http://blog.drwhitaker.com/blog/your-definitive-guide-to-wellness-medicine/kitchen-cures
6 Kitchen Cures that Won’t Line the Pockets of Big Pharma
Drug companies would like you to believe that the only cure for whatever ails you requires a trip to the pharmacy. But the fact is, our kitchens are filled with a plethora of treatments for a variety of common health problems. Here are some that really work.1. Cinnamon for Diabetes: If you have diabetes, cinnamon should be a kitchen staple. Studies have demonstrated that 1–3 g of cinnamon taken daily can decrease blood sugar by 10–29 percent. And that’s not all. This sweet spice also helps lower cholesterol, dampen inflammation, and regulate blood pressure. Because compounds in the saliva can break down the active ingredients in cinnamon, I suggest that rather than eating it by the spoonful you add it to coffee or tea before brewing. Mixing it with hot water also helps eliminate some of the undesirable components found in whole cinnamon. Aim for a quarter to a half teaspoon two or three times a day.
2. Vinegar Improves Blood Sugar Control: Vinegar helps to inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates, and it’s particularly effective when taken with high-glycemic meals. Although I recommend going easy on sugars and starches, I know how easy it is to “cheat.” To help keep blood sugar on an even keel, take two tablespoons of vinegar mixed with a little water and stevia or xylitol prior to or with meals. You can also add it to salad dressing or other foods. The brand we use at the clinic is Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, but any type of vinegar will do.
3. V8 for Hypertension: A high intake of potassium from fruits and vegetables is an excellent therapy for hypertension. However, few people get even the minimum recommendation of five servings per day. That’s why I “prescribe” Low-Sodium V8 Juice. An eight-ounce glass contains 840 mg of potassium, along with magnesium and other nutrients that help lower blood pressure. Drink 6–8 ounces with your morning and evening meals, and you’ll be well on your way to better heart health.
4. Reduce Your High Blood Pressure with Hibiscus Tea: Packed with several protective polyphenols, this rich red tea has the power to reduce blood pressure to a degree similar to that of prescription antihypertensive drugs. In a recent study, participants with systolic blood pressure over 129 mmHg who drank three cups of hibiscus tea a day for six weeks experienced an average 14 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure.
5. Ginger for Nausea: For nausea, try ginger—it eases queasiness caused by everything from stomach flu and seasickness to morning sickness and chemotherapy. To make ginger tea, simply slice a two-inch piece of fresh ginger, add to four cups of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
6. For Gas, Try Fennel Seed: Chewing these seeds (sold in the spice aisle in grocery stores) after meals is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy for gas and indigestion. Or you can make tea by steeping 1–2 teaspoons of fennel seeds per cup of boiling water.
Now it’s your turn: Have you found a kitchen cure that works for you?
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