Canadian Wonderland is an herbal tea composed of hibiscus, cornflower petals, apple, rosehip, and orange pieces. If you saw last week we talked about the easy way to get extra antioxidants in, although this tea didn’t make the list it does contain Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain the health of cells and aids in purifying the body and boosting the immune system. 

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The stinging nettle (scientific name Urtica dioica), also called nettle leaf, or just nettle, is a fairly common plant. It is believed to have originated in Europe and Asia and then spread to other countries in the world.

It is usually found growing wildly in Jamaica and has been used for centuries to treat a number of ailments and conditions. The plant has been touted by herbalists, especially for its fertility-boosting properties, ability to lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar (diabetes), treat hay fever (allergies), and relieve joint pain (arthritis).

 

Both human and animal studies link stinging nettle to lower blood sugar levels (study - trusted source).

In fact, this plant contains compounds that may mimic the effects of insulin (Trusted Source).

In a three-month study in 46 people, taking 500 mg of stinging nettle extract three times daily significantly lowered blood sugar levels compared to a placebo (Trusted Source).

Despite promising findings, there are still far too few human studies on stinging nettle and blood sugar control. More research is necessary.

Nettle’s leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including:

• Vitamins: Vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins
• Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium
• Fats: Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid
• Amino acids: All of the essential amino acids
• Polyphenols: Kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarins, and other flavonoids
• Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin and other carotenoids

Many of these nutrients act as antioxidants inside your body.

Antioxidants are molecules that help defend your cells against damage from free radicals. Damage caused by free radicals is linked to aging, as well as cancer and other harmful diseases.

Nutritionist Donovan Grant explains that while there are no robust studies to show a direct link between the stinging nettle and improved fertility, it has been known to tone and nourish the uterus and prepare the body for pregnancy.

A number of the plant's benefits are derived from its high chlorophyll and iron composition, Grant says.

“Chlorophyll is a detox agent, so when consumed regularly it helps to clean the body, which improves the chance of an egg being fertilized and sustained to maturity. The plant is also rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, D and K, so it's used as a general tonic by many. From medieval times, people have been using the stinging nettle to treat muscle pain, joint pain, arthritis, and anemia.”

Stinging nettle may help suppress inflammation, which in turn could aid inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, but more research is needed.

Stinging nettle may help reduce prostate size and treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland in men with BPH.

Like other herbs, there can be side effects when using the stinging nettle, but once it is used in moderation, Grant says these should be minimal.

“There can be allergic reactions, the symptoms of which are usually nausea, tightness in the chest, stomach pains, diarrhea, and vomiting,” he cautions. “It is advised to use the plant in moderation. About a quarter to a half of an ounce in a cup of water should suffice. This can be had once or twice per day.”

While there are many benefits to be derived from using the stinging nettle, it can interfere with some other conditions and medications.

“The nettle plant has been known to lower the blood pressure, so it should be used with caution if you are taking blood pressure medication. You wouldn't want it to heighten the effect of the medication and cause your pressure to become too low,” he said.

“It can also interact with blood thinners such as Warfarin because the plant has blood thinning properties. This might prevent the blood from being able to clot.”

For users after the fertility-boosting properties of the nettle, Grant says it is also important to ensure that the body is very well nourished and energized.

“Detox is important when planning for pregnancy. If the conditions are too acidic, it reduces the chance of fertilization occurring. It is also important to make sure that your body weight is in check when trying to become pregnant” he said.

What our customers are saying about Butcher Allan Nettle

J. Sarinham: "My experience with the tea is good ...it help to make my blood pressure normal"

S. Anmari: "...we love the taste..my blood sugar is normal now"

E. Ramos: "...we drink in the morning and evening...I like the taste my bp is normal"

Patrick M: "...after 8 weeks of drinking the tea i no longer need blood pressure pills, my doctor is shock."  

Save 20% when you purchase Butcher Allan Nettle use discount code THANKYOU20

Original article 

Jamaican Observer

We’ve all heard of antioxidants being good for us but what exactly are they, how much do we need, and what are the best sources to get these magical substances.

Firstly, oxidative stress causes free radicals that we are exposed to daily. Free radicals can cause damage to proteins, DNA, and cells that if not fought off can lead to disease. This is where antioxidants come in, the naturally found substance protects our cells from damage. Cells can be damaged naturally through aging which is also reduced by antioxidants like vitamin C that is a common ingredient in anti-aging serums.

Research suggests that on average we need 8-11,000 antioxidants per day in order to not experience damage from oxidative stress. You may be wondering, how and where am I going to get that many! Lucky for you, I have compiled 10 easy ways to get your antioxidant units daily even on those busy work days.

1.Beans 

Red beans, Kidney Beans, Pinto beans

Beans are an easy food to add into your meals if you're already making some pasta or salad add in a cup of beans or even into soups and stews!

2. Dark Chocolate

Yes CHOCOLATE - I repeat dark CHOCOLATE

What else is there to say there is nothing easier than just grabbing a few pieces of dark chocolate to get those extra antioxidants in for the day and a nice rich flavour.

3. Pecans

Pecans can be added into salads for an extra crunch and extra antioxidants.

4. Berries 

Namely Blueberries, Goji Berries, Elderberries and Strawberries ( all of which you can find in The Amazing Company Teas)

Skip the banana you usually grab and have a bowl of berries instead or buy frozen berries and toss them in a smoothie to amp up your antioxidants.

5. Matcha Green Tea

You can add matcha into smoothies, drink it as a latte, or just a regular tea that can get you those antioxidants.

 

6. Black Tea

There are a lot of black tea lovers out there so keep having your morning tea to aid in your antioxidant units.

7. Artichokes

You can roast them on the BBQ, chop them up and add them to sauces, or even just cook them as a nice side dish for your dinner.

8. Spices & Herbs - Sumac, Cloves, Nutmeg, Cinnamon
-Oregano, Thyme, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage

Spices are an easy way to get in antioxidants you can add them into your food or drinking them in teas and smoothies!

Adding herbs to your meals for extra flavour will also give you extra antioxidants so a two for one deal on a delicious meal!

9. Kale & Spinach

Add these two leafy greens to anything! A sandwich, skip the lettuce and make a kale salad, blend them in a smoothie and you can't even taste them.. the list goes on of the ways to use these to take your antioxidant game up.

10. Turmeric

We’ve already talked about turmeric in these blogs but this holy grail spice can be added into food, smoothies, and tea in order to pump up the antioxidants.

Hopefully, now that you’ve got a few easy add on ideas you’ll go out and get your antioxidants in to maintain a healthy functioning immune system whilst also keeping yourself young!

Buy Black Tea

Buy Matcha

Buy Turmeric Tea

Save 20% when you use the discount code THANKYOU20

When you think of cucumber, some of us, giggle like a little girl.  Why? Because I can remember when cucumber was used for a little afternoon or late night delight.  Get your mind out of the gutter and focus, cucumbers are way too beneficial to be kept as a secret. Here are the 15 benefits of the beautiful and firm cucumber.

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Anxiety is on the rise among North Americans, Statistics Canada released statistics in 2013 estimating that 25% of Canadians will experience some form of anxiety in their lifetime. Many people can relate to the uncontrollable anxiousness caused by anxiety but have not or do not want to take medication for it, myself included. Although tea may not be your first thought to alternative medicine it definitely should be!

Ancient Indians practiced Ayurveda medicine in the support of balancing the mind, body, and soul, the physical constitution is described in terms of doshas, which can be roughly translated as force or fault. Force implies energy and fault implies an imbalance that leads to dis-ease. The mental constitution is defined in terms of gunas. Practitioners treat patients to restore balance rather than treat symptoms or medical conditions. Ayurveda can be seen in the use of herbal treatments, oil treatments, breathing techniques, and yoga, all of which show benefit to anxiety.

 

Herbal treatments can include specialty blends that can be drunk as a tea to treat a multitude of human ailments. The Amazing Tea Company carries three teas that are a specialty blend to fit under the category of Ayurveda. These teas do not stop at their benefits for anxiety, they are plentiful in their abilities for overall wellness for the mind, body, and soul.

Ladies Bliss, My king Shiva, and Calm Down are all blends that have been created to withhold the healing powers of Ayurveda. Calm down is an essential blend for the relaxation of the mind and body. Ladies bliss is a blend created for women and their needs including but not limited to premenstrual symptoms, hormonal balancing, menopause symptoms, and circulation. My King Shiva tea is a blend created for men to balance hormones, promote strength, increase stamina, and cleanse the blood.

The combination of herbs and spices that Ayurveda is known for not only have the benefit of aiding in physical and mental health, but they also are bountiful in their taste with delicious and strong flavors. All three teas are caffeine free and therefore can be consumed for all their health benefits by all including pregnant women, the elderly, and children. So enjoy an Ayurveda tea with your family while getting back to feeling like yourself, after all, happiness is a family affair.