Kitchen Medicine Notes

KITCHEN MEDICINE

Foods

Fresh vs. Processed

            Gluten and Lactose Intolerances 

            Numerous studies have found that when grains are soaked and sprouted, improvements in digestibility and nutrient absorption are commonly seen and also vitamin, mineral, protein, and antioxidant levels are increased.

            Milk from commercially raised cows is actually dangerous to consume unless it is pasteurized. Factory-farmed animals are routinely fed an unnatural, high-protein soy- and corn-based diet and given shots of BGH (bovine growth hormone) to artificially increase milk production. This diet is so contrary to their biology that it causes severe illnesses that can only be combated by continually injecting the cows with antibiotics.  Don't get raw milk from that.  It *needs* to be pasteurized.  Raw milk from healthy, grass-fed, and pasture-raised cows is in a league of its own.   It protects against allergic reaction and boosts the immune system.  is an incredibly complex whole food, complete with digestive enzymes and its own antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic mechanisms conveniently built into a neat package. It is chock-full of both fat and water-soluble vitamins, a wide range of minerals and trace elements, all eight essential amino acids, more than 60 enzymes, and CLA—an omega-6 fatty acid with impressive effects on everything from insulin resistance to cancer to cardiovascular disease. Raw milk is delicious medicine.

            Food Combinations, i.e. Many people think that turkey or tuna, both high in L-tryptophan, make you feel sleepy.  In actuality, it doesn't.  Tryptophan  is a bulky amino acid, and is used by the body to make niacin, a B vitamin that is important for digestion, skin and nerves, and serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical that plays a large role in mood and can help to create a feeling of well-being and relaxation. When levels of serotonin are high, you're in a better mood, sleep better, and have a higher pain tolerance.

            What will actually cause the Serotonin levels in the brain to rise is a small, 30 gram carbohydrate snack (i.e., popcorn), which then acts on the tryptophan in your body and allows the release of Serotonin. 

Diets

            Chinese medicine – soup is medicine

                        Easy soup base (Attached); mention kelp as iodine source

            Ayurvedic – macronutrients include rice, beans and vegetables; condiments/spices are medicine

            Canceling out – drug oriented mindset.  Digestive tract is smart to sort out 10,000 phytochemicals per food type.  Not a concern.  Think of herbs as foods, gourmet drugs, when used in normal amounts.  Use common sense.

Cook herbs into grains.  Bean/grain mixtures.  Tasteless base into which herbs can go.  Make tea and then make grains in broth.  Or cook regular, add other way.

            Western – tea is medicine

If food is going through you within 18-24 hours, you're eating right.  If tired at bedtime, sleeping well, etc., you're eating right.

6 opportunities a day to use herbs as food.  Cumulative effect over time.  Make them taste good

95% of Americans are magnesium deficient.  High magnesium content foods include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, whole grains, avocados, yogurt, bananas, dried fruit, dark chocolate.  DV is 400 mg.

Taste pallets – sweet, sour, salty foods in Western

Pungent, bitter, astringent foods – wider.

Widen your pallet.

Spectrum of food to medicine, but everything in between (cumin, coriander, cardamom, garlic) no real difference.  Concentration.

No difference in food and medicine.  If food causes gas, put herb in that prevents gas (i.e., fennel).  Baby has colic, make up a weak infusion of fennel tea, add to bottle.

Surprising Health Aids

            Vegetables

Beet juice - hemorrhoids, blood pressure, sexual function.  Liver cleanser.  Betalins – phytochemicals that increase circulation and nitric oxide.  Similar to Viagra.  Don't drink it straight.  No more than 2 oz per serving.  6 oz carrots/2 oz beets is a good combo.

Steamed carrots – congestive liver.  Use for lungs, cardiovascular, digestion.

Eggplant – asthma and sunburns (anti-inflammatory on immune response/Vitamin B)

Onions – for Preventing cataracts and heart disease.  For treating allergies, asthma, burns, colds, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, HIV infection, inflammatory bowel disease, insect bites and stings, pneumonia, scabies, tuberculosis, varicose veins, yeast infections. (Excellent sources of vitamin C, sulphuric compounds, flavonoids and phytochemicals.)

            Fruits

Apple – for constipation.

Apple cider vinegar – Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, vaginitis (High in acetic acid, anti-microbial, lowers blood glucose and insulin responses, lowers triglycerides)

Bilberry – for preventing cataracts, stroke, ulcers.  For treating angina, diarrhea, glaucoma, macular degeneration, menstrual cramps, varicose veins

Blueberry – for preventing cataracts and ulcers.  For treating bladder infections, diarrhea, MS.

Cranberries – do not acidify urine.  Urine is 100s of times more acidic than the rest of your body.  Cranberries work to treat bladder infection because it prevents bacteria from attaching to bladder/kidney.  Good antioxidant.

Citrus Fruits – for treating asthma, colds, morning sickness, tonsillitis

Elderberry – cough, flu, HIV infection, tonsillitis

Grapes – For preventing heart disease.  For treating arthritis, bruises, wrinkles

Grapefruit – asthma

Lemon – cough, varicose veins

            Grains

Barley – very high fiber content, vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, heart health and diabetes protection.  fiber, selenium, B vitamins, copper, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium, niacin.  1-cup serving of cooked barley has less calories, but more fiber, than an equal serving of quinoa, brown rice, amaranth, sorghum, millet or wild rice.

Congee – grain gruel.  Very dilute.  Made usually with rice.  Grain:water – 1:10.  Add herbs to that for taste and medicine.  Cook herbs into broth, then cook grain in that.  Or cook plain, and add herbs after.

Oats - Reduces intestinal gas, promotes digestion.

Chronic Health Problems

            Arthritis – See soup recipe

Rubefacients

Pineapple – Bromelain helps to increase the synovial fluid in the joints.

Ginger/Other Hot Spices – helps reduce inflammation and increase circulation.

Attitude

Exercise

            Breathing Issues

            Bronchitis - Tumeric – gargle with salt.  Trikatu, long pepper – affinity to respiratory tract.  Could also use as gargle, or tea, capsules.  Use long pepper in place of black pepper.

            Headaches

Depends on type.  Discuss migraines.

Caffeine

Chocolate

Black licorice

Anise

            Mild Depression

Licorice Root – add to meat/vegetable dishes (complex process, anti-inflammatory ingredient, can cause retention of water, BP goes up.  2 to 25%.  Many causes for high blood pressure, handle well.  Generally only at medicinal dose.)

Digestion:  trikatu are 3 pungents, ginger, black pepper and long pepper.  Most Americans have cold digestive system, warm it up.  Caution:  Laxative if high dose.  Equal amounts.  To make pastilles that you can take prior to eating, mix the 3, drizzle honey, @1tsp over herbs and stir.  Add 1 tsp honey a time until thick moldable paste.  Roll into soft, small ball – can coat with licorice or orange peel powder to stop from sticking together.  Lasts 6 months.

            Alzheimer's/Clear Thinking – add any of the following to soups.

                        Barley

                        Bottle Gourd

                        Dandelion flowers and greens

Fava beans

Flaxseed

Lentils

Poppy seeds

Stinging nettle

Ground walnuts

Cracked wheat

Balm

Rosemary

Sage

Savory

Seasonal Health Problems

            Colds

                        Add lots of garlic and onions to a hot, spicy chicken soup.  Make sure to use ginger and hot red pepper.

Chrysanthemum – cold and flu.  Rises upward, sends cooling energy to the head.  Most cooling herbs go down.  Sinus, aching eyes, aching back.  Rice gruel or soup.  30-60 grams a day in tea.  Infuse, drink for medicinal amount.

Elder Flower – same as above.  Same dosage.

Herbs and Spices

            Infusions for pains & pleasures

            Chamomile – anesthetic quality for upset stomach

            Pumpkin spices or apple pie spices to simmer on back of stove – reminder of "home" and automatic relaxation technique. (Think cookie smell in real estate.

            Cloves for toothaches – anesthetic and anti-microbial.  Can make into a mouth rinse.  Recommend sterile water.

            Using cooking herbs & spices medicinally

Anise seed – licorice taste.  Sore throats, coughs.  Strong anise tea.  Cough suppressant.

Arrowroot – styptic.

Basil – Adaptogen, antimicrobial, digestive, relaxing nervine, cardiovascular tonic, expectorant, neuroprotective, antioxidant, immunomodulating, analgesic.  Use for stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, viral infections, fungal infections, pain, ulcers, depression, colds and flus, allergic rhinitis, herpes virus, Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance.  Brain fog – can combine with other cerebral stimulants like rosemary, ginkgo to help people with menopausal cloudy thinking, poor memory, ADD, ADHD and speed recovery from a head trauma.  If on insulin, watch levels and adjust accordingly.  Same as a Cox-2 inhibitor, making it useful against arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.  Good for serious lung problems including bronchitis and pulmonary weakness.  Prevent and treats upper respiratory viruses.  Start with 1 tsp of the leaf and increase as desired.  Be aware – may have antifertility effect on both genders, and should not be used regularly by pregnant women or couples wishing to conceive.  Not to be taken by those taking warfarin.  Those taking insulin, consult your doctor.

Black Pepper – warming, drying.  Promotes healthy digestion.  Foremost tissue detoxifier in Ayurveda.  Substantially hotter so be careful if high blood pressure, tend to reddening skin.  Diuretic.  Detoxification.  Enhances digestion.  Respiratory tract – releases sinus congestion.  Antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, carminative, circulatory stimulant (increases size of blood vessels), stimulating expectorant.  Used for fever, mucus congestion, slow or stagnant circulation, increasing bioavailability of other herbs (increases amount of nutrients you absorb – example of turmeric/curcumin increases bioavailability by 2000%, also echinacea, goldenseal CoQ10, beta-carotene, selenium and Vit. B6.), hemorrhoids, gentle laxative, arthritis.  Therapeutic amount 1-15 grams/day.  If you're taking any pharmaceuticals, talk with doctor before using more than culinary amount.

Cayenne – Styptic.  Essentially cauterizes wound.  Internally good for arthritis.  Warming/drying.  Stimulant, antimicrobial, analgesic, carminative, immunostimulant, rubefacient, anti-fungal.  Use for toothache, arthritis, depression, low libido, bleeding, inflammation, hypertension, hypotension, headache, neuropathy, shingles, fungal infections, diabetes mellitus 2, insulin resistance, weight loss, menstrual cramps.  Therapeutic, 1-10 grams/day.

Cinnamon – Pungent/sweet.  Analgesic - Menstrual cramps –15 grams.  Diarrhea, eat cinnamon toast or cinnamon apples.  Use for toothache (antimicrobial, antiseptic), blood movement, infections, arthritis, insulin resistance, colds/flu.  Cinnamon mildly thins the blood (so don't use therapeutically if you're on blood thinners).  Therapeutic dose is 1-6 grams.  Should not be taken in large amounts during pregnancy.  If using for diabetes, monitor blood sugar levels carefully if on medication. 

Cloves – Papercuts and small irritating cuts (cat scratches).

Dill – boost digestive health, as well as provide relief from insomnia, hiccups, diarrhea, dysentery, menstrual disorders, respiratory disorders, and cancer. It is also good for oral care, and can be a powerful boost for your immune system and can protect you from bone degradation. It is also an anti-inflammatory substance, which means that it can protect you against arthritis. Furthermore, it can reduce excess gas, and is considered a carminative.

Fennel – aromatic, carminative, antispasmodic, galactagogue (increases flow of mother's milk).  Use for poor digestion, digestive spasms, menstrual cramps, infantile colic.  Can help with IBS.  Add it into gas-producing foods (i.e., beans, cabbage, turnips, kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, arugula, cauliflower), or dairy if it upsets your stomach.  For tea or powder, 1-2 grams, 3X/day.  Tincture of dried seeds, 1:3, 60% alcohol, 3-6 mL per day.  If using as tea for colic, do not sweeten with honey.

Garlic – circulatory stimulant, alterative, antimicrobial, carminative.  Use for hypertension, fungal infections, bacterial infections, optimizing cholesterol levels, colds, flu, bronchial congestion, small intestinal bacteria overgrowth, digestion, asthma, dysentery, plague, cancer, parasites, Type 2 Diabetes, insulin resistance.  To get the most potency for cold/flu symptoms, use fresh, raw garlic.  Crush a clove and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then make desired remedy.  Cooking garlic transforms it and decreases some of its heat, making it easier to consume in large quantities.  Will thin the blood, so if you're taking warfarin, any pharmaceuticals or medications that thin the blood, consult your doctor. 

Ginger – condiment.  Universal medicine.  If you can't cure it with ginger, don't even bother. – Ayurvedic saying.  Soups, stews, juices, grain-type dishes and veggies.  Warming digestion, circulation, joint health.  Vasodilator.  Drawn to the joints.  Menstrual cramps, migraines.  Migraine – prevention benefit.  Regulates circulation.  Substantial dietary amounts.  Use a couple drops of fresh ginger juice for congested or infected ears.  Not to be used if eardrum is perforated.  Therapeutic amounts:  Fresh – 1-15 grams/day; Dried – 3-12 grams/day.  Not to be used in large amounts during pregnancy.

Ginseng – sexual tonic to enhance libido and sexual performance.  Long term stamina enhancer.  Mainly men.  Start about age 35, taking next 50 years.  Blood sugar balance.  Panax.  Soup, grain dish, juice, beverage, desert.  Dose doesn't have to be same.  Use regularly to *maintain* health.  Little sweet, little bitter.  Can steam and munch like carrot.

Lavender – Aromatic, antimicrobial, analgesic, relaxing nervine, carminative.  Use for bacterial and fungal infections, tension, poor sleep, anxiety, pain, wounds, burns, depression, headaches, dyspepsia and bug bites.  Capsules of lavender EO as effective as lorazepam for addressing generalized anxiety disorder.  Combine w/chamomile for after-dinner tea to help with digestive issues.  Use in small amounts if taken internally.  inhale regular EO or use in carrier oil for external use.

Nutmeg – Relaxing, aromatic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, antiemetic, hypotensive.  Use for insomnia (warm milk with nutmeg), stress, common digestive problems.  Use whole nutmeg and grate as needed.  Be careful – too much can lead to fog-headedness, groggy, vomiting, headache and hallucinations.  Last reported death from nutmeg poisoning was 1908.  Not to be used therapeutically when pregnant or breastfeeding.  Therapeutic range 1-5 grams.

Parsley – reduces swelling.  Use for urinary tract infections, kidney stones, cystitis, delayed menses, amenorrhea, digestive complaints, cancer prevention and heart disease.  Use fresh.  Can make pesto, eat in salads, garnish meals and drinks.  Avoid during pregnancy.  May cause photosensitivity rash in some people.

Rosemary – Use for mental stimulation, digestion, colds/flu, fungal infections, hair wash, food preservation, skin protection (take internal as extract to decrease UV damage).  Taking rosemary internally decreased levels of C-reactive protein, which is a marker for systemic inflammation that leads to pain.  Memory aid for elderly.  Smell of rosemary aids with Alzheimer's.

Sage – Use for sore throat, excessive sweating, infections, Type 2 diabetes, hot flashes, toothache, sore muscles, high cholesterol. 

Thyme – Bacterial infections, lung particularly, digestion, urinary tract infection, yeast infections, wounds, burns, toothaches, congested sinuses, mouthwash, inflammation, whooping cough, digestive spasms, menstrual cramps.

Turmeric – Activated by cooking.  (Tumeric is better digested with an oil.)

More scientific papers than any other herbs than Vitamin D.

Over 200 medical uses.

Dried and powdered is fine.  Fresh root also available, use like ginger.

Anti-inflammatory.  Dementia (currently driving research – inflammation caused), digestion.  Cardiovascular, brain disease, RA and lupus.  Diabetes.

India's Alzheimer's rate is 1/8 that of US.  Blamed on ½ tsp of turmeric a day.

Astringent – helps with leaky gut.  Hypometabolic – will help warm it up.

Antioxidant.  Immune, joint health, cardiovascular.  Long term immune.  Turmeric for inflammatory joint conditions.  Lowers cholesterol. 

Any soup, any grain dish.

Detoxification.  A little bitter.  Bitter is the detoxifying taste.  Chronic, subclinical inflammation, or silent inflammation. 

            Poultices for topical remedies

Mustard Plaster – Mustard is good for congestion in sinuses and lungs, arthritis pain, fever, muscle aches/pains.  For a plaster, mix 2 Tbls mustard powder to 4 Tbls. flour.  Use enough warm water to make a paste a little thinner than pancake batter.  Never put directly on the skin.  Apply to a thin cloth (t-shirts work well), but can also use cheesecloth or flannel.  Put on both front and back of chest, and cover – best to cover with thick blanket – you're trying to encourage sweating.  Watch closely for more than just a reddening of skin – remove and wash immediately if that happens.  No longer than 10 minutes for school-aged children, 20 minutes for adults.  Do not use on younger children.  If you have sensitive skin, you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline first, but still double check while treating.  Good for treating bad colds/flu, sore muscles, arthritis, back pain, gout.

Baking Soda, tobacco or mud or face-mask for stings/bites