Holistic Herbs for Better Digestion

Suffering from indigestion, constipation, or just overall uncomfortable digestive symptoms? Then you could benefit from some additional herbal support!

Image source: Madame Noire

There are many causes for digestive symptoms ranging from a non-optimal diet, to food allergies, to anxiety and depression, to various GI and autoimmune diseases. In Naturopathic medicine, treating the cause of disease is incredibly important. Sometimes that means changing up our diet, sometimes that means embarking on a counseling journey, and sometimes that means integrating supplements to correct the structural integrity of our GI tract.

Herbs are one of my favorite interventions. They can be as gentle as you need, but they can also pack a powerful punch. Different herbs have different actions ranging from stimulating, to calming, to synthesizing, improving cellular function, etc.

Here I’ll highlight some of my favorite digestive herbs and talk about their actions!

A Haitian Treasure: "Tensyon" Tea

Reminder: My work is copyrighted. Please do not repost or copy my work without citing this as a source. 

It's been a minute since I've done one of these but I'm back with a really cool project! If you've been following this blog for a while, you know that I am currently studying Naturopathic medicine, a holistic type of medicine that looks at the whole person and aims to treat by natural and low force means. In addition to taking all the standard medical science classes, we take many other holistic oriented classes like Homeopathy, Nutrition, Physical Medicine, and Botanical Medicine. 

Botanical medicine has been super cool and enjoyable for me, and has given me the tools to learn how to create medicine from plants, which is such a gift. If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen the dozens of preparations I've made in the past few weeks!

Since you already know I'm in love with all things Haiti, I had to try to make something inspired by and dedicated to Haiti. :)

This is just the beginning!

Why I chose this tea:

Tea is a really important part of Haitian culture and there are dozens of leaves that we Haitians commonly use. I was struck by a particular sample that my mom gave to me a few months ago, and did some research on it. Included in the tea are melis (lemon balm), oumarin (rosemary), and kowosol (soursop).  Interestingly enough, this is a common tea for reducing tensyon. Tensyon is a non-descript word, literally translating to "tension", but is usually used in reference to emotional tension or "physiological tension" seen in diseases like hypertension and diabetes- both increasingly common diseases in the Haitian community....likely due to "lifestyle".... which is of course tied to structural violence, poverty, globalization, etc. The Anthropologist in me can go on and on....

A Haitian Treasure: Canell (Cinnamon)

Cinnamon, cinnamomum zeylanicum, is a spice obtained from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. It is native only to the island of Sri Lanka, but is now naturalized in many other countries. To prepare the cinnamon spice that we are all so used to, the bark of the cinnamon tree is dried and rolled into cinnamon sticks or ground into a powder. Cinnamon has been celebrated by great nations since the beginning of civilization because of its lovely spicy aromatic scent and flavor. At one time, cinnamon was even more valuable than gold. In Haiti, cinnamon is called canell and it is found everywhere. Haitians use cinnamon for culinary purposes to flavor drinks and desserts and for medicinal purposes to cure a variety of ailments, mostly gastrointestinal ones.

In Haiti, canell is a household staple. Even though it is mostly used to flavor delicious dishes, it is also known to cure an incredible variety of ailments. It is most renown for stopping vomiting and for relieving flatulence and diarrhea. Haitians generally chop the bark up into a simple tea and combine it with other popular spices like anise or ginger. This tea can help to relieve gas and indigestion. It is also totally common to see Haitians chewing on cinnamon sticks. Chewing on cinnamon sticks can relieve toothaches, freshen your breath, and improve overall oral health. Haitians do warn those with high blood pressure to stay away from cinnamon though, since it is a stimulant that can raise blood pressure.

Main Constituents:

• cinnamaldehyde- essential oil
• eugenol- antiviral
• good source of manganese, dietary fiber, iron, and calcium

Some benefits:

• current research on its effectiveness against HSV-1 and HSV-2 (Herpes)
• astringent, antiseptic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-spasmodic, anti-oxidant anti-microbial
• can decrease blood sugar
• in TCM, it is believed to improve energy, vitality, and circulation
• in Ayurveda, it is used to treat diabetes, indigestion, and colds
• has been shown to boost cognitive function and memory

Suggested uses:

• as a preservative in oil form
• as a powder supplement that can be added to various foods and beverages
• as a topical pain reliever in powder of essential oil form
• as a tea, especially combined with other aromatic spices (adds a sweet and spicy flavor)

Know your treasures.

In health,

Dr. Naika

The "Haitian Treasures" series was created by Dr. Naika in 2012. This series explores the magnificent benefits and uses of Haiti's natural resources, which Dr. Naika calls "Haitian Treasures". In this series, Dr. Naika explores the tie between Haiti's natural resources and natural, traditional, and holistic healing.

This blog post was originally posted on Dr. Naika's lifestyle blog, Naika in Balance. Dr. Naika's work is copyrighted. Please do not copy or repost Dr. Naika's work without citing her content as the original source. 

5 Reasons to Replace Your Lotion With Coconut Oil!

I am in LOVE with my extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO), which I recently purchased from Nutiva! I will forever sing the praises of coconuts.

So, it's no surprise that I have loved coconut oil for a long time since I use an Ayurvedic herb-enriched coconut oil in my natural hair regimen, called Vatika oil.  But, I never tried the good old coconut oil that everyone raves about. I have always heard about the benefits of good old coconut oil on hair, skin, and nutrition, but for some reason, I kept putting it off.  While spending a random evening educating myself on Ayurveda and general holistic nutrition, I kept coming across coconut oil in literally every post or video. I decided to take the plunge and order the oil (along with many other goodies I will review soon such as wheatgrass, chia seeds, etc).  I have been using the oil for many things like massages, food, and hair-care.  [Update (7.17.12): I REALLY dislike coconut oil on my hair. After some research, I learned that this is because it has a lot of protein, and for hair that is healthy and has enough protein, coconut oil can make the hair brittle & dry. I will stick to using Vatika coconut oil on my hair from now on.]But, my favorite use of this oil has been as a lotion replacement. I have been searching for an all-natural organic lotion for my skin-care regimen.  I have also been looking for ways to reduce spending and take advantage of multi-use holistic products. As I have said before, I think there is nothing better than being able to use something on your skin, hair, food, nails, etc.! What we put  ON to our body goes IN to our body whether you like it or not.  So, it is really important to use high quality products. Your health will thank you later.

All I do is slather coconut oil on my face and body after taking a hot shower and I am left with the most supple, mildly sweet-scented skin in the world. It's really awesome. I definitely prefer applying coconut oil over my shea butter now because coconut oil does not leave my skin oily at all. Coconut oil also absorbs extremely quickly into the skin.  Most importantly, it doesn't cause any adverse skin effects and is known to actually cure almost all common skin conditions.  Now, that I've shared my love of this oil, let me share with you what makes coconut oil so great for your skin!

5 Reasons to Replace Your Lotion with Coconut Oil:

1. Moisture: 

Coconut oil is one of the few oils out there that penetrates your skin similarly to water and actually moisturizes your skin. Yet, because this moisturizing product is an oil, it also does the job of sealing your pores, forcing the natural fats to be deposited and trapped right under the skin.

2. Organic/All-Natural

What can be better than having a product that's derived from a natural whole food?  Exactly. No petrolem, PEGS, parabens, or other nasty chemicals and bi-products. Just natural goodness.

3. Full of Healthy Fats

Coconut oil contains capric, caprylic, oleic and lauric acids, and other medium chain fatty acids and triglycerides. These keep the skin soft and smooth.  They have distinct anti-microbial and disinfectant properties too.  Full of anti-oxidants, healthy fats are essential for immunity.

4. Source of Vitamin E and Skin-Loving Proteins

Vitamin E is essential for cell growth and skin repair.  It protects against wrinkled, cracked, and aged skin.  Proteins give the skin firmness, keeping skin healthy and rejuvenated.

5. Rich in Polyphenols

Polyphenols, a rich source of anti-oxidants, are what make coconut oil smell good.  Apply this to your skin and you can walk around smelling like a tropical delight.

Now you know why coconut oil is my new "lotion"!

Here is a coconut oil brand I highly recommend:

Stay Engaged,

N

Connect with me!

Medical Disclaimer: Naika, the writer of this blog, is Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist. Please do not take this as medical advice, without consulting your health care practitioner. Also remember, knowledge is power and your health is your wealth!

The Best Multi-Purpose Oil: Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Hair, Body & Food

Olive oil is actually a fat derived from the fruit of the olea europaea tree, otherwise known as the olive.  Olive oil has been used for millenia all over the world, but especially in the Mediterranean, where it has been considered a traditional, medicinal, religious and even magical entity.  It has a rich history and its extraction was first recorded in the book of Exodus in the bible! #Serious. Olive oil is used for everything from cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fuel, to name a few.  Olive trees live for centuries, require minimal cultivation, and are so healthy. Let's explore this wonderful treasure!

I first read about "EVOO" when I was browsing natural hair sites in early 2009 after I just went natural.  First of all, I didn't know what "EVOO" stood for.  Eventually I realized it was the acronym for extra virgin olive oil of course.  Naturals raved about its uses in hair as a moisturizer, sealant, and deep conditioner.  Naturally, I was super curious. There seemed to be a consensus that EVOO quality was superior to all other olive oils including "pure", "refined", "virgin", etc.  Since I really didn't know better as a new natural, I took the natural hair experts' advice and bought some at Trader Joe's (pictured below).  I have been using this amazing oil ever since! I not only use it in my hair, but also in food and on my skin.  The reason I love this oil so much is that it is totally multi-purpose, which I think is very important. This makes EVOO budget-friendly AND eco-friendly.  I believe there is nothing cooler than literally being able to eat something as is, cook with it, and apply it to your skin and hair.  There have actually been many times where I've poured too much olive oil into a bowl to cook with, then immediately applied it to my skin as a moisturizer, and still had some to spare to put on my hair strands for a quick deep treatment while I ate the meal prepared with EVOO. Pretty awesome, huh?!

Let's explore why EVOO is the best type of olive oil to use!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Trader Joe's

Extra-virgin olive oil is the purest, tastiest, and most effective form of olive oil.  Here are 4 reasons why EVOO is superior:

1. It is the least processed form of olive oil
2. It has the most monounsaturated fatty acids (really good fat, which can lower cholesterol, if consumed in moderation) and polyphenols
3. It lowers inflammation far more than the other olive oils
4. It is created without the use of any heat of chemical treatments
5. It tastes the BEST because extra precautions are taken to make sure the olives are at the perfect stage of ripeness before the process starts

Some Benefits:

• Reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases; the vegetable mucilage, as well as high levels of Vitamin E, phenol, and monounsaturated fats in olive oil helps protect your body's digestive tract *ever wonder why it's so popular in Mediterranean diets?
• Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, E and iron
• high amount of omega-6-fatty acids
• anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic
• regenerates cells and softens skin tissue
• natural moisturizer, especially effective in the winter

Some uses:

• Used for cooking, especially with vegetables and very lean meats: I only cook with olive oil.
• Ear wax softener: gross I know, but this oil is a great emollient and helps get ear wax out very easily.
• Natural shave oil: stay away from the chemical-laden shaving creams! Use some EVOO. It helps you shave smoother and moisturizers your legs at the same time.
• Natural Moisturizer: I know I've said before that oils and butters don't moisturize because they don't contain water. This is true, but olive oil (as well as coconut oil) is an exception! It really does penetrate your hair and skin shaft to provide amazing moisture.  Skin: Oil can be a little intense for my face so I don't use EVOO has an alternative to facial lotion, as I would jojoba oil, but I know plenty of people who have had great luck doing this! I use EVOO as a body moisturizer, and it's really good for the legs especially! #whowearshortshorts. Hair: Sometimes I just put a few drops of EVOO in the palm of my hands and rub it into my hair.  But, I use EVOO as more of a sealant after I've moisturized with water, out of habit.
• Natural makeup remover: Put a few drops into a cotton swab and wipe your makeup off. Rinse with water right after. 
• Facials: Once in a while, I slather EVOO on my face, then apply a hot towel to my face for a few minutes, then rinse off with cool water. I'm left with silky, smooth, and hydrated skin.
• Oil Cleansing Method (OCM): OCM is a method of cleansing and moisturizing the face with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, castor oil (or another suitable carrier oil) and a select blend of essential oils.  I used to do the OCM method almost every day and it worked really well. Not too sure why I stopped actually...
• Deep Conditioner: I do a hot oil treatment with olive oil at least twice a month. It can be mixed with other oils such as coconut (I use vatika coconut oil), castor, jojoba, etc.  But, it is perfectly good on its own too! I separate my hair into sections, spritz with water, and slather the oil on.  Then, I put on a plastic cap, followed by a heating cap, leave for at least 30 min, then wash it out.  My hair couldn't be softer or shinier afterwords!

Conclusion: This is by far the best multi-purpose oil out there!

Have you ever used EVOO? Please dish on how you use it and why you love it!

Stay Engaged,

N

Connect with me!

Medical Disclaimer: Naika, the writer of this blog, is Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist. Please do not take this as medical advice, without consulting your health care practitioner. Also remember, knowledge is power and your health is your wealth!

5 Healthy Kitchen Treasures: Part 2

As promised in Part 1, here is Part 2 of 5 Healthy Kitchen Treasures!
Healthy kitchen treasures are ingredients that you most likely have in your own kitchen that are budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and healthy. Stay tuned for Part 3.

1. Sea Salt

Natural Sea Salt from local grocery store

Some Benefits:

• provides key elements such as sodium, chloride and magnesium which are necessary for life, as well as an alkaline (basic) environment to neutralize acidity
• supports the proper function of muscles, nerve stimulation, and immunity
• is absolutely necessary for proper brain functioning and growth

Some Uses:

• can be used as a skin rub, especially for those who suffer from eczema and psoriasis *This could be just a little bit harsh on the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin like me, but it indeed does work well.
• can reduce inflammation in the respiratory system, especially for those who suffer from asthma; some say sprinkling sea salt on the tongue after drinking water can be an effective way to control asthma.
• can help regulate heart health and diabetes, as it reduces high cholesterol and helps maintain proper sugar levels in the body *obviously if you suffer from high blood pressure, careful consideration should be taken before consuming sea salt BUT in fact sea salt can help reduce high blood pressure especially if it replaces table salt and is used sparingly. Sea salt is better than table salt because it contains more minerals and less additives.

2. Baking Soda

Arm & Hammer baking soda from grocery store

I love baking soda! It's so versatile and so effective. In fact, there are so many uses that I'd like to redirect you to this site to learn more.

Some Benefits:

• is an excellent disinfectant
• can serve as an oral antacid to treat acid indigestion, heartburn, acidosis, and even renal failure
• can treat scalding and prevent blistering and scarring especially for burns, when used with water

Some Uses:

• Mouth-freshener/Toothpaste; *I love using this in certain circumstances. All you do is put one tea spoon in half a glass of water then gargle it in your mouth and rinse. It helps neutralize odor and actually cleans your teeth.  Sometimes I also just sprinkle some on top of my toothpaste for added whiteness! Some individuals just use baking soda and water alone as a non-fluoride toothpaste and it's known to be a very effective!
• Facial Scrub/Body Exfoliant;*I like to mix it with water to gently exfoliate the skin. It's not as harsh as sea salt.
• Antacid;*This might especially resonate with my Haitian comrades-when I was younger and occasionally suffered from acid indigestion or any type of mild acidosis, my mom would sprinkle a little bit of baking soda in a full glass of water for me to drink. I'd feel better in no time, after a few burps. #TMI?
• Deodorant; just as baking soda can deodorize your mouth, it can deodorize your surroundings. Just put a pack in your closet and it should smell better after a short period of time.

3. Greek Yogurt

Chobani Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt from grocery store

Definitely not a fan of its taste, but it's some good stuff.

Some Benefits:

• PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN; this is its biggest catch. It will help you feel full and satisfied. It packs 13-20 grams of protein in just one serving, depending of course on the brand and the type you get (flavors, fat, etc)
• Naturally low in carbohydrates and high in calcium
• is a probiotic, which means it contains beneficial bacteria. In fact, it contains up to 5 different types which helps improve digestion

Some Uses:

• food/cooking; Greek yogurt is incredibly versatile so it could be used for anything from dips and sauces, to protein shakes. It's especially yummy with some fruits and honey to me.
• Hair *I love using Greek yogurt as a protein treatment. I mix a few tablespoons of yogurt with a teaspoon of aloe vera juice and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, apply it to the hair, leave it on for 20 minutes, and rinse it off. I'm left with shiny strong hair. 
• Face Mask; I use the same recipe that I use for my hair, apply it on my face for a few minutes, then rinse off. I'm left with soft smooth skin.

4. Garlic

A pack of garlic, brought at a little kiosk on the streets of NYC

Some Benefits (in low dosage and in raw, preferably crushed forms):

• serves as an anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-biotic
• can improve cardiovascular health and reduce high cholesterol (prevents bad cholesterol- LDL-from being oxidized)
• can boost hydrogen sulfide production, which can help protect against various cancers

Some Uses:

• FOOD; chop it up and add it to other ingredients. Essentially, all of the benefits mentioned above will blend seamlessly into a concoction that can improve your health in terms of prevention (through immunity boosting) and cure (alleviating symptoms).
• for sore throat;make a garlic tea by boiling a few cloves in a pot of water, and this should help soothe your sore throat *I did this just last week and it worked great.
• skin toner; *I mix some garlic with apple cider vinegar as a toner after I've cleansed my face. I smell a little like garlic after, but hey what are ya gonna do?

5. Lemon

Source

Some Benefits:

• contains high amounts of Vitamin B and C, phosphorous, calcium, and magnesium
• contains flavonoid, a compound with anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties
• can cure various conditions such as high blood pressure and even kidney stones (by forming something called urinary citrate)

Some Uses:

• can remove stains; squeeze some lemons into a bowl, dab a cloth in it and apply it to stains
• LEMONADE; can alleviate indigestion, constipation, sore throat, etc. Use your grandma's old time recipe. It's especially healthy with honey, brown sugar or agave nectar, which all have health properties themselves. Try not to use to much and to avoid white sugar!
• Lemon water; *Maybe not as delicious and sugary as lemonade, but drinking fresh water with a little bit of lemon can give you an alkaline boost which helps with immunity. It will also help cleanse your liver.

Feel free to comment below on how you use these healthy kitchen treasures!

Stay Engaged,

N

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*Medical Disclaimer: Though Naïka of Naïka in Balance is in pursuit of a medical degree, she is NOT a licensed health practitioner. 

Naïka believes individuals have the power to make informed health decisions on their own. If you feel that it is necessary to consult your healthcare provider before using any of the remedies mentioned, please do so. Knowledge is power and your health is your wealth.

5 Healthy Kitchen Treasures: Part 1

I love the idea of using things that you probably have in your own kitchen to create budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and health-friendly creations for you skin, hair, and body! I also think it's empowering and socially responsible to use nearby available resources to take care of your health needs, kind of like how I discuss here and here. Know your treasures! When I first embarked on my healthy hair/life journey, I really had no idea that I had all of this stuff in my house. I used to go out and buy all of these different products, when all the while I had these basic ingredients in my own kitchen.
So today I want to share 5 Healthy Kitchen Treasures. For me, probably like many of you, the number of healthy kitchen treasures is more like 15, so this post will be part of a series.
You'll start to notice a trend about the benefits and uses of these amazing kitchen treasures. All of these items are healthy, cheap, and easy to find!
Admittedly, I like to use these kitchen treasures in conjunction with each other. Stay tuned for a "DIY" (Do it Yourself) series where I'll talk about my different concoctions!

1. Aloe Vera

Upper left: Trader Joe's Aloe Vera Gel; Bottom Left: Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice (bought from local health food store); Right Picture: My aloe plant in my house

Some Benefits:

• Regulates Digestive Health and Immune system health
• Promotes healthy skin; hydrates dry skin, restores softness, contains anti-aging properties
• Aloe vera juice can increase your metabolism, making it good for weight control *I take shots of aloe vera juice occasionally as a nutritional supplement/detoxifier
• Source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. Contains folic acid and Niacin

Some Uses:

• Can treat burns and inflammation
• Can help in retaining hair length
• I like to add the juice to a mixture of water and essential oils as a hair spritz; I use the gel as a skin-soother when its irritated, as a moisturizing leave-in after I was my hair, and as a moisturizer in conjunction with pure unrefined African Shea butter.
• Prevents scarring, eczema, stretch marks and acne

2. Olive Oil

I really like using Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Trader Joe's because it is the purest kind

I love this oil so so much!

Some Benefits:

• Reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases; the vegetable mucilage, as well as high levels of Vitamin E, phenol, and monounsaturated fats in olive oil helps protect your body's digestive tract *ever wonder why it's so popular in Mediterranean diets?
• Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, E and iron
• Contains rich moisturizing properties

Some uses:

• Can be used for cooking, especially with vegetables and very lean meats
• Can be applied directly to the skin as a moisturizer, exfoliator, and makeup remover. *I love doing facials with olive oil
• Can be used as a deep conditioner or a hair sealant *I do a hot oil treatment with olive oil at least twice a month

3. Coconut Milk

Source
I buy this brand of coconut milk for less than $1 at local grocery stores
NOTE: It was recently brought to my attention that another option is to dilute coconut cream bars with water or buy coconut milk in cartons to avoid the additives that are put in cans. Great info.

I LOVE everything about coconuts....besides their taste. Ya, I know.
I LOVE coconut milk and coconut oil...and coconut water, all for different reasons. Look out for posts on those as well.
Some Benefits:

• Excellent source of manganese, phosphorous, potassium, zinc and iron which can lead to stronger bones, a decrease in blood pressure, and prevention of anemia
• High concentration of dietary fiber, which will make you feel full
• Rich in vitamin C, which promotes immune system health

Some Uses:

• Can moisturize skin and hair if used as a moisturizing bath or soak
• When applied topically, it can soothe symptoms of psoriasis, dermatitis, and aging skin
• *I like to do deep conditioning treatments with coconut milk, since it is also high in protein; I mix it with my conditioner, honey, or henna or sometimes I use it alone

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

I like to buy colored raw ACV from local grocery stores

Some Benefits:

• Can reduce sinus infections, cure various skin conditions (age spots, cellulite, etc.) cure constipation, can cure heartburn, and prevent bladder stones and UTI's
• Contains high levels of potassium, pectin, malic acid, and acetic acid *It is very acidic and your stinging eyes will tell you that if it ever gets in them
• Removes toxins from the body

Some Uses:

• Can cure sunburn if used as a bath or soak
• *I love to use ACV as a hair rinse to maintain its ph level/seal the cuticle (which aids length retention, and thus hair growth). I also like to use it as a scalp cleanser, as it gently removes buildup
• Can be used as a skin toner. *I mix it with some distilled water, green tea, and a few drops of tea tree oil as a toner
• Can serve as a natural cleaning agent for tiles, windows, and kitchen surfaces!

5. Honey

I typically buy this honey from a local grocery store for about $2

Some Benefits:

• Its natural source of carbohydrates and antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can boost your energy, reduce muscle fatigue, and build your immune system
• Can decrease cholesterol and potentially protect against heart disease
• Can remove acne

Some Uses:

• Use as an antiseptic to clean wounds and help them heal quicker
• Can be used as a skin moisturizer, facial, or hair mask (especially when mixed with another less sticky ingredient, such as coconut milk or yogurt)
• Can treat sore throat! *This is particular popular amongst us Haitians. You know what I'm talking about. Just mix some honey and lemon juice and drink-it-up. Might not help you instantly, but it sure will taste god ;)

What are some of your healthy kitchen treasures?

Stay Engaged,

N

Connect with me!

Medical Disclaimer: Naika, the writer of this blog, is Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist. Please do not take this as medical advice, without consulting your health care practitioner. Also remember, knowledge is power and your health is your wealth!