A lot of people come down with the common cold or flu during fall. Between the colder weather and more time indoors with a lot of people, the body is more susceptible to sickness. To give your body a better chance at fighting off bacteria and viruses, give your immune system the nutrients it needs via healthy foods. Supplying the body with vitamin C-rich foods is a great place to start, and this smoothie is loaded with vitamin C.

Cranberries belong to the same family as blueberries, bilberries, and lingonberries, but cranberries are the healthiest family. They contain various plant compounds, some of which are effective against urinary tract infections. Regarding immune function, cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which also aids with skin, muscle, and bone maintenance. In addition to vitamin C, cranberries contain quercetin, which may be a potent protector against cancer. More research is necessary to confirm if this compound can help prevent the growth of leukemia, colon, breast, and pancreatic cancers. Cranberries also contain anthocyanins, which include peonidin and cyanidin, and they may be able to slow tumor growth, but more research is needed.

Although cranberries give this smoothie its ruby red color, pineapple is no slouch in the nutrient department. Pineapple is another vitamin C superstar, but it also contains a powerful enzyme, bromelain, that helps the body digest proteins. Bromelain may also reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. That same enzyme may also exhibit anti-cancer properties, as it was able to kill cancer cells in some laboratory studies. However, pineapples cannot cure cancer and they do not eliminate a person’s cancer risk. Pineapple is a healthy food that you can add to your diet to encourage optimal overall health.

SHARE:

The post Pineapple Cranberry Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Just four simple ingredients and a simple method required to make this luxurious and refreshing apricot sorbet. Because it is a no-churn sorbet, an ice cream maker is not required for this recipe. You just need a food processor, a freezer-safe container, and a desire to enjoy a subtly sweet and tart sorbet. We love this sorbet because it is creamy, sweet, tart, refreshing, and made with simple methods.

Apricots are stone fruits that are in season during summer. They are low in calories and have a diverse nutritional profile. They contain vitamins, A, C & E, potassium, fiber, and powerful carotenoids, including zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lutein. Apricots also other flavonoids that may help the body fight off illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The primary flavonoids in apricots are catechins, chlorogenic acids, and quercetin. Working to neutralize free radicals and oxidative stress, these flavonoids may help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and obesity. Do not peel your apricots because the peel boasts large quantities of fiber and other nutrients. Just make sure that you discard the pit (a.k.a. the stone), as that is inedible.

The best way to ensure that this sorbet has a great texture is to freeze the apricots ahead of blending them with the other ingredients. Just make sure to separate the slices to avoid them freezing in giant clumps. You can do this by laying them flat on a parchment paper-lined plate or baking tray. Once they are frozen, you can use them immediately to make the sorbet, or you can store them in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer until you are ready.

SHARE:

The post Easy No-Churn Apricot Sorbet appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Who doesn’t love a good snack? It’s so easy to open up a bag of chips and just start eating handful after handful. The same can be said for a bucket of popcorn. Unfortunately, we all know that these snacks are empty calories and only leave us wanting more. Plus, the sodium content is through the roof! The good news is that it’s possible to enjoy a crunchy snack in a healthy way.

That’s right, folks, we are talking about kale chips. These crunchy creations are not only addictively delicious, but also highly nutritious. Closely related to cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, and cauliflower, kale offers an assortment of nutrients, including vitamins, A, B6, C, & K, manganese, magnesium, riboflavin, folate, fiber, calcium, and other important plant compounds. The antioxidants in kale include quercetin and kaempferol, both of which are present in large amounts in kale. According to test-tube and animal studies, these compounds work to support heart health, reduce inflammation, slow the growth of cancer cells, and protect against chronic diseases.

What separates these kale chips from the next batch is that you dehydrate them after covering them in a creamy cashew cheese sauce. Because of that, the kale takes a lot longer to get crispy. You will need about 12 hours of dehydration in order to yield a crispy, cheesy kale chip. Before you sauce the kale in cashew cheese sauce, make sure to massage it with sea salt and lemon juice. Once the leaves are coated, you can toss them in the cashew sauce before placing them on dehydrator sheets. Don’t overlap the kale pieces or else they won’t get crispy.

SHARE:

The post Cheesy Raw Vegan Kale Chips appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When you think of a crisp, freshly made juice, fennel is probably not the first ingredient that tops the ingredient list. Most people think of freshly squeezed orange juice or carrot, apple, beet juice. There are countless recipes, many of which are in our Smoothies and Juices recipe section, but we wanted to stray from the path well-traveled today and offer something new. This is a fantastic green juice recipe that has a mild anise flavor with the zing of fresh lemon and ginger, while the apple provides a lovely sweetness.

As a whole, this juice may help combat inflammation in the body. Fennel is naturally rich in valuable plant compounds, including quercetin, limonene, and chlorogenic acid, to name a few. Various studies indicate that that a diet rich in plant compounds such as these can help reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Because fennel contains beta-carotene (another beneficial compound) and vitamin C, it may support collagen production and tissue repair. These two processes help maintain healthy looking skin, as well as mucus membranes that protect the respiratory tract.

While we could go on about the health benefits of fennel, it isn’t the only ingredient in this juice. You’ll thank us for that once you drink it! Green apples offer pectin, which has demonstrated an ability to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. They also have a crisp flavor when compared to Red Delicious or Fuji apples. Lemon is packed with vitamin C and helps promote alkalinity within the body. Consider using a Meyer lemon for a sweetly tart flavor. Finally, ginger adds a lovely kick with numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. This is a juice you’ll grow to love; we’re certain of it!

SHARE:

The post Fennel Apple Ginger Juice appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Dried cranberries make for an excellent snack. Unfortunately, the dried cranberries that you find in stores almost always contain lots of refined sugars, unhealthy oils, and preservatives. These types of dried cranberries are common in salads, trail mixes, and dried fruit medleys. We advise you to avoid these sugary treats and buy some fresh cranberries to dehydrate instead. Plus, nothing quite indicates the holiday season like fresh cranberries, which are only available in stores for about two months.

These dehydrated cranberries may not taste as sweet as the packaged ones you are used to; rather, they offer a more complex and slightly tarter flavor. Plus, you get the benefits of enjoying fresh cranberries in their dehydrated state. Cranberries are some of the richest sources of antioxidants and provide lots of fiber and vitamin C as well. Regarding their antioxidant profile, cranberries provide the following:

• Peonidin: This antioxidant is responsible for the rich red color of cranberries and some of their health benefits. According to researchers, cranberries are one of the richest dietary sources of peonidin.
• Quercetin: This is the most prevalent antioxidant polyphenol in cranberries. Studies suggest that cranberries are one of the primary fruit sources of this antioxidant compound.
• Ursolic acid: Ursolic acid, a triterpene compound, is concentrated in the skin of cranberries. It is a common ingredient in many traditional herbal medicines and exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
• Myricetin: This is a natural bioflavonoid that offers antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-mutagenic properties. It may have therapeutic potential for people with cardiovascular diseases.

SHARE:

The post Homemade Dehydrated Cranberries appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

People usually occupy one of two camps regarding cranberry sauce: they either love it or hate it. There isn’t a middle ground about this classic holiday condiment. An argument could be made that the people who do not like cranberry sauce have a distaste for the jelly stuff that comes in a can. Maybe they just have not tasted a condiment as delectable as this homemade cranberry sauce, which utilizes fresh cranberries.

As with anything homemade, you get to choose the ingredients. Because it is made with fresh ingredients, it has a much shorter shelf life than canned cranberry sauce. This sauce will keep fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for at least one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. This paleo cranberry sauce is the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and tartness. Some people want to know if they should enjoy this sauce warm or cold. You want to know the best way to enjoy it? The way you like it is the best way for you to enjoy this condiment. That rule applies to most culinary creations, if we’re being honest.

The great thing about fresh cranberries is that they contain a lot of insoluble fiber, which passes through your nearly intact. Cranberries also offer soluble fiber, lots of vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E, copper, and vitamin K1. They also happen to be rich in bioactive plant compounds, specifically flavonol polyphenols. Some of these compounds include quercetin, peonidin, ursolic acid, myricetin, and A-type proanthocyanidins. You can learn more about the health benefits of cranberries by clicking here. For now, let’s enjoy some cranberry sauce!

SHARE:

The post Paleo Cranberry Sauce appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Did you have a few too many cocktails at the summer BBQ? Perhaps you ate a full bag of salty chips, a hamburger, and a long list of other fattening foods. What’s done is done and you cannot change the past. Don’t dwell on the past because the only way out of the depths is forward. One of the best ways to nurse yourself back to proper health is by following up all of that bad eating and drinking with a morning detox smoothie.

This detox smoothie is chock-full of nutrient-dense ingredients, including cucumber, ginger, and kale. Every detox eating regimen should include kale because it has a long list of nutritious benefits. Kale is an excellent source of fiber, which works to enhance digestive health and keep cholesterol levels down. Kale is also rich in quercetin and kaempferol, which are phytonutrients that may help neutralize inflammatory markers in the body.

Cucumbers help promote detoxification in a slightly different way. These water-rich produce items are advantageous for the liver because they aid in flushing out toxins and promote optimal liver function. Additionally, cucumbers contain flavonoids and beta-carotene, which may aid inflammation reduction and support the liver’s natural detoxification processes. Cucumbers, kale, and the other ingredients in this smoothie will not immediately fix your health, but it can kickstart the body’s detoxification processes and set you up for success.

SHARE:

The post Powerhouse Green Detox Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you deal with seasonal allergies, you understand that they can be quite annoying. You sneeze uncontrollably, develop itchy eyes, experience congestion for hours, and the sinus pressure can become quite annoying. Symptoms may result from hay fever, seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis. If you are like most people who deal with allergies, you probably use numerous over-the-counter (OTC) medications to combat the symptoms. Some of those medications, however, can have a long list of their own side effects.

If you are ready to leave the OTC medications behind and experiment with natural solutions, you may be in luck. Some evidence indicates that natural solutions may relieve or reduce the severity of symptoms. If you have an understanding of the way antihistamines work, you can determine whether natural antihistamines will help with seasonal allergies.

How Do Antihistamines Work?

An allergic reaction is the immune system’s response to an otherwise harmless substance. That substance can be pollen, animal dander, dust, or mildew. Such a substance comes in contact with the cellist the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, throat, or lungs. If you have allergies, the immune system releases histamine, a chemical that causes sneezing, itching, and other allergy symptoms. 

Antihistamines work to block histamine activity in order to stop the allergic reaction. According to research, many vitamins, minerals, and plants can block the effects of histamine. Continue reading to learn more about these natural antihistamines. 

Probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms that can help improve your gut microbiome. They feed the healthy bacteria in the gut, which can help improve immune function. A 2021 review found that probiotics may help reduce and even prevent allergy symptoms. The same review suggests that probiotics may help alleviate symptoms of asthma and atopic dermatitis. Some great probiotics to consume include:

• Sauerkraut
• Kombucha
• Tempeh
• Kimchi
• Natto

Quercetin

You can find this natural antioxidant in grapefruit, okra, onions, apples, and other produce items. It is also available in supplement form, which is where you may have seen it. It is one of the most abundant antioxidants in the diet and helps to reduce inflammation, blood pressure, and the severity of allergy symptoms. A 2022 study found that quercetin may act as an antihistamine, working to reduce allergy symptoms. 

Bromelain

Commonly found in pineapples, bromelain is a compound that causes the body to make substances that fight swelling and pain. Studies have shown that bromelain is effective at reducing inflammation from sprains, tendinitis, and other muscle injuries. Regarding allergies, bromelain may help relieve respiratory symptoms associated with allergic reactions. A 2023 analysis found that bromelain proved effective against sinusitis.

Stinging Nettle

This flowering plant originated in Asian and Western Northern Africa. There is both some positive and neutral evidence surrounding stinging nettle as an effective antihistamine. One study from 2009 found that stinging nettle helped reduce allergy symptoms. A 2017 study, however, found nettle to act similarly to a placebo pill. More research is necessary to understand whether this plant is an effective antihistamine. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is readily available in myriad plant-based foods. Some of the best sources include bell peppers, kiwis, guavas, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and berries. A 2023 review found that vitamin C helped improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing and itching.

Butterbur Bonus

As a bonus natural antihistamine option, we bring you butterbur. This marsh plant, which belongs to the daisy family, may be effective at reducing the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks. A 2023 study reported that it may be a safe and effective natural treatment for people with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

SHARE:

The post 5 Natural Antihistamines To Help With Allergies appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The mighty apple is a nutritious fruit, and potentially the most popular fruit. You can easily eat them on the go, pack them as healthy snacks, add them to smoothies or salads, or enjoy them cooked or in desserts. What most people don’t know is that eating apples regularly over time can provide a significant health boost. Below, we detail some of the most impressive health benefits of apples. Hopefully, these benefits convince you to buy a bushel at the market! 

Various studies have concluded that apples are naturally rich in fiber, water (about 85%), and antioxidants. Nutritionists categorize apples as nutritionally dense fruits, providing a lot of nutrients per serving. The average medium apple offers the following nutrients:

• Calories: 104
• Fiber: 5 grams (g)
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Vitamin C: 10% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
• Vitamin K: 4% of the RDI
• Potassium: 5% of the RDI
• Copper: 6% of the RDI

Apples Help Support Heart Function

Apples are rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidant compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body. Although inflammation is beneficial in certain circumstances (when you have a cold, for example), chronic inflammation is one of the leading causes of heart disease. One study examined 38,000 women and divided them into two groups. One group ate an apple a day and one didn’t. Those who ate an apple a day experienced a 22% lower risk of heart disease compared to those who did not eat apples.

Apples May Aid Weight Loss

Apples are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an ideal food for weight loss. The fiber helps you feel full and satisfied. One study found that eating whole apples increased feelings of fullness more than consuming equal parts apple juice. In a separate study conducted on overweight women, those who ate apples before their meals lost an average of 2.9 pounds over a 12-week period.

Apples Help Improve Gut Health.

The body contains trillions of microorganisms, most of which inhabit the gut or live on the skin. Some bacteria are beneficial and some are not. Apples provide the body with pectin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria in your gut and help optimize digestive function. Apples also contain quercetin, which stops the growth of harmful microorganisms in the gut. One study monitored people who ate apples daily for four weeks, and the results indicated increased levels of Bifidobacteria, a type of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Apples May Help Prevent Cancer

Apples contain triterpenoids, which are compounds that exhibit anti-cancer properties. One study found that eating apple peel extract reduced the growth of breast cancer cells by up to 43%. Other research suggests that certain antioxidants in apples may fight against lung, breast, and digestive tract cancers. Researchers attribute these abilities to the polyphenols that keep cancer cells from multiplying.

Apples Can Improve Lung Function

Due to the presence of quercetin, apples may help reduce lung decline. In fact, researchers note that apple consumption can even reduce lung damage caused by smoking. One study conducted on 1,600 adults found that those who ate five or more servings of apples per week experienced better lung function compared to those who didn’t eat apples.

Apples Can Boost Brain Function

A meta-analysis of 14 different animal studies found that quercetin may have preventative properties against Alzheimer’s disease. In other studies, quercetin flavonoid exhibited neuroprotective properties. Additionally, one study found that quercetin improved cognitive performance and reduced inflammation in rats with Alzheimer’s disease.

SHARE:

The post 6 Health Benefits Of Apples appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Say hello to your new favorite way to eat honeydew! And no, we are not sorry about it, not even a little. Honeydew is a refreshing melon that is readily available throughout the year, but the freshest varieties are available during summer. That’s because summer is melon season! Get your hands on every melon variety possible, from honeydews and cantaloupes to watermelons and canary melons.

Honeydew melon works to support the body in many ways, encouraging stronger bones, better digestion, and clearer skin. In addition to the vitamin and mineral content, honeydew exhibits impressive antioxidant activity. Researchers note that many of the health properties are linked to phytoene, quercetin, caffeic acid, and beta-carotene in honeydew. It also contains folate, which is essential for the breakdown of homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to reduced bone mineral density over time.

Not to be counted out, basil boasts an incredible nutritional profile and health benefits. According to several studies, basil may help reduce depression that stems from chronic stress. One of the more impressive things basil does is improve fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. It also works to relax blood vessels and thin the blood, which is beneficial for people who have hypertension. That means that you can feel good about enjoying these popsicles!

SHARE:

The post Honeydew Basil Popsicles appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.