STINGING NETTLE

Stinging nettle is the name given to the common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these two plants. Its name stinging nettle comes from the fact that it gives a burning or stinging sensation from its hairs when touched.

Curative properties of stinging nettle

1. It is used to treat anemia since nettle leaves contain a high amount of iron content and help in the formation and coagulation of blood cells
2. It is used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism
3. It decreases the risk of eczema and other skin disorders. Additionally, it is used in the treatment of asthma.
4. It is used in the treatment of benign prostate
5. It protects against hair loss (Alopecia)
6. It is a natural cure for allergies. This is done by reducing the amount of histamine the body produces in response to the allergens.
7. It reduces internal bleeding. It is used to lessen uterine bleeding, nose bleeds, and bleeding in the bowels plus it treats minor bruises
8. It maintains proper cell structure. It is rich in flavonoids which have antioxidant properties that help protect your DNA and cell membrane from free radicals.
9. It is good for oral health. It prevents oral problems such as gingivitis and plaque.
10. It is good for digestion. Drinking nettle tea relieves indigestion nausea, excess gas, colitis, and celiac diseases.

USAGE:

Nettle leaves can be used externally as an ointment and also consumed as tea. To make nettle tea, just steep one to two spoons of dried nettle leaves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, and your tea is ready. You can also flavor your cup of nettle tea with lime and honey or use it as a food additive toward the end of your cooking.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Does stinging nettle have another name?

Stinging nettle, (Urtica dioica), also called common nettle, weedy perennial plant of the nettle family (Urticaceae), known for its stinging leaves.

2. What is the importance of stinging nettle?

Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine. Studies suggest that it may reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels — among other benefits.

3. How often should you take stinging nettle?

For example, the Arthritis Foundation suggests taking up to 1,300 mg of stinging nettle as a tea, capsule, tablet, tincture, or extract. Otherwise, people can take 1–4 mg per day as a tincture, or they can apply creams directly to the skin

4. Is stinging nettle poisonous?

But if you do wish to grow stinging nettle in your garden, plant it in the spring after the last frost.

How to Grow Stinging Nettle.

5. Does nettle help hair growth?

According to a 2018 study, nettle leaf extract contains high amounts of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect our scalp from damage and stimulate new hair growth. Nettle leaves are also rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc, which can all give our follicles a great boost.2 Feb 2021

6. Is stinging nettle acidic?

Stinging nettles have developed stinging cells as an adaptation to deter herbivores from eating them. … Nettle stings contain acid (formic acid) but they also contain histamine and other chemicals.

7. Does Stinging Nettle cause hair loss?

There are 3 main reasons to start using stinging nettle for hair loss immediately. They are to: reduce inflammation in the scalp. neutralize free radical damage in the scalp.

The Different Parts of the Plant.

8. Can nettle reverse GREY hair?

Botanists believe that nettle can restore the natural color of hair and this is especially interesting for people with gray hair . For external use is one of the best herbs for treating oily hair and dandruff.

LEMONGRASS HEALTH DRINK

Lemongrass is a very useful medicinal plant and a tasty food flavoring. It is known for its aromatic citrus flavor with a trace of ginger. It has the popular name Citronella the common scent you find in candles, perfumes, and soaps.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is so special about hibiscus?

Hibiscus is full of vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the immune system. With large levels of vitamin C, hibiscus tea is a great way to prevent cold and flu in the cold winter months. Hibiscus is also full of antioxidants that help boost overall health.

 2. What is the medicinal use of hibiscus?

Hibiscus is used for treating loss of appetite, colds, heart and nerve diseases, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling (inflammation), fluid retention, stomach irritation, and disorders of circulation; for dissolving phlegm; as a gentle laxative; and as a diuretic to increase urine output.

3. Is hibiscus good for fertility?

The Hibiscus plant is popularly used for the treatment of various health conditions. … More importantly, women who are anemic and are suffering from infertility due to low iron levels should take as much hibiscus tea as possible. The reason is, it helps by maximizing iron absorption into the blood.

4. Is hibiscus good for kidneys?

Both green tea- and the hibiscus-treated group had shown significant nephroprotective effects. They reduced biochemical indicators or nonenzymatic markers of kidney dysfunction compared with gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.

5. Can you drink hibiscus tea while on chemo?

If effective against cancer, hibiscus extract could potentially be combined with chemotherapeutic treatments in adjuvant therapy to reduce chemotherapy-inducing side effects.

6. Hibiscus and blood pressure

Several human trials have found that hibiscus beverages and supplements can decrease blood pressure.

A study in 46 adults with high blood pressure found that drinking 2 cups (474 mL) of hibiscus tea daily for 1 month combined with lifestyle and dietary changes reduced blood pressure significantly more than lifestyle and diet changes alone.

Other studies have found that hibiscus extracts may be as effective as pharmaceutical medications for high blood pressure. However, more research is needed.

7. Hibiscus and metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors, including high blood sugar, high blood triglycerides, low HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and excess body fat. These factors can increase the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Promisingly, hibiscus may help treat metabolic syndrome.

A small study of 16 older women with metabolic syndrome found that drinking hibiscus tea twice daily for 21 days significantly reduced blood pressure, blood triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar compared with a placebo.

In another study of 40 adults with metabolic syndrome, those who took hibiscus powder once daily for 4 weeks experienced significant decreases in blood triglycerides and systolic blood pressure compared with a placebo group.

Overall, hibiscus may help manage aspects of metabolic syndrome, especially blood sugar issues.

8. Hibiscus and Obesity

Hibiscus may help with weight loss and protect against obesity.

Research in animals suggests that hibiscus extracts may help prevent fat cells from accumulating. This could prevent complications sometimes seen with obesity, such as fatty liver and insulin resistance.

The fiber in certain preparations of hibiscus may also help prevent weight gain.

One study in rats found that adding ground hibiscus to animal feed reduced body weight, body fat, and pro-inflammatory compounds in fat tissue.

Still, studies in humans are necessary to better understand the potential anti-obesity effects of hibiscus.

MIXED HERBAL HEALTH DRINK

It is a mixture of dried Hibiscus and Stinging nettle. While these individual products have a lot of nutritional value, merging these two makes Mixed Herbal one of the most potent with a wide variety of health benefits.

Ingredients: Dried hibiscus flowers and stinging nettle leaves

Health benefits of mixed herbal

1. Blood pressure management. Mixed herbal tea lowers blood pressure
2. Lowering cholesterol levels. high fibre and antioxidants help neutralize free radicals
3. Anti-cancer properties. mixed herbal contains hibiscus which has compounds that trigger apoptosis (programmed cancer cell deaths) hence reducing the risk of cancer
4. Contains silicone which helps with acne and pimples
5. Contains melanin which is the natural pigment of the skin and hence protects from UV rays
6. It is a natural treatment for allergies as it helps in the production of histamine which fights allergens
7. Contains iron which helps in the prevention and management of anemia
8. Helps in the prevention of nose bleeds and shallow cuts
9. Aids digestion since it is rich in fibre that promotes maximum bowel movement
10. Good for oral health
11. Increases milk secretion for breastfeeding mothers

USAGE:

• Bring your water to a boil then add a teaspoon or teabag of mixed herbal. leave it to settle for 5 to 10 minutes to obtain colour. Can be sweetened with real honey

Health benefits of wheatgrass:

1. 1. Contains extra oxygen which improves body performance.
   2. Contains anti-oxidant properties that protect your body from chemicals and pollutants
   3. Improves digestion
   4. Rejuvenates and stimulates your body hence helping you look younger
   5. It has no side effects
   6. Removes heavy metals from the body
   7. Helps in the management of arthritis
   8. Improves; heart function, the vascular system, the uterus, lungs, and intestines
   9. Boosts immunity
   10. Excellent intestinal cleaner
   11. Provides energy necessary for cell activity
   12. Reduces the risk of cancer
   13. Reduces anemia
   14. Manages blood pressure
   15. Beneficial in the treatment of skin diseases and burns
   16. purifies the liver
   17. Helps in weight management

Usage

Bring your water to a boil then add a teaspoon of wheatgrass powder then let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

N/B: It is advisable to take wheatgrass tea early in the morning on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before breakfast

Moringa seeds medicinal uses and benefits:

1. Used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramps, and boils.
2. Roasted seeds and oil can encourage urination
3. They can also be used as a relaxant for epilepsy
4. Moringa seeds are effective against skin infecting bacteria

Usage:

1. Bring your water to a boil then add a teaspoon of Moringa powder. Let it settle for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Can be added to food towards the end of your cooking
3. The fresh powder can be used to apply on shallow wounds to stop bleeding

It is a variety of organic young dried, ground grasses and leaves.

Health Benefits of Rejuvenator:

• It is needed for healthy connective tissues and joint functions
• It balances hormones and boosts the functioning of the immune system
• Restores and replenishes body cells
• Helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• It is a perfect recovery food
• Good for prostate and cardiovascular health

Usage

Can be brewed as tea but don’t sieve to enjoy full health benefits

Can be used as a food additive toward the end of cooking

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is barley grass good for?

Barley grass is a common ingredient often featured in juices, supplements, and greens powders. It’s rich in several nutrients and may promote weight loss, enhance heart health, and support better blood sugar control, although more human studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

2. How long does barley grass powder last?

If cared for properly, the product has a shelf life of two to three years. To preserve the freshness: Avoid exposure to heat. The powder will remain fresh if stored at room temperature or below

3. What does barley grass contain?

Barley grass is rich in functional ingredients, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), flavonoids, saponarin, lutonarin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), K, Ca, Se, tryptophan, chlorophyll, vitamins (A, B1, C, and E), dietary fiber, polysaccharide, alkaloid, metallothioneins, and polyphenols

4. Can barley increase hemoglobin?

Whole grains
Barley, quinoa, and oatmeal are wholesome options when it comes to iron deficiencies. A rich source of iron, these whole grains should be added to your diet to increase your hemoglobin levels

5. Does barley grass have protein?

Barley grass is rich in nutritious and functional ingredients, in which major ingredients content according to dried barely grass include dietary fiber 29.5%, protein 27.3%, fat 4.57%, vitamin A 20.5 mg/100 g, vitamin C 251.6 mg/100 g, Ca 479.4 mg/100 g, S 305.5 mg/100 g, Cr 0.14 mg/100 g, Fe 23.3 mg/100 g, Mg 183.2 mg

6. Does barley grass have potassium?

Barley grass is used the world over for a variety of culinary purposes. … Every hundred grams of Barley consists of 354 calories. It has approximately 2.3 grams of fat, 12 milligrams of sodium, 452 milligrams of potassium, 73 grams of carbohydrates, 17 grams of fiber, 0.8 grams of sugar, and 12 grams of protein.

7. Is barley grass good for kidneys?

Vitamin B6 and magnesium in barley help break down the masses of toxic calcium Oxalate (the primary cause of stones) in the kidney. –Dietary fiber in barley reduces the amount of calcium that is excreted by the body through urine, restoring renal health and cleansing the kidneys.

8. Can barley grass Help Prevent Cancer

Barley grass juice powder may help fight carcinogens or cancer-causing substances in the body. This benefit is said to be the result of its high chlorophyll content and high antioxidant content.

Superoxide dismutase, which is also known to fight free radicals, may help protect the body from the cancer-causing effects of radiation. Barley is also rich in flavonoids, which are associated with the lower stomach cancer risk

9. Can barley grass help Improves Insulin Sensitivity

Barley grass juice powder is said to be good for diabetics due to its high insoluble fibre content. Taking high amounts of fibre may improve insulin sensitivity, thus making it easier for the body to use it effectively. This, in turn, can lead to the reduction of blood sugar levels – which is beneficial for diabetics and those who are on the verge of developing the condition.

 10. Can barley grass hasten hair growth?

Barley contains procyanidin B3, which promotes hair growth by as much as 140% compared to controls. According to a study, it does so by increasing the number of follicles in the anagen stage, which is the growth phase of hair. At the same time, it may also help neutralize TGF-beta 1, a substance that inhibits hair growth.

Health benefits of neem:

1. Muarubaini leaves are known to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral
2. Preventive against colds, fever, viral attacks, migraines, boils, malaria, and many more
3. It is an excellent kidney cleanser and blood detoxifier
4. It is curative against food-related poisoning, eliminates constipation, bad breaths, and is recommended for oral care
5. Controls blood pressure and sugar levels in diabetics
6. Eliminates amoeba and persistent worms through the disruption of their feeding habits
7. It improves bowel movement

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is cold-pressed sunflower oil good for?

PUFAs can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, especially when substituted for less-healthy fats. Monounsaturated fatty acids, or MUFAs, also appear in sunflower oil. MUFAs may reduce heart disease. MUFAs in olive oil help make the Mediterranean diet healthy.

2. What is the difference between refined oil and cold-pressed oil?

Refined oils are extracted using high heat. On the other hand, cold-pressed oils are crushed slowly to extract oil from them. No heat is generated during the process. This also helps in retaining the nutrients and the flavors.

3. Testing by freezing:

Take at least one cup of oil and keep it in a refrigerator for 2-3 hours. If you found the oil freezing with some white, then the oil contains adulteration. 2

4. What are the benefits of cold-pressed oils?

Cold-pressed oils are rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, and other healthy fats as they preserve the potent nutrients of their ingredients and maintain their natural form.

 5. Why cold pressed oil is expensive?

Of all these oils, organically produced cold-pressed oil is the most expensive solely because of its stupendous health endowments, flavor and richness. … Also during the refining process chemicals are added to keep the oil from going rancid so that supermarkets can keep it longer on their shelves

6. What is the difference between cold-pressed and virgin oil?

This is where the main difference lies between cold-pressed and virgin oil, and its extraction method. Cold-pressed coconut oil is extracted from copra or dried coconut kernel, usually after drying coconuts in the sun. … However virgin coconut oil is extracted from the fresh coconut milk and left to settle down.

7. Can we heat cold-pressed oil?

Can we heat cold-pressed oil? Cold-pressed oil can be used for cooking, ideal for food that is prepared on low/medium heat. Remember, the extraction technique uses minimal heat so that the purpose of retaining the oil’s beneficial properties is served.

8. Does cold-pressed mean organic?

Organic oils are not extracted using high heat and are mostly cold-pressed.

It contains cold-pressed marula oil to help seal split ends and enhance shine. Off the shelf is fine, just make sure it’s cold-pressed and organic. Some is produced in a centrifuge, but the best comes cold-pressed.

9. What is the temperature of cold-pressed oil?

While heat is necessarily released during the pressing process, the temperature may not exceed 49 °C (120 °F) in order for the oil to be designated as cold-pressed. Oils extracted in this way retain their genuine flavor, aroma, and nutrients. for cold pressing

EQUATORIAL AFYA PURE  TERERE (AMARANTH)

All-natural amaranth is organic and 100% pure loaded with vast nutrients to help the body achieve optimum growth and body’s immunity.

Health benefits of Pure Amaranth

1. Pure amaranth is rich in protein, fiber which helps the body grow and awards it with high energy while lowering bad cholesterol
2. It is a good source of calcium for strong bone and teeth development.
3. It is a rich source of manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, and iron which helps in the treatment of anemia and the formation of cell tissue, bones, and body repair
4. It boosts heart health and is a source of vitamin K which helps in blood clotting
5. It has anti-oxidant properties
6. It lowers bad cholesterol levels and boosts good cholesterol levels
7. It is gluten-free and can be a substitute for wheat-based products

NB: Method of preparation: Cook as ordinary porridge flours

EQUATORIAL AFYA WIMBI (CLASSIC CHOICE(

It is a high fibre millet (Wimbi) flour enriched with stinging nettle (thabai) amaranth (Terere) and rice bran with a whole load of nutritional benefits that improves body functions and boosts immunity.

Health benefits of Equatorial Afya Ugali

1. Rice bran is rich in vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants which protects the body against diseases
2. Cinnamon is rich in manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium for bone strengthening, blood production, and aids digestion
3. Tumeric has anti-inflammatory activity
4. Terere improves bowel movement
5. Pumpkin seed powder is a rich source of zinc which promotes prostate health

Health benefits:

1. Has anti-oxidants that help neutralize chemical effects in your food
2. Help in boosting your immunity
3. Colon cancer prevention
4. Management of morning sickness
5. prevents or relieves heartburn
6. prevents mouth ulcers
7. Coriander is good in iron content which directly helps cure anemia
8. These benefits are accompanied by a lot more from the individual contents of herbal Mchuzi mix such as stinging nettle, garlic, and many more

HERBAL SALT

This is natural and organic salt that has been enriched with natural herbs in order to add necessary value, better taste, and other body health remedies.

Health benefits:

1. Helps in regulation of body water
2. promotes maximum biological functions and maintenance of the body
3. It balances the acidity of the body
4. Helps digestion
5. The natural iodine in the salt protects against radiation and many other pollutants
6. It is healthier than ordinary table salt

NB: Apply towards the end of cooking