An Immortality Tea?

Have you heard of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum? It is a five-leafed perennial climbing vine native to Southern China, Northern Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, the same plant family as cucumbers, gourds, and melons. Unlike these varieties, gynostemma does not bear edible fruit and is a dioecious species, existing as either a male or female plant. When the two grow together, the female will produce small clusters of black seeded berries.

Gynostemma is also referred to as "sweet-tea vine,” and it became particularly famous as an "immortality tea." In the last several decades, it has increasingly gained popularity. The plant contains a group of triterpenoid saponins known as ginsenosides, which are believed to be responsible for many of its health-promoting properties. It is an adaptogenic herb rich in antioxidants with chemical constituents similar to ginseng. The leaf has more potency than the root when it comes to the healing benefits. It helps lower blood pressure, support cardiovascular health, promote longevity, and improve respiratory function. It also supports weight loss by boosting fat metabolism and has a calming effect on the mind and body to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Gynostemma is a great source of antioxidants and nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, including selenium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus. Although it’s not botanically related to Panax ginseng or other ginseng, Gynostemma contains some of the same compounds as ginseng, such as ginsenosides. It also contains other ginseng-like saponins. Interestingly enough, Gynostemma contains over 80 different saponins compared to the 28 found in ginseng. Gypenosides are one of the main chemical compounds found in gynostemma that are responsible for its healing effects. These are triterpenoid saponins that are also present in other tonic herbs such as ashwagandha, Siberian ginseng, and astragalus root.

Gynostemma is also referred to as "southern ginseng", since it grows mainly in south-central China, and due to its similarity to ginseng and its saponin content. Its high saponin glycoside content gives the herb a sweet taste. The term "saponin" is actually derived from the Latin word meaning soap, which means they are chemical compounds with soap-like characteristics.

Researchers suggested that two very important antioxidants contribute to its amazing health benefits — glutathione and superoxide dismutase. One clinical study revealed that taking gynostemma each day for two months reduced fatigue, insomnia, memory loss, and other aging signs.

Here are some main health benefits of Gynostemma pentaphyllum:

Supports cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving circulation. Gynostemma may help promote healthy blood flow and prevent excess arterial narrowing. Chronic narrowed arteries are a major cause of heart disease.

Boosts immune function by increasing the production of immune cells. By enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing oxidative cell damage, gynostemma can boost the body’s immune cells to fight against disease and neutralize free radicals. Gynostemma is considered an adaptogen because of its ability to modulate immune functions and provide protective effects against chronic inflammation. These qualities as an adaptogenic substance are directly related to its high amount of triterpenoid saponin gypenosides and several polysaccharide compounds, which help lower high blood pressure, boost lipid metabolism, balance cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Promotes weight loss by increasing metabolism and reducing fat absorption. Gynostemma may increase fat-burning capacity and make muscle cells more sensitive to insulin. Gynostemma helps improve blood flow during exercise, and this can increase exercise capacity and duration, which promotes weight loss through increased energy expenditure. Active compounds in Gynostemma may help regulate insulin, reduce liver fat accumulation, and insulin resistance.
How to consume gynostemma? 

Although fresh gynostemma leaves are edible, it is usually dried and heat-processed to release many of their beneficial compounds. It is excellent to make an herbal tea with it. It is generally recommended to put a teaspoon of leaves in a cup of hot water, and you can use it more than once during the day. It has a delicious, slightly sweet taste with a flavor similar to green tea and nettle.

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Carom Seeds - A Safeguard for Your Digestive Health ❤️

Have you heard of carom seeds, also known as Ajwain? Ajwain is a plant native to Egypt that also grows throughout India, Asia, and Europe. It is also known as ajwain, bishop’s weed, jain, yamini, or carom seeds. It is known by two species names: Trachyspermum ammi or Carum copticum. The plant grows in hot, dry areas. It produces a small fruit called a schizocarp. This fruit is yellow with light yellow lines that look like lace umbrellas, similar to the flowers of Queen Anne's lace. As the fruit ripens, it splits into single seeds. Carom seeds look like fennel and cumin seeds and have a rich fragrance. They are never eaten raw; they are cooked properly before being added to a dish. Due to their numerous health benefits, many people in India incorporate seeds into their diet. The seeds are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat digestive and lung issues and as a spice.

Carom seeds are rich in plant chemicals called polyphenols, including saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, and phenols. The fruit or seeds also contain essential oils such as thymol and carvacrol. These plant chemicals are antioxidants that help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.  In an animal study, researchers suggested that ajwain extracts were more effective than the NSAID at lowering swelling and inflammation in rats, but only at very high doses. The plant extracts were effective for up to 2 hours and gradually wore off. Ajwain blocks inflammatory chemicals and increases the release of the brain chemical GABA, which has a calming effect on the brain.

Carom seeds are incredibly nutritious; they are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other vitamins and minerals. They also have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties due to active compounds - thymol and carvacrol in them, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Some research indicates that thymol may have calcium-channel-blocking effects and can help lower blood pressure levels. Delayed stomach emptying is one of the main causes of indigestion. Carom seeds have been shown to increase the process of food passing through the stomach, thus helping improve indigestion. Due to this unique feature, carom seeds can help reduce gas and bloating in those who suffer from SIBO (small intestine bacteria overgrowth) because delayed gastric emptying is one of the main contributors to SIBO. When taking carom seed water on an empty stomach, it helps to activate the enzymes in the gut, which enhances digestion.  Carom seeds also help treat peptic ulcers.

Carom seeds have antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties, which make them a natural antibiotic to relieve respiratory infections. The seeds also keep the lungs and pharynx clean and free from toxins. Carom seed water helps relax the air passages, which helps people with respiratory problems breathe better. Carom seeds also help lower high blood pressure due to the active compound thymol, which effectively blocks calcium channels. The calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the heart’s cells and lower blood pressure.

Ajwain is a popular spice and safe food additive. The recommended dose is 3 to 6 grams of powdered ajwain, 125 grams of dried extract, or 6 milliliters of tincture or fluid extract per day. While you can buy powdered carom seeds or other forms. Ajwain is also rich in estrogen-like plant chemicals that can boost milk production. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid ajwain supplements during pregnancy. Excessive amounts of carom seeds can lead to stomach gas production, resulting in acidity and reflux. Some people may have allergic reactions such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Please note that Ajwain supplements may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

In summary, here are some amazing health benefits of Ajwain (carom) seeds.

• Fight against infections with powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Improve cholesterol levels and lower high blood pressure.
• Enhance digestion and reduce gastric ulcers.
• Improve respiratory health by increasing airflow to the lungs.
• Relieve a toothache.

I will be at the Crystal and Spirit Fair in Port Alberni next Saturday (Oct.11th). I am looking forward to meeting you there. I will be offering medical palm reading, medical Vedic astrology chart reading, especially related to past lives and chronic health challenges, tarot card combing with sidereal astrology for one-year predictions and predictions for the outcomes of specific events in your life, and much more. I am looking forward to meeting you there. Please check my poster below for more details.

I hope you enjoy the information.

• To schedule a healing session, please click here.
• To schedule a reading session, please click here.
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