Silver and Gold Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 28

silvergoldmagazine.ca WELL-BEING PROBIOTICS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR Many Benefits of Nettle Tea – By Dr. Sara Celik, ND Stinging Nettle (urtica dioica) is a perennial plant used for centuries for its medicinal benefits. According to the Department of Dermatology at the Penn State University College of Medicine, Stinging Nettle has numerous health benefits when processed and used for medicinal purposes. Some of these benefits include: 1. Urinary issues – Nettle contains chemicals which affect the hormones that cause Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Urinary issues. It has been shown to slow or often stop the spread of prostate cancer cells, help with urine flow, and aide in curing bladder infections. 2. Hay Fever – Nettle’s anti-inflammatory and anti- histamine qualities affect key receptors and enzymes in allergic reactions, and ease the effects of hay fever. 3. Eczema and Acne – Sufferers can combine oral ingestion of nettle tea, along with a nettle-based cream to provide relief of itch and redness caused by Eczema. It’s also highly useful in the treatment of acne, when applied both topically and ingested. M ost Canadians do not have sufficient ‘friendly’ gut bacteria and instead are host to many harmful microorganisms, such as viruses, parasites, fungi and ‘bad’ bacteria. Increased levels of stress, the overuse of medication, alcohol, smoking, and poor nutrition destroy friendly gut bacteria and provide an ideal breeding ground for pathogenic bugs. This imbalance is often referred to as dysbiosis. Restoring the ideal ratio of ‘good’ to ‘bad’ gut bacteria can be accomplished by supplementing with a high potency daily probiotic. Since shopping for probiotics can be overwhelming, below are 5 tips to help you make an informed decision. 1. Check the potency. The potency or culture count refers to the total amount of live, friendly bacterial cultures per dose. I usually recommend my patients take a ‘one-a-day’ capsule with a daily dose of 50 billion active bacteria. 4. Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain – Nettle’s anti- inflammatory effectiveness works wonders to ease pain and stiffness associated with various forms of Arthritis. Nettle also promotes a release of uric acid from joints, relieving pain and inflammation of Gout. 5. Boost Immune System – Its high concentration of Vitamin C, flavonoids and carotenoids, make it an effective immune system booster. Nettle supports the adrenals and stimulates the lymph system, promoting better digestion and a stronger immune system. For easy recipe visit our website! Note: Just because they’re herbs it doesn’t mean they’re safe for everyone. If you are on prescribed medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use herbal products, except on the advice of an herbal practitioner or doctor. 28 More articles, recipes & events online: www.silvergoldmagazine.ca Graphic: Active Advantage Plus