Strengthen Your Immune System With Triphala

Germs know no season. As your kids head back to school and the weather begins to turn cooler, a strong immune system is the key to living your best life. Even if you’re not coughing or congested, an immune system that isn’t functioning at its peak, can leave you feeling tired, foggy-headed and run down. Thankfully, there are several natural ways to give your immune system a boost, one of which is an ancient herb known as triphala.

What is Triphala?

The name triphala means “the three fruits,” referring to the three native fruits which make up triphala – bibhitaki, amalaki, and haritaki. Ancient ayurvedic beliefs propose that these ingredients work together to bring balance to the body’s 3 doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha, leading to an increase in health and happiness.

Modern medicine also has discovered some interesting insights on how these fruits can benefit the body. Keep reading to learn more about this ancient herbal blend and how it may help strengthen your immune system as well as increase your energy and overall health.

How Triphala Impacts Your Immune System

Triphala supplements are rich in natural antioxidants which boost immunity and fight inflammation. Inflammatory issues are at the core of a host of health problems that can lead to an increase in sick days and chronic health problems. Scientists believe that one way triphala boosts immunity is by signaling an increase in the body’s cytokine secretion, a necessary process for healthy immune system function.

Additionally, the amalaki plant contained within the triphala blend is rich in vitamin C, proven to support a strong immune system and help the body fight pathogens. All three fruits contained in triphala are also full of fiber as well as tannins, which have been shown to combat free-radical damage that may lead to the spread of cancerous cells. Triphala may be even more beneficial when used in combination with complimentary herbs such dandelion root, ginger, peppermint, and barberry root.

Other Benefits of Taking Triphala

The benefits of taking triphala expand beyond immune system support. Some studies show that individuals struggling with diabetes may have an easier time balancing blood glucose when taking triphala supplements.

Another clinical trial showed that triphala supplements can ease constipation and regulate healthy digestion when taken in a blend with isabgol husk and senna extract. Further research shows that women taking triphala during their childbearing years, may experience a benefit in reproductive health when taking triphala.

How to Take Triphala

Triphala is available in several forms including capsules and powders such as the popular dietary supplements from Gaia Herbs and other trusted natural health brands, as well as in a whole fruit form. Unless you live near the regions of India where these fruits are grown, you may not have access to the whole fruits. However, many health food stores carry triphala in capsule and powdered forms, which can be made into teas by spooning ¼ to ½ of a teaspoon in a glass of water once or twice a day.

Triphala isn’t recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and may interfere with other drugs. It’s always best to check with your doctor or healthcare team before starting a new herb or supplement.

Have you used triphala on your journey to natural health and wellness? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

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Photo by Christopher Campbell on Unsplash

DIY Root Beer Float Recipe

Summer is the time for parties on the deck, refreshing beverages, and of course – ice cream! Few things say summertime as well as a tall, frosty, root beer float. The problem is that most mass-produced root beers stray far from the original recipe, which was comprised of lacto-fermented fresh herbs, and natural sugars.

Have you ever seen a cowboy in a western movie sidle up to the bar for a ice cold sarsaparilla? These original drinks were both nourishing and refreshing, full of probiotics that boosted both health and hydration. If you want to replicate these old-school health drinks for your family, you’re in luck. Today we’re giving you all the info you need to whip up your own homemade, healthy root beer float. Add a scoop of ice cream, and you’ll have every kid on the block lining up for a healthy dessert that’s sure to become a summertime favorite.

Old-Fashioned Sarsaparilla Root Beer Float

Ingredients:

●     ½ cup sassafras root bark

●     ½ cup sarsaparilla root

●     ½ tsp of wintergreen leaf

●     1 tiny dash of ground cinnamon

●     1 dash allspice

●     10 cups filtered water

●     1 cup unrefined, natural cane sugar

●     ¼ cup molasses

●     2 tsp vanilla extract

●     ¾ cup homemade “ginger bug”

Directions:

Believe it or not, lacto-fermentation is a process that refers not to milk, but to the process in which Lactobacillus bacteria convert sugars into lactic acid, creating fermentation and fizz. This process can be used for pickles, veggies, and health drinks like the one we’re making today.

Step 1. Put the sassafras root bark, sarsaparilla root, wintergreen leaf, cinnamon and allspice in a large pot on the stove, add in 10 cups of filtered water, bringing it all to a boil.

Step 2. Simmer for roughly 15 minutes

Step 3. Strain the mixture through some cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.

Step 4. While your mixture is still hot, stir in your cup of sugar and your molasses. Ensure that it dissolves and mixes in completely.

Step 5. Allow your liquid to cool until warm, but no longer hot.  Then add in your ginger bug. This will be your fermenting agent, don’t skip this step!)

Step 6- Transfer your liquid into jars or bottles with tight fitting lids and set aside in an undisturbed area.

Two Days Later: Check for fermentation and fizz. If you’re satisfied with the carbonation, move your homemade root beer to the refrigerator to chill! Once it’s icy cold, transfer to tall glasses and get ready to enjoy something truly fantastic.

Adding Ice Cream: Most store bought ice cream is a far cry from the original recipes which consisted of mainly cream, sugar, and natural flavors. Don’t add a store bought “non-dairy dessert” to your homemade root beer float! Rather be sure you select an all natural product by reading labels until you’re satisfied. Alternatively, If you have an ice cream maker at home, whip up your own ice cream and even whipped cream for a delicious root beer float that’s scratch-made from beginning to end!

Do you make your own fermented, summer health drinks? Share your secrets and favorite recipes in the comments section below!

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Photo by Rawpixel.com from Pexels

Tips for Growing a Chaste Tree

Have you been considering an update to your yard or garden? How about growing a chaste tree? Not only are they beautiful, but they have numerous other benefits that civilizations have been taking advantage of for thousands of years. Best of all, they are really easy to grow, so even if you’re new to the whole gardening thing, you should be successful.

What is a Chaste Tree?

The Chaste is known for its large blooms of bright blue flowers (although some varieties may be purple, pink, or even white). When first planted it takes the shape of a large hardy bush, but quickly grows into a multi-trunked tree about 15-20 feet high. It’s seeds and leaves have a long history of being used as an herbal remedy to support women’s health, digestive issues, and even as a potion to help curb the libido (hence the name)!

Where to Plant a Chaste

Growing a chaste tree is simple in comparison to many other blooming options. They are the perfect front yard addition, beautiful to look at, easy to maintain and can serve a variety of different purposes depending on how you plant them:

●      As a single focal point in your yard.

●      Grouped closely together to create a natural border or hedge. Just keep it pruned low to your desired height.

●      Used to line a driveway or road onto your property.

What the Chaste Needs:

●      Full Sun (at least 6 hours a day)

●      Well-drained soil

●      Regular moisture until established

Directions for Growing a Chaste Tree

●      Dig a hole at least 3 times as wide and deep as the root ball

●      Mix a healthy amount of the dug up native soil with some nutrient rich topsoil. Line the bottom of the hole with a shovel full of the mixture.

●      Drench the root ball thoroughly with water and carefully loosen the feeder roots so they take to the ground easier.

●      Place the root ball into the hole and begin filling the space around it with the soil mixture.

●      Once the tree is planted, water it well and keep it moist daily until established. Avoid overwatering or letting water pool around it.

●      Cover the planting area with mulch or pinestraw to conserve moisture and discourage weeds to grow there.

When growing a chaste tree, you can promote optimal blooms by keeping it well-pruned. In the winter cut back the limbs close to trunk to encourage regrowth in the summer. Are you growing a chaste in your yard? Tell us your tips for keeping it in top shape in the comments below!

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Photo by Neslihan Gunaydin on Unsplash