Ganoderma lucidem (also known as reishi, the king of mushrooms, and the mushroom of immortality) is a fungus mostly from Hemlock trees that dates back as far as 2,000 years in Asia for its medicinal uses.
Ganoderma boasts an impressive list of health benefits that include:
Boosting the immune system
Fighting infections
Fighting cancer cells
Reducing stress
Reducing high blood pressure
Reducing cholesterol
Reducing cardiovascular disease
Improving liver function
Improving kidney function
Improving respiratory function
Fighting viral infections
Improving HIV/AIDS symptoms
Reducing pain during shingles outbreaks
Building strength
Building stamina
Fighting fatigue
Improving gut health
Supporting sleep cycles
Supporting brain health
Fighting allergies
Reishi can be purchased in many forms such as tea, tinctures, capsules, coffee, hot cocoa, beauty products and energy bars. Due to its bitter taste, eating the mushroom directly is not recommended but is pleasant tasting in the coffee and hot cocoa forms.
Black elderberry is a variety of the Sambucus tree that originally came from Mexico and grows to nearly 30 feet with clusters of white flowers. It can be purchased in the form of syrup, gummies, lollipops, lozenges, and capsules.
A study of 184 people found that 3-4 doses of syrup daily reduced flu and cold symptoms by 98% in both severity and duration. Its high level of flavonoid compounds offers antioxidant protection of cells making it advantageous for immune support.
Black elderberry benefits include:
High in vitamin C
High in fiber
High in flavonols
High in anthocyanins (twice more that blueberries)
Helps fight cancer
Helps fight harmful bacteria
Supports immune system
Protects against UV radiation
Increases urination
Contains antidepressant properties
Used to treat HIV
Improves gum inflammation
Helps with weight loss
Improves sinus pain
Improves upper respiratory symptoms
Fresh black elderberries can be highly toxic and should be avoided. I prefer the capsules below:
Resistant starch is starch that is resistant to digestion and functions like a soluble, fermentable fiber. The starch goes through the small intestine undigested and reaches the colon where it feeds the friendly gut bacteria. Resistant starch improves both the type of friendly bacteria in the gut as well as the number of friendly bacteria.
Resistant starch has many health benefits including:
Improved insulin sensitivity
Lower blood sugar levels
Reduced appetite
Improved digestion
Stimulate blood flow to the colon
Improve absorption of minerals
Inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria
Prevent absorption of carcinogenic compounds
Improves blood fats
Improve hydration
Improve immunity
Help heal a leaky gut
There are four different types of resistant starch:
Grains, seeds and legumes
Raw potatoes and green bananas
Starchy food like rice and potatoes that are cooked then cooled
Man-made via chemical process
In the gut, the resistant starch forms short-chain fatty acids, mostly butyrate, which is the preferred fuel of the cells that line the colon. Resistant starch can improve digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It can reduce the PH level in gut, which can lower inflammation leading to a lower the risk of colon cancer.
Twenty grams a day of resistant starch is considered optimal. Most people find it easiest to drink potato starch to include the full amount to their diet. Here’s an affiliate link to Bob’s Potato Starch on Amazon:
The Tabata method is a form of HIIT (high intensity interval training) exercise training developed by Japanese scientist, Dr. Izumi Tabata, at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo.
In the 1990’s Dr. Tabata conducted research on 2 groups of athletes. The first group was asked to exercise moderately for 1 hour a day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. The second group was instructed to exercise for 4 minutes a day (20 seconds at high intensity with 10 seconds of rest for 8 rounds), 4 days a week, for 6 weeks.
At the end of the study Tabata and his team found that the first group had improved their cardiovascular capacity but not their anaerobic fitness. The second group had improved their cardiovascular system more than the first group (by 14%) plus they had increased their anaerobic fitness by 28%.
Benefits of Tabata training include:
Time saver
Fat burner
Increased metabolism long after exercise
Builds muscle (unlike endurance exercise which can tear muscle down)
No equipment needed
Burns 13 calories per minute
Cons of Tabata training include:
Not for beginners
Uncomfortable due to intensity
High impact – risk of injury
Monotonous
Tabata training can be done in a class or at home with no special equipment. Training can incorporate a wide range of exercises from pushups, squats, and, burpess to kettlebell swings, single barbell exercises, and cycling. A typical workout would include 4 sets of exercises done at 4 minutes for each set. For example; 1 set of pushups for 4 minutes (20 seconds on with a 10 second rest), 1 set of squats for 4 minutes, 1 set of burpees for 4 minutes, and 1 set of mountain climbers for 4 minutes. The total workout time is under 20 minutes and should not be repeated more than twice a week.
There are numerous Tabata videos on YouTube with specific Tabata music for timing and inspiration such as the one below:
Derma rolling, also known as micro needling, was first used by German dermatologist, Ernst Kromayer, to treat scars, birthmarks and hyperpigmentation. Today micro needling can easily be done at home or in the dermatologist’s office.
Derma rolling benefits include:
-Reduces scars
-Reduces wrinkles
-Reduces stretch marks
-Increases skin thickness
-Enhances product absorption
-Reduces acne scarring
-Reduces skin discoloration
-Improves hair growth
-Promotes collagen production
-Improves skin elasticity
It is best to start with a small (.25mm) needle and slowly work your way up to .5mm, 1mm and 1.5mm size. Anything over 1.5mm should be done in a doctor’s office. If your skin is sensitive you can prepare your skin with lidocaine cream prior to rolling. Make sure your face and hands are washed, and the roller is disinfected with alcohol.
The .25mm roller can be used every other day; the .5mm 1-3 times per week, the 1mm every 10-14 days, and the 1.5mm every 3-4 weeks. After treatment the skin will readily absorb any skin care product. Vitamin C serums, niacinamide creams, epidermal growth factors and hyaluronic acid are the most recommended after treatment products.
In 1987, David Kibbe, a New York based image professional published a book called, Metamorphasis, which illustrates his own body typing system. Kibbe’s book is detailed and comprehensive, breaking the body types into 5 main categories:
-Dramatic (yin)
-Natural
-Classic
-Gamine
-Romantic (yang)
Kibbe’s typing is broken down by bone structure, basically starting with yin lines (rounded, soft, curvy, feminine), and at the opposite end is yang (sharp, angular, masculine, and prominent features). Think Marilyn Monroe as the yin, rounded type and model, Tilda Swinton, on the opposite end of the spectrum as the yang or sharp type.
All other body types fall somewhere in between the two extremes of yin and yang. Between the dramatic and romantic types there are mixtures of types; classic, which is an even balance of the two, not too rounded and not too sharp. Think grace Kelly on this one. Then there’s the gamine, which is also a mixture of round and sharp, but containing both sharp and rounded lines, not a blend of the two mixed together. Halle Berry is an example of a gamine. Lastly, there is the natural body type, which falls between the classic and dramatic types, having very few yin features. Blake lively is a good example of a natural type.
Kibbe breaks each of the 5 types further ending with 13 sub-types as follows:
Dramatic
Soft Dramatic
Natural
Flamboyant Natural
Soft Natural
Classic
Dramatic Classic
Soft Classic
Gamine
Flamboyant Gamine
Soft Gamine
Romantic
Theatrical Romantic
Each of the basic five types are broken down into softer or more angular versions of that type.
This may all seem confusing and overwhelming but there are tests online you can take to determine your type as well as a ton of information on the Internet. Kibbe takes into account your overall bone structure, face structure, the shape of your hands, the length of your limbs, etc. Your body type will not change with age or with weight gain and the guidelines will work for men as well as women. Kibbe’s goal is not to change or bring balance to your body type but rather to work with your natural body lines. By wearing the correct clothing, jewelry, and hair for your body type you will look your best. Imagine Grace Kelly with long, tousled hair and loosely fitting bohemian style clothing, it just doesn’t work with her classic body type.
For a comprehensive guide to the Kibbe body types, click here:
The evidence of beetroot dates back to Neolithic civilizations in both Egypt and the Netherlands. Ancient Greeks cultivated beetroot in 300 B.C. and only ate the leaves; they used it for both binding and dressing wounds. They ate it for a longer life and considered it to be worth its weight in silver. The Romans used it as a laxative and to cure a fever.
Beetroot powder is loaded with nutrients, including:
Protein
Fiber
Vitamin C
Vitamin B6
Folate
Magnesium
Potassium
Manganese
Iron
Beetroot powder is high in nitrates and coverts to nitric oxide in the body. Its many health benefits include:
Protects cells from damage.
Relaxes blood vessels.
Improves circulation.
Decreases blood pressure.
Strengthens the heart.
Increases endurance.
Helps you to power through high-intensity workouts.
Reduces recovery time.
Boosts brain health.
Fights inflammation.
Supports liver health.
Encourages weight loss.
Helps erectile dysfunction (by increasing nitric oxide just as Viagra does).
Below is a link to my favorite beetroot powder. One word of caution; do not be alarmed by any pink or red-hued urine or feces after consuming the powder.
The flower, hibiscus sabdariffa, was domesticated in Sudan or West Africa nearly 6,000 years ago and was used primarily as a beverage or food. In ancient Egypt hibiscus tea was used as a beverage to cool off pharaohs in the desert heat. Today hibiscus tea is known around the world for its many health benefits.
Hibiscus tea health benefits include:
Lowering blood pressure.
Improving insulin sensitivity.
Lowering blood fat levels.
Protecting the liver.
Fighting bacteria.
Reducing cancer risk.
Aiding in weight loss.
Reducing inflammation.
Improving digestion.
Reducing anxiety and depression.
Reducing the risk of catching a cold or flu.
Hibiscus tea is loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, flavonoids, carotene, anthocyanins (which gives it its deep, red color), niacin, calcium, iron, and ascorbic acid. The tea is caffeine-free, has a pleasant taste, and is easily consumed hot or cold.
Skin brushing has been around or thousands of years dating back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Russians, Turks, and Scandinavians. Its many health and beauty benefits are widely known in Ayurvic medicine.
Skin or body brushing benefits include:
Reduces appearance of cellulite.
Eliminates dead skin.
Enhances blood circulation.
Stimulates oil glands.
Enhances cleansing of the lymphatic system.
Promotes even fat distribution.
Rejuvenates the nervous system.
Enhances digestion function.
Enhances kidney function.
Allows for better absorption of products.
Dry brushing should never scratch or harm the skin. Natural bristle brushes are best, pressing firmly and gently over the skin in long strokes toward the heart. Once a day to once a week is recommended on dry skin just before showering or bathing.
You may or may not have heard of oil pulling. It’s an ayurvedic practice that has been around for thousands of years and its health benefits are impressive, especially for dental hygiene.
Oil pulling dental health benefits includes:
Kills bad bacteria.
Reduces bad breath.
Prevents cavities.
Reduces inflammation.
Improves gum health.
Whitens teeth.
Pulls out toxins.
Heals bleeding gums.
Reduces plaque.
In addition to dental health benefits, oil pulling is also known to clear blocked nasal passages, prevent heart disease, and even kill a hangover!
The most common oils for pulling are coconut, sunflower, and sesame. Simply place a teaspoon (you can work up to a tablespoon) of your favorite oil in your mouth and swish vigorously for 20 minutes. You may need to slowly increase to 20 minutes but even 5 minutes will create benefit. When finished, do not spit the oil down the drain as it will solidify and clog your plumbing; instead, spit it directly into a garbage can.
Reality becomes fantasy, or is that imagination turns into real life experience? I am fascinated by how
frequently the line between reality and fantasy is crossed in my writing practice. Writing romance
novels is an astonishing way to play with something from real life and turning it into something
fun, playful and perhaps a bit twisted. Read more
