist James A. Duke, could simply be a lifetime’s worth of oxidation damage.  Antioxidant compounds including those found in rosemary may be an important key in combating memory loss.

Studies have shown that rosemary exerts its antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals.  A growing body of literature points to the usefulness of controlling free radicals to prevent and possibly treat such conditions as heart disease, eye diseases, arthritic tissue damage, and stress produced immune system suppression, as well as to aid in retarding the aging process.   Reduced blood flow to the brain as a result of cardiovascular changes related to aging can lead to short term memory loss.   

Essential oil of Rosemary is obtained from the fresh stalks, leaves and flowers of the plant.  Rosemary is typically from Spain, France, Yugoslavia and Japan.   The fragrance is clear, strong, and stimulating, and is easily absorbed through the skin.  It stimulates the mind, body, adrenals, and memory.  Rosemary treats general weakness, mental fatigue, and sore muscles.  Rosemary oil is helpful for all diseases that result from a reduction of the functions of the nervous system.   It is a strong stimulant and will help to clear the mind of confusion or doubt.

It is a wonderful essential oil to use in your morning bath or shower because it is both physically and mentally stimulating helping to start the day out on a great note.  Long known for its wonderful addition to cooking recipes, Rosemary enhances everything from meat to vegetables.   Essential oil of Rosemary can be used in much the same way as the fresh or dried herb when cooking.

The jury is still out on just how beneficial Rosemary is in actually enhancing memory, but its confirmed antioxidant activity suggests a scientific basis for its role in history as the herb “for remembrance” For those of us who have used and loved Rosemary over the years, both in our cooking as well as medicinally, this information is not new but reaffirms our knowledge that Rosemary is a key herb for better health and longevity.

A Thought for Food

How would you like to have a year round pantry or kitchen that is constantly stocked with the freshest herbs?  When you become accustomed to using essential oils for cooking purposes, you can experience herbs any time of the year regardless of the weather.
There is nothing like the use of fresh herbs in cooking and the use of essential herbs can be the next best alternatives. 
The most intense concentration of the the plant essence is contained in the oils that are extracted and can be used for cooking, many are safe to use with appropriate guidelines.  The guidelines would include using only pure, natural essential oils, NEVER SYNTHETICS, in the preparation of food products.  May sure, when using essential oils in cooking, to only use a few drops at a time or at the most a fraction of a teaspoon.  If you are allergic to an ingredient, do not ingest an essential oil that has been derived from that ingredient.  Never use or ingest essential oils if you are pregnant without consulting with your primary care provider.  The last guideline that I would like to leave here is do not drink essential oils straight from the bottle.  It is in the using and experimenting that you will begin to get an idea of how much to use.  Start simple with just a drop or two in your recipe and then taste to see how much more to add;  remember that you can always add more if needed.
Here is a simple way to start using essential oils in food preparation.  Infuse flavor into cooking oils by adding a few drops of essential oil to pure virgin olive oil, peanut or sesame seed oil and then use the oil to dress salads, or toss with pasta.  You can use infused oils to marinade foods as well, in the same way you would use dried herbs and spices.  The difference that many dried herbs can have a musty smell as well as taste whereas essential oils capture the aroma and flavor as its peak.
Essential oils such as cinnamon can be mixed with butter and spread on toast.  You are limited only by your imagination as you prepare wonderful surprises for your loved ones and friends.  Feel free to leave some feed back about your experiments.  From time to time I will be leaving some delicious ideas of my own.

Summer First Aid

With the heat of Summer almost upon us we need to be watchful for Heat Exhaustion!

Heat exhaustion is caused by over exposure to high temperatures or being over-active in hot weather.  Although heat exhaustion usually occurs outdoors, a person can be overcome in a hot, poorly ventilated room or workplace. 
Unchecked, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, or what has been called sunstroke, this is a life threatening situation.
A heat exhaustion victim sweats, losing fluids and electrolytes, BUT the evaporation of the sweat prevents the body temperature to rise.  Other signs can include pale and clammy skin, weakness, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramping.  The victim will feel fatigued and if exposure continues with out slowly cooling the body and replenishing fluids, the victim may collapse or faint.
Remember that in heatstroke, sweating is absent or very slight, the pulse is rapid, the skin flushed, and the victim is lethargic or unconscious and usually shows signs of disorientation, they may even have a seizure.  Then the body temperature will escalate.
Treatment is important, move them to a cool, shady place that is preferably breezy.  Lay them down, loosen the clothing and place cold, wet towels on the forehead and the back of the neck.  Essential Oil of Peppermint cools the body from the core outward but never let is come close to the eyes, use on the back of the neck and the pulse points.  Essential Oil of Helichrysum will quickly oxygenate the body at the cellular level.  If you are in the mountains and have access to fresh aspen leaves they can be chewed on to help over come these symptoms.  Most mountain streams also have horsetail rods or watercress greens growing along side, they are great for rehydration and electrolyte balancing.
Give them small amounts of cool (NOT ICE COLD) fluids.  If possible add 1 teaspoon of salt per quart of liquid and give small amount at frequent intervals to help rehydrate the body.

Heat exhaustion is something to be constantly aware of during the hot summer activities. 

Be safe and have fun.

Crazy Chicory

Cichorium intybus, or Chicory has been used for thousands of years, both for its medicinal properties as well as its culinary delights.  This beautiful plant is a member of the very large compositae family and has a long history in the world.  Egyptian papyrus scrolls list it as a medicinal plant more than 6,000 years ago and herbalists of the Middle Ages relied on its healing powers to treat many complaints of the liver, gallbladder and spleen, as well as edema and weak hearts.  The medicinal effects of Chicory are similar to that of dandelion, helping to stimulate the appetite and support proper liver functions.  Chicory also promotes saliva and bile production, as well as proper elimination of uric acid making it a valuable herb for relieving gout and rheumatism.

But did you know that this crazy plant is considered a vegetable in Europe and has been used in many recipes since the fourteenth century?  This plant adds nutrients, visual appeal and flavor to many dishes.  It can be eaten either raw or cooked and contains protein, carbohydrates, inulin, and natural fructose.  The crazy little Chicory is an excellent source of vitamin A, folic acid,potassium, vitamin C, pantothenic acid and the trace minerals of copper, iron, magnesium, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and zinc.  Chicory root shoots, or endive are very edible and equally healthy.  Chicory not only aids in digestion, but it also helps to gently cleanse the intestines.  It can therefore be considered an excellent addition to a healthy diet. 

Chicory root was roasted and used as a coffee substitute in times of war and financial hardship.  The root has a bitter, coffee like taste but it lacks the volatile oils and caffeine.  Chicory grows wild almost every where, but it is also easy to cultivate.  Look for a plant with short stems and green serrated leaves that may look a lot like dandelions.  The leaves should be gathered in the spring and summer.  The plant's blue flowers are very attractive in salads and are edible.  Use the leaves in sandwiches, or mince and add them fresh to cottage or cream cheese for a delicious spread.  The leaves can also be used as a seasoning that will add depth to soups, salads and white sauces.  Chicory leaves are also a tasty complement to many fish and chicken dishes.

Chicory Miso Soup
1 lb of fresh young chicory leaves
4 minced cloves of garlic
2 Tbsp of good olive oil
1/2 cup of shopped onion
1 oz or about 1 Tbsp of minced, peeled, fresh ginger root
6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
1/4 cup of red miso paste
2 large peeled, sliced parsnips
1 good size piece of peeled, chopped Chicory Root
1-2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar
feta cheese
croutons
chives  (optional)

Saute the garlic, onions and ginger in the olive oil until slightly translucent in a medium soup or stock pot.  Stir in the vegetable or chicken broth and miso paste.  Bring to a boil.  Add the parsnip and chicory root and simmer until the roots are soft.  Add the chicory leaves and 1 Tbsp of vinegar.  Taste and, if you wish, add more vinegar, 1 tsp at a time until the soup reaches your desired acidic flavor.  Ladle into bowls and add crumbled feta cheese and a few croutons as garnish.

HAPPY, HEALTHY SPRING EATING!

Keeping a Pulse on Your Health

Have you ever wondered why a health care provider might be taking a reading of your pulse?  In main stream medicine, the radial artery, which can be found on each wrist is examined and many people think that this is somehow only related to the functions of the heart or respiration's however it doesn't end there.

Pulse diagnosis is a primary component of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as Ayurvedic medicine and has been practiced for more than 2,500 years.  This valuable tool can provide clues to the health of the internal organs and allow practitioners to them determine the best course of treatment.  The quality of the pulse allows the practitioner to identify many different areas of health and health related complaints.

A weak pulse can be a sign of an internal deficiency that is causing a loss of immunity and vitality.  This type of pulse is thought to be slow and weak if there are fewer than four normal beats per breath cycle and can indicate an illness that is caused by the body being to cold, or a possible viral infection.  A deep pulse is one that can be sensed only when firm pressure is exerted.  It indicates that an internal illness is becoming a chronic condition.  Assessing the depth, over all rhythm and strength can enable a practitioner of assess the flow of energy and determine the quality of yin and yang within the body.  The type of pulse explained above is suggestive of and imbalance of yin.

An imbalance of yang would be a when the pulse is considered rapid, or more than five normal beats per breath cycle.  This can signal an illness with symptoms such as the flu accompanied by fevers or heat.  This is when the body's defenses are triggered.  Some times these triggers can also be based in the "fight or flight" emotions.

Three unique levels of pressure are related to the pulse quality in each of the six pulse points.  These points correspond to an internal organ system.  A strong pulse indicates a state of excess, while a weak pulse may be a sign of deficiency.

The pulse is taken with the index, middle and ring fingers at three locartions along the radial artery, just above the wrist.  On the left arm, the first position relates tothe heart; the second point is linked to the liver; and the third position coincides with the kidneys.  On the right arm, the first position corresponds to the lungs; the second position relates to the spleen and the third point matches the kidneys.  The superficial level indicates external influences and suggest problems on the surface of the body.  The moderate level is where a normal, or harmonious, pulse should be detected.  The deep level suggests an internal problem, or infection.

The idea of yin and yang is central to the many different philosophies of alternative medicines.  An imbalance in these opposing, yet complememntary, forces can result in illness, pain and emotional trauma.  Monitoring the pulse for depth, overall shape and quality while paying attention to the depth, overall shape speed, length, rhythm and strength can help to assess the flow of enerby to and from each of the internal organs.

Take time to look, listen and feel the health and well being of yourself and your loved ones.  Take the time to check your pulse, you might learn a thing or two that you didn't expect.  Not to mention that it can be a very cost effective way to monitor your health.