Moment Captivation

Food is Free Project in Little Rock, AR

Our Earth is so Giving...

(compliments of Facebook)

Affirmations for healing your heart chakra

(compliments of pinterest)

Affirmations for healing your heart chakra ... 

*I am loved. 

*I forgive naturally and easily. 

*I give and receive love freely. 

*My heart is full. 

*I welcome the difference of others. 

*It is my nature to heal. 

*I have so much to be grateful for. 

*The love that I give comes back to me many times over. 

*I am at peace. 

Please Look and Appreciate!!!! Be Joyous..

A Few Tips to Live a Creative Life

(picture; compliments of Pinterest)

A few tips to Live a Creative Life

1. Take a walk in Nature on a regular basis.
2. Find something to laugh at every day.
3. Smile even when no one is looking.
4. Meditate / find 10 or more uninterrupted quiet minutes in each day.
5. Look at the sky and try to find animals, characters or something animated.
6. Try the following Essential Oils for aromatherapy: Bergamot, Lemon or Rose
 (Essential Oil Touch Pads (EtouchPads) are great and not just because I make them :-0
7. Pick up a pencil, pen or marker and draw, doodle, write (on a regular basis).
8. Look in the mirror every morning and say "I Love You", You are Wonderful, Brilliant and Creative.

Try the above and CREATE, CREATE, CREATE!!!

EMERALD THE GREEN

Alternate Names & Spellings for Emerald:  "Stone of Successful Love", "Poet's Gemstone"

CRYSTAL MEANINGS  LORE OF EMERALD

Keywords: Love, Enjoy Life to the Fullest, Prosperity

Emerald has long been a popular precious gem stone, lending its name to the bright shade of green called emerald.

Spiritual and Psychic Lore

Emerald is a stone that is used in crystal work to bring forth manifestation. This manifestation can be in the form of prosperity and abundance. When working with emerald for manifestation, as with all such efforts be certain to be very clear what you desire to have manifested or the Universe may surprise you.

Emerald is a stone that is well used for intuitive awareness, meditation, and spirituality.  As a stone which can increase spiritual awareness, it can help realize Divine love. For meditation, it is excellent to use with rhythmic breathing. Emerald is also used to remove barriers to spiritual growth and thus raise consciousness. Emerald can increase psychic and intuitive awareness, particularly in the area of clairvoyance. It is said to "grant all knowledge of past, present and future"

Emerald is consider a strong stone of protection. In particular it is said to protect travelers and protect all from magicians. Emerald is also used in exorcism of the possessed.

Emerald is used in business spells to increase sales as well as to improve the public image of the company.

Emerald is used to stabilize the astral body and cleanse the energy of all levels of the subtle body.

Mental and Emotional Properties

Emerald is a classic stone of love and romance, and is reputed to bring both passion and domestic bliss with unconditional love. It is also said to be a stone that brings balance within relationships, as well as friendship. In the event of heartbreak, emerald is used to heal the heartbreak and put one back on the path to love.

As a stone of serenity, emerald is said to be helpful for healing abuse issues and trauma.  It also dispels negativity and brings patience with those - including one's self- who struggle with issues stemming from past pains. Though emerald is also a stone for memory of all kinds, it can take the abuse or trauma memories and help put them in perspective as past events that need not affect today's life. It is also used in crystal healing to ease guilt and soothe emotions, and to bring hope, forgiveness, and compassion.

Emerald is a stone of inspiration. It is said to help increase expression and communication. Emerald also brings and enhances faith and harmony, promoting truthfulness and honesty. In these ways it is used to increase cooperation in groups.

Emerald brings and enhances harmony, joy, memory, and faith. It also benefits  intellect, communication, decision making, and promotes truthfulness and honesty, seeing past the superficial.

Emerald is said to align the subtle bodies leading to healing and general wellness. Please note that healing crystal meanings are spiritual supports to healing and are not prescriptions or healthcare information. 

Related Chakras & Correspondences

Emerald is associated with the heart chakra primarily, and sometimes secondarily with the solar plexus chakra. Emerald is associated with the archangels Raphael, Haniel, Raziel and Jophiel. It corresponds to the number 4 and the zodiac signs Aries, Gemini, and Taurus.  Dietes said to be related to emerald are Isis, Venus, and Vishnu.

Other Information

Emeralds almost always have inclusions, which in this stone is not considered a flaw. In fact, it is considered very suspicious if a stone larger than a few millimeters has no flaws which usually indicates an impostor or simulant stone. In order to give emeralds a better appearance they are often oiled or irradiated, which is considered a standard practice.

"Red Emerald" is actually red Beryl also known as Bixbite.

 Rock Lore & Tidbits: 

Hardness (Mohs): 7.5 - 8
Color(s):  Green
Transparency:  Transparent to Opaque
Lustre: Vitreous
Common / Notable Locations:  Columbia, Brazil, North Carolina USA

Emerald is a type of Beryl and has the properties of Beryl as well.

credit: crystal and jewelry.com

Our Purpose IS....

Love, Light, Creativity and Peace unfold and unravel. Divine illumination intervenes and shines at the most opportune time. Peace is injected into chaos.  Thrive, Prosper, Live and Love. ©TSpirit

RISE and KNOW

Benefits of My Typical Daily Use of Essential Oils

Typical Daily essential oil use:

There are so many amazing essential oils, here are some suggestions; let’s get started!!

MORNING

Citrus eXplosion: is a very refreshing way to start the day and it seems to help wake me up. I usually do this 5 -7 times per week.  A brilliant light smell of citrus. Nourishment of the nervous system.  Can bring back a feeling of Joy and Peace.

Aromatherapy Considerations:

Citrus eXplosion: A brilliant smell of citrus; nourishment of the nervous system; and enhances a feeling of Joy, Rejuvenation and Peace.

AFTERNOON/ EARLY EVENING

This is the time of day; especially if at work, things could have gotten a little stressful. Frankincense or Knowing Blend is great. Peppermint: For mild headaches I rub across my forehead and on my temples.

Aromatherapy Considerations:

Frankincense: rich, warm and spicy aroma, that promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction and overall well-being, while supporting healthy immune function and promoting cellular health.more clearly.

Knowing Blend:

Promotes healthy, smooth skin while reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes also a mood enhancer. 

Peppermint: highly regarded and used for thousands of years.  It is popular in countless forms, frequently used in toothpaste and chewing gum, for oral health. Helps to alleviate occasional stomach discomfort, headaches and promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing.

EVENING

Although I love writing this blog, for concentration on my writing after having worked all day. I rub Rose Absolute on the back of my neck, forehead and heart and wait about 5 or 10 minutes before going back to the screen. After doing this I feel much more relaxed and I am able to think more clearly.

Aromatherapy Considerations:

Rose Absolute:  is the highest frequency essential oil. As the frequency of the body rises to meet this amazing oil, wonderful things happen in the body. Rose is an outstanding remedy for those times when we feel trapped by our responsibilities or by the past. Sometimes we need help to let go and move forward into the future easily and with delight.

Supports central vessel meridian, spleen meridian, yin energy and heart chakra.

NIGHT TIME

Lavender: Last but not least, this blend helps with deep relaxation and sleep, I rub the back of my neck, across my arms and forehead and then breathe in the remaining residue from my hands by cupping my hands over my nose and breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. The Calming Lavender seems to help my body relax and helps me to fall asleep quickly.

Aromatherapy Considerations:

In addition to stress-relief, Lavender has the following therapeutic properties: antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory decongestant, deodorant, diuretic and sedative.

Hopefully you found my typical daily Essential Oil routine helpful! I would love to hear about your routine, leave your comments below!

Lion's Gate Harmonic Alignment 8:8:8

Lion's Gate Harmonic Alignment 8:8:8. August 8, 2015 is one of the most potent, high frequency days of this year, with amazing potential for positive change, both globally and personally. 2015 is an 8 year (2+0+1+5=8) The number 8 is associated with harmony, balance, abundance and power. When placed on its side, the 8 becomes the symbol for infinity ∞

Know that your entire day is a series of present moments building upon your infinite journey. ©TSpirit

Our EARTH ... Living, Healing and Giving

Open to Nature, Our EARTH, Our Universe

A Purpose.....

(picture from pinterest)

Dandelion Root’s Effectiveness Against Cancer

(story from healthy-holistic-living)

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, you’re normally faced with the horrifying decision of treating it with extremely dangerous treatments like chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and invasive surgeries.

Sometimes, ask any survivor, the treatment feels far worst than the cure offered.

Unfortunately, the medical community is still reluctant to divert from these dangerous treatments, leaving you with that hopeless feeling of having to expose your already sick body to something toxic.

But fret not! I have good news!

The Mind Blowing Study

In 2012, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry of the University of Windsor, Canada completed a study on the effects of dandelion root extract on pancreatic cancer.

The results were simply amazing to say the least.

Their results were that dandelion root extract was able induce selective apoptosis in cancerous cells and caused the collapse of the mitochondrial membranes in these cells which led to cancerous cell prodeath autophagy.

Apoptosis is when several organism cells are infected with a virus that causes overall cell death. Cell death is part of a cell’s life cycle and it’s necessary to free up room and nutrients for new cells.

On the other hand, autophagy is cellular degradation and death that is caused when a cell starves to death (as the name implies) when it tries to continue functioning without any nutrients.

They concluded that additional studies should be made on dandelion root extract to determine if it could be made into a reliable cancer treatment because it was able to selectively target cancerous cells without harming healthy ones.

In other words: a dandelion root extract treatment could be lethal to cancerous cells without destroying your health like chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and cancer removal surgery.

If that’s not mind blowing, I don’t know what is.

However, since a complete and reliable dandelion root treatment has not yet been developed, I still recommend you consult with your family doctor to determine what your best possible course of action are.

The good news is that you should still be able to proactively try to compliment your recommended treatment by incorporating dandelion root into your diet and routine.

How?

With this simple recipe:

Homemade Dandelion Root Tea

Here’s what you’ll need

– One fresh batch of organic dandelion

– Water

Do not use dandelion roots from public spaces or unknown sources. If you do, you might be inadvertently drinking in all the pesticides used on it. I recommend either planting it yourself or talking to your local supplier.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Chop the dandelion root, then place it in a saucepan of boiling water. Let it sit for a bit more than a minute. Remove the saucepan from the stove, cover it, and let simmer down for about forty minutes.

Strain the liquid into a teacup and reheat if you prefer it that way.

Enjoy!

Nutrition has the potential to possibly help us recover from serious diseases. Certain juicing treatments have been known to help cure cancers.

If you need more inspiration, there’s a myriad of cancer survivors who treated their disease naturally. You can find their stories here.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22647733

http://www.livestrong.com/article/16368-make-dandelion-root-tea/

Welcome Bliss!!

When I stand in the present moment, I stand in infinite Bliss. I stand in Divine Love, I live in perfect Peace and thankfully I experience a harmonious balance. ..©TSpirit

Amethyst Healing Properties

contribution from CharmsofLight.com

Amethyst Healing Properties

♥ Increases nobility ♥ Spiritual awareness ♥ Psychic abilities ♥ Inner peace and healing ♥ Healing of body, mind & soul ♥ Positive transformation ♥ Meditation ♥ Balance ♥ Relieves stress ♥ Communication

Amethyst is a variety of Quartz and is a 6th Anniversary gemstone.

Chakras - Third Eye Chakra, Crown Chakra 
Birthstone - February 
Zodiac - Virgo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces 
Planet – Jupiter 
Element – Air, Water

Typical colours - light slightly-pinkish violet to a deep grape purple

Amethyst is a powerful and protective stone.  It guards against psychic attack, transmuting the energy into love and protecting the wearer from all types of harm, including geopathic or electromagnetic stress and ill wishes from others.  Amethyst is a natural tranquiliser, it relieves stress and strain, soothes irritability, balances mood swings, dispels anger, rage, fear and anxiety.  Alleviates sadness and grief, and dissolves negativity.  Amethyst activates spiritual awareness, opens intuition and enhances psychic abilities.  It has strong healing and cleansing powers.  Amethyst encourages sobriety, having a sobering effect on overindulgence of alcohol, drugs or other addictions.  It calms and stimulates the mind, helping you become more focused, enhancing memory and improving motivation.  Amethyst assists in remembering and understanding dreams.  It relieves insomnia.  Encourages selflessness and spiritual wisdom.

Amethyst boosts hormone production, tunes the endocrine system and metabolism.  It strengthens the immune system, reduces pain and strengthens the body to fight against cancer. It destroys malignant tumours and aids in tissue regeneration.  Cleanses the blood.  Relieves physical, emotional and psychological pain or stress. Amethyst eases headaches and releases tension.  It reduces bruising, swellings, injuries, and treats hearing disorders.  Amethyst heals diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract, skin conditions, cellular disorders and diseases of the digestive tract.

Olive Leaf Extract Benefits Shown to Eliminate Cancer Tumors By Oleropein

contribution by Danica Collins 

Did you know about Olive Leaf Extract Benefits? The phytochemical known as oleuropein found in olive leaf extract have been shown to eliminate cancer tumors in 9 to 12 days.

It’s no wonder that people who live in the Mediterranean area — who consume 20 times more olive oil than Americans — have half the incidences of cancer than the U.S. Both the olive leaf and olive fruit have active polyphenol properties, but in the processing of the fruit and oil, many are removed.

Even so, olive oil contains enough polyphenols that deliver many healthful benefits. It is the olive leaf, however, that is prized for its anti-tumor, anti-microbial and anti-viral properties.

The olive leaf comes from a small evergreen tree that is native to the Mediterranean regions. Its medicinal use dates back 6,000 years ago, and the olive leaf is even referred to in scriptural passages as “the tree of life”.

Almost 2,500 years ago, Hippocrates — who is acknowledged as the “father of medicine” — prescribed concentrated olive oil extracted from the olive leaf for numerous health conditions, such as muscular pain, ulcers, and intestinal infections.

After four decades of research, scientists have identified oleuropein as the substance in the olive leaf, which accounts for its medicinal properties.

Oleuropein is a phytochemical that contains one of the most powerful polyphenol antioxidants in existence, and has been shown to be a potent anti-cancer compound.

12 different antioxidants — including hydroxytyrosol, which has an oxygen radical absorbance capacity 10 times higher than green tea, and tyrosol, which helps protect cells from injury caused by oxidation

Olive Leaf Extract Benefits May Help Stop Cancer Dead In Its Tracks…
Scientists initially believed that olive leaf extract had the ability to “cure” various diseases. But they later found that it actually does not cure disease directly — rather, it stuns or kills off pathogens.

A pathogen is a disease-producing agent (such as virus or bacteria).

When the olive leaf extract interrupts pathogen activity, it essentially “unplugs” and “derails” disease in the making… or inhibits the proliferation of disease in the body. Once pathogens are stopped dead in their tracks, the immune system can rebuild itself and “cure” disease at its root.

Some of the most amazing anti-tumor results were reported by Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. When oleuropein was administered orally to mice that had developed tumors, it regressed the tumors in 9 to 12 days.

The biochemists in this study reported that, “No viable cancer cells could be recovered from these tumors. These observations elevate oleuropein from a non-toxic antioxidant into a potent anti-tumor agent with direct effects against tumor cells.”

And it’s not just cancer that olive leaf extract has been shown to treat successfully.

Clinical tests conducted by the New York University School of Medicine showed that olive leaf extract is able to change the pathways of HIV-type infections as well, and may even reverse these conditions.

In his book titled Olive Leaf Extract, Dr. Morton Walker recommends using olive leaf extract for its miraculous effects on more than 125 infectious and chronic diseases.

Olive Leaf Extract Benefits and Therapeutic Uses Include

·         Inactivation of bacterial, viral, and retroviral infections

·         Prevention of dental and surgical infection

·         Eradication of the HIV virus, as well as herpes and shingles

·         Effective treatment for colds, flu, and pneumonia

·         Decrease of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms

·         Increased circulation, blood flow, and reduction of free radical damage (which help combat heart disease, hypertension, and arthritis)

·         Antifungal and antibacterial action on athlete’s foot, mycotic nails, yeast infections, and chlamydia

Along with a host of other therapeutic effects.

Studies show olive leaf extract is safe to take at therapeutic levels with no side effects. It is widely available at health food stores in the form of capsules or tablets.

Dosing will necessarily vary depending on the severity of the disease or health condition. As a general rule, the higher the concentration of oleuropein in a particular product, the more effective it is thought to be.

Dr. Walker recommends an olive leaf extract with an oleuropein concentration of at least 6%. There are brands that have a concentration of 15% or higher. Consult with your naturopathic doctor for proper dosing.

As a preventive measure, health professionals recommend one or two capsules equaling 250 to 500 milligrams. Caution: It is not advisable for olive leaf extract to be administered in conjunction with antibiotics or other fungus or mold medicines.

Health Secrets of Lemons

Health Secrets of Lemons

By Theresa Cheung and TSpirit

Did you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?

There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.

These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.

Abolish Acne

Lemon contains citric acid, which can be effective in treating acne. The vitamin C found in citrus fruits is vital for that healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. In addition to drinking lemon juice with water first thing in the morning, here are some suggestions on how to prepare a homemade acne treatment using lemon:

· With your finger or a cotton ball, apply fresh lemon juice on acne and leave it overnight. Wash with water the following morning. There may be an uncomfortable sensation of burning at first, but it will soon disappear.

Mix one part of freshly squeezed lemon juice with an equal part of rose or honey water. Put the mixture on affected areas for at least half an hour. Wash it afterwards with water. This application should be repeated twice daily, ideally in the morning and the evening.

Note: these remedies are safe and natural, but if acne is severe or there are open wounds, consult your doctor first.

Abandon Your Anxiety

Research has shown that lemon balm has a calming effect and therefore may be able to help remove fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps in increasing concentration and alertness. It can therefore be used as a room freshener in offices to increase the efficiency of the employees.

Leave the Fever

Chills and fevers may be due to a variety of causes, but the lemon is always a helpful remedy. Here is a method that can ease symptoms: add the juice of 1 lemon to a cup of hot water with honey and drink at once, then every 2 hours until the fever or chill subsides.

Cold and Flu Got You Blue?

When you have a cold, the healing power of lemons works both internally, by supplying urgently required vitamin C to your defense cells, and externally, through the application of its antiviral properties to the virus on the mucous membranes in the nose and throat.

At the first indication of a cold – a runny nose or sore throat –try to give your body as much immune-boosting vitamin C as you can so that the virus is eliminated before it gets a chance to take hold. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water every 2 hours.

If you have a sore throat, add the juice of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of sea salt to 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm water. Gargle three times a day for 1 minute to diminish the burning sensation. If it’s a case of tonsillitis, gargle every 2 hours for at least 30 seconds with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon. Tilt the head back to allow the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the juice to flow into the back of the throat. You can swallow the juice when you have finished gargling thereby benefiting from an immune-boosting vitamin C shot.

Pulverize Pain

Even though it tastes bitter, lemon juice has a powerful alkaline effect in the body and is therefore a natural agent against excess acid, which is in part responsible for rheumatism. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water 3 times a day and if you experience severe pain add the juice of 2 lemons 3 times a day.

Lemon oil has pain-relieving qualities, so to inhibit inflammation and ease pain, massage the affected area daily with several drops of lemon essential oil mixed with jojoba.

Put Insomnia to Rest

Several studies have found that lemon balm combined with other calming herbs (such as valerian, hops, and chamomile) helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep. In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 18 healthy volunteers received two separate single doses of a standardized lemon balm extract (300 mg and 600 mg) or placebo for 7 days. The 600 mg dose of lemon balm increased mood and significantly increased calmness and alertness.

The Sweet Smell of the ROSE and the benefits

Rose is the highest frequency essential oil. As the frequency of the body rises to meet this amazing oil, wonderful things happen in the body. Rose is an outstanding remedy for those times when we feel trapped by our responsibilities or by the past. Sometimes we need help to let go and move forward into the future easily and with delight.

Aphrodisiac: There is almost no need to explain this aspect of rose essential oil.  From Cupid himself to modern day’s high tech lovers, everyone knows how indispensable roses are in the romantic department. The basic element that does that is the essential oil of the flower. The very scent of it can arouse you, and boosts the libido while invoking romantic feelings which are essential for a successful sex life. This can reduce symptoms of sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, frigidity, and general disinterest in sexual activity with partners.

Astringent: The astringent property of Rose Oil has many benefits. It strengthens gums and hair roots, while toning and lifting skin, and contracting muscles, intestines and blood vessels. This gives protection against the untimely loss of teeth and hair, wrinkles, the loss of firmness of intestines and muscles of the abdominal area and limbs associated with aging. Above all, rose essential oil helps to stop the flow of blood from wounds and cuts by contracting the blood vessels. This astringent property can also cure certain types of diarrhea.

Bactericidal: It is a good bactericide. It can be used in the treatment of typhoid, diarrhea, cholera, food poisoning and other diseases which are caused by bacteria. Furthermore, it can cure internal bacterial infections like those in the colon, stomach, intestines and urinary tract, as well as external infections on the skin, ears, eyes and wounds.

Cicatrisant: This property of Rose Essential Oil can be of great interest for those who care a lot about their looks. It makes the scars and after marks of boils, acne and pox on the skin fade quickly. This includes the fading of stretch marks, surgery scars, and fat cracks associated with pregnancy and delivery. Much of this is due to the antioxidant activity of rose essential oil, which spurs on the healing processes of the skin.

Uterine: Rose essential oil can take care of many feminine problems such as uterine discharge, tumors, bleeding, and irregular menses. It purifies the uterus as well, and keeps it functioning properly even in advanced age, thereby delaying menopause. By regulating menstruation, it is possible to eliminate the associated symptoms and problems of menstruation, including mood swings, hormonal imbalance, overeating, bloating, cramping, and excessive bleeding.

Other Benefits: It regulates hormone production and helps to balance them throughout the body. It is one of the best oils to give you shining, fresh and youthful skin. Its aroma keeps you charged and feeling happy. It promotes circulation, takes care of the heart, reduces blood pressure and helps to cure headaches, asthma, dehydration, leucorrhea and various other infections.

Supports central vessel meridian, spleen meridian, yin energy and heart chakra.

Thanks to organicfacts.net for benefit contribution.

http://www.etouchpad.com/store/p31/Rose_Absolute_ETouch_Pad.html

You Should Eat Bitter Foods and Herbs.. 5 Reasons Why

There is an importance to the taste of bitterness in some foods and herbs. The “bitterness” on our taste buds alone is a nutrient, in a sense. The bitterness sends a chemical reaction throughout bodies and has numerous health benefits.

Many nutritionists, herbalists, and other health experts believe that far too many modern industrialized humans are deficient in bitter substances.

Here are a few of the health benefits of bitter foods.

1. Helps to absorb nutrients

While bitterness is often perceived as unpleasant, the interaction between bitter constituents in foods and our bitter taste receptors stimulate the production of gastric acid in the stomach. This helps prime the stomach for the food it is about to encounter. “Bitter foods and herbs help to stimulate digestive juices and support food digestion,” says professional dietitian Nicole Dube of Halifax, N.S. “Bitter foods help stimulate our taste receptors on the tongue, which subsequently stimulates enzyme production and bile flow. The better your food is digested, the more nutrients you will absorb from your food. It doesn’t matter what you eat, if you can’t absorb it, it won’t be of much benefit to you.” Dube often recommends eating a dandelion salad for people with digestive problems.

2. Stimulates metabolism

Bitter foods and herbs like green tea have been shown to boost metabolism. Drinking green tea is one of the easiest ways to rev up your metabolism. A study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea-extract increases the metabolism by 4% over a 24-hour period. Green tea has also been shown to inhibit fat absorption—the movement of glucose into fat cells, [support healthy] glucose levels after eating a meal, prevent insulin spikes which prevents fat storage, and reduce appetite. People that choose sweet foods over bitter foods are also at risk for metabolic syndrome. 

3. Balances taste buds and controls that sweet tooth

Eating bitter greens increases the appetite to eat more bitter greens.

“We all have different sensory levels. It depends on genetics, what you’ve trained your body to like, what your mother ate when you were in utero or what your heritage is,” says Theresa Albert, a Toronto-based registered nutritionist and founder of the website, My Friend in Food. In Ayurvedic tradition, bitter foods are thought to reduce food cravings and aid in weight loss. In TCM, bitter foods are prized for ‘removing heat’ in the body – could that speak to their very modern ‘anti-inflammatory’ benefits? 

 

4. Fights free radicals and stimulates immune function

Recent studies have shown that bitter foods, including dark chocolate, can help fight free radicals in the body. Of course, Bitter foods are usually nutrient dense Bitter foods pack plenty of nutrition into each bite. For instance, beta-carotene for healthy skin; folate for a healthy nervous system; vitamin K for healthy blood clotting and phyto-chemicals for healthy inflammation response, managing cholesterol, balance hormones, detoxify the blood and metabolizes fats. Many greens are also mineral rich; gentle cooking will help make those minerals more bioavailable to the human body.

5. Cleanses the body

Bitter roots and veggies contain fiber to help sweep wastes through the digestive tract. Bitter foods also contain sulfur-based compounds which support the natural detoxification pathways in the liver; helping it to do what it is meant to do – keep your body clean and clear.

List of some bitter foods and herbs

There are a wide variety of bitter foods and herbs. Some of them are best taken as a tea to help your body register the bitter taste to get the digestive juices flowing. Some better foods and herbs include:

§  Kale

§  Dark chocolate

§  Coffee

§  Nettles

§  Dill

§  Sesame

§  Dandelion

§  Horseradish

§  Watercress

§  Parsley

§  Cilantro

§  Goldenseal

§  Arugula (one of my favorites)

§  Japanese eggplant

§  Turmeric

§  Fenugreek seeds

§  Leafy greens

§  Barley

§  Basil

§  Jicama

§  Lettuce

§  Chamomile