For ages, milk thistle has been found to be a natural remedy for many health ailments. Among its many important uses, the one that stands out most is detoxification. Many research has been done and are still in progress to learn and understand the full extent of its usefulness. While such research is still ongoing, it has already been proven that milk thistle is packed with numerous health benefits that are definitely worth your while.
The skin is the largest organ in the body so removing toxins from the skin is of utmost importance. Milk thistle helps detoxify the liver and keeps the colon clean to encourage the elimination of toxins which leads to healthier skin.
As we pointed out above, milk thistle detoxifies the liver. This helps to support the liver’s natural functions by facilitating the growth of new liver cells. With new and functional liver cells, the liver will be better equipped to handle and remove new and incoming toxins.
Some drugs and medications such as antidepressants and cholesterol reducing prescription can harm the liver cells. Using milk thistle can help the liver to regenerate new cells. This is because milk thistle has a particular compound called silymarin which has the ability to promote the regeneration of damaged cells.
The gallbladder stores bile in the body and is located under the liver. Bile helps in digesting fats and is very important in maintaining the general well-being of the body. Milk thistle helps in detoxifying the gallbladder and prevents the formation of gallstones, which are formed when bile hardens. The presence of gallstones is harmful as this can lead to blockage of the gallbladder passageway causing pain and gallbladder attack. Thus, milk thistle helps prevent this.
Besides helping the body to remove toxins, the liver also has another function, which is remove excess hormones that are not needed by the body. This helps to balance the hormones level in the body, because the presence of any more, or less, hormones than needed can cause negative effects to the body. Furthermore, some females need to produce breast milk for their children, and hormones control that ability to produce breast milk.
Although it’s still not clear how milk thistle does this, medical researchers suggest the antioxidants, silymarin and fatty acids contained in milk thistle helps in regulating the body insulin levels. As a result, blood sugar levels are balanced.
Many people tend to develop some seasonal allergies such as sinuses, histaminic reactions, and inflammatory reactions. Milk thistles can help get reduce these disturbing symptoms of allergies and maybe even keep the sniffles away.
Milk thistle helps to promote good intestinal health and treat some digestion problems like irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation due to food indigestions. Milk thistle helps to soften and moisturise the mucous membrane and heals the intestine walls, thus helping to remove symptoms of some gastrointestinal problems.
Many people are constantly being affected by intense heartburn and chest pain after eating certain foods. This happens when the acids present in the stomach goes into the food pipe and esophagus. Since milk thistle has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help to prevent and reduce the effect of heartburn.
Milk thistle helps to protect the kidney and restore damaged cells in the kidney due to use of pharmaceutical drugs. Happy kidney, happy life!
Despite all the great benefits of milk thistle, there can be some side effects if the herb is taken in excess or without medical supervision. Before you try the herb, it is important to do more research to make sure you are suitable for taking milk thistle as a supplement, or even simply to use it.
If you have any doubt, consult a medical specialist. The last thing you can want to have are the following symptoms that can make your life miserable:
Hello, is it tea you’re looking for? Finding a suitable wedding favour or corporate gift on behalf of your organisation can be a perennial headache. Well, have some positivi-tea because there’s nothing tea can’t solve! Almost everyone loves tea and a personalised tea sachet or artisanal tea blend could be a nifty edible favour or the most appreciated present – you’d bring a morning smile to your gift recipient’s face through a cup of delicious tea along with jolly memories! You can’t buy happiness, but you can definitely buy tea and we feel that’s kind of the same. Read on because we might just have the solution to your potential gift disasters with our fuss-free ideas.
If you are looking for quality organic herbal tea, then Nilufer Tea may be the thing you are looking for. With ethical sourcing of ingredients that are free of pesticides, Nilufer Tea has created various delicious blends of tea. Ranging from Rose Paradise, which is a subtly-sweet tea with light notes of rose, to Floral Blossom, a concoction of beautiful flowers and herbs such as lavender and lemongrass, you can surely find something to satisfy your taste buds and soothe your mind.
Image cred: Favor Atelier
Image cred: Favor Atelier
Allerines Premium Tea is all about high-quality blended teas that are pleasing to the palate and delightful to the senses. From fruit to herbal teas, all blends are packed in loose-leaf pyramid sachets for convenient, quick brews.
Allerines collaborates with Favor Atelier, a wedding favours provider based in Singapore, to provide the perfect blend for your par-tea. Choose to package your desired tea in beautiful metal tins or minimalistic paper boxes with your event details, personal message and all the trimmings.
Need a favour that’s customisable and memorable? Look no further because Collaboration Tea supplies premium tea with inspirational quotes and custom-made, resealable tea pouches. The local tea maker believes that with inspiration tagged unto each tea sachet, the words will provide a little boost and uplift you and those around you. The best part? All sachets are packed at random, so you’re in for a surprise quote each time you steep a cup of tea! And of course, with customisation, feel free to add any quote that’s close to your heart on the tag.
Ette Tea brews together tradition and taste with their unique, high-quality tea blends. In sleek metal tins, these tea sets make great gifts due to their modern and sophisticated aesthetics. Ette Tea originates from the culturally-diverse Singapore, so you can expect teas in the flavours of local foods such as Ice Kachang, Pandan Chiffon, Nasi Lemak and even Chicken Rice from this local tea artisan.
Not your cup of tea? Ette also offers classic favourites such as Earl Grey, Nanyang Breakfast and more. With their great assortment of classic and experimental teas (plus cute tea names), you’d be spoilt for choice and we guarantee that there will be a flavour-packed hit for everyone. Be glad to know that customised tea baskets, hampers and mini mix sets are available for purchase as gifts – we think these make great presents for the office!
Image cred: The 1872 Clipper Co.
Image cred: The 1872 Clipper Co.
With customisation and private labelling, The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. has served as tea tailor to some of the finest companies in Singapore. Think Raffles Hotel, Standard Chartered, UOB and more! From customised tea blends to personalised packaging, you can count on Clipper as a trusty ol’ tea brand with great service and fabulous product offerings. Imagine your favourite tea blend in bespoke tea bags with you and your partner’s name, or company’s logo on it. We’re sold.
A luxury-steeped, old-world tea salon, TWG offers luxurious customisable tea sets for special occasions, or just one of life’s magical moments. Though it comes at a heftier price tag, you’ll get to curate up to 5 tins of tea in TWG’s swoon-worthy packaging of chic tea sleeves and gift boxes. Perfect for the boss or colleague who loves the finer things in life.
Tea is always a good idea and we hope the mentioned tea brands and respective gift sets have provided you with some help. Now, drink a cup of tea because it’s the finest solution to nearly every catastrophe and conundrum that your gift-giving headache may bring. Oh, and did we tell you we have customised porcelain tea cups now? Shop here for a tea-rrific add-on to your gift.
If you haven’t heard of lemon verbena, then you are definitely missing out. This phenomenal plant has been proven to provide tons of health benefits. Lemon Verbena belongs to the Verbenaceae family, and don’t be fooled by its looks, because although this tree is tiny, it contains so much goodness that it is greatly popular as a substitute of chemical allopathic medications. It has small flowers in shades of white or lilac and lance-like leaves that are laced with a strong lemon fragrance and flavour. Thus, it is no surprise that the lemon verbena essential oils are highly well-loved by many. The essential oil contains a compound known as citral that can also be found in lemon and other citrus plants. With the myriad of health benefits and its effectiveness in managing various health issues, the goodness of lemon verbena bears repeating.
Verbena leaves can be used and stored in various forms such dried leaves, fresh leaves and extract. Essential oil contained in lemon verbena has been proven to be enriched in antioxidants and confers many other health benefits. However, like almost all herbs, flowers and spices, it should be used in moderation in reasonable amounts, and not in excess.
After a series of research, lemon verbena has been found to contain some anti-cancer properties. It may help to prevent cancer by inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels that support the growth of cancerous cells in the body. Eventually, when the cancerous cells are deprived of nutrients, they will slowly die. Lemon verbena also contains a rich store of antioxidants that can also help in fighting free radicals which are contributor to the cancer.
Lemon verbena leaves is also similar to green tea in the sense that it contains antioxidants. As a result, lemon verbena can help remove toxins in the body and possibly bring about weight loss.
Drinking verbena leaves tea helps in strengthening muscle. This benefit is quite unique and can’t be gotten from most herbal tea. It also helps in protecting the muscles from damage due to intense workout sessions therefore verbena tea is good as a pre-workout beverage.
Lemon verbena has been proven to be very effective in treating joint pain compared to the regular placebo.
Nasal swelling or Sinusitis can be managed, or even treated, using lemon verbena leaves when it is combined with cowslip flower, elderflower, gentian root and sorrel. Together, the combination serves as a powerhouse in relieving inflamed sinus. Lemon verbena leaves are quite safe to be used together with prescribed decongestants and antibiotics for acute sinusitis.
Having a congested respiratory tract and a sore throat? Lemon verbena leaves can be used to relieve the uncomfortable feeling. The herb can act like an expectorant which helps in clearing the respiratory tract, and it has also been proven to reduce throat inflammation and treat bronchitis caused by inflamed bronchus.
When lemon verbena leaves are applied directly to an open wound, it can help to sterilise the wounds by killing bacteria and preventing them from infecting the wound. This is because lemon verbena contains anti-inflammatory properties which can inhibit further inflammation of the wounds, and thus soothes burns and calms down itching.
Many people think head lice can only be treated with chemicals and other synthetic medicine. Here’s some news for you: lemon verbena can actually get the job done as well, and probably even more effectively. You can either infuse your shampoo with lemon verbena leaves or simply add lemon verbena essential oil. The essence from the lemon verbena will help to eliminate the head lice.
Verbena leaves improves digestion and prevents candida infection in the small intestine. It is also proven to be very effective in combating bacteria and other harmful microbes which targets the digestive tract. Better gut, better health, and better you!
Lemon verbena leaves have a similar aroma as lemon and able to treat coughs. It functions like an expectorant, eliminating mucus and relieving coughs. So instead of reaching for a nasty-tasting cough medicine, perhaps try lemon verbena to soothe your itchy throats.
Using lemon verbena may cause mild dermatitis, especially if you have sensitive skin. Furthermore, if you have kidney disease, it is best to avoid lemon verbena altogether because it can aggravate the condition and cause possible adverse effects on your health.
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, and not the balm you buy from. The plant can withstand unfavorable climatic conditions and are very easy to grow. It has a wonderful fragrance that is energizing and invigorating, resembling a scent between mint and lemon. Lemon balms are not only beautiful additions to the garden, but it is used in traditional forms of medicine, aromatherapy and cooking. The flowering herb is used to produce a rich and concentrated essential oil that has been highly-praised for ages. Plus, dropping a lemon balm tea into a cup of hot water can create a refreshing tea that is both fragrant and delicious.
Ideally, lemon balm leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Dried leaves of the plant can also be preserved in airtight containers.
In the market, you can find lemon balm leaves in various forms. Dried leaves can be purchased in jars. You can also purchase lemon balm tea, capsule, tinctures and essential oil.
The good thing about lemon balm is that nearly all its parts can be used for healing various conditions and ailments in humans. The leaves, stems and flowers are all beneficial. Even in the ancient Roman civilization, it was used for medical treatments.
Owing to growing stress and incessant multi-tasking that people are subjected to nowadays, sleeping problems and anxiety have become common. Fortunately, lemon balm has been found useful for treating insomnia and anxiety. When the herb is used in conjunction with other herbs like chamomile and valerian, the effect is more pronounced and the mixture makes an impressive nаturаl rеmеdу fоr іnѕоmnіа. Despite also having thе аbіlіtу tо ѕtіmulаtе fосuѕ аnd optimize mеmоrу, thе ѕооthіng ԛuаlіtіеѕ of thіѕ hеrb аrе juѕt аѕ notable. This flexibility mаkеѕ lemon bаlm еxtrеmеlу important fоr those with interrupted sleep раttеrnѕ.
Unknowingly, you get exposed to harmful free radicals every day. These can be damaging for your health. To battle the effects of free radicals, you need antioxidants, and lemon balm contains oodles of them. Thе hіgh lеvеl оf antioxidants hаѕ also been shown to reduce bеtа-аmуlоіd рlаԛuе dероѕіtіоn іn nеurаl раthwауѕ, which can ѕlоw dоwn the progression оf nеurоdеgеnеrаtіvе diseases, ѕuсh аѕ Alzhеіmеr’ѕ аnd Pаrkіnѕоn’ѕ dіѕеаѕе.
For treating cancer and some other disorders, exposure to radiation becomes necessary. However, people subjected to radiation exposure have to cope with several side effects afterwards. Studies have indicated that using lemon balm can reduce the negative impact of exposure to radiation by reducing damage to the plasma DNA.
Drinking lemon balm tea and its infusion can help improve the condition of your digestive health. And this comes as no surprises as lemon balm has been used to reduce distress to the gut and also heal it from various stomach conditions, such as indigestion.
Having a flu and a muscle ache that comes with it? Fret not, because lemon balm leaves can help relieve that body ache, possibly due to eugenol which is a pain-reducing compound. It also contains wonderful properties that help to reduce antispasmodic actions, and thus effectively reduces muscle spasms. Using Lemon balm leads to sweating when you have a fever, helping to release toxins from the body and bring some relief. which brings some relief.
Using lemon balm can boost your immunity levels. It has components like caffeine and rosmarinic acids, which are antibacterial and antiviral properties to fortify the body, thus effectively alleviate any onset of infection in healthy cells.
Lemon balm is useful for keeping the skin in top condition, both for women and men. It has natural and strong astringents, making it a great herb for treating skin inflammation, as well as managing oily and acne prone skin. Want to up your cleanser game? Use lemon balm! It is great for getting the gunk from the pores, giving you a beautifully smooth complexion and also reducing acne and rashes.
Image cred: pixabay
To treat instances of oral infections and results like bleeding gums and bad breath, you can try using lemon balm. A few drops of lemon balm essential oil are all you need. Mix it with a mouthwash or just a cup of water and start gurgling the bacteria away. You will definitely feel and smell a better mouth.
People get tensed due to many reasons, personal and professional. Using lemon balm tincture or infusion in such times works wonders in calming tensed nerves. You can use it to release stress after returning from work.
You can use lemon balm to as a natural room freshener. Fresh lemon balm leaves can be soaked in lightly boiled water to create a concoction that can be sprayed in your living space for a light minty aroma.
Avoid using lemon balm together medications and sedatives unless you have checked with your physician about the safety concerns. As lemon balm already contains some sedative properties, using it with other OTC sedative drugs can strengthen that sedative effects that may be undesirable. While it is not yet proven that lemon balm has any effect when taken with anti-retroviral agents, it is advisable that HIV patients undergoing such therapy should not use any forms of lemon balm.
Studies have found that lemon balm essential oil can increase pressure in the eyes, and this can worsen glaucoma. Furthermore, the herb may affect patients by interacting with existing medications that can cause adverse results. Thus, it is recommended that glaucoma patients stave off the herb.
People prepping to undergo surgery, or recuperating should not use lemon balm in any form due to the herb’s sedative properties. It can induce a deeper and long sleep, which is undesirable for those who just underwent a surgery.
Like many things out there, lemon balm leaves can induce allergic reactions that can include nausea and vomiting. However, most times, these allergic reactions only arise when large quantities are taken, so be aware and careful of how much you consume.
We love lemons. These fruits are bright, refreshing, smell divine, and hold a great store of wonderful health benefits. When life gives you lots of lemons, don’t just make lemonade! The versatile little citrus fruit can do so much more for your health, your home and beyond. Check out 6 uses for your stash of lemons, leftovers or not.
Water can rev up your metabolism, and even more so if its combined with lemon! Lemon is a common detox ingredient for good reason – its citrus peel is loaded with an antioxidant called D-limonene that stimulates liver enzymes to flush toxins from our bodies. Pop the peel into your glass of plain water for some cleansing freshness or jazz it up with some drops of lemon juice and a few sprigs of mint. To really turn it up a notch, check out our Heart Shaped Lemons.
Tweak your teacup and add lemon to your cuppa to tea-tox. Brew a cup of tea (Rooibos is a winner) and add some lemon juice or a slice of lemon, instead of your usual milk. The powerful combination of black tea and lemon loveliness can balance out the pH in our bodies, and shore up the benefits of both tea and lemon.
Good for soothing sore throats, colds and coughs, honey lemon tea fights the sniffles and makes an excellent health tonic. Honey is nature’s liquid gold so add a generous spoonful to warm lemon water for a healing drink. The next time you fall ill and can’t ignore a raw ache in your throat, head straight to the kitchen for this terrific natural therapy and have it at least twice a day to rid of the infection.
When humid days roll around, quench your thirst with an iced version! With a perfect balance of sweet and tart, honey lemon tea calls for minimal prep and maximum enjoyment. No added man-made extras and nasties too.
You’re a fish fan but sometimes, fresh fish smells like the ocean and you loathe it. Most of that pungent fishy smell comes from chemicals in the fish, which are derivatives of ammonia. Reek no more for we know just the kitchen trick.
Have an odour makeover for your fresh catch and zap those smells away with some lemon. First, rinse your fish under water and then squeeze a generous amount of lemon juice on it to banish the odour. Otherwise, cook it on a bed of lemon slices for a similar effect. Lemon is acidic and will cause the said chemical compounds to break down, ergo the common use of lemon with fish.
After all those food explosions in the microwave, have you ever wondered how to thoroughly refresh, clean and deodorise the inner surface of your appliance? Here’s how.
Heat some water in a microwaveable bowl and half a lemon on high. Let the water boil so that the steam fills the microwave. Have the bowl sit for 15 minutes before you open the microwave door, then clean off the grime and grease with great ease.
In a similar vein, run the cut side of the other lemon half over faucets, sinks and drains to remove grime, stains and soap scums. Finish with a rinse of cold water and make your fixtures sparkle and shine once again. Time to forget expensive kitchen and bathroom cleaners forever.
Put your can of insecticide down and replace harsh chemical-based ingredients with lemon. Give those pesky bugs the ingenious lemon treatment because insects hate the natural lemon scent. Be sure to squirt some lemon juice or scatter small slices of lemon peel on door thresholds, windowsills and little cracks around your house. Thereafter, watch the ants, roaches and spiders flee. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
Celebrate the brilliant yellow fruit now because there seems to be nothing the humble lemon can’t achieve. The whole lemon, with its pulp, juice, rind and zest, may be used for countless purposes – what more can we ask for?
Harnessing the power of herbs and flowers can feel a little like magic. My grandma used to have a little herb garden and not only did she cook with the plants she grew herself, but whenever I went to her with complaints about a wound, an aching stomach or being unable to sleep, she’ll nod her head sagely, go out into the garden and pluck a something that will make me feel better. Drinking whatever she gave me felt like a healing potion that only she could make. She used to tell me the juice of this plant could help with wounds or that the leaves of another were good at keeping the common flu at bay. Obviously living in the city has greatly diminished my hopes for my own extensive herb garden and I can barely recognise one plant from the other. However, having a basic knowledge of which plants help with which ailments can greatly improve your lifestyle and strengthen your body. You do not have to be a grandma with years of experience to harness the power of nature. Here are some herbs to get you started:
Let’s start off with an easy one, shall we? Everyone and their grandmas know about the benefit of chamomile on sleep and it’s not a myth. Traditionally, chamomile has been used to help with insomnia because it is mildly sedative. This may be due to the certain flavonoids that affect the brain. Although not many clinical trials have been done, there was one study that showed the inhalation of chamomile oil vapours reduced the production of a stress-induced hormone. The benefits of chamomile have been recorded for thousands of years and it is one of the oldest and most widely used herbs. It is no surprise why – it doesn’t just induce sleep, it is also anti-inflammatory, helps with the common cold and digestion by soothing the stomach, calms irritated skin and stimulates the immune system.
Rose is one of those plants which you assume is only around for its beauty or for its popularity during Valentines Day, but the truth is this plant has its own myriad of benefits. They have been in use since the ancient Greeks and Romans who used them to perfume their baths. Roses offer beauty enhancing benefits, and its essential oil is highly antibacterial and therefore, great in managing acne and acne prone skin. Its calming properties can reduce swollen spots or redness. Since roses are natural astringents, they help to tighten pores and tone skin. Plus, unlike alcohol toners, roses have a moisturising effect on your skin and does not dry it out.
Image cred: redfox on Unsplash
Lavender is another one of those herbs that’s popularly used to help with relaxation. The natural compounds in their leaves and flowers can be ground and applied directly to your temples or brewed in tea to relieve the mind of anxiety and balance your mood. Lavender tea has also been used for thousands of years to induce sleep and it is helpful for insomnia. Not only that, it has strong anti-inflammatory components which can help reduce swellings and calm irritated skin.
Coriander is a herb as well as a spice commonly found in many households that make curries or masalas. This humble plant native to the Mediterranean is packed full of health benefits. It has eleven compounds of essential oils, six types of acids, minerals and vitamins. All of these various components have their individual benefits. Coriander lowers skin inflammation, and it has disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and antioxidant properties which are ideal for clearing up the skin and fortifying the body. It also helps improve cholesterol levels and lowers blood sugar and is sometimes used to help with diabetes.
Everyone knows that lemons are a good source of Vitamin C, but what exactly does that mean? Vitamin C does more than just prevent common colds, it also may reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke and high blood pressure. Better yet, research has also proven how useful Vitamin C in lemons is in improving the quality of our skin, and even in reducing wrinkles. Lemons also have a variety of other benefits such as aiding digestion, speeding up weight loss and preventing kidney stones.
Of course this is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using plants for your benefits. A little research will yield a plethora of uses for the herbs and flowers that are readily available to you. If you are still a little confused on how you should use herbs and flowers, an easy way in is through teas. There are a many available in the market containing a huge variety of herbs. Why not try Nilufer’s caffeine free Lemon and Chamomile tea or Rose? They are made from organic ingredients that have been grown without any use of pesticides. Shop here today!
Written by: Annmaria Patteri
