There is quite a bit of anecdotal evidence that saffron possesses antidepressant activity, and a series of tests conducted in Iran found that the spice performed surprisingly well in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.  It was given in 30 milligram doses per day and performed better that placebo, and at least as well as conventional antidepressants.

Italian researches recently found that saffron may help shield the eyes from the damaging effects of the sun (thus helping to prevent cataracts). Furthermore, they found that saffron may be effective against macular degeneration and that it might help preserve the retina.

Saffron is a plant which can be grown in certain climates, and so you might be able to grow some yourself and harvest the flower stigmas when in bloom. I personally order some of the red stigmas online (ebay etc), as I have found that a cheaper option than buying it in the grocery stores.

• Digestive – In addition to aiding with the flow of bile, curcumin also protects against some of the damage done by NSAIDS.  It is also said to be of benefit in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Antibacterial – It has antibacterial properties, and some claim benefits from it’s topical application to skin injuries.
• Cancer – The evidence is mounting of curcumin’s effectiveness against skin and breast cancer, and it also may reduce the incidence of colon and prostate cancer. One University of Texas study suggests that it may be effective against multiple myloma. Another study by the University indicates that it may stop the spread of breast cancer to the lungs.
• Cardiac and Circulatory – The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ‘anti plaque’ properties have shown to be a great value to the heart and circulatory system.
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant – In addition to the above, exciting research is taking place in curcumin’s ability to protect against conditions like alzheimers and arthritis induced inflammation. These same properties have even inspired suggestions by doctors that it might be effective against the progression of eye diseases like glaucoma.  It is now thought that inflammation plays a major role in the progression on many diseases, aging, and the like.

Given all the research and the absence of many diseases and conditions in the cultures which have historically consumed curcumin, it’s a good idea to add this to your diet. My own research has revealed that curcumin may not be readily absorbed due to the hostile environment of the GI tract. Some suggestions I have come across on increasing its bio availability are: 1) Take it with the black pepper extract ‘bioperin.’  This is supposed to improve the bio availability 100 fold. However, I simply add lots of black pepper to my meals. 2) Take it with an enzyme (or with pineapple). 3) Take it with a little oil.

If you have any favorite curry recipes you would like to suggest, please do so in the comments (and please link to this article so that others may benefit from this amazing spice). This is something on my list to grow in my garden.

In addition to the blood pressure benefits, there are also indications that hibiscus tea might help with weight loss and dieting. Hibiscus tea contains a number of powerful enzyme inhibitors that effect the absorption of dietary fats and carbohydrates. It is known to block the production of amylase – the enzyme that breaks down starches and other complex sugars. When added to a diet, isolated amylase inhibitors, such as phaseolamin, have shown to reduce the metabolism and absorption of dietary carbohydrates, thus helping treat overweight and obesity.  Here is a recommended Hibiscus Tea: NOW Foods Hibiscus Punch Tea, 30 Count 2 Ounce Boxes (Pack of 5). Time to drink up!

Because it was my first time harvesting these, I wasn’t quite sure quite how to go about it or how many to pick (though I intended to have enough for about 2 quarts). Anyhow, pictured on the left are the berry clusters that I managed to pick off of about 3 full bushes (and still left plenty for the birds and other wildlife).

To get the tiny berries off the little stems, I just gently rubbed them off while tugging on them. This process was a little time consuming because I wanted to make sure not to include ANY stems or green berries.  This is important because everything but the ripe berries is slightly toxic due to alkaloids (these would be destroyed by conventional recipes involving cooking, but that isn’t the intent here). Though I did not weigh them, I would guess I ended up with about 8 pounds of berries.

The main consensus of the articles that I read suggested to make a mixture of 1/3 elderberries with 2/3 of 80 or higher proof vodka.  Because some articles suggested using dried berries, and I was using fresh berries, I decided to make a mixure half and half berries to vodka.  I was only able to find 80 proof and so this is what I used. I also took an extra step and blended the mixture before pouring it into my quart sized storage jars.

Once you have done this, you then place the jars in a cool dark storage area (unless your jars are a dark glass etc.).  You then shake the mixture daily for two to three weeks, and after this time period, you can then start straining off the mixture as you need it. I would advise doing this instead of straining off the entire mixture because it will continue to strengthen with age. 

 If you do not like the taste of vodka, you can also use brandy, but in either case the purpose of the alcohol is to draw out all the desired ingredients and act as a preservative. My understanding is that this tincture will last for a number of years. From the quantity of elderberry shown above, I was able to make 2 quarts and still have enough left over to make over 2 more quarts ( I froze the remainder of the berries).  Later on I will be discussing how to use this tincture to make a syrup – in the case of kids or for those that favor a syrup. 

One word of caution if you are collecting the berries yourself; Make sure that you do a proper ID check before you pick anything that you are unfamiliar with, and also avoid the red elderberry since these can be slightly toxic. These berries are truly red when ripe, so you shouldn’t have a hard time identifying them. Till next time, good health to you!

In addition, there are many other chemoprotective compounds in these sprouts which provide a great arsenal of benefits like cardiovascular, blood pressure, anti-inflammatory, free radical protection, and many others. They are also a very rich source or protein for you who are vegetarians! I encourage you to do some additional research on this exciting health product and would recommend this book: The Broccoli Sprouts Breakthrough: The New Miracle Food for Cancer Prevention

While you can buy broccoli sprouts from your health food store, you can also grow your own. There are many resources available on the internet for doing so, but what I do is to let a few of my broccoli go to seed and simply harvest them.  A few mature plants will yield an abundance of seed, and so after the seed/flower pods have matured, I cut these stalks off, tie them together and turn them upside down in a paper bag.  After sufficient storage in a dry place, the seeds will drop to the bottom and you can simply remove the stalks. With about 4 mature plants I was able to fill an entire envelope with seed and these have so far remained viable 4 years later. 

There are also variations of these health compounds from one broccoli variety and plant to another, but late broccoli varieties supposedly contain more anti cancer glucoraphanin. It might actually be a good idea to just order seeds specifically for this purpose such as this product: Organic Sprouting Seeds Broccoli 8 oz. Finally, if you want a quality hassle free sprouter to use with a variety of different seeds, you might consider FreshLife Automatic Sprout Grower.

Concerning it’s health benefits, and referring to the publication ”MycoMedicinals” by Paul Stamets, I see the following properties listed: Immune Enhancement,  anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant. It is used quite commonly in a number of health supplements, but I would be leery of any claims from preparations that did not use the proper processes or natural and pure forms.  There is quite a bit of anecdotal evidence of its beneficial use in treating a variety of cancers, but most of these studies originate in Japan and other parts of Asia. Here are a couple of promising studies underway:

• A Mushroom Extract May Impact The Body’s Immune System
• Mushroom Extract may fight infection and cancer
• Mushroom Health Benefits Diagram

My personal method of preparation is to cut it off the log, dry it (doesn’t take long), or use it fresh in teas or soups. I simply take some scissors and slice thin little sections off to use in this method. I do not consume the resulting small pieces – though it wouldn’t hurt anything to do so. Also, if you wish to try and grow this yourself using an easy kit, you might want to consider this product:The Turkey Tail Mushroom Patch – Indoor / Outdoor Mushroom Growing Kit – Grow Your Own Edible Mushrooms & Fungi. Easy & Fun Mush Room Growing Kit – Grow Mushrooms for Cooking Ingredients. Great Gift Idea for a Cook.

• Respiratory and asthma
• Studies show reishi mushrooms benefit people stricken with a variety of ailments
• Breast and prostate cancer
• Blog on reishi mushroom

As to my own experience preparing and using tea out of my own “home grown” reishi, I believe that it has lowered my blood pressure and I find it helpful when I am coming down with a “bug” as it is a great boost to the immune system.  I also find it relaxing and helpful to an overall “better feeling.” I will be sharing my method of preparing it shortly. If you would like an easy and fast kit to grow this yourself, you might want to consider this product: Reishi/Ling Chi Mushroom Kit

However, being frugile as I am, I ordered some to save money, and of course, it’s on back order. I have used this in past years when coming down with a cold or flu and seen a dramatic difference in the normal course of these illnesses. If anyone is unfamiliar with this simple and effective remedy, you might want to do yourself a favor and learn about the exciting research into this berry. Oh, by the way, I have elderberry growing in my yard but I haven’t bothered to try and make extract out of it yet!

• Flu cure found in the elderberry
• Elderberries ‘may combat bird flu’
• Elderberry Fights Flu Symptoms

• Lavender, Rosemary Scents Affect Memory
• Ingredient in rosemary herb may help prevent stroke, Alzheimer’s disease
• Soothe Your Senses with Lavender
• Active Compound in Rosemary May Be Neuroprotective

Maybe it’s time to add a couple of these wonderful plants to your yard!