BLACK CURRANT

Black currants nutrition facts

Incredibly rich in numerous health benefiting phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants, black currants are indeed one of the very popular summer season berries. Currants are native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia.
Black currant plant is a small shrub belonging to the family of Grossulariaceae, of the genus; Ribesand has scientific name: Ribes nigrum. In general, currants grow best in regions where summer is humid but winter is severe and chilling. It is a fast growing, deciduous, small shrub reaching about 5-6 ft tall.

Black currants have a very high content in antioxidants and vitamins. In particular, they're very rich in Vitamin C (and for this reason they were used in the UK during World War II, because other foods rich in Vitamin C, such as oranges, were nearly impossible to find). Black currants also contain several rare nutrients, like GLA ( Gamma Linoleic Acid, a very rare Omega-6 essential fatty acid) and MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors), and may therefore be used in therapies against depression.

Currant Health Information

What are the health benefits of black currants?
Because of the variety of vitamins and minerals, and the potent phtyochemical and antioxidant power, in Black Currants, they boast a fair amount of potential health benefits. As researchers continue to study these dark purple wonders, the compounds that they contain, and their effects on our health, there will likely be many more exciting benefits uncovered.
So far, here is what the research is telling us about Black Currants and your health:
Nutrition Facts:
For a serving size of 100 grams:

• Calories – 63
• Carbohydrates – 15g
• Fat – 0.4g
• Protein – 1.4g
• Dietary Fiber – N/A
• Water Content – 82%

Source: USDA and Nutritiondata.com

Brain power

Two powerful compounds found in concentrated amounts in Black Currants may help protect our brains against diseases of aging. Preliminary research from the Horticulture and Food Research Institute in New Zealand found that the anthocyanins and polyphenolics found in Black Currants may help protect against Alzheimer's disease. In a 2006 Health Day article, Researcher James Joseph, from Tufts University, commented on the results of this study, "We have evidence that the compounds [anthocyanins and polyphenolics] protect against Alzheimer's by influencing the early gene expression in learning and memory, which influences cell signaling pathways that help neuronal cells communicate with each other," says Joseph.

Dilip Ghosh, Tony K McGhie, Jingli Zhang, Aselle Adaim, Margot Skinner. Effects of anthocyanins and other phenolics of boysenberry and blackcurrant as inhibitors of oxidative stress and damage to cellular DNA in SH-SY5Y and HL-60 cells. Journal of Science Food and Agriculture

Heart of the Matter

At least 61 million Americans suffer from some form of heart disease. And with coronary heart disease (CHD) as the leading cause of death in the United States, it's important to focus on dietary and lifestyle factors that can help prevent it! The American Heart Association supports a diet high in fruits and vegetables in helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.
In particular, berries like Black Currants that are especially high in certain compounds like flavonoids and other antioxidants may have an even more protective effect. A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that subjects who were given a mixture of berries daily (including Black Currants) had a reduction in blood pressure and an increase in good (HDL) cholesterol, two factors that can decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke.

Cardiovascular disease statistics. American Heart Association. Available at: http://www.heart.org/

I. Erlund, R. Koli, G. Alfthan, J. Marniemi, P. Puukka, P. Mustonen, P. Mattila, A. Jula. Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. February 2008, Volume 87, Number 2, Pages 323-331

Seeing is Believing

Vision disorders of aging such as Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) are the number 1 cause of blindness in adults over age 65. Research and clinical studies have shown that certain antioxidants like vitamin C and anthocyanosides (anthocyanins) may support vision health and decrease the risk of age related vision problems such as cataracts and (AMD). Scientists have found that a plant based diet rich in flavonoids, including anthocyanins and quercitin (found in Black Currants), may play a role in decreasing the degeneration of the macula (the part of your retina that's responsible for central vision) by keeping harmful free radicals from damaging the retina.

Urinary tract infections

While the best treatment for a urinary tract infection is antibiotics, plant compounds called proanthocyanins, found in fruits like Black Currants, may help prevent the infection from beginning or progressing. Proanthocyanins work their magic by preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. The most studied for these effects are cranberries, but scientists believe that Black Currants may be just as beneficial. Studies show that Black Currants also contain proanthocyanins, which can be found in the urine after drinking the juice.

Netzel et al. Bioactive anthocyanins detected in human urine after ingestion of blackcurrant juice. K Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2001; 20 (2): 89-95
L.Boyle et al. 1996, Study of blackcurrant juice in nursing home residents to alleviate urinary tract infection and associated problems. Centre for Ageing Studies, Flinders University of South Austrailia.

Kidney stones

Research is still sparse regarding Black Currant juice's support in the treatment and prevention of uric acid stone disease. But, it looks promising, according to findings published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition that report that subjects who drank Black Currant juice daily had a higher urinary pH and excreted more citric acid and oxalic acid. High levels of oxalic acid are associated with uric acid stone disease because the acid binds with metal ions in the body to deposit crystals which can irritate the kidneys. Black Currant juice shows promise for helping increase the excretion of oxalic acid.

Kessler T, Jansen B, Hesse A. Effects of Juice on Kidney Stone Formation Reviewed: Effect of Black Currant-, cranberry- and plum juice. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002;36:1020-102

Home remedies for kidneys :1 teavoon black currant
1 teaspoon pipsissewa
1 cup boiling water
Combine the above herbs and cover with the boiling water; steep for 15 minutes; strain. Use two to three times daily for inflammation of the bladder, up to three cups a day, for no more than three days.

STRAWBERRY GINGER WRAP FOR CELLULITE

Cellulite is actually pockets of fat stored under the skin and is unfortunately the vain of just about every woman over the age of 25. Cellulite is mainly caused by having poor circulation that can slow down the removal of any toxins or fluids stored within the body.

By warming your skin blood rushes to the surface enabling the ingredients from this homemade body wrap to reach the blood stream more efficiently. This helps to flush out the toxins and any other impurities from the body that are responsible for the cellulite, water retention and other common skin problems.
The ginger, strawberries and clay blended together makes an excellent circulation stimulant.



Ingredients
2 ginger roots (10 cm long each)
4 tbs (60 ml) Kaolin clay powder *
15 large strawberries
Directions
Put all ingredients in a blender and whiz for a minute. If the mixture is too runny add more Kaolin powder until desired consistency is achieved.
Application
Apply the wrap to affected areas (cellulite or poor circulation), then wrap in metal foil. Lie down in a warm room for 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove foil and rinse with warm water. Turn the water to cold for the last 15 seconds of rinsing. Pat skin dry.
Note
* Kaolin clay powder is a fine, natural clay from Mt. Kaolin, China, known for its drawing properties. Look for this product in your local health food store.

Your Detox Program

"Cleansing is the first step on the road to health and sometimes it is the only step you need to take to feel better again."

Before starting any detox program, you should check with your health care provider to ensure the herbs you are using do not interact with other medicines you may be taking and are not contraindicated for any illness you may have. Depending on your individual needs, and the advice of your health care provider, you may wish to make your own custom formula using any of the herbs listed above.

Whatever formula you use, the tea should be taken between meals. Drink one cup of detox tea per day for 3 days, then 2 cups per day for one week, then 2 -3 cups per day until mixture is finished.
Avoid sugar, dairy, processed foods, fatty foods, flour and caffeine during your cleanse. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, lean protein foods (beans, lentils, fish, organic chicken, nuts), whole grains and healthy oils (flax, olive, hemp or a combination blend such as Udo's Choice).

Side Effects
When your body is cleansing itself of toxins there may be some uncomfortable side effects. Although they can vary greatly from person to person, some examples include: loose bowels, fatigue, skin rash and headaches. To control side effects you can drink fewer cups of tea per day, lower the amount of tea mixture used per cup of water or interrupt the cleanse for a couple of days. If side effects persist or are bothersome, speak to your health care provider.

Preparing the Tea

This tea is simple to prepare, costs less than most detox kits and lasts for five to six weeks (more than twice as long as most kits). Simply combine all herbs in proportions listed in a jar. Store tightly covered in a cool dry place away from direct light.
To use: bring one and a half cups spring or distilled water to light simmer on stove (water should be moving but not bubbling). Use a non-metal pot. Add two teaspoons of mixture and let simmer for about 10 minutes, keeping lid on pot. Strain into cup.

Heavier herbs may settle to the bottom of the jar so stir well before each use. To save time you can make enough tea for two days. Store in a tightly covered glass jar in the refrigerator. You can drink leftover tea cold or warm depending on your preference. If you choose to reheat, avoid use of microwave, and do not allow to boil.

Total Body Detox Tea

Spring and Autumn are the best times of the year to do an internal cleansing. The following 17 herbs are known for their excellent detoxifying properties. You can combine all herbs listed for a thorough detox formula in the following proportions:
4 tbs dandelion leaf (kidneys)
3 tbs dandelion root (liver, gallbladder)
2 tbs burdock root (blood, liver, gallbladder)
3 tbs milkthistle seed, crushed (liver, gallbladder)
3 tbs speedwell (stomach, skin, lungs, general tonic)3 tbs knotgrass (kidneys, colon, lungs)
2 tbs sheep sorrel (blood, kidneys)
3 tbs cleavers (lymph, kidneys)
4 tbs lemon balm (digestive tonic, nervine)
4 tbs pau d'arco (blood, parasites)
4 tbs horsetail (kidneys, skin)
5 tbs red clover (blood)
2 tbs chickweed (lymph, colon)
2 tbs angelica root (liver, digestive tonic)
3 tbs yarrow herb (liver, gallbladder, blood, gen. tonic)
5 tbs nettle leaf (kidneys, blood, general tonic, nutritive)
4 tbs plantain (skin, lungs, gastric system, internal healer, antiseptic)

Cleavers Herb Tea

Cleavers (Gallium aparine) is used both internally and externally in the treatment of a wide range of ailments. The dried or fresh herb is alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic and vulnerary.

A valuable diuretic, it is often taken to treat skin problems such as seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis, and as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses such as cancer.

The plant contains organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, glycoside asperuloside, gallotannic acid and citric acid.

It is mildly laxative and stimulates the lymphatic system and has shown benefit in skin related problems.

An infusion of the herb has shown of benefit in the treatment of glandular fever, tonsilitis, hepatitis and cystitis. The infusion is also used to treat liver, bladder and urinary problems.

The plant contains the valuable constituent asperuloside, a substance that is converted into prostaglandins by the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels. Much more scientific research is being done on the plant it is of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

Cleavers main use is to help detoxify body tissues by supporting the lymphatic system, the system that washes the tissues of toxins, and as a mild diuretics. Toxic buildup is thought to be an underlying cause of chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne as well as autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Use cleavers tea as a bath additive or skin wash to treat skin damage from sunburn, rashes and cuts. It makes a good hair rinse for dandruff and dry scalp.

Parts Used: Leaves

Head-To-Toe Alternative Remedies Guide

Therapy: St. John's wort

Although controversy does exist, many studies suggest that St. John's wort is better than placebo and as effective as antidepressants (tricyclics and SSRIs), with fewer side effects, for mild to moderate depression only. (It is very important to distinguish these forms of depression from major depression, which tends to include a greater number of depressive symptoms and, possibly, thoughts of suicide. For major depression, prescription medications and other therapies are a must.)


Talk with your doctor if you're considering trying St. John's wort; this herb has many potential drug interactions. Also, St. John's wort must not be combined with antidepressant medications. Psychotherapy should always be included in treatment for all forms of depression.

Evidence: Randomized controlled trials, review articles, and meta-analyses. Not all studies have had favorable results.

Therapy: Relaxation techniques, Valerian rootUp to 80 percent of people with insomnia can improve their sleep by learning to relax. Sleep-promoting techniques include progressive relaxation (a process that involves tensing and then releasing each muscle group in your body), meditation, yoga, guided imagery, self-hypnosis, and biofeedback.
Valerian, a mildly sedating botanical, can help you fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your sleep. Valerian combined with lemon balm and hops has yielded positive results as well. It may take one to two weeks to feel the effects. Valerian should not be used with sleeping pills, particularly barbiturates. Limit your use to six weeks or less until long-term safety information is available.

Evidence: Relaxation: Meta-analysis, review articles, and clinical savvy. Relaxation techniques, along with other behavioral changes, are considered first-line therapy for sleeping difficulties. Valerian: Randomized controlled trials. Trials to date have been short-term; there is no scientific information about the safety of using valerian for extended periods of time.

Insomnia

Migraine HeadachesTherapy:

FeverfewFeverfew may be worth a try for many migraine sufferers, particularly those who have used prescription medications and have either not had success with them or not been able to tolerate the many side effects. Look for feverfew standardized to contain at least 0.2 percent parthenolide, the active component thought to be responsible for reducing migraines and their symptoms. (The potency of feverfew varies tremendously from product to product, depending on where the herb was grown.)

Evidence: Randomized controlled trials and case reports. Several studies comparing feverfew with placebo have shown benefit in reducing the number of migraines over time and the symptoms associated with each headache.

Alcoholism, Smoking, and Other Addictions

Therapy: Acupuncture

Acupuncture for addictions may be most effective when combined with behavioral modification and, at times, medication. Endorphins released during acupuncture treatments may help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Auricular (ear) acupuncture may be particularly useful for narcotics and cocaine addiction.

Evidence: Consensus statement. Two subsequent review articles, however, concluded that there was no difference between real and sham acupuncture, in which needles are applied randomly. My bottom line: Acupuncture seems effective, and it can't hurt.

Alzheimer's DiseaseTherapy: Ginkgo biloba

Some experts feel that ginkgo is an excellent alternative to medication because it appears to have fewer side effects and costs less. While there are flaws to some of the research and not all trials have reached a positive conclusion, the evidence that ginkgo may improve thinking and memory in people with Alzheimer's has been highly promising.

Ginkgo is best if taken at the early stages of Alzheimer's. It may also be considered as a preventive measure if you have a family history of the disease. Ginkgo should not be used if you take a blood thinner (like warfarin) or a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Evidence: More than 40 randomized controlled trials -- even some comparing ginkgo with standard medications -- and several review articles.

AsthmaTherapy: Omega-3 fatty acidsEarly studies suggest that taking fish oil or alpha-linolenic acid may help ease asthma symptoms and improve lung function. I recommend dietary sources of omega-3s: eat fish, walnuts, and flaxseed while decreasing foods rich in omega-6s (e.g., meat, egg yolks, and certain oils) and trans-fatty acids. Use dietary measures as part of a comprehensive plan, including medication and breathing exercises.

Evidence: Epidemiologic, small randomized controlled trials, and review articles.

High Blood PressureTherapy: MeditationResearch shows that regular meditation practice can help lower blood pressure and keep it down. Biofeedback, qi gong, massage, and self-hypnosis have also been shown to help treat high blood pressure. Be sure to eat foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium as well.

Evidence: Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Many (but not all) studies have shown positive results.

High Cholesterol
Therapy: Soy, fiberBoth soy and soluble fiber are essential for lowering cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends consuming at least 25 grams of soy protein per day (if you have a high risk of breast cancer, talk with your doctor first). Aim for at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.

Natural Cough Control Tea Recipe

Sizing up 25 studies on over-the-counter cough medicine, a recent research review published in "The Cochrane Library" determined that there's no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of formulas such as Robitussin and Mucinex.

For natural, reliable cough relief, try a tea recipe recommended by Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., director of education at the University of Arizona's Program in Integrative Medicine. It features thyme, which alleviates chest congestion and supports respiratory function, along with throat-soothing honey, sage, and vitamin-C-rich lemon.

Cough-Control Tea1. Pour hot water over 2 teaspoons organic lemon rinds, 1 teaspoon sage, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. (Dried or fresh herbs can be used.)

2. Cover and steep for 15 minutes.

3. Strain tea, then add juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 tablespoon honey.

4. Drink two to three cups daily for cough relief. 

From Body+Soul, May 2008

Best Home Remedies For Cough

  

A cough is the body’s response to inflammation or irritation in the throat. It is a reflex action

started by stimulation of sensory nerves in the lining of the respiratory passages. Some coughs are dry, while others are considered productive. Pollution, smoke and dust can also trigger a cough. Any cough persisting more than a week, should be evaluated by a physician.

Natural Cough Remedies :

1. Have honey in a hot drink before bed time, or else turmeric powder boiled in milk and taken internally relieves cough.
2. Dry cough can be cured by gradually swallowing a mixture of cumin seed powder mixed with a little butter.
3. To relieve a dry cough suck a few pepper corns.
4. Boil an inch of crushed ginger in a pot of water and drink this a little at a time for the whole day.
5. Suck a whole clove without chewing to soothe a cough.
6. Apples when eaten will help with dry cough.
7. Aniseed is another effective remedy for a hard dry cough. It breaks up the mucus and gives relief.
8. The juice of an orange diluted in a cup of warm water, should be taken every two hours.
9. Grapes also help a great deal in treating a cold. You can take 1 cup grape juice and add 1 teaspoon honey to it.
10. Almonds are excellent for dry coughs. Soak a few almonds in water and keep them overnight. Next morning remove the skin and grind them to form a powder and take a tablespoon every morning.
11. Boil 1 teaspoon of powdered cinnamon powder and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper powder in a glass of water add 1 teaspoon of honey to it and drink sip by sip for effective relief from sore throat, cold and cough.
12. A teaspoon of Aloe Vera mixed with honey helps in bringing cough under control.