It's Valentine's Day again, so today's post isn't really a remedy, (although it does have dark chocolate, with lots of health benefits.)
It is a very enjoyable to get some anti oxidants and flavonoids, as long as you are willing to consume the calories.
To make this Valentine's Day Treat, (two servings) start with 4-6 ounces of dark chocolate, the best quality you can get. You can use chocolate chips or a block or bar of chocolate, but I don't recommend baker's chocolate. Semi sweet,bittersweet, and high cacao content chocolate all work well. Experiment and find what you like best.
If you are using a block of chocolate, first chop it in to smaller pieces. Use a serrated knife, otherwise the blade will get dull very quickly.
Then you need to melt the chocolate. I use a double boiler, with water in the bottom set at a gentle simmer; or you can use a microwave, it only takes 15-30 seconds in most microwaves. You want the chocolate to be very soft and smooth. (If you don't have a double boiler or microwave, a Pyrex measuring cup set in a few inches of very hot water will do, stir the chocolate until it melts. Do not use a plastic or non Pyrex glass cup for this as it may shatter or melt.)
While the chocolate is melting, warm 8-12 ounces of milk (1-1 1/2 cups) to not quite boiling. Or if you want real decadence, make it cream or half and half.
When the chocolate is melted, slowly stir in the warm milk or cream. Pour into two mugs, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a shake of cinnamon. Sit back and relax, sip and enjoy the taste of REAL hot chocolate. (I included measurements as a starting point, if you like a stronger chocolate taste, increase the chocolate, or decrease the milk or cream; if you like a more dilute taste, increase the milk or cream.)
Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
A Natural Remedy for Herpes?
I was asked recently about a natural remedy for herpes.
Unfortunately, I don't know of any cure (natural or pharmaceutical) for herpes, but there are some natural options for symptomatic relief.
Stress is often a trigger for outbreaks of herpes, anything you can do to help manage or reduce stress may help. (Yoga, biofeedback, and meditation are just a few options that offer alternative ways to help your body cope with stress.)
Keeping your immune system functioning well may also limit outbreaks, there are a number of herbal remedies which have traditionally been used as immune system tonics. Some of these immune tonics are garlic, echinacea, astragalus, reishi, and ginseng.
To hasten the healing of a cold sore (or pimple, also), my favorite natural remedy is simply a tea bag. Green or black, it doesn't matter. You need to dampen the tea bag with warm water, and hold it over the sore or pimple, for a few minutes, several times daily.
Unfortunately, I don't know of any cure (natural or pharmaceutical) for herpes, but there are some natural options for symptomatic relief.
Stress is often a trigger for outbreaks of herpes, anything you can do to help manage or reduce stress may help. (Yoga, biofeedback, and meditation are just a few options that offer alternative ways to help your body cope with stress.)
Keeping your immune system functioning well may also limit outbreaks, there are a number of herbal remedies which have traditionally been used as immune system tonics. Some of these immune tonics are garlic, echinacea, astragalus, reishi, and ginseng.
To hasten the healing of a cold sore (or pimple, also), my favorite natural remedy is simply a tea bag. Green or black, it doesn't matter. You need to dampen the tea bag with warm water, and hold it over the sore or pimple, for a few minutes, several times daily.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
More Uses for Cranberry
I recently talked about Cranberry and its effect on HDL levels.
Cranberry is probably more widely known as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections. It seems to help by both making the urine more acidic, and preventing bacteria from clinging to the interior of the bladder.
Cranberry is a good source of Vitamin C, and also contains some B vitamins, as well as A and E.
I have seen some authors who have listed Cranberry as having anticancer properties, but I do not have any experience using it this way. If in fact it helps prevent cancer, that is a bonus; Cranberry is a good addition to the diet to help get the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables.
The big caution I would add is that a lot of cranberry products on the market are primarily sugar, and not as beneficial as real cranberries or unsweetened juice. Since they are very tart, and many people are unable to eat them unsweetened, a little honey or stevia (Stevia is available in many health food stores, even some grocery stores, it is a natural product much sweeter than sugar, with a very low calorie count.) may help.
Cranberry is probably more widely known as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections. It seems to help by both making the urine more acidic, and preventing bacteria from clinging to the interior of the bladder.
Cranberry is a good source of Vitamin C, and also contains some B vitamins, as well as A and E.
I have seen some authors who have listed Cranberry as having anticancer properties, but I do not have any experience using it this way. If in fact it helps prevent cancer, that is a bonus; Cranberry is a good addition to the diet to help get the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables.
The big caution I would add is that a lot of cranberry products on the market are primarily sugar, and not as beneficial as real cranberries or unsweetened juice. Since they are very tart, and many people are unable to eat them unsweetened, a little honey or stevia (Stevia is available in many health food stores, even some grocery stores, it is a natural product much sweeter than sugar, with a very low calorie count.) may help.
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