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30/07/2025

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28/04/2023

HONEY AND ONION COUGH or garlic SYRUP

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This easy recipe for Honey and Onion Cough Syrup is a very old kitchen recipe, and remedy for cough and colds. (That’s what people had before covid).

The known benefits of onion and honey to create syrup are simple, affordable.

Homemade cough syrup for a sore throat and clear excess mucus.

This simple, timeless recipe for Honey and Onion Cough Syrup, is a medicine recipe that has been passed down throughout the ages.

While many traditional recipes call for steeping raw onions in with the honey for several days, Rosemary’s is different in that she warms the honey, allowing the onions to soften and release their beneficial sulfur compounds.

Add a little garlic to although an optional ingredient; it amounts and shows it’s easy to make in the kitchen.

REASONS TO LOVE THIS RECIPE:

It simple, household ingredients with great healing properties.
Easy enough for a beginner to make.
Tastes extremely good, making it easier to give to sick kids.
A powerful folk remedy that has been used for generations.
An overhead shot of a jar of honey and onion cough syrup.

Both honey and onions have been used before millennia. In order to cure common ailments such as cough, cold, and respiratory issues. The use of these two household ingredients in old folks remedies is almost as old as time itself, and the combination is still used to this day.

Since honey and onion cough syrup contains both honey and onion, it combines the benefits of each of these into one (surprisingly) delicious syrup that is easy to make.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW BENEFITS:

The benefit of Honey is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a powerful antioxidant.

Honey soothes a sore and tired throat.
Onion contains the antioxidant quercetin, which fights inflammation in the body,.

Onions are high in sulfur compounds (as is garlic), which has been shown to help with a variety of health issues.
Since onion is an expectorant it can help with clearing mucus, which is common with a cough, or cold.

This easy recipe for Honey and Onion Cough Syrup is a old folk remedy for cough and colds. It combines the well known benefits of onion and honey to create a simple, affordable homemade cough syrup to help sooth a sore throat and clear excess mucus.

A jar with a spoon inside, taking a portion of honey syrup.
This simple, timeless recipe for Honey and Onion Cough Syrup was first introduced to me in the book Medicinal Herbs by Rosemary Gladstar.
It’s a folk medicine recipe that has been passed down throughout the generations, and a quick look online shows you that something similar has been made for countless generations in cultures all over the globe.
While many traditional recipes call for steeping the raw onions in with the honey for several days, Rosemary’s is different in that she warms the honey ever so slightly, allowing the onions to soften and release their beneficial sulfur compounds.

I add a little garlic to my version (although it’s optional), as well as give you more structured ingredient amounts and recipe times so it’s easy to create in your own kitchen.

REASONS TO LOVE THIS RECIPE:

It’s made with simple, household ingredients that have great healing properties.
Easy enough for a beginner to make.
Tastes surprisingly good, making it a bit easier to give to sick kids.
A powerful folk remedy that has been used for generations and generations.
An overhead shot of a jar of honey and onion cough syrup.

HONEY AND ONION COUGH SYRUP BENEFITS
Both honey and onions have been used for millennia to cure common ailments such as cough, cold, and respiratory issues. The use of these two household ingredients in folk remedies is almost as old as time itself, and the combination is still used to this day.

Since honey and onion cough syrup contains both honey and onion, it combines the benefits of each of these into one (surprisingly) delicious syrup that is easy to make.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW BENEFITS:
Honey is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a powerful antioxidant.
Honey soothes a sore and tired throat.
Onion contains the antioxidant quercetin, which fights inflammation in the body,.

Onions high in sulfur compounds (as is garlic), which has been shown to help with a variety of health issues.
Since onion is an expectorant it helps clear mucus, which is common with a cough.

Onions have electrolytes, which is essential for people to keep hydrated during an illness.

The ingredients needed to make a homemade cough syrup: honey, onions, and garlic (optional).

Here’s the recipe from

Onions: You will need 2-3 onions. If you don’t grow your own, I recommend seeking out an organic option. Since a medicinal recipe is a good idea to invest into.
Honey: Seek out raw/unpasteurized honey. In addition, individuals all the beneficial enzymes, as well as the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of honey.

Garlic: This is an optional ingredient, but garlic is well established in herbal medicine. Use organic or local garlic if available.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO ADD: Honey is not safe for babies under the age of 1 year to consume.

Another recipe:
To get started, simply peel and cut your onions in half. Then slice them into thin half-moon shapes. Add them to a medium sized pot, then add in some chopped garlic (2-3 cloves) if desired.

Add honey, by drizzling in enough to completely cover the onions. The Onions do not need to be submerged under an inch or more of honey, just enough that all of the onions are coated and covered.

Place your pot on the stove, and heat over low heat until the onions are very soft and slightly mushy.
Stir occasionally to encourage even heating – the mixture should never feel hot to the touch, just warm.

Simmering onions until the honey and onions are soft.

It will take around 1-2 hours for the onions to soften. Then increase the heat ever-so slightly so the onions begin losing their shape within the first 30 minutes or so.

Once the onions are soft and slightly mushy, taste the syrup to check the flavor. It should taste pleasantly of honey with just a touch of onion – it’s surprisingly tasty!

Take off the heat, and allow it to cool down to room temperature, before transferring it to a jar for storage – this also prevents condensation and moisture to gather in the jar.

Storing: it can be stored for upto two weeks.
If you wanting to store anything from 3 - 6 month, please eliminate/take onions out to store longer than two weeks.

DOSING RECOMMENDATIONS

At the onset of symptoms: Take 1/2-1 teaspoon (2.5 – 5 milliliters) every 1-2 hours.

Treating an active cough: 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) 3-4 times per day until you have recovered.

STORING AND SHELF LIFE

Once your honey onion cough syrup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a clean jar with a lid. This can be a swing-top jar or a wide mouth mason jar with a plastic lid. Just make sure it’s nice and clean to ensure the longest storage possible of your homemade cough syrup.

If you leave the onions in the syrup you can expect for this to store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

If you want it to store for 2-6 months, just carefully remove the onions using a clean utensil. Then transfer to the fridge and watch carefully for signs of spoilage such as an off smell, color, or mold growth. Discard if there are any signs of spoilage.

A jar of onion-infused honey.
VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

With lemon: When making honey syrups I like to avoid adding liquid when possible, as this can shorten the shelf life. If you want to add lemon to your honey onion syrup, I’d recommend setting aside 2-3 days worth and adding fresh lemon juice to taste to the small amount. This will help prolong the storage of your main batch.

With ginger: Add 2-3 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger in with the garlic and onions. Ginger has been shown to reduce nausea, and is also anti-inflammatory.

How long can you keep honey and onion cough syrup?
Honey and onion cough syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week if the onions are left in the syrup. If you strain the onions, you can expect a storage time of anywhere from 2-6 months. Be sure to discard if there are any signs of spoilage such as an off smell or color, or any growth or mold.

Can onion clear mucus?
Onion is an expectorant, meaning it helps to clear mucus. Expectorants lubricate your airways and help make a cough productive. A productive cough brings up excess mucus, allowing it to be cleared from the body. This helps you to recover more quickly from a cold, and prevent it from becoming worse.

MORE NOURISHING WINTER RECIPES

Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup
Rosehip Syrup
Homemade Chicken Broth
How to Make Sauerkraut in a Crock
Fermented Red Cabbage (Red Sauerkraut)
A jar with onions and honey, with a spoon taking a portion.
HONEY AND ONION COUGH SYRUP
yield: 2-3 CUPS prep time: 5 MINUTES cook time: 1 HOUR total time: 1 HOUR 5 MINUTES
This easy recipe for Honey and Onion Cough Syrup is a old folk remedy for cough and colds. Helps to soothe a sore throat and clear mucus.

INGREDIENTS
2-3 medium onions, peeled and sliced into half-moons
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped (optional)
2-3 cups raw honey
INSTRUCTIONS
Add the sliced onions to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan or dutch oven, along with the chopped garlic (if using).

Add enough honey to cover the onions. They do not need to be entirely submerged, but the honey level should be as high as the onions.
Turn the burner on low and allow the onions and garlic to soften, stirring occasionally.
Cook on low heat until the onions are soft and slightly mushy, about 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally to encourage even heating.
If your onions are still not very soft, you can increase the heat slightly to encourage them to release their juices. The goal is to keep the heat low to preserve the enzymes and benefits of honey.
Once the honey has been infused, turn off the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Place the honey onion cough syrup in a glass jar, and top it with a lid once the honey is no longer warm.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week with the onions and ginger, or strain off the onions and ginger if you would like to store for 2-6 months. Discard if there are any signs of spoilage such as mold or an off smell.
Take ½ - 1 teaspoon every 1-2 hours at the first signs of a cold. If you’re treating a cold that has already started, take 1 teaspoon 3-4 times per day.
NOTES
IMPORTANT: Honey is not safe for babies under 1 year of age.

Adapted from: Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar

With ginger: Add 2-3 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger to the onions and garlic before topping with honey.

With lemon: When making honey syrups I like to avoid adding liquid when possible, as this can shorten the shelf life. If you want to add lemon to your honey onion syrup, I’d recommend setting aside 2-3 days worth and adding fresh lemon juice to taste to the small amount. This will help prolong the storage of your main batch.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, it is for interest purposes only.

22/04/2023

Oil pulling has been used for 3000 years, commonly used in medicine.

Oil pulling involves swishing oil around the mouth. It is like using mouthwash, but for a longer period - upto around 10 to 20 mins.

Coconut oil is absorbable, and it has several recognized health benefits, including reducing inflammation and fighting harmful oral bacteria. It is also edible, so there are few risks for oral use.

Most proponents of oil pulling recommend swishing 1 tablespoon of oil around the mouth for 15–20 minutes, then spitting it out.

Benefits

Benefits of oil pulling with coconut oil may include:

Killing harmful bacteria in the mouth

As the mouth contains a diverse population of bacteria. Some are harmful and may lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.

A study with 60 participants in 2016, found that oil pulling can reduce the population of bacteria in saliva and support oral hygiene. Research says that coconut oil is a safe alternative to chlorhexidine, an ingredient in some commercial mouthwashes.

Reducing bad breath

Bad breath generally results from a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This may be related to poor oral hygiene, infection, or gum disease.

In 2011 a study found that oil pulling may be an effective natural treatment for bad breath.

Preventing cavities

Cavities stem from tooth decay. The results from bacterial buildup, results from poor oral hygiene, and sugar consumption.

Plaque is a coating of bacteria, saliva, and food particles. It coats the teeth and can damage the enamel, eventually causing cavities.

How to reduce inflammation and improving gum health

The bacteria in plaque can contribute to gingivitis, a common gum disease that causes redness, swelling and inflammation. It can also cause the gums to bleed easily caused from inflammation.

Two studies, in 2015 & 2020 involving oil pulling with coconut oil showed reduce plaque formation and help prevent plaque-induced gingivitis.

Whitening the teeth

There is no real scientific evidence has confirmed that oil pulling can whiten the teeth. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may clear stains from the teeth’s surfaces. There is little risk in trying to whiten the teeth in this way. This may start to appear after just a couple of weeks.

Risks and considerations

However, it is not recommended for people with allergies to coconuts or coconut oil to try this technique with coconut oil. There are good alternative oils to use.

Sesame seed oil,
Olive oil
Avocado oil, to name a few.

It may be worth noting that oil pulling does not replace brushing, flossing, or other oral care techniques.

How to do an oil pull

To try oil pulling with coconut oil, place a tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth. Anyone who does not like the taste might try sesame oil or olive oil.

Sitting upright or standing, swish the oil around the mouth for 15–20 minutes. If keeping the oil inside the mouth is difficult, start with just 5 or 10 minutes and slowly increase the duration. It is essential to keep swishing and breathe through the nose the whole time, whilst performing this technique.

Once done, spit the oil into the garbage — spitting it into the sink or toilet can lead to clogging. Do not swallow the oil, as you will also swallow the bacteria from the mouth held in the oil. It will then filtrate through the body’s endocrine system.

Most guides suggest brushing the teeth immediately afterward. Others say that it is better to wait a bit to promote the retention of good bacteria and the rebalancing of the oral microbiome.

In any case, use a different toothbrush after oil pulling to the one used for daily teeth cleaning.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, it is for interest purposes only.

Sending you love light and true happiness

21/04/2023

My apologies, I had a whole article about oil pulling, but due to the up grade the whole article has disappeared. I can only assure that I will have it posted out to you guys tomorrow…

14/04/2023

My apologies for not posting last week. I follow advice. So found it didn’t make a bit of difference. To my actions.

This is evidence based research in the healing properties of Myrrh.

1. Kills Harmful Bacteria

Ancient Egyptians used myrrh and other essential oils to embalm their dead and mummify them. The oils not only provide a nice scent but also slow decay. Scientists now know this is because the oils kill bacteria and other microbes.

During the Biblical era myrrh incense in combination with frankincense was burned in places of worship to help purify the air and prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including those caused by bacteria.

One recent study found that burning myrrh and frankincense incense reduced airborne bacterial counts.

Throw animal research it suggests that myrrh can directly kill bacteria, as well as stimulate the immune system to make more white blood cells, which also kill bacteria.

In test-tube studies, myrrh oil has strong effects against several infectious bacteria, including some drug-resistant ones.

In another test-tube study, myrrh oil at a low dilution of 0.1% killed all dormant Lyme disease bacteria, which can persist in some people after antibiotic treatment and continue to cause illness.

2. Support Oral Health

Due to its antimicrobial properties, myrrh has traditionally been used to treat oral infections and inflammation (12Trusted
Summary Myrrh
oil has been used to kill harmful bacteria long before scientists discovered
that microbes cause contagious illnesses. It may have an impact on some
drug-resistant and Lyme disease bacteri

Some natural mouthwashes and toothpaste contain myrrh oil, which is approved as a flavoring by the FDA. What’s more, when people with Behcet’s disease (which is an inflammatory disorder) used a myrrh mouthwash to treat painful mouth sores four times daily for a week, 50% of them had complete pain relief and 19% had complete healing of their mouth sores. Studies suggests mouthwash containing myrrh oil may also help gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums around your teeth due to a buildup of plaque, poor oral hygiene

Keep in mind that you should never swallow myrrh oral-care products, as high doses of myrrh can be toxic.

Additionally, if you have oral surgery, it may be best to avoid myrrh mouthwash during healing. A test-tube study found that stitches, particularly silk ones degrade when exposed to myrrh, though they held up in the doses typically found in mouthwash.

3. Supports Skin Health and May Help Heal Sores

Traditional uses of myrrh include treating skin wounds and infections. Today, Summary Some
natural mouthwashes and toothpastes contain myrrh oil, which may help relieve
mouth sores and gum inflammation. Never swallow these products.

Another study on human skin cells found that an essential oil blend containing myrrh helped heal wounds. Another study noted that myrrh and other essential oils applied via baths helped mothers heal skin wounds from vaginal deliveries. However, multiple oils were used simultaneously in these studies, so the individual effects of myrrh for wound healing are unclear.

Additionally, in one test-tube study, myrrh oil alone inhibited 43–61% of the growth of five fungi that cause skin conditions, including ringworm and athlete’s foot. Although Human research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Myrrh, used for general skin health, many natural ointments and soaps contain it.

4. Combats Pain and Swelling.

Myrrh oil contains compounds that interact with opioid receptors and tell your brain you’re not in pain. Myrrh it also blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals that can lead to swelling and pain. People who are prone to headaches took a multi-ingredient supplement containing myrrh’s pain-relieving compounds, their headache pain was reduced by about two-thirds during the six-month study. Again, further research is needed to confirm these benefits. The supplement tested isn’t available in the US, and ingesting myrrh oil is not recommended.

You can buy a myrrh homeopathic rubbing oils and other essential oils meant to relieve pain when applied directly to sore body parts.

5. May Be a Powerful Antioxidant

Myrrh may be a powerful antioxidant, a compound that combats oxidative damage. Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to aging and some diseases. A test-tube study found that myrrh oil was more effective than vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, at fighting free radicals.

Additionally, animal studies of myrrh oil helped protect the liver against lead-induced oxidative damage in direct proportion to the amount of myrrh given prior to lead exposure. It isn’t known whether inhaling myrrh oil or applying it topically, which are two safe uses of myrrh oil for people, or helps protect the body against oxidative damage.

6. Kills Some Parasites

You can become infected with parasites from many sources, including pets, sexual activity and contaminated food or water. Two common parasitic infections in the US are trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease, and giardiasis, an intestinal infection.

Some human research suggests that this myrrh drug also may be effective against the parasite Fasciola gigantica, which can cause liver and bile duct diseases. However, other studies failed to see a benefit.
Myrrh in general, and its oil may prove helpful for treating parasites, especially in cases of drug resistance. Ingesting myrrh oil is not advised, and long-term safety must be assessed.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, it is for information purposes only.

Sending you love, light and true happiness

31/03/2023

The importance of Jamaican Hibiscus Tea research by Gardener 2021.

If you’ve ever had red zinger tea from Celestial Seasonings, it's a little like that, or cranberry juice. With a squeeze of lime juice in it.

Hibiscus tea is an infusion, is popular the world the over. The hibiscus sabdariffa flower grows in tropical and semi-tropical climates. This variety of hibiscus is different from the flowers I grew up with in Los Angeles; which is called “Roselle".

You can find the dried hibiscus flowers at almost any Mexican market (look for "flor de Jamaica"), or you can order them online.

Hibiscus plants give us more than lovely flowers. Hibiscus holds an honored place in some Hindu rituals, and some cultures consider it a medicinal plant.

In preliminary research, scientists have found it may also have some notable health benefits.
Example: The leaves, and seeds of the hibiscus are all consumable. Most commonly, people use the leaf-like part of the flower that protects the bud as it grows, also known as the calyx.

The calyx is made of sepals, the green petal-like structures enclosing the flower bud. The plural form of calyx is calyces.

After the hibiscus flowers die, their calyces become big, red, and juicy. Sometimes called roselle fruit or hibiscus fruit, hibiscus calyces are used in sauces, syrups, jellies, and, of course, tea infusions.

So what Is Hibiscus Tea?

Hibiscus tea, also called sorrel tea or “sour tea,” is a fragrant tea made from the dried calyces of the tropical Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers.

Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers are native in Africa and grow in many tropical and subtropical countries, including Thailand, China, and Mexico.

Hibiscus tea has a fruity, refreshing flavor that many people also enjoy hot or iced. Many people drink it because of its purported health benefits. While research shows that there may be some truth to these claims, there may also be potential risks, as more is research required

In contrast, the healing properties of Hibiscus tea, can aid in lowering blood pressure, and reduce an individual’s cholesterol. It’s is good for removing, or reducing fine lines, and wrinkles. One to two cups a day is considered adequate (Gardener, 2021).
It’s incredibly good for weight loss.

Recipe for making Hibiscus Tea in the pictures below

Sending you love light and true happiness

Disclaimer: This is not medical advise, put for interest purposes only.

25/03/2023

Apologies for the late post, life happened. However I hope you enjoy this read.
This post is all about Turmeric and it’s properties.

Turmeric, a must ingredient for the kitchen, this wonder ingredient should also be a part of your health essentials.

While famous for it's intense bright colour and flavor, beneath the surface is an ingredient which has been extensively studied and proven to deliver phenomenal health benefits for a range of issues.

Turmeric, also called Curcumin, has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. However recently, has exploded to become one of the most popular condiments, to be taken by the health conscious individuals.

Turmeric can help reduce arthritis pain, inflammation and toxins. It also helps improve heart health including even symptoms of depression. However, not all turmeric is equal, and choosing the wrong one can be ineffective, even costly and in some cases, dangerous.

Curcumin:

Curcumin is a nutritional compound produced by the Turmeric plant. It is a bright yellow-orangey substance with powerful, and natural, anti-inflammatory properties.

However, Turmeric and curcumin are not the same thing, and when choosing this spice its important to know this.

Turmeric delivers almost no health benefits. Similarly, taking only curcumin leads to almost no/poor results as the body can not absorb it well. In order to assist the body with absorption of Turmeric, add black pepper.

Benefits of High Quality Turmeric

Turmeric supplements can be cost-effective particularly when dealing with different health issues. With the right concentration of Tumeric, could in just 2-3 weeks.

Painful symptons associated with arthritis, tendonitis and fibromyalgia like inflammation, or even injuries to joints, could be alleviated by taking a potent dose of Turmeric everyday.

Alone with it's powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can help ease swelling and as a result, improve flexibility of joints and overall enhance mobility.

When the body is chronically inflamed, the immune system is supressed, making the individual more susceptible to illness and infection. This is how Turmeric can help boost the immune system by detoxifying and reducing the inflammation in the body.

Turmeric contains strong antixodiants which can help give shine and lustre to the skin whilst helping to reduce signs of acne.

So potent does of turmeric about 200mg extract of Turmeric and 15mg of black pepper for absorption.

Boswellia serrata is a plant found in India, and produces Indian frankincense. It works hand in hand with Turmeric as a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory. It can also act as a pain killer and some studies show it may prevent cartilage wear.

Piperine (or black pepper) helps boost absorption of Turmeric and is an essential ingredient to look for. Without it, even a high dose turmeric supplement may be ineffective due to lower absorption.

Alternatively, Turmeric Complex ranks can give stellar results across all benchmarks. It's formula uses a potent 50:1 Turmeric Extract, making it one of the strongest turmeric supplements on the market.

Many competing brands use standard turmeric cooking powder this is ineffective. The use of a potent turmeric extract results in a superior amount of curcuminoids and delivers a powerful 10,000mg of Turmeric. In addition, they have included 15mg of Black Pepper, which greatly boosts absorption of the Turmeric and promotes better results.

BetterVits also included Boswellia Serrata, which is an ingredient found in many cheaper or alternate brands. Boswellia Serrata is among the most intensively studied of all anti-inflammatory medicinal plants and has been shown to ease symptoms like Arthritis, IBS and even Asthma.

This Turmeric Complex takes things a step further than the market by adding Vitamin C, which has been shown to improve tissue health, immune health and strengthening of bones and joints.

Another important element of this product is the capsule shell. BetterVits use an "HPMC" capsule shell, which is derived from natural and vegan friendly sources. This results in a well balanced formula, inside which is free from unnecessary or artificial ingredients.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, it is for informational purposes only

Sending you Love, light and true happiness

17/03/2023

Mushrooms are very unassuming, and grow inconspicuously. On the trees in the grass in the forest.

Throughout history, civilizations have treasured mushrooms as a source of strength and healing.

The Greeks believed eating mushrooms made warriors strong, while the Chinese culture has long considered them a medicinal food for healthy living. Where-as, Japan has an approved mushroom-based drug to treat cancer (Cleveland clinic, 2023).

It’s long been known that mushrooms are good for you because of their bioactive compounds.

There are diverse population of mushrooms to enjoy and in a wide variety of dishes, and we can also use them in many ways to supplement our diet and help keep us healthy.

What are the types of mushrooms?

Mushrooms are a growth of fungus. Scientists have identified thousands of species, but only about two dozen are widely accepted and used as food. Some mushrooms even have psychedelic compounds (psilocybin) that cause hallucinations and/or alter state of consciousness. Whilst many others found in the wide, the death cap mushroom can not be safely by humans (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

Unless you’re a mushroom connoisseur, your better off sticking to the supermarket to avoid poisoning yourself, or becoming violently sick.

Some mushrooms have a rich umami (savory)flavour, also making them a good meat substitute. Others feature a more earthy flavors. Button mushrooms have a very mild taste.

Whilst other types are:
Chanterelle, shaped like a trumpet.
Cremini (baby bella), firm and dark.
Enoki, small white stems with caps.
Maitake, dimpled and spongy.
Oyster, fan-shaped with a thin cap.
Porcini, thick-stemmed with a reddish-brown cap.
Portobello, brown with a thick, large cap.
Shiitake, ivory colored stem and a dark brown cap.

Contents of a mushroom:
Mushrooms contain health-boosting vitamins and minerals, as well as protein and fiber.

Mushrooms also contain compounds (including polysaccharides and sterols) that may help protect your health and prevent disease.
Example:
Selenium is good for the body to make antioxidants preventing cell damage.
Vitamin B6: Supports the nervous system and helps form red blood cells.
Riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid: Assist with several metabolic reactions and are involved in the production of energy
Potassium: Identified in the 2020 Dietary Guidelines as an underconsumed nutrient. Helping muscles contract, assists with fluid balance and maintains normal blood pressure
Zinc: Supports the immune system and healthy growth in babies and children.

Other benefits of mushrooms are, to boost the immune system.

Chronic inflammation, example long-term swelling is associated with heart disease, cancer and other medical conditions. Mushrooms contain certain antioxidants that helps protect the body from stress and prevent or slows down cell damage.

Mushrooms also activate substances in the body’s immune system that can enhance its ability to protect against infection and disease, including the growth of tumor cells.

Some research found a potential link between higher mushroom consumption and lower cancer risk, especially breast cancer.

When trying to lower blood pressure, Potassium is a mineral, and electrolyte that helps your body control blood pressure. Because mushrooms are rich in this mineral, they may help lower high blood pressure/hypertension. They may also reduce risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

They also help with weight loss-Research suggests that a mushroom-rich diet can help an individual safely lose weight when combined with exercise and healthy lifestyle habits. One study showed people who substituted 20% of their meat consumption with mushrooms showed improved weight loss results.

The flavour of mushrooms may reduce your need for added salt, which also helps control your blood pressure. Researchers found that substituting mushrooms for half the meat in a ground beef recipe kept the taste but reduced sodium intake by 25%.

Also, mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D2, a type of vitamin D, keeps the bones strong and muscles working properly. Most vitamin D comes from animal-based sources, or the sun dietary, also supplements and good old sunshine. And here’s a fun fact: Some mushrooms may have a label that reads “UV-treated” or “rich in vitamin D.” That’s because mushrooms contain ergosterol, which turns into vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light.

These UV-treated mushrooms are enriched for health, Prescott explains: When mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet radiation or even sunlight, the ergosterol transforms into vitamin D. So, you get a high concentration of vitamin D when you eat them, potentially enough to meet 100% of the daily requirement.

The nutritional value of mushrooms may help protect your brain from mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

One study, participants, aged 60 and older ate more than two cups of mushrooms per week had a much lower risk of developing MCI. Other research suggests mushrooms rich in polyphenols and certain antioxidants may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as things like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

This mushroom research is interesting because it could help with serious brain conditions that affect so many people,says Prescott. We need to know much more, but early studies are promising.

Mushrooms are a boon for healthy heart lovers. Their nutrients and plant-based compounds can help prevent plaque buildup in the blood vessels. Substitute flavorful, low-sodium mushrooms for meat while keeping calories, fat and cholesterol levels low.

It is felt some mushrooms have the taste and texture of meat. Also, the benefits of meat substitute, it’s thought can’t be beaten the nutrients and the low calories, sodium and cholesterol without sacrificing flavor.

Mushrooms contain substances the body needs to balance microbiome (fungi, bacteria and viruses) in the gut and fuel the growth of good bacteria. By supporting the digestive system and immune system, mushrooms can help make sure that the nutritious food we eat keeps us healthy and strong.

Also, Mushrooms brought from a store are generally safe unless a person has an allergy to mushrooms or mold (remember, mushrooms are fungi). Wild mushrooms found in nature are much, much riskier to eat.

It takes experience and expertise to identify mushrooms in nature you can safely eat. And even then, few wild mushrooms are safe to eat raw.
Dozens of mushrooms (often called toadstools) contain a deadly poison. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning typically appear within a few hours of eating mushrooms. They include:

Confusion.
Diarrhea.
Difficulty breathing or slowed breathing.
Dilated pupils or watering eyes.
Excess saliva.
Excitability.
Nausea or vomiting.
Sweating.

Call 999 or seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have mushroom poisoning.

Mushrooms are a common and nutritious food, recognized around the world for their potential health benefits. A range of safe, edible types to choose from, you can eat them in a sandwich, mix them into soups and salads or even substitute them for meat. They contain important substances known to ward off disease, while their interesting flavors and textures add flair to any dish.

Disclaimer: this is not medical advice, it’s just interesting purposes only.

Sending you love light, and true happiness.

Balanced Harmony

30/07/2025

28/04/2023

22/04/2023

21/04/2023

14/04/2023

31/03/2023

25/03/2023

17/03/2023

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Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm