Kiwikitz Blog

GINGER

GINGER

Shiree 05/07/2020 0
GINGERNative to South Asia the use of Ginger dates back to early times in India and China. It was used by the Greeks and Romans. By the 11th century it was well known in England. It made its way to West Indies, Mexico and Spain and now used worldwide.The root is cultivated after the plant dies back.Ginger comes from the same family as Cardamom and Turmeric. Some traditional uses of ginger -As a peripheral circulatory stimulant - Warms the body.Anti-emetic-helps with stomach upsets and is great for travel sicknessAnti-inflammatory- Used to help support those with arthritis and rheumatismIncreas...
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Herb highlight Valerian

Herb highlight Valerian

Shiree 19/08/2019 0
ValerianBotanical name- Valeriana officinalisPart used- Dried rhizome and RootsSnippets in History Ancient GreeksHippocrates -Medical historians generally look to Hippocrates as the founder of medicine as a rational science. He is most remembered for his Hippocratic Oath and his principle of "first, do no harm."  Valerian was described by Hippocrates as a remedy for insomniaGalen -Greek physician to Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, prescribed it for insomnia and as a decongestantMiddle AgesValerian was used in the middle ages for menstrual and abdominal pain.It was also used during this time for...
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MSM

MSM

Shiree 05/03/2019 0
MSM What is MSM?  MSM is a naturally occurring Sulphur compound, Sulphur is the third most abundant mineral in the body.I personally love MSM, I find this supplement fantastic for helping with any sore muscles and inflammation. It is also recommended for seasonal allergies. Sulphur is known as a blood conditioner and can help aid the liver in absorbing other nutrients. Also referred to as the beauty enhancing mineral as it has been known to make a difference to hair, nails and skin integrity. MSM has shown some positive benefits in the following,•Reducing the inflammatory response after exerci...
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Digestive bitters

Digestive bitters

Shiree 29/01/2019 0
Digestive bittersWhat are they?Herbal tonics that have been used for many years to support digestive health. Bitter tasting foods  are lacking in many modern -day diets. Some food sources of bitters include coffee, olives, unsweetened cocoa (including dark chocolate) Kale and DandelionWell known herbal bitters are gentian, yarrow and dandelion just to name a few. They are often combined with other herbs to complement their effect.The earliest origins of bitters can be traced back as far as the ancient Egyptians, originally infused in wine for their medicinal effects. The Romans also used these...
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Passionflower

Passionflower

Shiree 28/11/2018 0
Passionflower as a stress supportBotanical name- Passiflora incarnataCommon names- Maypop, Apricot vine, passion vine,Native to- Southern parts of the USA.Interesting facts-It is the official wild flower of Tennessee.The plant name originates from 15th and 16th century when Spanish missionaries identified similarities in the shape, arrangement and number of individual floral parts with crucifixion of Christ (also known as "the passion").Parts used- aerial partsTraditional nervous system use-            It has been used by itself and in combination with other herbs to treat nervous anxiety and ...
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GINKGO

GINKGO

Shiree 20/09/2018 0
GINKGOPart used- leavesInteresting facts-One of the oldest living tree species. It is found in fossils dating back 270 million years in the Permian period, so in the era of the dinosaurs (Jurassic 213 million years ago) it already existed.The Ginkgo tree grows up to about 40 metres.Native to ChinaThe name Ginkgo means silver apricotHealing properties have been recorded as far back as 2800 b.c in the oldest Chinese Materia Medica.The Ginkgo tree has been planted since ancient times in Chinese and Japanese temple gardensIt was the sole survivor of the atomic bomb blast in Hiroshima, Japan during...
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Herb highlight for August- Gentian

Herb highlight for August- Gentian

Shiree 28/08/2018 0
Gentian Botanical name- Gentiana lutea Habitat- Indigenous to the mountain regions in Europe Part used- Dried rhizome and root, usually collected in autumn How has it been used? Indigestion and sluggish digestion (flatulence and dyspepsia) Poor absorption Supports the liver Tonic to digestive system, strengthens Tonic to mucous membranes, sinusitis Intestinal worms or parasites Some history and facts Gentian is named after Gentius, king of ancient Illyria (180-167 B.C.) who is thought \to have discovered the healing properties of this plant. Great yellow gentian is perennial plant that can sur...
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Travel Blog

Travel Blog

Shiree 10/04/2018 0
If you love travel then you want to be able to be as comfortable and supported as you can.Studies have found that it can take up to a full day to recover from each time zone you travel through. Moving from different time zones can be very disruptive to our bodies. It can cause fatigue, digestive issues, lack of concentration and reduced memory.These are responses from the disruption to our Circadian rhythm (body clock). Almost all functions of the body follow this rhythm.The best times to catch up on sleep after your flight is when your body is in its circadian low. This may vary from person t...
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