Archive for July, 2009
Using Herbs During Pregnancy
The first trimester of pregnancy is not a time for experimentation. If you already take herbs or herbal combinations, and you understand herbs and your own body, you most likely can continue to take most of your protocol throughout pregnancy. If, however, you have never taken herbs before, the first trimester of pregnancy is not the time to start. During the first trimester of pregnancy, if an expectant mother wants to add a more healthy regimen to her lifestyle, fresh and organic fruits and vegetables are the best way to do that.
Vegetables and fruits all have their own unique healing properties. Herbs are vegetables with notable potential to be medicinal; in fact many of them are refined to create drugs. Thus is the case with foxglove which can be reduced to digitoxin prescribed for cardiovascular disease. I state this because although herbs are the balanced whole plant and medicine is the extract, therefore refined and targeted, certain herbs, even with their whole properties can be dangerous during pregnancy.
Single herbs that can be taken safely during pregnancy are: red raspberry, spearmint, licorice, lemon grass, chamomile, rose hips, fennel, alfalfa, anise and anise seed, dandelion, ginger, slippery elm, lavender, rose, and meadowsweet.
Nausea is a common complaint during the first trimester of pregnancy. Anise and fennel are great remedies. Fennel tea can be made by steeping the seed in warm water and then sipping. Meadowsweet is another aid for the seasick feelings of early pregnancy. Use about one teaspoon per cup of hot water and drink a cup of meadowsweet tea morning and afternoon or early evening. Always make infusions light and take time sipping. Anise seed can be carried and chewed on while out and about and unable to stop for tea
In smaller amounts ginger is always good for the digestion, and can be made by dropping a spoonful of a tincture into warm water, or by steeping a piece of ginger root itself in hot water. In small amounts, Spearmint mixed with several other herbs to make a tea can be very soothing. Dandelion tea, a soothing herb is a good neutralizing food when nausea strikes. Dandelion will also provide food for the blood and immune system. The reason for taking small and light doses of any herb or food during pregnancy is because not only can the mother create an intolerance or allergy to a single herb in her own body, the baby may be affected also.
Dried Alfalfa leaves are loaded with vitamins and minerals like A, B6, B12, C, E, K, folate and niacin. These are powerful agents to prevent birth defects. Taking Alfalfa before conception, during pregnancy and postnatal is quite useful.
During the second and third trimester a mother can take all of the herbs and formulas she has been used to in the first trimester with further additions. Red Raspberry tea is probably the most famous of herbs for prenatal use. Two cups daily for the concluding six months is recommended as it prepares the uterus for labor and birth. Steep two tablespoons of red raspberry: pour boiling hot water over the herb and steep up to twenty minutes. Not only do the alkaloids, it is believed, keep contractions quite regular during labor, there is the added plus of enhancing mothers milk after delivery.
Peppermint, one herb that is usually not a problem, should be kept on the shelf for the term of the pregnancy. The volatile oils in peppermint can over stimulate the nervous system of the unborn infant. The aroma of the leaves however can help immeasurably as aromatherapy for morning or afternoon sickness. Chamomile mixed with other herbs in a blend is usually not a problem as the content of chamomile is slight. Insomnia during second and third trimesters can be soothed with chamomile, lemon grass and lavender. Chamomile may be used with caution in the second and third trimesters. Drink only one cup per day as too much can cause early labor or miscarriage because of its relaxing qualities.
Typically unknown by many, herbs used in combinations usually enhance each other. The true enhancement process, used by Chinese herbalists when combining the Kingly herbs removes any toxic elements, or allergen causing properties while enhancing the healing properties of herbs. This technique creates a food like quality, a formulation which is food for healing and strengthening. Working with an herbalist, a nutritionist that has an herbal background or a naturopath will ensure that you get the information you need to decide whether or not a formula should be used during pregnancy.
During early signs of labor it is perfectly good to drink calming herbal teas such as: tincture of passionflower in warm water calms during early stages of labor. Aromatherapy with oils of lavender, which eases anxiety, and peppermint which eases nausea are great aids during labor. Chamomile, not recommended in large doses any other time in pregnancy, is a great relaxant during those early stages of labor.
Watch for the next article which dives a bit deeper into herbs that can be used post natal or if mother delivers by Cesarean Section. Until then, take the best of care, eat organic, raw fruits and vegetables during and after pregnancy, and stay really happy.
Antibiotics for the Common Cold?
Have you ever wondered why some children see doctors more frequently, are on antibiotics many times in a years time and yet never seem well?
It is because antibiotics strip the body of a very necessary array of intestinal flora. This internal flora helps the body digest, stay balanced, keep candida yeast in check, and in general stay alive. So what will be the outcome for children targeted over and over again for antibiotics, steroids or other medications that will ruin intestinal function?
I think it is true that most people do not realize optimum health and clear thinking. How difficult for a child unable to tell a parent that food makes their tummy hurt or that they cannot go to the bathroom even when they feel the need or that eating gives them a headache. They may not have terms to explain those complaints but their world will become that reality without healthy change. The simple fact is that medication is destroying their tiny digestive system. They will live a life of doctor’s visits, runny noses, constipation, recurring coughs, recurring bad skin, tummy aches, etc. There is a solution.
First of all colds and influenza, bacterial or viral, are messages that the body needs rest and is out of balance. That will never be corrected by medication. Medication is a suppressor of the symptoms only, inevitably of the immune system itself. In a tough spot, and on occasion, medication is needed. A child’s life should not be endangered; however, a parent must be equipped with the internal fortitude, enough fresh juice, vitamin C and Homeopathic Remedies to carry through the most ordinary of situations: colds, influenza, and allergies.
Fevers with the young and old should never run too high; and yet the body burns out infection and disease with a fever. If a fever is always suppressed, what message does that give to the body? Let a fever run it’s course was an old saying that quite possibly sounds like grounds for jail time now; however, parents must realize that the body actually knows what it is doing far better than we can understand. It has an Internal and High Intelligence that can turn the tide even in near death situations, and often does.
No one can make that call for you, the one between letting a fever burn out the infection or running to Med -7 or the ER. There are a few tips about how the body works and tell you what will work and will not work.
Rest is imperative, and if I can go on record, even from computers and televisions at close range. Those transmissions at close range are detrimental to the immune system. Fresh, hand squeezed, or organic bottled juices are the best thing for sick children. Vitamin C, maybe Ginger, Chamomile or Dandelion & Echinacea tea with stevia or honey will soothe and assist the body to do its job. Sometimes recurring symptoms are a cry for love and attention so give it when a child is sick and again when they are well.
Have pure herbal oils in the home and castor oil. Create packs that can be warmed and placed on backs and chests. Oils can also be dropped in cool tub water to help bring down a fever. Try to get the fever under control a bit even if you have decided to take the trip to the doctors office. Now that we have covered some warm and cozy alternatives to the habitual running to a doctors office, lets go back to reminders why we want to have the courage to teach children how great their body is designed.
You want to try everything you can to get well with healthy alternatives and a healthy ongoing lifestyle first because your child will be full of wonder at life. Make your home a fortress of health, from water to herbal teas and fresh juices, Echinacea, goldenseal, dandelion, vitamin C (always) herbal teas for children, tuck away organic bottled juice (if you don’t juice yourself) and make homemade soups. They will be bright minded and not dull witted. They will have courage and find their own inner strength. They will have faith in life and its processes. They will be a success in life. They will be spiritual BEINGS with a healthy intestinal tract.
Every child is different. Some have more energy, others inquisitive, creative, inventive, and then some may be ill. Building the system with fresh fruits and vegetables, getting the mineral and enzyme count up will help immeasurably. Remember that medication destroys the integrity of the intestinal tract to absorb nutrients and after continued use the child is more depleted and now has candida yeast overgrowth and compromised gut or leaky bowel syndrome. So, if they must be on medication to live, continue your quest for their recovery naturally also.
As every child is unique, every instance is different. If you have a child that needs medications to stay alive then make sure they get probiotics, vitamins and minerals (and I do not mean the one every day thing). See that they stay regular, which means that they have a bowel movement once or twice a day. Make fresh juices for the child, only buy organic, and drop out sugars, soda or anything white or denatured. You can still take charge and watch the miracle as your child begins getting stronger. Your entire family will be a family of champions because of your courage to take conscious control.
Always keep in mind the above stated are my opinions and I do have them. Self care should not take the place of a doctors care when needed. I am a Nutritionist and Naturopath but I have taken my children and myself to the doctor, only when necessary and not that often. Being balanced is the key.
Should You Begin an Herbal Regimen While Pregnant?
Cutting straight to the heart of it, if you already take herbs or herbal combinations, and you understand herbs and your own body, you most likely can continue to take most of your protocol throughout pregnancy. If, however, you have never taken herbs before, the first trimester of pregnancy is not the time to start. Herbs that help a woman to conceive, herbs that might promote contractions or harsh laxatives should not be used during pregnancy.
When we think of vegetables we often do not think of their healing properties; and yet, we’ve heard that carrots promote good eyesight, and spinach builds strong healthy red blood cells. Herbs are vegetables with notable potential to be healing, and even medicinal; in fact many of them are refined to create drugs. Thus is the case with foxglove which is reduced to digitoxin prescribed for cardiovascular disease. I state this because although herbs are the balanced whole plant and medicine is the extract, therefore refined and targeted, certain herbs, even with their whole properties can be dangerous during pregnancy.
During the three trimesters there are safe herbs that can be taken: red raspberry, spearmint, licorice, lemon grass, chamomile, rose hips, fennel, alfalfa, anise and anise seed, dandelion, ginger, slippery elm, lavender, rose, and meadowsweet. Uses and the right trimester to introduce will follow.
During the first trimester morning sickness seems to plague more than half expectant mothers. Anise and fennel are great remedies. Fennel tea can be made by steeping the seed in warm water and then sipping. Meadowsweet is another aid for the seasick feelings of early pregnancy. Use about one teaspoon per cup of hot water and drink a cup of meadowsweet tea morning and afternoon or early evening. Always make infusions light and take time sipping. Anise seed can be carried and chewed on while out and about and unable to stop for tea.
In small amounts, Spearmint mixed with several other herbs to make a tea can be very soothing. Dandelion tea, a soothing herb is a good neutralizing food when nausea strikes. Making ginger tea with a spoonful of the tincture in warm water is good food for the digestive system. Ginger tea can also be made by steeping an inch of fresh ginger root in hot water. Do not over steep or make ginger tea too strong. The reason for taking small and light doses of any herb or food during pregnancy is because not only can the mother create an intolerance or allergy to a single herb in her own body, the baby may also be affected.
Throughout any pregnancy Alfalfa can be used like a super food and strengthener for mother. The leaves dried are loaded with vitamins and minerals like A, B6, B12, C, E, K, folate and niacin. These are powerful agents to prevent birth defects. Taking Alfalfa before conception, during pregnancy and post natal is quite useful.
During the second and third trimester a mother can take all of the herbs and formulas she has been used to in the first trimester with further additions. Red Raspberry tea is probably the most famous of herbs for prenatal use. Two cups daily for the concluding six months is recommended as it prepares the uterus for labor and birth. Steep two tablespoons of red raspberry: pour boiling hot water over the herb and steep up to twenty minutes. Not only do the alkaloids, it is believed, keep contractions quite regular during labor, there is the added plus of enhancing mothers milk after delivery.
Chamomile may be used with caution in the second and third trimesters. Drink only one cup per day as too much can cause early labor or miscarriage due to the relaxing qualities of the herb. Chamomile mixed with other herbs in a blend is usually not a problem as the content of chamomile is slight. Insomnia during second and third trimesters can be soothed with chamomile, lemon grass and lavender. Peppermint, one herb that is usually not a problem, should be kept on the shelf for the term of the pregnancy. The volatile oils in peppermint can over stimulate the nervous system of the unborn infant. The aroma of the leaves however can help immeasurably as aromatherapy for morning or afternoon sickness.
Typically unknown by many, herbs used in combinations usually enhance each other. The true enhancement process, used by Chinese herbalists when combining the Kingly herbs removes any toxic elements, or allergen causing properties while enhancing the healing properties of herbs. This technique creates a food like quality, a formulation which is food for healing and strengthening. Working with an herbalist, a nutritionist that has an herbal background or a naturopath will ensure that you get the information you need to decide whether or not a formula should be used during pregnancy.
Herbs that relax during early labor: tincture of passionflower in warm water calms during early stages of labor. Aromatherapy with oils of lavender, which eases anxiety, and peppermint which eases nausea are great aids during labor. Chamomile is a relaxant and during labors first signs is perfectly wonderful for resting and calming mom for the work ahead during the birthing process.
Watch for the next article which dives a bit deeper into herbs that can be used post natal or if mother delivers by Cesarean Section. Until then, take the best of care, eat organic, raw fruits and vegetables during and after pregnancy, and stay really happy.
Treating Cystic Acne
Finding help for acne can be difficult, but treating cystic acne is a whole different ballpark. This form of acne is very resistant to most typical adult acne treatments and often times lead to scars. Acne sufferer can also have feelings of low esteem and shame.
Unfortunately there is no one simple acne cure treatment for cystic acne, unlike for whiteheads and blackheads. In fact, those with severe cases often times need to see a doctor or dermatologist for severe acne treatment.
So what are the causes of cystic acne? It’s important to under this before searching for an effective treatment. This type of skin disease is usually due to an overproduction of oil in the glands causing whiteheads to appear on the skin’s surface while pustules form underneath the skin’s outer layer.
Once the pores are blocked, irritated and scars have formed, it’s too late for superficial acne remover products – as these cannot help. Many people resort to antibiotics for acne or other prescription medication.
The worst thing you can do is to try to squeeze the cyst or whitehead. This will only lead to more scarring. Severe acne treatment requires patience, especially if you’re interested in trying a natural cure for acne. The first place to start is with a good facial cleanser cream that is pH balanced to eliminate bacteria and promote skin healing.
Some homemade acne treatments recommend taking both Zinc and Vitamin B5 as natural remedies. These fight an overabundance of oil. No amount of personal hygiene alone can prevent cystic acne. Even the vitamins may not prevent eruptions if you have genetic predispositions or hormonal issues.
With over 25 years experience researching health and skin problems, the editors of Wrinkle Free Skin Tips have spent months evaluating the best acne product for treating cystic acne. They found 3 simple steps you can take to address the symptoms and adult acne cysts.
The first step is clean the skin with a pH balanced cleanser which keeps a good moisture balance (not too dry, not too oily) and protects against bacteria overgrowth.
The second step is to reduce present bacteria by using a good anti-bacterial treatment gel daily. This gel should also contain herbs to heal and sooth the skin. The third and last step is to treat acne at the source — from the inside where it starts with specially formulated acne herbal remedies.
You can do this by taking a supplement that contains specially formulated Chinese herbs such as Yellow Dock, Gardenia, Red Peony Root, Burdock, and Dandelion. These acne herbal remedies clean the endocrine system, regulate hormones, and relax the nervous system – thereby clearing acne in several different ways. This last step is very important to your success.
Are You Using Acetaminophen Pain Relievers There Is A Natural Remedy For Pain Relief
If you take Acetaminophen,you should know that exceeding the recommended acetaminophen dosage for an extended period will raise your risk of kidney and or liver damage. Today’s recommended dosage is that an adult should not take more than 4,000 milligrams of Acetaminophen per day. Anyone who drinks heavily, who takes blood thinning medication, or who has liver disease must exercise extreme caution with Acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen becomes a toxin when large amounts are ingested or under other specific conditions. The U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study Group found that acetaminophen poisoning is the leading cause of liver failure in the nation, accounting for approximately half of all cases. Some of these instances of liver failure occur even when following the dosage recommendations printed on the bottle.
Many consumers do not know that acetaminophen is present in many over-the-counter products, including remedies for colds, headaches and fevers, which makes it possible to exceed the recommended acetaminophen dose. Too many people may take a lot more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain relievers that are acetaminophen-based. They have this mistaken belief that taking more of acetaminophen, tylenol, etc will be more effective for the pain without posing health risks.
Acetaminophen is an important drug, and its effectiveness in relieving pain and fever is widely known. Acetaminophen is the generic name of a drug found in many common brand name OTC products such as Tylenol, and over the counter acetaminophen as well as prescription products such as Vicodin and Percocet. But taking more than the recommended amount can cause liver damage, ranging from abnormalities in liver function blood tests, to acute liver failure, and even death.
With the use of herbal remedies in todays society, an ever growing population are tired of synthetic drugs, and want all natural herbal antidotes to help alleviate their health conditions. There has been a resurgence in the use of natural herbs for pain relief,and there is an alternative to using Acetaminophen pain relievers.
White willow bark contains a number of flavonoids, and numerous glycosides, of which salicin is the most important. White willow is widely known as a source of salicylic acid, the precursor of one of the world’s most commonly used painkilling drugs “Aspirin”. Salicin, unlike aspirin, does not irritate the stomach as much.
The medicinal power of white willow lies in its inner bark, which has been used therapeutically for several thousand years. Willow bark has been used throughout the centuries in both the West and the East, and continues to be used by herbal practitioners for the treatment of fever, pain, headache, and inflammatory conditions.
White willow bark is a little slow to act but the effects of white willow extract will last a lot longer than aspirin, acetaminophen pain relievers.
Medicinal Mushroom Alcohol Extract vs. Hot Water Extract
For two millennia, medicinal mushrooms have been mainstream in Asia. Now, America is taking notice and interest is rapidly “mushrooming.” With the sprouting of this new industry follows issues of ethical quality claims between competing brands.
All species of medicinal mushrooms appear haunted by this issue. Particularly so, it seems, is red reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), the oldest medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Please note, however, that the information in this article applies generally to all medicinal mushroom species.
An obvious caution is to stay away from cheap, mass-produced reishi. It may be merely dried and pulverized. In order to be medicinal, the mushroom cell-wall has to be broken down. Mass-produced reishi may be mostly inert and ineffective.
But even among the truly effective therapeutic brands, which are plentiful, there are important differences. Each seems to claim superiority over other brands, not surprisingly, because why else would anyone buy them? This article aims to clarify the confusion of conflicting and sometimes misleading information that is out there.
Below are three common methods for extracting medicinal compounds from reishi. Each method results in different compounds. All groups have been shown to have therapeutic effects in scientific studies.
1. Hot Water Extraction (polysaccharides, etc.)
2. Alcohol/Ethanol Extraction (triterpenoids, etc.)
3. Fermentation (arabinoxylanes, etc.)
The water soluble compounds, primarily polysaccharides, are powerful anti-tumor agents, immune enhancers and strong antioxidants. [1]
The alcohol soluble compounds are mainly triterpenoids, a large group of related compounds. Scientific studies suggest they help stabilize cholesterol, blood pressure and clotting. Most importantly, they are the anti-inflammatory compounds so critical to many of reishi’s suggested uses, including arthritis, allergies and asthma. [1]
And then there are the new and unique medicinal compounds that get created when reishi is fermented. These “secondary metabolites” have their own therapeutic properties, different from the first two groups, including anti-tumor, immune support and blood-sugar balance. [2]
This article is intended to give general guidelines to help you choose an effective reishi product, not to recommend any particular brand. But there are at least two reishi companies on the market which both state only hot water extract is useful while alcohol extracts are of no value.
They do that, of course, because they wish to sell their products. However, there is no scientific validity to those claims. All three extraction methods listed above yield important medicinal compounds.
To find the best red reishi products, look for those brands that use at least the first two extraction methods in combination: Hot Water Extraction and Alcohol Extraction. Better yet would be brands that incorporate all three extraction methods, including Fermentation.
Last but not least, remember to look at the form the reishi comes in. If the reishi is able to dissolve completely in water-based drinks like coffee, it’s a safe bet that it only contains the water-soluble polysaccharides. An excellent choice as far as coffee goes but an incomplete reishi supplement because it does not include the anti-inflammatory triterpenoid compounds.
On the other hand, alcohol tinctures can actually contain both water soluble polysaccharides and alcohol soluble triterpenoids. The way you know is that the polysaccharides will fall out of solution because of the alcohol, and will make the tincture cloudy. That’s alright though; you just need to shake before you take. Capsules and tablets may be one or the other or both. The only way to know is ask the manufacturer or read their information.
[1] Boh B, Berovic M, Zhang J, Zhi-Bin L. “Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds.” Biotechnology Annual Review 2007;13:265-301.
[2] Tang YJ, Zhang W, Zhong JJ, 2009. “Performance analyses of a pH-shift and DOT-shift integrated fed-batch fermentation process for the production of ganoderic acid and Ganoderma polysaccharides by medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum.” Bioresource Technol. Mar;100(5):1852-9.
Phellinus linteus – An Increasingly Popular Korean Medicinal Mushroom
There’s a new star on the medicinal mushroom sky. It goes by Phellinus linteus in Latin. The little known English common name is Black Hoof Fungus. It’s far more common, even in America, to hear it referred to by its Japanese name as Mesima.
Common to southern United States and Southeast Asia, Phellinus linteus is a polypore on hardwood trees such as poplar, oak and mulberry. [1]
Unlike most medicinal mushroom species, which were originally used in China or Japan, Phellinus linteus first became popular in Korea as a complement to traditional cancer therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy.
From there, the fame of Phellinus linteus has spread across the globe. Doctors all over the world now use it as an immune enhancer [2-11], particularly to prevent cancer metastasis. [5,10,12-17] In addition to Korea, Phellinus linteus is today also increasingly popular in the U.S., Japan, and the Middle East from Turkey to Israel.
It may have all began when a 1996 Korean study reported that Phellinus linteus extract exhibited a broader range of immune enhancing and anti-cancer properties than the extracts from other species of medicinal mushrooms. [4]
Years later, American world-renown mycologist Paul Stamets helped deepen our understanding of Phellinus linteus when he published a comparative analysis with the most common medicinal mushroom species: Agaricus blazei, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, Maitake and Cordyceps. [18]
In this study, Phellinus linteus turned out to have the most powerful effect on enhancing the activity of macrophages, a type of white blood cell that’s an important part of the immune system. Macrophage activity was increased 5,700% by the Phellinus linteus extract. The dose used was equivalent to 3,750 mg for an average (165 lbs) adult. [18]
Although human macrophage cells have been known to both induce and inhibit cancer growth, the published research on Phellinus linteus shows that it promotes the anti-cancer properties of macrophages rather than their potential cancer-inducing properties. [8,14,19,20]
Additional reports have been published on cases of “spontaneously” regressed cancers, where the patients reported having used Phellinus linteus by their own choice:
1. A Japanese article from 2004 reported a “dramatic remission of hormone refractory prostate cancer achieved with extract of the mushroom, Phellinus linteus.” [15]
2. In 2005, a Korean paper related the case of a 65-year-old patient with liver cancer and skull metastasis who experienced “spontaneous regression” after one and a half years of using Phellinus linteus. [17]
3. Finally, an article published 2006 in the Japanese journal Radiation Medicine told of a “patient with hepatocellular carcinoma with multiple lung metastases in whom malignancy spontaneously regressed after taking Phellinus linteus Mycelium.” The 79-year old patient reportedly “took extract from Phellinus linteus Mycelium for one month, and 6 months later the tumors appeared to be in complete regression.” [16]
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The mushroom Phellinus linteus has not been approved by the FDA for medicinal use. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb or mushroom medicinally.
The Great Thirst Of Mediterranean Food Seasoning
Like in every other type of cooking in the cuisine of the Mediterranean, people actually employ Mediterranean seasoning. Mediterranean cuisine is the food of the areas around the Mediterranean Sea, apparently. The truth is that the Mediterranean cuisine makes up foods from several cultures. Given the geography of the Mediterranean, these nation-states have influenced each other in time and the cooking process developed into sharing common rules. Flexibility and a broad range of ingredients and numerous regional varitions characterized the Mediterranean cuisine. The area has tended to favor the raising of goats and sheep.
Although currently much of the fish is shipped from the outside since the fisheries of the Mediterranean sea are no longer what they used to be, fish dishes are still very popular. In many of the standard Mediterranean dish recipes, seafood is still dominant. It is quite apparent that certain types of meats and fruit or vegetables, as it is the case with Mediterranean cuisine, demand for specific/typical seasoning, in this case, Mediterranean seasoning. Mediterranean foods and dishes include barbecue or grilled meats, pita bread, hummus and falafel which commonly demand for special seasonings which are to be found in the area of Mediterranean seasoning evidently.
Talking of Mediterranean seasoning you must know that olive oil, though not necessarily a condiment, is created in the Mediterranean countries ” Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Italy and Spain, as well as others. An outstanding ingredient in Mediterranean seasoning is represented by garlic, which is used a lot throughout Mediterranean cuisine. Both the olive oil and the garlic employed in Mediterranean seasoning and cuisine in general, add to the peculiar taste of food. Besides, it is unanimously believed that the ingredients in this kind of cooking and in Mediterranean seasoning, and we have in mind especially the olive oil, are a major contributor to the longevity and good health state of the Mediterranean people.
In case you are interested in making Mediterranean dishes you will surely need Mediterranean seasoning for them, or you will not get true Mediterranean food. You can merely buy various products which are labeled Mediterranean seasoning, from the stores across the country. All The Same, my suggestion is for you to try to make your own Mediterranean seasoning as it is not difficult at all.
You only require the right ingredients and a true Mediterranean seasoning recipe in order to attain a good Mediterranean seasoning. This combo is what I call Mediterranean seasoning. It doesn’t matter how much you use ” just mix the ingredients in the following proportions in a bowl, whisk, and pour into a shaker. Put it in a container and place it in the fridge and there it is when you want to utilize it for a rapid dusting on grilled meat, or for a marinade: 1 part coriander, 1 part cinammon, 1 part cumin, 1 part dried mint, and 1 part Italian seasoning or oregano; Besides, add 1 part onion powder and 1 part garlic powder.
The Marvels Of Mediterranean Seasoning
As in any type of cooking in Mediterranean cuisine people use seasoning, Mediterranean seasoning actually. Mediterranean cuisine is the food of the areas around the Mediterranean Sea, obviously. The fact is that the Mediterranean cuisine contains foods from varied cultures. Given the geography of the Mediterranean, these nation-states have influenced each other in time and the cooking process developed into sharing common rules. Mediterranean cuisine is characterised by flexibility, a wide range of ingredients and many regional variations. The area inclined to favor goats and sheep rearing.
Fish dishes are also very common, although today much of the fish is imported since the fisheries of the Mediterranean Sea are no longer what they used to be. In many of the standard Mediterranean dish recipes, seafood is still prevalent. It is quite clear that certain sorts of fruits and meats or vegetables, which is the case in Mediterranean cuisine, ask for specific and typical seasoning, and in this case Mediterranean seasoning. Pita bread, barbecue or grilled meats, falafel and hummus are among the Mediterranean foods which normally demand a special seasonings which are found in the area around Mediterranean seasoning apparently.
Speaking of Mediterranean seasoning you must know that olive oil, though not necessarily a condiment, is created in the Mediterranean countries ” Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Italy and Spain, as well as others. Garlic is a representation of a vital ingredient in the Mediterranean seasoning, which is applied a lot throughout in the Mediterranean cuisine. Both the olive oil and the garlic used in Mediterranean seasoning and cuisine in general, add to the peculiar taste of food. Aside from this, it is commonly believed that the ingredients in this type of cooking as well as in the Mediterranean seasoning, and of course the olive oil, are a key contributor to the good health and longevity enjoyed by the Mediterranean people.
You will no doubt need Mediterranean seasoning if you are interested in making Mediterranean dishes, or you will not attain real Mediterranean food. You may easily purchase different commodities which are labeled Mediterranean seasoning from stores around the country, all the same, my recommendation is for you to try to prepare your own Mediterranean seasoning because it is not hard at all.
To obtain a good Mediterranean seasoning you only need the right ingredients and a true Mediterranean seasoning recipe, like the 1 below. I call this combo Mediterranean seasoning. It doesn’t matter how much you use ” just mix the ingredients in the following proportions in a bowl, whisk, and pour into a shaker. Place it in a container and then put in the refrigerator, there it is when you need to use it for a cursory dusting on a grilled meat, or for a marinade:one part cinammon, one part coriander, 1 part cumin, 1 part dried mint, and then one part Italian seasoning or oregano; Besides, put 1 part onion powder and one part garlic powder.
You Should Consider Cooking With Carne Asada Seasoning
When making carne asada, apparently with carne asada seasoning, the fundamental method includes marinating the meat in a lime based marinade.
Keep the carne asada seasoning that you obtained, close to the grill readily available because the grilling will be quite fast. If you feel like adding other fruit juices to the carne asada marinade, do not hesitate. To talk about carne asada seasoning we first clarify what carne asada really is. Therefore a good carne asada marinade must contain a lot of lime juice, onion and black pepper, as well as garlic. Papaya is a natural source of tenderizers.
If you do not have time to make the carne asada seasoning or you do not have the necessary ingredients, you can always purchase some from the stores around you. To be successful in carne asada seasoning, do not forget that the meat should be cooked over a charcoal fire; wood chips in a smoker box might help as well, but nothing compares to a real fire. Thinly sliced, the meat is served on tortillas. Carne asada with carne asada seasoning needs a good marinade if you decide to not skip this phase in the process. Then we will see how carne asada and carne asada seasoning are made and used.
Mind the salt! Do not add any salt to the marinade. We can tell you that papaya in particular will work perfectly well, since papaya makes the meat especially tender. Then let the carne asada seasoning get into the meat and finally grill, roast, broil until you get the expected result. The grilled beef can be used in no matter way you like, in burritos or tacos or simply served up straight. The jar of Durango carne asada seasoning also provides instructions on how to use The mix should be sprinkled on both sides of the meat.
Basically carne asada is a marinated and grilled, at the same time, steak. When it comes to carne asada seasoning, you should keep in mind a few important things. However, if you marinate the meat, you will be able to add some flavor and tenderize the meat. The carne asada seasoning process you need to use salt, actually coarse salt, cumin, powdered garlic. Put all these ingredients and shake them.
For instance you can buy carne asada seasoning made by Durango Products. Then you have to grill the meat over a hot fire and, finally, slice it into thin strips across the grain. This carne asada seasoning costs around $5 and it consists of salt, spices, onion, garlic, parsley, dextrose, dehydrated vegetables. In the process of making carne asada with carne asada seasoning, marinating is not necessarily a must.