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7 Tea Tree Oil Uses and Its Effects

The use of tea tree oil as a natural home remedy offers a wide range of possibilities. Because the healing effect of tea tree oil benefits the body and mind. Now alleviate health problems with the miracle oil.

Tea tree oil has become an integral part of everyday life for many people. The natives of Australia used the oil as a remedy. Tea tree oil is available in health food stores and drugstores. Find out here what you can use it for.

What is tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). This bush, up to seven meters high, bears needle-shaped leaves permanently. It can be found in eastern Australia. Even the Aborigines processed the leaves into essential oil and used the healing effect on wounds. A tea can also be made from the leaves. Even today, this oil is used as a remedy for many different ailments. Also, see our article on healthy oils and their uses.

The tea tree oil effect

The effective tea tree oil effect is mainly given to the good quality of the oil. It owes its healing effect to the compounds terpinene and cineole. Consequently, it has an antibacterial and antiseptic effect. Therefore, it promotes wound healing and inhibits inflammation. It also has a fungicidal effect, so it is used as an effective remedy against skin fungus and herpes. And it also has positive effects on colds and on the psyche.

Ways to use tea tree oil

The tea tree oil application is useful in a variety of areas. Because its healing effect can benefit the body and the mind at the same time. It is therefore worth having this wonderful oil in the household. Consequently, we have collected the most important application tips:

1) Tea tree oil for wounds

For minor wounds, such as small burns or cuts, tea tree oil can support the healing process. Simply apply a few drops of oil to the wound. Then put a plaster over it to speed up the healing of the wound. The antibacterial and antiseptic effect is said to prevent inflammation. Consequently, you can use it to effectively treat blisters on your feet.

2) As a home remedy for pimples

Due to its antibacterial effect, the miracle oil is very suitable for treating skin impurities such as blackheads and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Consequently, it is an effective home remedy for pimples. Therefore, apply some oil to the affected areas. Then leave it on overnight. Since the oil can dry out the skin, you should not apply it to a large area all over your face. Therefore, it is best to use a cotton swab or a cotton pad. Also, read our tips against large pores.

3) Tea tree oil for herpes

Likewise, tea tree oil is an effective remedy for herpes. In order to be able to fight herpes, you have to dab it with the oil several times a day. The antibacterial effect should also fight viruses. It also promotes wound healing. Thus, the annoying cold sores should disappear quickly.

4) Treatment of insect bites

A tea tree oil application is also advisable for itchy, annoying insect bites. Because the itching is reduced by the oil. The oil also reduces the risk of inflammation because it has an antibacterial effect. Therefore put 2 – 3 pure drops of the remedy directly on the sting and let the tea tree oil effect surprise you.

5) Tea tree oil for sore throat

The healing effect of tea tree oil helps you to effectively fight a sore throat or hoarseness. In addition, it works as a home remedy for cough. So use the oil and get quick relief. To do this, mix 5-10 drops of tea tree oil in a glass of warm water and gargle with it morning and night.

6) Fight mold with tea tree oil

If you have mold in your home, you should take urgent action to prevent it. And tea tree oil is very good for fighting mold. Thus, dilute 10ml of the oil with 500ml of water. Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. You can then spray the affected areas generously with it. This will kill the fungus. Since tea tree oil smells very intense, you should ventilate the room well afterward.

7) Miracle oil as a defense against head lice

When your child goes to school or daycare, they can easily get head lice. If you want to prevent the infestation of these annoying parasites, you can treat your child’s scalp with a few drops of tea tree oil when washing their hair. Experience has shown that children treated in this way are less susceptible to head lice. If it is already too late, also note our natural home remedies for head lice.

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Matcha Tea: Its Healthy Effects on the Body

Matcha tea and its special properties at a glance. We will tell you everything about the effect of Matcha tea and how you can prepare Matcha tea successfully. Because regular consumption has many positive effects on your health.

Matcha tea is made from green tea powder and comes from Japan. It is very popular because it is said to have a very healthy effect. Accordingly, it can reduce stress and prevent cardiovascular diseases. That’s why you should definitely try it.

History of Matcha Tea

Tea has always been an essential part of the local food culture of the people of China. According to Chinese legend, the divine ruler and plant expert Shen Nong tested numerous plants on himself about 5000 years ago. His goal was to find useful species that could be used to make beverages with medicinal properties, giving rise to tea. Later, Buddhist monks traveled to China. From there they brought green tea to Japan as a meditation drink.

This is how the preparation and drinking of ground tea, the so-called Matcha, became known. While it was gradually forgotten in China, it became increasingly important in Japanese Buddhism. Today it is regarded as the highest quality and rarest type of tea in Japan and is still characterized by its meditative and health-promoting effects. Also, note other superfood foods and their benefits.

Manufacture of Japanese Gold

Matcha is a tea that is only made from the finest components of the green tea leaf, the fine leaf flesh. As a result, it is also characterized by strong, green color. To harvest, the tea is ground in stone mills into an extremely fine powder. Only the freshest leaves with a smooth aroma are suitable for further processing into matcha. This corresponds to about five percent of a tea bush.

Since the tea is very elaborate and produced according to centuries of tradition, it is considered a particularly noble and high-quality type of tea and is correspondingly expensive. Nevertheless, its valuable ingredients and its invigorating effect make it so popular. The cheaper alternative would be soothing green tea.

The healthy Matcha tea effect

Scientific studies confirm: Green tea has a health-promoting effect if it is drunk daily. The ingredient EGCG has an anti-inflammatory effect and has a positive effect on diseases of the immune system. Matcha is even said to have health-promoting effects on cancer, as it appears to inhibit tumor growth. And by enjoying Matcha tea, the body absorbs not only the water-soluble but also all the water-insoluble active ingredients in green tea. This includes valuable ingredients such as:

  • chlorophyll
  • antioxidants
  • catechins
  • Vitamins A and E
  • beta carotenes
  • minerals
  • proteins
  • cell fibers

Benefits and uses of matcha tea

In the following, we have listed the advantages of regular consumption of tea. It is important to note that most of the findings come from studies with animals and cannot be transferred one-to-one. Nevertheless, the results show the valuable and healthy effects of matcha.

1) As a healthy alternative to coffee

Matcha is not only healthy, it also has other great properties. Because the tea is a real pick-me-up. As a result, it represents a healthy alternative to classic coffee. It contains half the caffeine of a cup of coffee but is just as invigorating. At the same time, it has a balancing effect due to the large number of amino acids it contains.

2) Stress reduction through matcha tea

Since the popular tea contains the ingredients theanine and arginine, it contributes to effective stress reduction. A few amounts of matcha powder are sufficient. So you should treat yourself to 2-3 delicious matcha biscuits or a cup of green tea a day.

3) Matcha tea for weight loss

In addition, Japanese researchers have discovered that catechins boost the breakdown of fat in the body. For this reason, it is increasingly used in diets. Consequently, it is one of many effective tips for losing weight faster without having to give up anything.

4) Effectively protects the skin

Matcha is also a very good skin and sun protection. If the body is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, free radicals damage the cell membranes of the skin. This causes them to age faster. The catechins contained in Matcha prevent the radicals from penetrating the skin and prevent wrinkles and skin damage.

5) Lower blood pressure with matcha tea

Since matcha powder is made from green tea and is a good home remedy for lowering blood pressure, it can be assumed that it will have a similar effect. Consequently, this could prevent strokes and cardiovascular diseases. However, you can do just as well with the cheaper green tea.

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Linseed Oil: These Are The Effects it Has on Your Body if You Take it Regularly

Linseed oil is versatile, tasty and is often recommended by nutrition experts. But what constitutes a healthy fat and what are the effects if you take it every day?

The flax plant is one of the oldest cultivated plants, although it was not only used for nutrition. It was also often used as a raw material for clothing, fabrics or canvas. Flaxseed was already used as a remedy for constipation in ancient Egypt, and Hildegard von Bingen and Pastor Kneipp also recommended poultices with flaxseed. Before industrialization, linseed oil had an important place in the daily diet. However, the increasing world trade in olive oil and other fats pushed linseed oil out more and more. In the last century, the multiple Nobel Prize-nominated scientist Dr. Johanna Budwig, however, made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the health effects of essential fatty acids on our cellular respiration. The resulting oil-protein diet is still recommended in naturopathy today. More and more studies are proving the health benefits of certain fatty acids that are rich in flaxseed oil. However, there are a few things you should consider when choosing, storing and using linseed oil.

Fat is not just fat

Fats (lipids) are an essential part of our diet. About 50 years ago, fat in the diet was downright demonized and the low-fat diets began their triumphal procession. That has now changed fundamentally. Studies have shown how important fat is in our daily diet. Excessive consumption of sugar is more likely to be harmful to health. However, you should also pay attention to good quality when selecting fats.

The differences between the individual fats could not be greater. And that’s what makes it so difficult for consumers to find their way around. It is also important to recognize and avoid harmful fats. There are fats that are of animal origin and others that are only found in plants. In addition, fats are also differentiated according to the degree of saturation in saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Saturated Fatty Acids…
… can be produced by the body itself and do not necessarily have to be supplied through food.
… are mainly found in animal products such as meat and sausage products, butter and cheese, but also in vegetable fats such as coconut oil and palm oil.
… but are also processed in confectionery, crisps and pastries.
… are insensitive to heat and solid at room temperature
Unsaturated fatty acids…
… are divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
… can only be partially synthesized by our body from other food ingredients. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential and must be ingested with food.
… are mainly found in plant foods such as vegetable oils, oil fruits (e.g. olives), nuts and seeds such as flaxseed.
… are also contained in oily fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel or herring).

Linseed oil is one of the oils with the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids

Linseed oil is one of the oils with the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids, which also belong to the group of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fats with a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids are liquid at room temperature, e.g. B. linseed oil, sunflower oil or hemp oil. However, they are very sensitive to external influences such as heat, oxygen or light. If you store and use linseed oil properly and use it instead of saturated fatty acids, you can positively influence your fatty acid profile. Linseed oil should therefore only be used cold and stored cool in dark bottles.

The content of omega-3 fatty acids in linseed oil is 50 to 70%, in rapeseed oil 10% and in soybean oil 8%. In addition, linseed oil contains lecithin, vitamin E and lignans. The latter are hormone-like substances with an antioxidant effect, which serve as the starting substance for tissue hormones. Antioxidants protect our body from oxidative stress, which is caused, for example, by external influences such as cigarette smoke, environmental toxins or UV radiation from the sun. When buying, you should make sure that the linseed oil was obtained from linseed by cold pressing, because the oil is very heat-sensitive.

Omega-3 fatty acids influence many body processes:

Heart function: A sufficient supply of omega-3 fatty acids can have a positive effect on the flow properties of the blood and cell metabolism processes.
Eyesight: The cells in the human eye contain a particularly large number of omega-3 fatty acids, so an adequate supply can have a positive effect on eyesight.
Brain: There is a particularly high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids here, which is why an intake of omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to improved brain function.
Pregnancy: Ensuring adequate intake of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) by the mother can promote normal eye and brain development in the fetus and breastfed infant. It is recommended that pregnant women should consume an average of around 450 mg of DHA plus EPA per day per day.
Inflammation levels: According to studies, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce certain levels of inflammation in the blood. This can positively influence joint problems as well as diabetes, high blood pressure or autoimmune diseases.
Blood lipids: A high proportion of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Conclusion

A teaspoon of linseed oil mixed daily with salad, in quark, with jacket potatoes or in muesli provides you with a valuable portion of omega-3 fatty acids. In this way you create a valuable balance to the omega-6 fatty acids that are usually present in excess and form a good basis for the synthesis of EPA and DHA. You can have your individual fatty acid profile created in the laboratory. In this way you can determine whether you are well supplied with omega-3 fatty acids or whether you should change your diet or take an omega-3 supplement.

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Caffeine: Effects, Side Effects and What Else You Should Know

Caffeine works quickly and stimulates – that’s well known. But how exactly caffeine works in the body and what side effects there are, most people don’t even know. We’ll show you what coffee, cola and co. do to the body.

Caffeine and its effects on the body

Caffeine takes effect after just 30 minutes and is distributed throughout the body via the blood. The effects of caffeine last about four hours:
High doses of caffeine make the heart beat faster and increase the pulse. Blood pressure also rises in people who rarely consume caffeine.
Even in small doses, caffeine can improve concentration and temporarily eliminate tiredness.
Caffeine also often constricts the blood vessels in the brain and can thus relieve mild headaches and migraines.
The muscles can be better supplied with oxygen when we consume caffeine. That’s why some athletes take caffeine before training, for example in the form of tablets.
However, our body gets used to caffeine with regular consumption. This habituation effect leads to the fact that many of the mentioned modes of action occur only weakly or not at all.

side effects of caffeine

Consuming too much caffeine can result in a caffeine overdose. Doctors speak of an overdose of one gram of caffeine. This corresponds to 15 to 20 cups of espresso. Symptoms include:
sleep disorders
restlessness
headache
nervousness
Panic Attacks
Gastrointestinal complaints
circulatory collapse
Some of the symptoms don’t even require an overdose—they can occur with overconsumption. However, this is usually harmless because of the said habituation effect, so that many people can tolerate several cups of coffee in a row.

According to the European Food Safety Authority, 200 mg of caffeine per single dose and 400 mg per day are safe for humans. Children should consume a maximum of 3 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight.

Caffeine content in coffee, cola & co.

The amount of caffeine in coffee depends on many factors: How hot was the coffee roasted and brewed, how long does it steep, how finely are the beans ground and which beans are they? A guide value can still be set for coffee and other caffeinated foods:
Coffee: 50 mg per 100 ml
Espresso: 130 mg per 100 ml
Black and green tea: 20 mg per 100 ml
Coca-Cola: 10mg/100ml
Club Mate: 20 mg / 100 ml
Red Bull: 32mg/100ml
Dark chocolate: 90 mg / 100 g
Milk chocolate: 15 mg / 100 g
A cup with 250 ml of coffee comes to around 125 mg of caffeine.

However, the amount of caffeine can vary greatly, especially in restaurants and cafés with professional coffee machines: In the USA, scientists have found large differences in the amount of caffeine when comparing espresso in different restaurants. In their study, the researchers found up to 317 mg of caffeine per espresso – more than the maximum single dose should contain according to the EU.

Caffeine for hair loss?

Many shampoos now contain caffeine, which according to advertising is said to protect against hair loss. However, its effectiveness is controversial because there is no clear scientific evidence for it. Caffeinated shampoos can stimulate cell growth, but the specific effect is unclear. In any case, you don’t have to buy such a product – you can instead make your own shampoo for your hair out of old coffee grounds.

Are caffeine pills harmful?

Caffeine tablets work just like the caffeine in coffee and tea. However, it is highly concentrated and can be taken at any time. A caffeine tablet usually contains 200 mg of caffeine and thus the maximum single dose.

For many people, caffeine tablets are better tolerated than coffee. Because the acid contained in coffee can lead to stomach problems.
However, the high dosage should only be taken if you are already used to caffeine. Otherwise symptoms such as restlessness, nervousness and sleep disorders can quickly occur.
Like other caffeinated foods, caffeine pills can only mask tiredness. The effect of the tablets abruptly wears off over time. Therefore, you should not use them as a pick-me-up when driving.

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Cooking Tips

Tulsi Tea: Effects and Preparation of Holy Basil

Tulsi tea tastes good and is highly valued in Ayurveda for its healing properties. Here you can find out how the tea works and how to prepare it.

Tulsi is often also referred to as Tulasi or holy or Indian basil and is closely related to our spice basil. Very special effects are attributed to this special type of basil. The plant is therefore very widespread in the traditional healing art of Ayurveda. But not only in India Tulsi is very popular. In Europe, too, more and more people swear by the effects of Indian basil – especially in the form of Tulsi tea.

Effect of Tulsi leaves

The fact that Tulsi has a special place in traditional Ayurvedic medicine is due to the fact that it contains various beneficial active ingredients. The Indian basil contains, among other things, in high concentration:
eugenol
polyphenols
flavanoids
Thanks to these substances, Tulsi has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. It is used, for example, for colds, coughs and fevers, stomach problems and inflammation of the mouth or gums.

The herb also has a stress-relieving effect. The phenols and flavanoids contained in Indian basil are considered to be particularly effective antioxidants.

Tulsi tea: How to prepare it successfully

Tulsi is very popular in this country not only because of its effect, but also because of its special taste. This applies in particular to Tulsi tea: it has a fine, sweet, but at the same time slightly peppery aroma.

How to prepare Tulsi tea:
Take 1 teaspoon of tulsi herb per cup.
Pour 200ml of boiling water over the tea per cup.
Let the tea steep for 6 to 10 minutes.
You can use fresh or dried Tulsi leaves for a tea. To be sure that there are no pesticides in the leaves, you should only drink certified organic tea – or grow it yourself. In the next paragraph we will tell you how to do it.

Grow your own Indian basil

If you’ve got a taste for it, you can easily grow Indian basil for your Tulsi tea yourself. You can get Indian basil as a preferred plant in well-stocked (herb) nurseries. Alternatively, you can also buy seeds and plant the basil yourself. The requirements of the Indian basil do not differ from the spice basil that is widespread in Europe:
Sow the seeds in pots or boxes on the windowsill in spring. Later you should separate the plants.
It is worth dividing the plants if you have preferred plants. Too many plants often grow in a pot and are therefore too dense.
As soon as it gets warmer outside, you can put the Indian basil outside. It’s best to leave it in the pot though. This way it doesn’t fall victim to voracious snails so easily.
Make sure that the basil gets as much light as possible and always keep it moist. Tulsi does not tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees.
If you let the basil bloom at the end of summer, you can harvest seeds for next year. Since basil is difficult to overwinter, you can use it to grow new plants next spring.

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Sesame Oil: Effects and Uses in The Kitchen and For Body Care

Sesame oil has been used for thousands of years in Asian countries as a food and for body care. We explain to you what makes the oil so healthy and how it affects skin and hair.

What makes sesame oil so healthy?

Sesame oil is considered the oldest cooking oil in the world. For thousands of years it has been a popular food, especially in China, India and Japan, and it is hard to imagine Asian cuisine without it. When sesame oil also became popular in India, it quickly became an essential part of Ayurveda. In Ayurvedic medicine, it has also established itself for external use.

Sesame oil is considered a very healthy source of fat, as it consists of around 87% unsaturated fatty acids. It has a particularly high proportion of unsaturated linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. This has a positive effect on cholesterol levels, strengthens heart activity and blood clotting and can prevent osteoporosis and hardening of the arteries.

Other health benefits of the oil result from the content of antioxidants, which are said to have a cancer-preventing effect, as well as the proportion of lecithin and vitamin E.

sesame oil in the kitchen

Depending on how the oil is produced, it is available in different variants:
Cold-pressed and virgin sesame oil has not been heated. As a result, it has a particularly high proportion of valuable and health-promoting ingredients.
With the refined oil, the seeds were previously heated, which means that many of the ingredients are lost. However, heating it also makes it last longer. It is also tasteless and can be used for many dishes.
Sesame oil is also available as light and dark oil. The color of the oil depends on how the seeds were treated before it was made:
The light sesame oil was pressed from the untreated sesame seeds. It has a neutral and mild taste and is particularly suitable for cooking, baking and roasting. For example, if you want to make tahini yourself, you can also use sesame oil.
The dark oil is obtained from roasted sesame. It has a very intense and nutty taste and should therefore be used sparingly. In its raw state, it is often drizzled over a dish at the end to give it an Asian character. This oil is also recommended for the preparation of salad dressings.
Due to the antioxidant content, sesame oil has a very long shelf life and is relatively resistant to light and heat. Nevertheless, you should preferably store it in a cool and dark place. Then it can be stored for up to a year.

Sesame oil as body care

Sesame oil is particularly important in Ayurveda and is used both in the kitchen and for skin care. In massages, it is used as a natural massage oil and is considered a particularly suitable agent for morning oil pulling.

For body care you should use the light and cold-pressed sesame oil. The content of linoleic acid, antioxidants and vitamins makes it a proven remedy for dry and stressed skin. The oil penetrates deep and quickly into the skin and provides it with optimal moisture. It also helps in skin regeneration and strengthens skin cells.

The healthy oil also has the same effect on your hair. You can use it as a nourishing hair treatment especially for very dry and stressed hair or a sensitive scalp:
Simply put the oil in your hair before washing and massage it well into the scalp and hair ends.
Leave it on for at least two hours or overnight.
Rinse gently with lukewarm water and wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
If you struggle with brittle ends in particular or if your hair is difficult to comb through after washing, you can simply massage a few drops of the oil into the hair lengths after washing. This will also give your hair a natural shine.

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Mistletoe Tea: Preparation and Effects of Healthy Tea

Mistletoe tea lowers blood pressure, stimulates the metabolism and helps against many health problems. In this article we will tell you how to prepare it.

All readers of The Adventures of Asterix and Obelix will remember that druids like to use mistletoe as a medicinal herb. Its tea was actually considered a remedy in ancient times and can help against many ailments.

Mistletoe prefers to grow under or on trees, especially fruit trees and poplars. You can recognize them by their green, egg-shaped leaves. They are easy to spot, especially in the cold season, when the trees have shed their leaves. The best time to collect them is between autumn and spring.

Simply cut off small pieces and hang them up to dry in a warm place. Make sure they don’t stick to each other – otherwise mold can form quickly. Caution: Mistletoe is poisonous when raw: you should not eat the leaves or the berries.

The plants themselves are not protected, so you can also collect them outside of your own garden – for example in forests. Make sure, however, that you do not damage the host tree. It is forbidden to break off or saw off branches to get to the mistletoe.

If you don’t want to collect the mistletoe yourself, you can get mistletoe tea in almost every pharmacy.

Prepare mistletoe tea

If you have collected dried ones, you can easily brew them up. For one liter of tea you need two to four teaspoons of dried mistletoe. Half a teaspoon or a teaspoon is enough for a cup.

How to prepare mistletoe tea:
Place the dried mistletoe in a bowl. Add the appropriate amount of water.
Leave the mixture overnight.
In the morning, filter the mistletoe with a sieve and collect the liquid in a saucepan.
Warm the brew slightly without bringing it to a boil.
As soon as the tea reaches the desired temperature, you can drink it.

Caution: Since mistletoe contains toxins, you should not prepare the tea with hot water. Otherwise, the harmful substances can be released from the plant.

Mistletoe tea: You can also use it like this

You can also use mistletoe externally:
Mistletoe poultices can relieve pain caused by rheumatism. They also help against varicose veins and eczema. Simply dip a towel or cotton cloth in the lukewarm tea and place it on the affected areas.

You can also relieve these symptoms with a cold hand or foot bath to which you add dried mistletoe.

This is how mistletoe tea works

Mistletoe tea is said to have many effects. It is said to have a blood pressure-regulating effect, stimulate the metabolism and strengthen the body’s own defences. It also has a haemostatic effect and can relieve menstrual cramps.

The tea has a calming effect and is said to help against restlessness and ringing in the ears. However, these symptoms are often based on other causes such as stress. In order to permanently treat the problems, you should reconsider your lifestyle and, if necessary, talk to a doctor.

Mistletoe is sometimes used as a supplement to treat cancer. However, the effectiveness of this method is highly controversial.

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Rooibos Tea: Effects and Ingredients of Tooibos Tea

There are numerous myths about the effects of red bush tea (also called rooibos tea) from far away South Africa. We will explain to you the actual effect of rooibos tea and also show what disadvantages it has.

Rooibos is a plant species from South Africa. The tea is made from the branches of the plant and is now one of the most popular types of tea in Europe.

Rooibos tea is said to have a number of positive health effects. It is said to be rich in minerals, regulate digestion, help with sleep and relaxation problems and reduce the risk of cancer. For many of these supposed effects, however, there is a lack of corresponding studies and scientific evidence.

Ingredients of Rooibos tea

Myth 1: Good for falling asleep
In contrast to black and green tea, rooibos tea is very well tolerated by many people because it contains no oxalic acid and no caffeine. Thus, it is a good caffeine-free substitute for children and adults suffering from insomnia. However, it is not particularly sleep-inducing.
Myth 2: Lots of minerals
Rooibos tea is considered a good supplier of many different minerals. The tea actually contains traces of vital substances such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. However, the substances are present in such tiny amounts that they hardly affect our health.
Myth 3: Lowers the risk of cancer
The reddish color of the tea is due to the flavonoids in the leaves. These have an antioxidant effect, so they protect the human organism from free radicals and strengthen our immune system. In addition, certain antioxidants in rooibos tea are said to reduce the risk of cancer. However, the extent to which our body can actually utilize the antioxidants it contains has not yet been clearly clarified.

Rooibos tea as a miracle weapon against common diseases?

Rooibos tea is considered a good remedy for the prevention of arteriosclerosis and should therefore protect us from cardiovascular diseases. This effect was confirmed in a study by the Technical University of Cape Peninsula in South Africa. However, only people who already had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease were examined.

The subjects drank six cups of rooibos tea daily for six weeks. As a result, the cholesterol levels improved. The researchers attributed the effect to the polyphenols contained in the tea, which belong to the group of antioxidants and have a vascular-protective effect. So far, this is the only study that confirms that tea has a positive effect on the heart.

Many other supposed effects of African tea, such as the digestive, anti-inflammatory or antispasmodic effects have not been scientifically proven. So if you expect great health benefits from the mild tea, you will unfortunately be disappointed. However, many people also appreciate the tea for its delicious taste and the warming aromas on cold winter days.

Disadvantages of Rooibos tea

Several studies have found carcinogenic and liver-damaging substances in some rooibos teas. However, these substances are not in the rooibos itself, but in weeds that grow next to the rooibos plant and were accidentally harvested.

Another disadvantage of the popular tea is its poor ecological balance: Since rooibos is only grown in South Africa, it travels a long distance to us. Added to this are the inhumane working conditions under which people on tea plantations often have to work. This applies in particular to black, green and white tea.

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Parsley Root: Preparation, Effects and Nutrients

The parsley root wrongly leads a culinary shadowy existence. The beet is a regional winter vegetable that can be prepared in many ways and scores with many nutrients.

The parsley root – a regional winter vegetable

The parsley root is an ancient subspecies of parsley that ends in a cone-shaped, pointed root. This whitish root with brown transverse rings has a slightly sweet yet intensely spicy aroma reminiscent of parsley. It is particularly suitable for seasoning soups and vegetable stews, but it is also good on its own on the plate.

Parsley root is a classic winter vegetable: it is in season from late October through February and can be sourced locally. The beet also provides you with valuable nutrients in winter and can be used in many ways.

The parsley root is often confused with the very similar-looking parsnip. Both are white turnips with brownish transverse grooves. But you can tell them apart by their ends: the thick stalk of the parsley root protrudes upwards, while the stalk of the parsnip is slightly curved inwards.

A good turnip: These nutrients are in the parsley root

Parsley roots are not only consumed as food, but are also considered medicinal plants. The beet is full of nutrients. It includes, among other things:

Calcium: ensures healthy bones and teeth.
Iron: is responsible for blood formation.
Vitamin C: strengthens the immune system. With just 200 grams of parsley root we can cover 80% of our daily vitamin C requirement.
Essential oils: not only ensure the spicy-aromatic taste of the vegetables, but are also very healthy. Parsley roots contain, among other things, apiol, also called parsley camphor, which is said to have a diuretic, draining and blood-cleansing effect.
The consumption of parsley roots is therefore definitely recommended in winter if we want to strengthen our immune system. Thanks to the high content of apiol, the parsley root also has the reputation of being an effective home remedy for cystitis, as it has a diuretic effect.

Prepare parsley root tasty

Parsley root is a classic soup vegetable because its intense aroma provides a spicy taste. But parsley root can do much more than play a supporting role in stews. Before you try one of the many variants, the beet should be prepared as follows:
Peel the parsley root with a vegetable peeler
Cut off the ends
Hold the turnip briefly under running water and dry it.
Cut them into cubes, slices or sticks, depending on what you want to use them for.
After that, the parsley root is ready for the preparation of creamy soups and stews, for example, or you can boil it like carrots and then fry it in some organic butter or oil, use it for spreads, or prepare honey-glazed oven vegetables with it.

Other possible uses are:
Parsley root puree: Boil prepared parsley roots and potatoes (in a ratio of about 3:1) with some liquid (half water, half (vegan) organic milk) until cooked. Then add organic butter or a vegan alternative to the vegetables, add salt, pepper, nutmeg or other spices to taste and mash to a puree.
Parsley Root Chips: Thinly slice smaller parsley roots and heat oil in a pan. Add the chips, making sure they aren’t on top of each other. Fry them briefly on high, then reduce the heat to medium. Continue frying the slices, turning them from time to time, until they turn golden and crispy.

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Food

Cardamom: Effects and Uses of The Spice

Cardamom is one of the most expensive and exclusive spices in the world. Not only the unique taste makes cardamom so special: The capsules have been valued for their medicinal properties for centuries.

The spice cardamom is obtained from the capsules of the cardamom bushes, which can grow up to five meters high. A distinction is usually made between two types:

Green cardamom: The variety is native to southern India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Iraq. Green cardamom is now also cultivated and exported in Guatemala, Madagascar and Vietnam.
Black cardamom: The spice comes from China and is now primarily cultivated in Nepal.
The capsules of the cardamom plants are harvested when they are still unripe, otherwise they would open and lose the seeds. The yellowish-green capsules are then dried. In the growing areas, the leaves of the perennials are also used. Their taste is strongly reminiscent of cinnamon, which is why they are mainly used for tea or desserts.

By the way: Cardamom belongs to the ginger family, which is why, like ginger, it forms underground rhizomes. However, only the above-ground capsules with the seeds they contain are used.

Cardamom: spice with medicinal properties?

Although cardamom was already valued by the Romans for its digestive properties and was considered an aphrodisiac by the Arabs, the spice has not yet been extensively scientifically researched.

In addition to starch and protein, the aromatic capsule contains the following ingredients, among others:
essential oils
antioxidants
manganese
iron
Cardamom is said to have many different effects:
According to the report by nutritionist Dr. Uwe Siedentopp, the spice has a gall-stimulating and deflating effect. In Ayurvedic health science, cardamom is therefore considered an important remedy for various digestive problems.
The intense smell of the spice is said to counteract bad breath and help against the smell of garlic or alcohol.
In animal experiments on mice and rats, an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect could also be demonstrated. The extent to which this can be transferred to humans is questionable. Nevertheless, cardamom is often used for menstrual cramps.
In India, cardamom is also traditionally used to treat colds and respiratory diseases. Cardamom is said to have an expectorant effect and thus relieve symptoms. However, there is no scientific evidence for this.
The effects of cardamom are mainly attributed to its high content of essential oils. In order to preserve these, it is important that you do not overheat cardamom. It’s best to add the seasoning just before serving.

Cardamom in the kitchen: A special aroma for sweet and savory dishes

Cardamom has a slight tart note and is sweet at the same time. This extraordinary combination makes the spice an indispensable ingredient in chai tea, for example. But cardamom is also well suited for refining coffee.

In India, cardamom is considered the “queen of spices”. There, the capsule is used for both savory dishes and desserts. So it is not surprising that cardamom is an important component for spice mixtures such as curry powder or garam masala.

We know the spice mainly from the Christmas season as an ingredient for biscuits such as speculoos or mulled wine. Cardamom is far more diverse:
It is ideal for dishes with fruit, such as compote. Cardamom goes particularly well with apples, pears or oranges.
Similar to cloves, you can also cook cardamom in rice to give it a special touch. Of course, this also works with rice pudding.
Cardamom is also suitable for savory dishes. Meat and fish can be refined with it just as well as vegetable pans.

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