White tea health benefits

Jun 6, 2010 Deanna Lynn Sletten
White tea comes from the same species of plant (Camellia sinensis) as green, black and oolong tea but is processed differently to give it a softer, smoother flavor. Although fewer studies have been done on white tea as compared to green tea, the studies on white tea have shown it to be more effective in preventing certain diseases as well as being an overall healthier choice.

Why White Tea May be Healthier than Green Tea

White tea is produced mainly in China from the Camellia sinensis plant but this particular species contains more buds than leaves. The buds and young leaves are picked, steamed immediately and dried, allowing for the freshest tea possible. The processing of green tea involves the picking of mature leaves that are then steamed or fried and then rolled. The extra processing of the green tea leaves is believed to take away from its health benefits. Researchers from Oregon State University who studied the health benefits of white tea for cancer prevention believe that it is the combination of the young buds and leaves of the white tea as well as the way it is processed that allows it to maintain a higher concentration of polyphenols (catechins) than green tea that protect against some diseases.

White Tea and Cancer Prevention

In March, 2000, the first ever study of white tea for cancer prevention was presented at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society. In the wake of reports on the cancer-fighting ability of green tea, researchers at Oregon State University wanted to find out if white tea possessed the same antioxidant levels as green tea. They tested four different varieties of white tea and found that white tea inhibited DNA mutations, the earliest steps leading to cancer, more effectively than green tea. While white tea has the same types of polyphenols as green tea, it was found that it contained different proportions.


Read more at Suite101: White Tea: Health Benefits May be More Effective than Green Tea http://www.suite101.com/content/white-tea-health-benefits-may-be-more-effective-than-green-tea-a245646#ixzz155bsASUF

How to soothe your stomach troubles with medicinal thyme

Popular in Greek cooking, thyme also has a long history as a healing plant — its essential oil is a powerful antiseptic, which is why soldiers used to bathe in thyme tea to soothe wounds and clean cuts and scrapes. Modern science has confirmed that thyme kills fungus and bacteria that can cause infections. The herb can also be found in stomach tonics thanks to its soothing antispasmodic effect, which helps muscles — including stomach muscles — relax.

Here are six reasons to make like the Spartans and get some thyme into your diet.

1. Thyme is antibacterial: Thyme contains an essential oil called thymol, which can be used as a surface antibacterial agent. It's also a great natural addition to your first-aid kit as an antiseptic and digestive aid.

2. This herb is high in antioxidants: Thyme contains some of the highest levels of natural flavonoids and polyphenols, beating out other herbs like oregano, marjoram and basil. Try adding some fresh thyme to your salad, steak or smoothie to boost antioxidants and keep your skin looking youthful.

3. It could help prevent food poisoning: Thyme has the ability to help preserve meat against bacterial overgrowth, drastically reducing the chances of decomposition and thus illness when you eat it.

4. Kill pesky parasites with thyme: Many herbs can kill parasites, and thyme is no exception! Adding thyme and other herbs to dishes is a great trick for when you are travelling abroad to prevent coming back with a nasty bug.

5. It's an astringent and an analgesic: This means that thyme has the ability to prevent the production of excess mucous, bile or stomach acid, as well as to relieve pain. This can come in handy if you deal with increased acid production in your stomach and suffer from heartburn as a result.

6. Thyme can kill certain tumor cells: Recent studies have shown that active components of thyme can kill tumor cells that have otherwise been resistant to chemotherapy. The studies are still in animal trials, but they have shown promising results.

Thyme for kale salad

Kale grows so fast this time of year that the bunches sold at the farmers market are triple the size you would get in the winter. Kale is one of the world's richest sources of vitamin K, which works with calcium to build strong bones. As for thyme, there are more than 60 varieties of this herb. At the farmers' market this week, Vikki’s Veggies had a wonderful English thyme that complements kale beautifully.

Ingredients:
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/8 tsp sea salt
8 cups kale, stems removed
1 yellow pepper, julienned
1/2 cup fresh thyme, stems removed
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup
to taste sea salt

Directions:
1. Saute onions, garlic, olive oil and sea salt for 3-4 minutes on medium heat until onions soften.

2. Meanwhile in a large pot, steam kale for 3 minutes until just soft. Drain well and place back into pot.

3. Place onion medley, pepper, thyme, and basil into the kale pot.

4. In a separate bowl, mix dressing ingredients well and pour into kale pot.

5. Mix until all ingredients are coated well and serve.
Makes 10 servings

Nutritionist Julie Daniluk hosts Healthy Gourmet, a reality cooking show that looks at the ongoing battle between taste and nutrition. Her soon-to-be-published first book, Meals That Heal Inflammation, advises on allergy-free foods that both taste great and assist the body in the healing process.

For more amazing recipes visit Chatelaine.com's recipe section. antiseptic, herbs, kale, medicinal, stomach, stomach acid, thyme

Herbal-Waters

From Herb Companion newsletter

Try These Floral Waters and Colognes:
• Eau de Cologne
• Rosewater
• Quick and Easy Rosewater
• Lavender Water Voile
• Summer Garden Cologne
• Hungary Water Cologne


Creating your own lightly scented waters and colognes is as easy as picking your favorite flower. Scented waters are some of the oldest toiletries created to stimulate, please and entertain our sense of smell. Ancient Egyptians used scented oils to perfume their bodies and lift their spirits. In the 10th century, the practice of oil distillation was perfected and the perfume industry took shape.

Scented oils are simple to create. You can distill your scent, capturing the essential oils from fresh flower petals on your stovetop. Or you can mix your favorite essential oils with water to create a light and delicate scent. Use these scented products alone as a perfume or as an addition to your favorite bath or beauty recipe. Fresh rosewater makes a wonderful addition to a favorite cream and lavender water can be splashed all over your body after bathing to relax your spirit and refresh your body.

Always use fresh, organic blooms when making scented waters and colognes. Your flowers should be free of pesticides and chemicals. If you do not have any flowers in your garden, check with a local grower. Pick your flowers in the morning, about two to three hours after sunrise for best results. Blossoms that have been in the hot afternoon sun may not be as fragrant. Use only fresh petals and remove all leaves and stems. Wash your petals gently right before using. Here are a few simple recipes and techniques to get you started. Enjoy!

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