Peppermint, a Powerful Herb With Countless Health Benefits

The stimulating aroma of fresh peppermint is a popular flavoring for toothpaste, tea and of course gum.  It also has numerous health benefits from digestion relief and increasing memory to keeping mosquitos away. My garden always has a big patch of mint growing in it for my salad, teas and smoothies. Why should you add some to your daily herb regimen?

Digestion Relief

The key ingredients in peppermint (menthol and methyl salicylate) are antispasmodic, which have a calming effect on the digestive tract.

Has a Soothing Effect

Those two ingredients in peppermint have a soothing effect on the stomach helping the digestive tract to settle down, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center.

Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is identified as an upset stomach with bloating, nausea and burping. It was found that peppermint oil, along with caraway oil, gave relief to the symptoms of dyspepsia in a study at the University Medical Clinic, in Bochum, Germany.

Colic in Infants

Research found that peppermint was as effective as simethicone in the treatment of colic in infants.

Nausea Induced by Chemotherapy

The peppermint oil helps reduce nausea created by chemotherapy which is much less expensive than standard drug-based treatments according to research.

Reduces IBS Symptoms

Peppermint oil was found to lessen spasms in the colon of IBS patients—in fact, the research found it reduced the symptoms more than the medication Buscopan.

Effectively Moves Food From Stomach to Intestines

It was found that peppermint oil improved the movement of food called ‘gastric emptying’ which is very helpful for those with digestive tract disorders. Learn about some more Home Remedies for Nausea 

Reduces Breastfeeding Nipple Pain and Damage

It was found that peppermint water helped to prevent nipple cracks and pain in a study of one hundred and ninety-six breastfeeding mothers.

Hair Growth Increased

Those going bald or with thinning hair now can use peppermint oil on their heads.  A study in Korea found it had a positive effect on new hair follicles without any negative side effects.

Tuberculosis

It was found that when the essential oil of peppermint was inhaled there was a rapid regression of tuberculosis inflammation in the research; they believe it may prevent recurrence of the disease.

Pain Relief

Applying peppermint oil (containing 10 percent menthol) can help relieve pain. As an example in a study, a woman applied it to her skin and got very quick pain relief which remained for 4-6 hours.

Inhibits Prostate Cancer

The menthol in peppermint was found to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer in clinical research.

Relief for Headaches

A combination of peppermint and eucalyptus oil were applied to the temples and forehead to help relieve headache pain in a study at the Neurological Clinic at the University of Kiel, Germany.  They found it reduced headaches.

Good for Teeth

Peppermint oil has been found to inhibit the formation of plaque, which is linked to cavities. Also, it is very useful for freshening the breath and whitening teeth.

Increases Memory

Scientists in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK did a study with peppermint oil and ylang-ylang oil and found that peppermint oil increased memory and alertness whereas ylang-ylang impaired it.

Soothing Skin Irritations

It can be helpful for skin irritations, like poison ivy.

Helps Stop Herpes from Spreading

It has been found in studies to inhibit drug-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1.

Keeps Mosquitoes Away

When they tested Australian bush mint essential oil to see if it would prevent mosquitoes from landing on arms and from biting, they found it to be effective.  It was more effective when there was a concentration of repellent action of the 8 percent essential oil which deterred the mosquitos by 97 percent for as long as 5 hours.  When it was only 6 percent essential oil it did repel all mosquitoes immediately but it went down to 75 percent after 5 hours.

Please Note: It is best not to use peppermint oil (not inhaled, taken by mouth or applied on the skin) for children under 8 years of age.
Peppermint can also decrease the absorption of iron when taken together. Take iron supplements and peppermint oil with at least 3 hours between the two. It also increases the absorption of quercetin, so again allow at least 3 hours between taking them together.

Fresh mint is the best with a greater flavor than dried mint.  When picking the peppermint, make sure the leaves are vibrant, rich green without dark spots or yellowing. Still, dried peppermint is good when you cannot get it fresh. Try to purchase it organically grown so that you can be sure it has not been irradiated.

This is something that almost nobody knows about diabetes

Diabetics virtually always have a dysfunctional pancreas, which is the organ that is responsible for insulin production, and other important hormones. Digestive enzymes, sometimes known as “pancreatic enzymes”, are supplements that contain many of the compounds that are made by the pancreas. These enzymes help in the digestion of foods, especially meats and fats, which are the most difficult foods for a body to digest.

  Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are enzymes that break down polymeric macromolecules into their smaller building blocks, in order to facilitate their absorption by the body.

  

Taking digestive enzymes alongside meals will alleviate much of the pancreas’ burden, allowing it to perform its other tasks more efficiently, and give it an opportunity to heal. 

A diabetic cannot be cured until his pancreas is repaired, and the damage to his pancreas is most often the primary cause of his diabetes.The pancreas is an organ located behind the lower part of the stomach, in front of the spine and plays an important part in diabetes.The pancreas is an organ located behind the lower part of the stomach, in front of the spine and plays an important part in diabetes.

Whenever a pancreas is malfunctioning, it prevents a body from being able to properly digest its food, so diabetic patients subsequently become malnourished, which slowly causes other failures throughout a body over time. This explains how diabetes seems to be able to attack anything and everything, and why digestive enzymes are such a critical therapy.

  

A 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research was designed to determine the serum amylase, blood glucose and the serum lipid profile in 110 type 2 diabetes patients compared to healthy individuals of the same age and sex. The research showed that for the diabetic subjects wherever blood sugar levels were higher, serum amylase activity was found to be significantly lower. This finding was reflective of pancreas malfunction and speaks to the importance of a healthy pancreas producing healthy amounts of amylase.

A super liquid that fights diabetes, improves your heart health, and supports fat burning and weight loss

There are many natural substances we can and should be using daily to improve and maintain our health. However, certain substances stand above the rest. These are the essential substances that we should be using daily. They stand above the rest because they are safe, easy to use and effective at positively influencing our health in many ways.  

One of these substances is Apple Cider Vinegar, which should be consumed daily for detoxification, higher energy levels and better absorption of vitamins and minerals. It can also improve your hair and teeth.
 
Additionally, Apple Cider vinegar is useful around the house as a cleaner and disinfectant. Let’s take a closer look at how you can and should be using this substance daily.

  

A few of the most prominent properties of Apple Cider Vinegar are acetic acid, potassium, magnesium, probiotics and enzymes. Acetic Acid is particularly valuable as it can kill bad bacteria, which means it acts as a natural antibiotic (reducing illnesses, skin infections and rashes, etc.). Also, Apple Cider Vinegar has polyphenols which research has indicated are essential for fighting off cancers, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes and neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar:

· Detox your body: Add a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to a glass of water and drink daily to cleanse your body of toxins. It will also improve your digestion, resulting in improved nutritional uptake while reducing gases and indigestion.

· Hypertension: Drinking a glass of water with a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar can lower both blood pressure and triglyceride levels. It is also able to improve insulin levels in those suffering from Type 2 diabetes.

  

· Natural Hair Conditioner: Add 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to an old shampoo bottle and add 1 cup of water. Poor this on your hair after shampooing at least 3 times per week for softer, shinier hair

· Weight Loss: Drink 1 glass of water with 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinagre daily to improve digestion. The high amount of Vitamin B6 helps our body to rid itself of fats ingested when eating. It can also help keep energy levels high while fasting.

· Acne: Mix one tablespoon of Apple Coder Vinegar with two tablespoons of filtered water. Using a cotton swab, rub the mixture on acne infected areas and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. The rinse with fresh water. Do this up to three times per day for best results.

As you can see, there are many beneficial uses for Apple Cider Vinegar. Best of all it is cheap! Make sure to purchase organic, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar for best results and to avoid man made toxins.

Man Flies From Yorkshire To Australia To Meet Someone With His Disorder (25 pics)

Jono Lancaster has been living with Treacher Collins’ syndrome but he's managed to live a very full and happy life. He flew from Yorkshire to Australia so that he could meet a child with the same syndrome in hopes that he could inspire that child to live a happy life. 

Chinese Man Deposits 300 kg of Money into the Bank! (8 pics)

A Chinese businessman was owed 60,000 yuan (about 9,700 US dollars) from a customer and the money was paid to him in denominations of 1 yuan. Many banks refused to accept the money but eventually one bank agreed to take coins which weighed a whopping 660 lbs (300 kg).

Woman Writes Hilarious Facebook Post Trying To Get Rid Of 'Jerk' Rooster

Animals are just like humans. For every loving one, there's a jerk. A few months back, an animal shelter in Melbourne, Australia, went viral when they wrote a brutally honest personal ad for Mr. Biggles, a cat they described as "an utter utter utter bastard."

And now, Denell McCaul from Clarksville, Michigan, has gone viral doing the same thing to get rid of her "jerk" rooster. McCaul, who owns several chickens, took to Facebook to try and get rid of the rooster, and her hilarious Facebook post has since gone viral. 

McCaul writes:

"FREE to good home. Well, any home really. At this point I don't give a shit what kind of home this inconsiderate jerk goes to: ASSHOLE ROOSTER." 

"He's the perfect rooster if your alarm is broken and you need to be awake at 5:30 a.m. That is his only setting, 5:30. He has no snooze button but will be quiet just long enough for you to fall back to sleep and then he'll start back up with his obnoxious cock-a-doodle-doing right outside of your windows. It's like he knows where you sleep and can zone in on that particular window so maybe he has some sort of special x-ray vision where he can see sleeping people behind walls."

"He is also a perfect rooster if you want to start running... around your yard... while you're trying to get away from him. He no longer goes after me as he is also an instructor of interpretive dance. Or at least that's what I imagine it looked like as I went after him flapping my arms, jumping up and down, kicking at him, yelling and screaming, and swinging a mop in his direction."

"So, if you're looking for an alarm clock with the only setting being 5:30 a.m., a personal trainer and a dance instructor, I have the perfect rooster that is able to fill all 3 of those positions FOR FREE! But you're coming out to catch this asshole, I want to see your first interpretive dance lesson."  

The post, which has been shared over 65,000 times and attracted over 30,000 comments, doesn't seem to have found any potential homes from the rooster just yet, but that's probably because people are too busy laughing. 

"So funny," one commenter wrote. "Been there, didn't mind the crowing but boy could he fight, and he never gave up. Had to carry my rooster stick with me every time I went in there. Knocked him out once, he got back up after a few seconds shook his head and I swear if he woulda had teeth he woulda been bearing them at me! I ran for my life!" 

‘You stupid f***in’ bigots’: Bridal shop allegedly threatened after not serving lesbian couple

W.W. Bridal Boutique is no stranger to controversy.

The shop in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, caught widespread attention in 2014 when an employee told a lesbian couple looking for wedding gowns that the owner “[does] not service same-sex couples.”

“We feel we have to answer to God for what we do,” store owner Victoria Miller, a Christian, told The Press Enterprise in Bloomsburg. “And providing those two girls dresses for a sanctified marriage would break God’s law.”

Reactions to the incident ranged from outrage at the bridal shop to full support for the business. Now it’s happening again.

A lesbian couple from West Pittston, Pennsylvania — Shannon Kennedy and Julie Ann Samanas — traveled to W.W. Bridal on July 8 in search of a wedding dress for their planned March 2018 nuptials, according to the Philadelphia Gay News.

Samanas, 30, told PGN that on a form “where it said ‘Groom,’ we crossed it out and wrote ‘Bride’ and put Shannon’s name down.” But after a woman at the shop reviewed the form, she asked if the dress was for a same-sex wedding, the outlet said.

“She said, ‘I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we’re Christian and we don’t believe in that; our faith doesn’t let us believe in that,’” Kennedy, 34, told PGN, adding that she and Samanas didn’t challenge what they were told and left.

Once the story hit the news, W.W. Bridal got hit with a ton of angry backlash, including a Facebook page dedicated to boycotting the shop.

Rich Penkoski, a pastor who said he’s assisting the bridal shop as they deal with the reactions, sent TheBlaze on Monday two recordings he said were left on the shop’s voice mail.

“You stupid f***in’ bigots. We’re coming for you and your families. We’re gonna tear your shop apart and make you feel as bad as you’ve made people feel,” a man’s voice is heard saying. “You f***in’ bigot scum. You’re goin’ down and so is all your employees and their families. You’re done!”

The second voice mail: “You people are f***ing trash. Your fake Christianity is not gonna save you from the fallout of this. Bigots go to hell, even though we don’t believe in such a thing. You’re going to f***ing hell you f***ing liars. Fake Christian a***oles.”

It isn’t clear if the same person is speaking in both messages.

W.W. Bridal soon changed their operating status to “appointments only,” and Penkoski said he and his staff volunteered to administer the shop’s Facebook page so employees wouldn’t have to deal with angry comments.

But Penkoski told TheBlaze that W.W. Bridal’s Facebook page is now “unpublished” since “it got so bad that they literally wanted things to calm down and go away.”

TheBlaze on Monday reached out to the shop for its perspective on the wedding gown dustup but didn’t immediately hear back.

But Miller, the shop owner, told the Huffington Post in an email last week that W.W. Bridal’s stance isn’t “an attempt to deprive anyone of the opportunity to live their lives as they see fit” but a matter of her spiritual beliefs.

“We have provided formalwear for our customers from all walks of life, including the LGBTQ community. We have always served everyone with respect and dignity,” she wrote, the Post said. “It is just this event, a same-sex marriage, which we cannot participate in due to our personal convictions.”

Miller added, “We simply ask that we be given the same ability to live our lives according to our convictions,” the Post reported.

Penkoski told TheBlaze he believes Kennedy and Samanas “specifically targeted” W.W. Bridal given its documented stance on same-sex marriage and noted the long distance between West Pittston and Bloomsburg — an hour-plus drive: “Who goes out of their way” like that? Penkowski asked.

But Kennedy on Monday told TheBlaze that she and Samanas chose W.W. Bridal because “we were in Berwick (the town I grew up in) for a family party that day, which is the next town over” from Bloomsburg. In addition, they made another appointment that same day, July 8, at a shop in Bloomsburg, as well as an appointment in Berwick.

“We had no idea what we were walking into, when walking into that store,” she added to TheBlaze. “We simply were shopping around.”

The Christian Post reported that unlike other states, Pennsylvania’s discrimination laws don’t protect gays and lesbians from getting fired or being denied service or housing on the basis of their sexual orientation.