The King of Bitters

Did you know that many health challenges are related to your oral health and gut health? Fortunately, there is an herb that targets both. Let's discuss it. 

Andrographis, known as Andrographis paniculata, is an annual plant that is native to India and Sri Lanka, and it is also found in many areas throughout Asia, such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is a branched, erect plant that produces small pink or white flowers with brown or purple spots. Generally, it prefers shady and moist areas. Andrographis is also known as “Indian echinacea” and the “King of Bitters,” and it has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. It has a long history of traditional use for enhancing immune health, fighting against infections, and enhancing gut health. Historically, it has been used for the common cold, sinus infections, general inflammation, pain, and detoxification.

Andrographis contains three major categories of active compounds: diterpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Studies have shown that andrographolide can significantly reduce arthritis and joint dysfunction, primarily by reducing various inflammatory markers. Andrographolide also inhibits certain autoimmune pathways relevant to rheumatoid arthritis progression. It helps reduce a variety of inflammatory factors related to arthritis. Andrographis helps inhibit tumors and cancer cell proliferation. Andrographis also shows significant reductions in HbA1C (a measurement of average blood sugar levels over time) and improved insulin sensitivity. Andrographis fights against bacteria, viruses, and fungi with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Specifically, protects against Streptococcus pyogenes (a type of bacteria) and Candida albicans (a type of fungus).  Andrographis also increases probiotic bacteria responsible for gut and immune health. In addition, it increases gut barrier integrity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which benefits for the gut-brain axis. Research suggests that andrographolide, the main compound in the plant, can significantly reduce inflammation caused by histamine, adrenaline, and dimethylbenzene. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, andrographis has been used to relieve health conditions including ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The amazing health benefits of andrographis include the following:

• Relieves common cold, tonsillitis, and ulcerative colitis.
• Reduces arthritic pain and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Improves insulin sensitivity and balances blood sugars.
• Fights against infections with antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
• Benefits gut health by improving prebiotic bacteria in the gut.
• Provides anti-cancer properties.

Today, popular forms of andrographis include capsules, extracts, tinctures, and teas.
A typical dosage of andrographis is 400 mg 3 times a day. Andrographis is usually standardized to its content of andrographolide, typically 4% to 6%. Andrographis is not recommended for children or women who are pregnant or nursing. People with bleeding disorders or low blood pressure should not use the herb without consulting with a clinician. It’s also recommended to avoid using the herb if you are on medications for blot clots such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and warfarin.

Here is a quick recipe for the upper respiratory, common cold, and viral infections.
1 oz of dried Andrographis plant
0.5 oz of dried turmeric root
6 fl oz of 100-proof vodka
1 glass mason jar
1 amber glass dropper bottle

Instructions

• Add the dried herbs in a glass mason jar. Make sure they are crushed enough that vodka can penetrate the herbs.
• Pour the vodka into the jar with the herbs. Make sure all of the herbs are covered. Cap tightly, label, and place in a dark cabinet or pantry for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Strain the tincture into a new sterilized jar using a mesh strainer after 4-6 weeks.
• Store the tincture in a glass amber bottle in a dark cool place for use.

Take 1 droperful (or 20 to 30 drops) per day as a preventative dose. Or the same dose spread out the day to ease symptoms. You can take up to 30 drops twice a day for symptom relief.

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How to Teach Children to Be Self-resilient & Self-sufficient and Maximize Their Potential through Homeschooling

How many of you have realized how little practical knowledge you have used from your schooling years, very little, right? For example, how many of you have applied knowledge of calculus you learned in college in your adulthood? Not much, unless you want to be a math teacher? In reality, many PhD degree students can hardly find a job in North America after wasting so much money and time in the universities. These individuals are also losing their sparks of genius and creativity after so many years of indoctrination in the school. This is very sad. Here is another fact, many university degree students make much less money than a mechanic and even a plumber especially if they choose the wrong field. 

​True knowledge gives you wisdom and wisdom gives you power. Life is very short, think 1/3 of our life is spent in schools and universities on average, so why not make it useful at 100% and even more, let alone the huge loan you will have to pay off from the colleges and universities? In this talk, I am going to introduce a simple technique to identify the inner gifts of your children with ancient wisdom. It will help you guide your children to the right path and bring out the best in them and maximize their potential to be the foundation of the new age and new society. I will also talk about some ancient knowledge to enhance children's creativity and out-of-box thinking, such as Sacred Geometry, which is the building blocks and blueprint of the universe, and understanding how the universe and creation operate at a geometric and mathematic scale. Also, Vortex-based mathematics that is simple and easy to understand, which is the universal code and foundation of free energy. All this knowledge is practical and useful, yet it is not offered in our formal education system. I am looking forward to meeting you there.

About Speaker: Lucy is a holistic health practitioner, TCM practitioner, Registered Dietitian, herbalist, energy healer, and medium. She has in-depth knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine, holistic nutrition, herbal medicine, energy medicine, and alternative medicine, and she was also gifted as a medical intuitive since a child. Lucy studied Nutrition at McGill University and practiced as a Clinical Dietitian in healthcare for 20 years. She also studied Traditional Chinese Medicine at a very young age. In the past 30 years, Lucy has learned many healing modalities and has been applying them to her current practice.

During her more than 20 years of practice in holistic medicine, she has accumulated extensive experience and in-depth knowledge in the health field. Lucy is also a Certified Master Hypnotist, Master NLP Practitioner, Advanced Theta Healing Practitioner, Reiki Master, and Vedic Astrologer. She has been combining her gifts with her broad knowledge to help others achieve optimal physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

Lucy is also a speaker and author. She has been invited to speak to many groups on various topics regarding health and healing. Lucy has published many blogs, videos, and books on Holistic Health, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Women’s Health, Children’s Health, Functional Food, Healing Food and Natural Remedies, Anti-aging Solutions, Weight Loss, Spiritual Health, etc. Her approach is to dig into the root causes of illnesses and sub-optimal health conditions and provide a broad range of solutions from Herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Energy medicine, Holistic nutrition, and many other healing modalities to help others achieve optimal health.

For more information, please visit her website: https://optimalhealthsolutions.ca.

Connect with Lucy on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyliu8/

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A Speical Plant for the Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming, and it reminds me of this special plant that is associated with mother, it is called motherwort. It is a perennial plant that has small pink flowers and large green leaves. The scientific name for motherwort is Leonurus cardiac. It is a member of the mint family and is native to Asia and southeastern Europe, but it now grows worldwide. It has been a popular therapeutic herb in Europe and Asia for centuries. The aerial parts, or leaves and flowers, are used for various medicinal purposes and also in some cuisines. The herb has been traditionally used for many health challenges, including women’s health, cardiovascular issues, etc.

The plant contains many bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and diterpenes. The bitter-tasting leaves contain active chemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and volatile oils. Ursolic acid, one of the active ingredients in motherwort, has been shown to reduce inflammation and slow the development of heart disease. Motherwort has mild sedative properties that help ease nervous tension and reduce anxiety. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and has a calming effect on the nervous system, which promotes relaxation and restful sleep.

Alkaloids such as leonurine and stachydrine in motherwort have vasodilatory effects. Vasodilators help relax and widen blood vessels, which can potentially lower blood pressure. The calming effect of Motherwort helps reduce stress, and stress is a known contributor to hypertension. Motherwort can also help lower heart rate, improve blood circulation, and calm the nervous system.

Motherwort also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve respiratory issues. It also fights against respiratory infections due to its antimicrobial properties. Researchers have found that motherwort contains flavonoids and other compounds that can help boost the immune system and prevent colds and flu. It can also help treat irritable bowel syndrome and asthma by reducing inflammation throughout the body.

Motherwort also has diuretic properties, which help the body eliminate toxins and reduce the stress on the kidneys. It also prevents kidney stone formation by reducing the concentration of stone-forming substances in the urine.

Antioxidants such as flavonoids and other compounds in motherwort have anti-inflammatory properties, which help treat skin infections, tighten the skin, and minimize the appearance of pores. 

Motherwort has been shown to have a balancing effect on hormones, which help regulate menstrual cycles and relieve menstrual cramps for women. With its potential hormone-balancing properties, motherwort helps manage menopausal symptoms.
The bitter chemicals in the plant help increase the bile flow from the liver and gallbladder and enhance digestive functions. The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

Here are some amazing health benefits of motherwort:

• Reduces anxiety and depression and supports the nervous system.
• Helps regulate menstruation cycles and relieves menopause symptoms for women.
• Improves blood circulation and reduces high blood pressure.
• Promotes bile flow and improves digestion.
• Helps relieve respiratory issues such as asthma.
• Supports kidney health due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.

Motherwort can be infused into oils or applied for topical use. Incorporating Motherwort into your dishes is a great idea to enjoy this medicinal plant, such as salads. Inhaling the aroma of motherwort essential oil can provide relaxation and stress relief, and improve your sleep quality.

If you have allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as mint and basil, you should be cautious about using motherwort to prevent allergic reactions. Due to Motherwort’s potential impact on blood pressure, individuals with hypertension or hypotension should monitor their blood pressure regularly while using the herb. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid motherwort as it may stimulate the uterus and increase the risk of miscarriages. Motherwort may interact with certain medications, especially medications for heart conditions or blood pressure regulation. Motherwort is generally not recommended for children due to its potential impact on the hormonal system. Regular breaks in usage of this herb may help prevent potential side effects associated with long-term use.

By the way, I am giving a talk on May 16th in the evening in Nanaimo. The topic is about how is consciousness channeled through the body and where are your past life experiences stored, including past life emotional traumas. Once you grasp this concept, healing can be spontaneous because time is not linear. I will also provide unique tips on how to decalcify your pineal gland, which is linked to your 3^rd eye, for enlightenment, heightened intuition and psychic abilities, and ascension. Everyone is welcome, the ticket is by donation. Please check my poster below for more details. I am looking forward to meeting you there.

To book a healing session, please click here.
To book a reading session, please click here.
To book a TCM treatment, please click here.