Matcha Green Tea

May 10, 2014 by Jurgen

Matcha green tea is not just another type of green tea. It is the ultimate green tea, made from the finest shade-grown leaves stone-ground to a fine powder.

With regular steeped tea, 85-90% of the nutrients of the tea are thrown out with the leaves as most of green teas nutrients are non-soluble. With matcha, you consume the tea leaves whole, just as in ancient times when tea was a medicine, not a beverage. Your body benefits from all the soluble and non-soluble elements of the tea first hand.

A staple of the martial arts and Zen Buddhism, matcha is the tea the samurai turned to before battle, because of its long lasting energy boost and its ability to promote a state of relaxed awareness.

Natural remedies for Cystitis

April 19, 2014 by Jurgen

Problems with the urinary system are extremely common, and your local health store can help with a variety of natural products.

Anyone who has suffered from a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other urinary problems will know that it can be extremely uncomfortable. Jürgen Denzinger of Remedies in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford says that people find talking about UTIs and other urinary problems embarrassing, but “generally speaking health stores have heard it all before, and helped.” So don’t be shy, explain your problems and let your local health store help you.

According to Jürgen, in his experience it is “mostly women who would complain about UTIs like cystitis. Men are more likely to have prostate problems, which can lead to UTIs and prostatitis.

“The most popular remedy for cystitis is cranberry, which is available in tablet or capsule form,” says Jürgen. “Cranberries are also available dried, fresh or as pure organic juice. It is important that the juice contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners, because sugar is a known breeding ground for bacteria.

Drinking at least two litres of plain water every day can also help to flush out bacteria. Herbal teas may help to support the urinary tract – dandelion is a very good choice due to its diuretic action known for centuries.”

Jürgen recommends a number of remedies that can also help:
Goldenrod – has a diuretic action. It has been shown to have important anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and antiseptic actions.
Birch leaves and Horsetail – rich in silicea and can help to strengthen the urinary system.
Cantharis (homeopathic 30c or 6c potency) – very effective at easing the burning sensation when urinating.

According to Jürgen, “the overall effect of herbs and food supplements is generally positive for symptoms of UTIs, such as restricted urine flow, a burning sensation and getting up many times in the night.”

He advises that “chronic or re-occuring UTIs can be sexually related, especially in younger women, and should be addressed differently, i.e. by consulting a qualified homeopath.”

“It is important to note,” says Jürgen, “that most UTIs shouldn’t last more than ten days. If they do, you should consult a healthcare practitioner. If blood is present in the urine, you should see a qualified professional. Prostate enlargement needs to be diagnosed by a doctor.”

“Water Works”, article published in > Rude Health Magazine, March-April 2014 issue, p.36

Maca – The Peruvian ginseng

March 10, 2014 by Jurgen

Maca is a nutritionally dense super-food that contains high amounts of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and all of the essential amino acids. Maca root is rich in B-vitamins, which are the energy vitamins.

Maca root helps balance our hormones. Maca stimulates and nourishes the hypothalamus and pituitary glands which are the “master glands” of the body. These glands actually regulate the other glands, so when in balance they can bring balance to the adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, ovarian and testicular glands.

Instead of providing hormones to the body, maca works as an adaptogen which means that it responds to different bodies’ needs individually. It’s sometimes called “Peruvian ginseng”.

Maca root has been shown to be beneficial for all sorts of hormonal problems including PMS, menopause, and hot flushes. Maca is also a fertility enhancer and is best known for improving libido.