Spice Up Your Food With Gourmet Spices And Herbs

Are you a food lover? Do you like to experiment with various cuisines? There are people all over the world who just love to try out delicious food items prepared with excellent culinary skills. To prepare a marvelous dish, someone requires different ingredients brought from all around the world. You will get to see various kinds of gourmet spices with which exclusive gourmet dishes can be prepared. Gourmet food items are prepared with the help of excellent culinary skills; various special ingredients are used in order to give it a delicious taste and exotic aroma. Besides, while cooking a delicious dish with a highly sophisticated method, special attention should be paid to the presentation of the dish. 

Today, there are availability of all kinds of gourmet cheese, meat, dairy products, tea, coffee, liquor and other gourmet products in the market. Most rich and famous people like varieties of gourmet food items because they have a special and exclusive tantalizing taste that no other food item can provide. Cooking with gourmet spices is a traditional as well as trendy way to spruce up the mediocre meals these days. These gourmet food items are exclusively used in many restaurants often blended with traditional flavor and experimental cooking approaches with spices, so that restaurants will get popularity for serving unique food items. 

Mastering in preparing gourmet spices and herbs is very challenging. There are many chefs who have spent years in culinary schools, so that they will be able to master with the use of gourmet spices. A gourmet dish can transform a normal everyday meal into something special. Marvelous dishes can be prepared with bare essentials. The gourmet spices and herbs are the most wonderful way to avoid the usage of plain salt, butter or oils while preparing food. 

Cooking party sounds great where you can cook as well as learn some new and enticing dishes. With various gourmet free recipes available over the web, you can host an exclusive cooking party at your home. On many websites, you can get the chance to avail an extensive list of choices, create your own menu and prepare them. 

Gourmet cooking classes can be a fun way to learn some of the insights about cooking. You can easily find these kinds of cooking classes online. These online classes are quite exciting as well as let you learn trying your hands at cooking your favorite food. There are sites which also help you host customized cooking parties where you simply gather your friends and create your personal menu from an array of choices available online. Cooking at home can too be an exciting and thrilling experience. Your evening will be spent in the most pleasurable way while trying hands at cooking. 

Cooking at home can be one of the best holiday gift ideas. Someone can place orders online for the gift baskets of gourmet food items as per the tastes of his family or friends. Get more cooking ideas through many online sites and relish your taste buds.http://spicesherbal.blogspot.com/

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Medical Uses of Boswellia - Arthritis Cure Or Not?

Boswellia is a kind of herbal plant which became very popular due to its soothing fragrance. Boswellia has been known to be used in various treatments ayuverdic. This herb is considered one of the best natural anti-inflammatory. For natural antiinflammatory which means that no chemical additives to the drug or medicine. This herb can be regarded as particularly helpful for people who are fans of alternative medicine. Alternative medicine includes several natural ways of treating the disease and preventive measures. 

Compared to other standard drug of choice for rheumatic boswellia extract is beneficial, since it is less toxic and more potent. The various benefits of boswellia include increased mobility, reduced joint swelling action, steroid use, less morning stiffness and grip strength improved. It is very useful in improving the quality of life in general, both to the problem of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. 

Health Benefits: Research has identified specific active anti-inflammatory herb, which are commonly known as boswellic acids. In animal studies, these acids have been shown to significantly reduce inflammation in several ways. boswellic acids deter inflammatory white cells from infiltrating damaged tissue. Improve blood flow to the joints. They also block chemical reactions that set the stage for chronic inflammation that occurs in intestinal disorders such as Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. Boswellia may help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Boswellia can be taken internally and applied topically to affected joints to relieve inflammation associated with these joint disorders. 

A study shows the effectiveness of their use to treat your pain in the joints. Thirty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee participated in a 2003 study. Half the patients received a daily measure of Frankinsense Indian and the other half received a placebo. After eight weeks the groups were crossed over to the opposite action. All patients who received the supplement reported that their knee pain has been reduced substantially and could walk farther without pain than normal. The swelling in the knee joint was also reduced. Other studies have shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The diseases have been studied with good results have been reported include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and bursitis.

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Be Your Own Herbal Expert - Pt 3

Herbal medicine is the medicine of the people. It is simple, safe, effective, and free. Our ancestors knew how to use an enormous variety of plants for health and well-being. Our neighbors around the world continue to use local plants for healing and health maintenance, and you can too. 

In your first lesson, you learned how to "listen" to the messages of plant's tastes. And you discovered that using plants in water bases (as teas, infusions, vinegars, and soups) - and as simples - allows you to experiment with and explore herbal medicine safely. 

In your second lesson, you learned about herbs for teas and how to preserve and use their volatile oils. You leaned about vitamin- and mineral-rich herbal infusions, and how to use them to promote health and longevity. And you continued to think about using herbs simply. 

In this lesson you will explore the differences between nourishing, tonifying, stimulating/sedating, and potentially-poisonous plants. You will learn how to prepare and use them for greatest effect and most safety. 

ALL HERBS ARE NOT EQUAL 

All herbs are not equal: some contain poisons, some don't; some of the poisons are not so bad, some can kill you dead. I divide herbs into four categories for ease in remembering how (and how much) to use. Some herbs nourish us, some tonify, some bring us up or ease us down, and some are frighteningly strong. 

Nourishing herbs are the safest of all herbs. They contain few or no alkaloids, glycosides, resins, or essential oils (poisons). 

Nourishing herbs are eaten as foods, cooked into soups, dried and infused, or, occasionally, made into vinegars. They provide high-level nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, proteins, phytoestrogens and phytosterols, starches, simple and complex sugars, bioflavonoids, carotenes, and essential fatty acids (EFAs). 

Nourishing herbs in water bases (infusions,

soups, vinegars) may generally be taken in any quantity for any period of time. Side-effects - even from excessive use - are quite rare. Nourishing herbs are rarely used as tinctures (in alcohol), but when they are, their effects may be quite different. 

It is generally considered safe to use nourishing herbs in water bases with prescription drugs. They may also be taken even if you are using tonifying, stimulating/sedating, or potentially poisonous herbs. 

Some examples of nourishing herbs include: 

� burdock roots 

� chickweed herb; tincture dissolves cysts 

� comfrey leaf 

� elder blossoms and berries 

� fenugreek seeds 

� garlic 

� mallow leaves and roots 

� mushrooms 

� nettle leaves and seeds 

� oatstraw 

� plantain leaves and seeds 

� red clover blossoms 

� seaweeds 

� rose hips 

� slippery elm bark 

� violet leaves and blossoms. 

Tonifying herbs are generally considered safe when used in moderation. They may contain alkaloids or glycosides or essential oils, but rarely in quantities sufficient to harm us. 

Tonifying herbs act slowly in the body and have a cumulative, rather than immediate, effect. They are most beneficial when used for extended periods of time. Tonifying herbs may be used regularly (but usually not daily) for decades if desired. 

Tonifying herbs are prepared in water and alcohol bases: tinctures and wines, as well as infusions, vinegars, and soups. 

The more bitter the tonic tastes, the less you need to take of it. The more bland the tonic tastes, the more you can use of it. 

Side effects from overuse and misuse of tonics is uncommon but quite possible. The dividing line between what is tonifying and what is stimulating differs from person to person. Ginseng is tonifying to my sweetheart, but stimulating to me. Even herbal authorities disagree on which herbs are tonifying and which stimulating. 

Take care to counter any tendency to overuse tonifying herbs or you may experience unwanted side effects. 

It is generally considered safe to use tonifying herbs in water bases if you are taking prescription drugs. You may also use tonifying herbs while using nourishing, stimulating/sedating, and even potentially poisonous herbs. Tonifying herbs in alcohol bases are considered safe to use with nourishing herbs, but may produce unexpected results if combined with drugs or strong herbs. 

Some examples of tonifying herbs include: 

� burdock seeds, especially in an oil base 

� chasteberry 

� mug/cronewort herb, especially in vinegar 

� dandelion leaf, root and flowers 

� echinacea root 

� ginseng root 

� hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers 

� horsetail herb 

� lady�s mantle 

� motherwort leaves and flowers 

� sarsaparilla root 

� yellow dock leaves, roots, and seeds 

Stimulating/sedating herbs frequently contain essential oils, alkaloids, glycosides, or resins. Because these substances cause strong physical reactions, stimulating/sedating herbs are known from their rapid and pronounced effects, some of which may be unwanted. 

Stimulating/sedating herbs are most often prepared as tinctures (and wines), vinegars, teas, and infusions. Many stimulating/sedating herbs are used as seasonings in cooking as well. Despite my cookbook's injunction to use only a little, I long ago learned that more aromatic herbs in my soups gave a "livelier" result. 

Because long-term use of stimulating/sedating herbs can lead to dependency, dose and duration of use must be carefully watched. A moderate to large dose, taken infrequently will produce better results than a small dose taken over a longer period. 

Side effects from the use of stimulating/sedating herbs in water bases are not common but possible. Side effects from use in alcohol bases are frequent. Whenever stimulating/sedating herbs are used regularly, health is compromised. 

It is not safe to take prescription drugs with stimulating/sedating herbs, but they may be taken even if you are using nourishing and/or tonifying herbs. 

Some examples of stimulating/sedating herbs include: 

� leaves of aromatic mints such as catnip, lemon balm, lavender, sage, skullcap 

� cinnamon bark 

� coffee beans 

� ginger root 

� kava kava root 

� licorice root 

� passion flower 

� tobacco leaves 

� uva ursi leaves 

� valerian root 

� willow bark and leaves 

Potentially poisonous herbs always contain alkaloids, glycosides, resins, or essential oils. And they contain large quantities of those poisons, or in very potent forms. 

Potentially poisonous plants can cause death directly, through the actions of their poisons on their targets (such as cardiac glycosides which stop the heart) or indirectly, by causing the liver and/or the kidneys to fail (as they attempt to cope with and clear the poison from the system). 

Potentially poisonous herbs are usually extracted into alcohol (tinctures) and used in minute doses (1-3 drops). For safety sake use potentially poisonous herbs as infrequently as possible and for the shortest possible time. 

Powdering and encapsulating increases the risk of side effects from any herb, but when we take stimulating/sedating and potentially poisonous herbs in capsules, the side effects can be deadly. 

Homeopathic pharmacy uses many potentially poisonous plants, but in such dilute doses that death is impossible. Side effects can occur, even with homeopathically tiny doses, however. 

Potentially poisonous herbs activate intense effort on the part of the body and spirit and may cause nausea, visual disturbances, digestive woes, and allergic reactions even when used correctly. 

Always be extremely cautious when using potentially poisonous herbs. Consult with at least three other knowledgeable herbalists who have used the plant in question before proceeding. 

In general it is not considered safe to take potentially poisonous herbs while taking prescription drugs, other potentially poisonous herbs, or stimulating/sedating herbs. It is generally safe to use potentially poisonous herbs while using nourishing and tonifying herbs. 

Some examples of potentially poisonous herbs: 

� belladonna 

� castor beans 

� cayenne 

� cotton root 

� goldenseal 

� liferoot/groundsel 

� nutmeg 

� poke root 

� rue leaves and flowers 

� tansy leaves and flowers 

� wormwood 

EXPERIMENT NUMBER ONE 

Spend some time alone quietly breathing. Tune into your body piece by piece (toes, feet, calves, knees, thighs, and so on). Use colors to draw yourself. Don't worry about making art. 

For the next month include some nourishing herb in your diet. Example: on Monday include seaweed as a vegetable for dinner, on Tuesday drink a quart of nettle infusion, on Wednesday make a soup with burdock and other roots, on Thursday drink a quart of red clover infusion, on Friday make garlic bread with at least one clove of freshly chopped garlic per slice, on Saturday drink a quart of oatstraw infusion, on Sunday drink a quart of comfrey/mint infusion. And so on. 

One month later, sit alone and breathe quietly. Tune into your body piece by piece. Use colors to draw yourself. Has anything changed? You can continue this experiment for as long as you like. 

EXPERIMENT NUMBER TWO 

Repeat experiment number one, but instead use any one tonic (preferably one that lives where you do) at least four times a week for one month. Again, note any changes in how you feel, how much energy and stamina you have, how much curiosity and delight you experience in life. You can continue this experiment for as long as you like also. 

EXPERIMENT NUMBER THREE 

What stimulants and sedatives do you use regularly? What happens if you give up one or more of them for a week? For a month? Try - on different days - at least one herbal stimulant and one herbal sedative and keep notes of your reactions. 

EXPERIMENT NUMBER FOUR 

Choose one potentially poisonous plant that grows near you and cultivate a relationship with it. Read about it. Talk about it with others who have a relationship with it. Keep a special book for writing about your poisonous ally. 

FURTHER STUDY 

1. Name five more nourishing herbs. Specify part used, preparation, and dosage. 

2. Name five more tonifying herbs. Specify part used, preparation, and dosage. 

3. Name five more stimulating/sedating herbs. Specify part used, preparation, and dosage. 

4. Name five more potentially poisonous herbs. Specify part used, preparation, and dosage. In what case and how would you use each? 

5. What is the difference between a tonic and a stimulant? 

ADVANCED WORK 

� Give the botanical name (genus and species) for each plant listed. 

� List five nourishing herbs commonly sold in tincture form and describe what they are used for in that form. 

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Is the Natural Organic Skin Care You�re Using Really Working?

How is the natural organic skin care formula you are currently using working out for you? The only reason that I would ask such a question is that there are so many products labeled as all natural that absolutely don�t do a thing for anyone�s skin. You have to understand that not all natural compounds are effective in reversing the effects of aging, or resolving the other issues you are going through. 

I know that you always here that you need to use all natural ingredients on your skin, because they are safer and more effective than many of the components commonly used in cosmetics. This is the best advice you can possibly follow from a safety standpoint, because you have got to stay away from the carcinogens and toxins that are used so often. From the standpoint of effectiveness however, you have to understand that not all natural ingredients are alike. 

Many natural organic skin care products will offer you pseudo-effective ingredients like orange blossom water, white peat moss, and blueberries, which while providing some antioxidants and nutrients to your skin, are not the ideal compounds for treating skin related issues. Others will offer you ingredients such as green powder coffee, that won�t help your skin at all. 

The finest ingredients for correcting the issues you have with your skin are plant oils and extracts like jojoba oil, and Maracuja passion fruit extract. Certain plant derivatives feature properties that closely resemble sebum, the skins natural oil, than other compounds do. This allows them to achieve superior penetration, and it enables them to inject far more healing antioxidants and essential nutrients into the skin. 

Ingredients typically included in natural organic skin care formulas lack the power that ingredients like jojoba and Maracuja extract. These compounds are able to regulate the production of sebum in such a way as to never allow the skin to become overly dry, or too oily. Jojoba has what is known as a dual moisturizing effect where it forms a non-greasy barrier on the skin that prevents moisture from escaping. 

One of the most effective extracts you will find in an all natural skin care formula comes from a particular variety of kelp that grows only in the Sea of Japan. Phytessence Wakame has the ability to increase the hyaluronic acid present in your skin by fending off the constant attempts by enzymes in the skin to cause the degradation of this polymer. Without ample hyaluronic acid the collagen and elastin in your skin cannot keep your skin firm. 

In addition to Phytessence Wakame in a natural organic skin care formula, you need a protein complex and enzyme combination called Cynergy TK. This compound features a specific blend of keratin proteins that have been proven to increase the production of your collagen and elastin. There is currently no other compound that is available that has the ability to increase these vital firming tissues. 

Make no mistake about it. Not all natural organic skin care formulas are the same, so be careful not to purchase something just for the sake of it being all natural. Choose your products carefully in order to achieve success. 

To learn more about vitamins for healthy skin, and other incredible natural substances for natural healthy skin care

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Aromatherapy Recipes For Natural Acne Treatment

Aromatherapy has its roots in the ancient practice of using natural plant essences in order to promote health and well being. As an alternative medicine, it is typically used to treat an array of different illnesses and health conditions. Acting on the central nervous system, it is used to relieve conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress. Aromatherapy recipes are some of the best therapies in natural acne treatment. 

Through the blending of essentials oils and carriers such as jojoba oil, these recipes exhibit antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help control outbreaks and promote healing. 

A few simple precautions need to be observed. Some of these recipes contain certain essential oils that should not be used during pregnancy, such as juniper tree oil and Lebanese cedar oil. Bergamot essential oil should be used only if you can avoid sunlight exposure for at least 12 hours. If you are being treated by a dermatologist, or have anything more than a minor skin condition, you should seek professional advice before using. 

Not all essential oils are useful for acne treatment, so we will note a few that are effective. 

Some of the recommended essential oils for acne control are Cedarwood, Jasmine, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lebanese Cedar, Bergamot and Tea Tree. 

Lavender essential oil and Tea Tree seemed to be well tolerated by most users and Tea Tree is one of the best and most popular for natural acne treatment. 

Aromatherapy recipes consist of a mixture of two or more oils that work together to produce the desired results. Here are a few easy recipes that you can make at home. 

Mix the following in a small bottle or container: 

� 1oz. jojoba oil 

� 10 drops of lavender oil 

� 7 drops of tea tree oil 

� 2 drops of bergamot oil 

� 1 drop geranium oil 

(To mix without the bergamot oil, simply use 12 drops of lavender oil). 

Shake ingredients well and apply to your face, neck or back. Avoid your eyes, nose or the inside of your ears. 

Another simple recipe is to mix (2) drops of juniper oil and Lebanese cedar oil in a small amount of water and apply every two hours. One more recipe is, (2) drops of juniper oil in (1) spoonful of jojoba oil, mix and apply to pimples. 

For body acne, try adding a few drops these essential oils to a non-perfumed body lotion and apply at bedtime. A guide line for mixing essential oils with a carrier is approximately 2-3%. 

As with any acne treatment, these too will take time to work. If you have a serious skin condition, please consult with a dermatologist. For allergy prone skin it may be wise to try applying the oils in a small area first. 

The information provided here has hopefully opened one more avenue for you as you seek successful treatment. If you have no experience in mixing these oils, you will want to consult the professionals before you begin to make your own aromatherapy recipes. It is important to know how the oils act and will interact with each other. 

Recipes or blends and the essential oils needed are easy to obtain, especially online. You will be provided with a list of ingredients that you will need and how to mix them correctly for the best results. This field is growing more and more popular as a viable alternative medicine in the treatment of many issues of the body and mind, especially stress which can also be a contributor to skin conditions. 

Equipped with a few essential oils and the knowledge of how to use them could make a tremendous difference in your physical and mental well being. Imagine clearer skin, more confidence and peace of mind through natural acne treatment with aromatherapy recipes.

For more information concerning acne treatment and acne scars, medications, home remedies and natural cures

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Acne and Oily Skin Care Treatment � Watch What You Buy and Protect Your Skin

Let�s face it. A lot of us suffer from what many simply refer to as bad skin, and are actively forced to seek an effective acne and oily skin care treatment. Most of the products used to treat oily and blemished skin are overrated, and contain compounds in them that can actually damage your skin even more. These formulas do not contain the ingredients best suited for giving you the clear, healthy skin you are after. 

Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands that produce sebum, which serves as the healthy, lubricating substance for your skin. When there is excessive sebum production the normally light oil becomes heavy and thick. What happens in many cases is that oily skin becomes more susceptible to clogged pores, blackheads, and a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. 

You have to be aware of what is in acne and oily skin care treatment, because they tend to have a severe drying affect on the skin. Treating your skin with harsh drying agents tends only to make the already excessive sebum production even worse. Cosmetic formulas for the treatment of excessive sebum production also don�t contain any natural oils in them, because the belief is that adding oils will make your skin become even greasier. 

The truth is that your skin needs what natural oils and waxes have to offer, so far as vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. Despite popular belief, natural oils don�t necessarily add to the oiliness of the skin. Maracuja passion fruit extract and Jojoba oil have a way of balancing your sebum production, so that your skin becomes neither too dry nor too oily. 

Jojoba oil is actually beneficial for both acne and oily skin care treatment, and it is capable of treating more serious skin disorder as well, such as psoriasis. Like most natural oils, Jojoba closely resembles sebum, so all skin types accept this compound very well. Jojoba will treat your skin without any threat of breakouts or reactions of any kind, and it forms a natural non-greasy layer on the skin that helps lock in moisture. 

Natural compounds will do a whole lot more for you than just acne and oily skin care treatment; they can also eliminate the free radicals in your skin and repair the wrinkle producing oxidative cell damage these free radicals have caused. There are even two natural compounds that are capable of restoring your lost collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. 

These compounds are a keratin protein complex and

enzyme combination called Cynergy TK, and a kelp extract known as Phytessence Wakame. The former compound will greatly increase the amount of collagen and elastin you are able to produce. The latter aids in elevating your hyaluronic acid levels by restraining the destructive enzymes that cause the polymer to degrade. 

Make no mistake about it. Natural oils are the most effective acne and oily skin care treatment, and will have your skin looking and feeling its absolute best. You should try all natural formulas featuring Jojoba, and Maracuja extract in order to clear up your skin. 

To learn more about unique ingredients for healthy skin, and other incredible substances you�ve probably never heard of

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What Exactly Is Jojoba Oil And Why Is It Used So Much In Skin Care Products?

Back in 1822, a small shrub was discovered in the desert near Baja California by a botanist named H. F. Link. Mr. Link named this new plant after a fellow botanist from the U.K. named T. W. Simmonds. The proper named of the Jojoba plant is Simmondsia chinensis. It wasn't until after the U.S. banned whale hunting that this plant started to be cultivated. Up until then, the oil of whales was used in skin care products and cosmetics. After the ban, much research was done to find more suitable replacements for the skin and hair care industries.

The Jojoba plant produces a bean pod and it was discovered that heating the beans caused an oil to be secreted. The desert peoples of Southern California and Mexico had long been using this oil to treat skin conditions and cuts. The Japanese did some research on Jojoba oil and found it to be nontoxic to the human skin. In addition, soon it was known the amazing properties of this oil.

Jojoba oil is actually a wax that is liquid at room temperatures. The 'oil' has similar chemical makeup to the sebum oil that our skin produces naturally. In fact, it is one of the most easily absorbed vegetable oils available today. Because of this, it was soon used to produce all kinds of hair and skin care products.

The oil is wonderful for people who suffer from sensitive skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. It helps soften your skin and when applied to your hair will increase its shine. It is also known to help reduce wrinkles and other lines associated with aging. In addition, it helps promote the growth of new skin cells. It even has some anti-bacterial qualities too.

Because of these amazing properties, there is no wonder it is being used in the manufacturing of all kinds of hair products, replenishing skin care products, wrinkle reduction treatments, acne control products and even cosmetics. You can find the oil for sale individually too. A 4 oz bottle can be purchased for as little as $8 and can be used to make your own moisturizing cream at home.

Take your favorite essential oil, such as lavender, and add 40

to 50 drops to a 4 oz bottle. Apply to liberally to your skin and rub until it has been absorbed.

The Jojoba plant was an important and necessary discovery. Its amazing properties help people all over the world look better, feel better about themselves and helps people who suffer from disabilitating skin conditions. If you purchase it, look for organically grown Jojoba oil and make sure it is pressed and not chemically extracted.

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