When it comes to remedies and aid in maintaining a great state of health, Mother Nature’s chest is filled with a wide range of plants that have incredible benefits. Whether we are talking about adding them to our diet or preparing healthy teas out of them, there are quite a few that stand out from the crowd due to their amazing properties. So, if you want to look and feel great naturally, then you need to have these plants around, fresh or dried, and you will not regret the decision. In other words, let us help you discover some of the best plants nature can provide for our health and well being.
Kale and Other Lutein-Rich Plants
It is well-known that leafy greens with a dark green color are true gems when it comes to protecting our health and get the most valuable nutrients. Among these nutrients, we must mention lutein, which is an extremely powerful antioxidant belonging to the carotenoids family. Although it may sound odd, lutein is actually a yellow pigment that is found in the dark green leaves of some veggies. It is also present in other fruits and vegetables as well but in smaller quantities. Lutein is highly effective in fighting against free radicals and keeping our organism away from oxidative stress. This means that our cells will be better protected, for a great state of health and the delay of aging processes. Besides kale, broccoli and spinach are other two dark green plants that contain high levels of lutein. So, make sure none of these are absent from your diet.
Turmeric
Turmeric, a popular spice in Asian, is a cousin of ginger and the precious yellow powder that beautifully colors every dish where it is added is actually obtained from the rhizomes, or roots, of the plant. It is well to know that not just the dried turmeric powder is suitable for consumption, as you can use fresh root as well, for cooking or preparing a healthy cup of turmeric tea. Why is turmeric so highly appreciated? Well, besides is spectacular color and unmistakable taste, turmeric is probably one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory agents out there. Consumed with regularity, turmeric is capable of keeping you away from arthritis, type-2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. If you want to enjoy the benefits of this plant, it would be ideal to consume the spice or fresh root and stay away from turmeric supplements, as they are not that great. Add this spice into a wide range of dishes and, as recommended by nutritionists, eating turmeric together with a bit of fat will increase the absorption of this precious spice.
Green tea
Green tea is a plant highly respected since ancient times, due to its therapeutic benefits and ability to rejuvenate the organism. But besides just boosting one’s energy, green tea is known for its anti-oxidant properties. The reason green tea is so great for your health is the number of tannins contained by the plant’s leaves. They are the ones responsible for the slightly bitter taste of green tea, but they are also the ones that protect our DNA and prevents the spreading of certain cell colonies that may be harmful to the body. In other words, green tea can help prevent the appearance of cancer, but it can also protect the organism against a variety of diseases, including allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontal disease. Green tea is also known to help in weight loss, by boosting the metabolism and helping it eliminate fat. Not to mention that it is a great beverage to have in order to stay hydrated and full of energy throughout the day. Still, if you want to fully benefit from this plant’s properties in the fight against excess weight, you need to direct your attention toward green tea extract, as the extract comes in a more concentrated form and contains much more than what a cup of tea can offer.
Thyme
This particular plant with a subtle and pleasant scent, which can be a great addition to some of your dishes, especially stews, can do more than just flavor your food. Thyme has natural anti-bacterial properties, so it can be easily used as a safe disinfectant. This is why it is a great treatment for acne, as it helps you remove acne-triggering bacteria from the surface of your skin. But it is also an ideal remedy for boosting the immune system, regulating blood pressure, and improving your mood. The oil extracted from the leaves of this plant is very precious as well, as it can help you deal with nausea and fatigue better, help you find ease from coughs, heal wounds, and ease the discomfort created by arthritis. You can harvest the fresh leaves of this plant from spring and throughout the entire summer. You can use it fresh or dry it to have some during the cold season as well. If you have the will and time to do it, you can even prepare thyme oil at home, by using fresh leaves.
Chamomile
A well-known plant, chamomile can help you out in a variety of cases. For example, chamomile tea is great when you feel stressed out or nervous, as it has the property of calming and soothing your nerves. But, you can also use it with success in the case of indigestions, toothaches, inflammation, and for treating superficial burns. If you have a small patch of garden, you can easily grow chamomile with success in the warm season. You need to allow the plant to go in bloom and flowers to mature before picking them to enjoy the incredible health benefits they have. You will know the flowers are ready when you’ll see their petals falling toward the back. This is when you need to pick the flowers and allow them to dry out naturally. Place them on a piece of paper in a safe environment and allow them to dry, a process that will take between 1 and 2 weeks. The flowers are sufficiently dried when they will crumble when you crush them with your fingers.
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