An Apple A Day...

Your True Core!

2014-02-10T06:06:00.001-08:00

Deep inside of you, past your epidermis and abdominal muscles, your fibrous tissues and internal organs - somewhere that can't be designated on an anatomy chart - lies the reason that you try as hard as you do. Though it's not a muscle in the traditional sense, it is nonetheless an entity: a pulsating substance that drives you each and every day, more so than the results you see in the mirror. But striving for a six-pack doesn't make you vain, or narcissistic, or ego-driven: it's an external reflection of the passion and dedication that bubbles out from within. Live it. Breathe it. Show it! You have permission!

Oxygen Magazine Spring 2013

Beatiful Skin With Castor Oil.

2012-03-16T09:29:00.002-07:00

Always seeking natural ways to remedy skin problems, I came across a site that lists all of its wonderful benefits. I've got to say that I was surprised at how many uses there are that I didn't know about.

Check them out:

Tip: Use only cold-pressed (or cold-drawn) castor oil

Tip: Magnesium deficiency is a common cause of baldness

1.

List of Angiogenetic Foods

2012-03-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Ancient Power of Meditation.

2012-03-03T10:30:00.004-08:00

"Meditation is simply about being yourself and knowing about who that is. It is about coming to realize that you are on a path whether you like it or not, namely the path that is your life." -Jon Kabat-Zinn- "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort & Joy" by Sarah Ban Breathnach
For most of us, when we hear the word "meditate", we immediately conjure up images of an extremely limber and "ultra-human" Shaolin monk, levitating in the Himalayan mountains or a half-naked Yoga master in some twisted position, floating mid-air. (For me at least!) While there are many forms of meditation, these are a bit unrealistic and we doubt we can ever be able to "transcend" beyond our current chaotic lives.

However...meditation, in it's simplest form, means to quiet the mind for once, of all the usual mental banter that takes place (usually negative and self-defeating) and to connect with our inner and Higher Self. It is a time to allow our own spirit as well as the ultimate Source of it all to connect and to communicate. It is the time when we allow Source (Creator, God) to speak the answers to life's many questions, within us, without interference from the outside world. We become One with divinity.

The beauty of it is that you can meditate on a particular issue, asking for guidance and simply waiting for an answer. You can also just choose to focus on the amazing and extraordinary strength, beauty and wonder that you harness as a Divine human being; on Universal love. Whatever your soul then needs.

It is important though, that you find (or CREATE) a sacred space where you feel completely free to be yourself, to be comfortable and most importantly, quiet. It is not often that you can hear a whisper in a noisy room. If, at first, you find it difficult to concentrate, try focusing on stabilizing your breath. Become one with it and feel the invigoration upon inhalations and with your exhalations, release all tensions or fears. It is quite interesting just how many benefits meditation has on the human body. Take a look below:

1- It lowers oxygen consumption.
2- It decreases respiratory rate.
3- It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
4- Increases exercise tolerance.
5- Leads to a deeper level of physical relaxation.
6- Good for people with high blood pressure.
7- Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
8- Decreases muscle tension
9- Helps in chronic diseases like allergies, arthritis etc.
10- Reduces Pre-menstrual Syndrome symptoms.
11- Helps in post-operative healing.
12- Enhances the immune system.
13- Reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress
14- Enhances energy, strength and vigour.
15- Helps with weight loss
16- Reduction of free radicals, less tissue damage
17- Higher skin resistance
18- Drop in cholesterol levels, lowers risk of cardiovascular disease.
19- Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing.
20- Decreases the aging process.
21- Higher levels of DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
22- prevented, slowed or controlled pain of chronic diseases
23- Makes you sweat less
24- Cure headaches & migraines
25- Greater Orderliness of Brain Functioning
26- Reduced Need for Medical Care
27- Less energy wasted
28- More inclined to sports, activities
29- Significant relief from asthma
30- improved performance in athletic events
31- Normalizes to your ideal weight
32- harmonizes our endocrine system
33- relaxes our nervous system
34- produce lasting beneficial changes in brain electrical activity
35- Cure infertility (the stresses of infertility can interfere with the release of hormones that regulate ovulation).

36- Builds self-confidence.
37- Increases serotonin level, influences mood and behaviour.
38- Resolve phobias & fears
39- Helps control own thoughts
40- Helps with focus & concentration
41- Increase creativity
42- Increased brain wave coherence.
43- Improved learning ability and memory.
44- Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation.
45- Increased emotional stability.
46- improved relationships
47- Mind ages at slower rate
48- Easier to remove bad habits
49- Develops intuition
50- Increased Productivity
51- Improved relations at home & at work
52- Able to see the larger picture in a given situation
53- Helps ignore petty issues
54- Increased ability to solve complex problems
55- Purifies your character
56- Develop will power
57- greater communication between the two brain hemispheres
58- react more quickly and more effectively to a stressful event.
59- increases one’s perceptual ability and motor performance
60- higher intelligence growth rate
61- Increased job satisfaction
62- increase in the capacity for intimate contact with loved ones
63- decrease in potential mental illness
64- Better, more sociable behaviour
65- Less aggressiveness
66- Helps in quitting smoking, alcohol addiction
67- Reduces need and dependency on drugs, pills & pharmaceuticals
68- Need less sleep to recover from sleep deprivation
69- Require less time to fall asleep, helps cure insomnia
70- Increases sense of responsibility
71- Reduces road rage
72- Decrease in restless thinking
73- Decreased tendency to worry
74- Increases listening skills and empathy
75- Helps make more accurate judgements
76- Greater tolerance
77- Gives composure to act in considered & constructive ways
78- Grows a stable, more balanced personality
79- Develops emotional maturity

80- Helps keep things in perspective
81- Provides peace of mind, happiness
82- Helps you discover your purpose
83- Increased self-actualization.
84- Increased compassion
85- Growing wisdom
86- Deeper understanding of yourself and others
87- Brings body, mind, spirit in harmony
88- Deeper Level of spiritual relaxation
89- Increased acceptance of oneself
90- helps learn forgiveness
91- Changes attitude toward life
92- Creates a deeper relationship with your God
93- Attain enlightenment
94- greater inner-directedness
95- Helps living in the present moment
96- Creates a widening, deepening capacity for love
97- Discovery of the power and consciousness beyond the ego
98- Experience an inner sense of “Assurance or Knowingness”
99- Experience a sense of “Oneness”
100- Increases the synchronicity in your life

After immersing myself in many wonderful books on Self-Empowerment, Improvement and Life in general, I have to realize the importance of this ancient, mystical practice. I have always been a person to over-analyze everything and literally would lay in bed each night, replaying all the events of my day. (Yes! In chronological order!) I'm sure this is true for many as well. No wonder why we feel like we can hardly get out of our own way! Try it for short while and see how many benefits you start to notice. What have you got to lose? It's free!

Gluten Sensitivity Test

2011-12-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

Take the Gluten Sensitivity Self-Test

Check off the symptoms that apply to you:

Digestive

Craving for wheat	Bloating / Gas
IBS	Acid reflux
Constipation	Diarrhea
Poor appetite	Children who are picky eaters
Weight trouble	Iron-deficiency anemia
Indigestion	Nausea

Neurological

Headaches	Migraines
Memory problems	Brain Fog
Poor concentration	ADD/ ADHD
Joint pains and/or muscle aches	Ataxia
Fibromyalgia

Hormonal

Fatigue	Sleep problems
Depression	anxiety
Irritability	Mood swings
Menstrual problems	Infertility and/or Miscarriage
Thyroid problems	Osteoporosis or osteopenia, you or your family

Immune

You get infections easily	Sinus congestion
Asthma	Skin rash
Eczema	Psoriasis
Elevated liver enzymes	Arthritis, any type – in you or your family
Cancer history, you or your family	Autoimmune disease such as diabetes, M.S., Lupus – you or your family
Celiac disease, you or your family

If you checked 1 to 3 boxes gluten sensitivity may be playing a role in your health problems.

If you checked 4 to 7 boxes there is a definite possibility that you are suffering from gluten sensitivity

If you checked 8 or more boxes the likelihood is strong that gluten sensitivity is having a negative effect upon your health.

How did you do? Does you score put you in the “suspicious” or “likely” category?

If so, you’re not alone.

What is Gluten Sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity is a very common condition that affects anywhere from 8 to 40 times more people than those affected by celiac. Then why doesn’t “everyone” know about it? It’s only been recently appreciated that it legitimately exists.

In fact, when the Doctors Petersen wrote “The Gluten Effect” in 2009, they stated information about gluten that wasn’t at all accepted by the celiac community and leading researchers. In fact, at the time of its publication, the predominant thought was that those who “seemed” to be reacting to gluten but who didn’t have celiac disease, were likely mistaken and perhaps suffering from a “placebo effect” of some sort.

What a difference a few months can make! By the end of 2009 and continuing into 2010 and 2011, more and more research results have proven that gluten sensitivity is not only a very real condition, but one that is affecting the health of millions of unsuspecting individuals of all ages.

Your Authentic Style

2011-11-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

How The Caterpillar Finds its True Self:

"Before the caterpillar begins the transfiguration process, she eats and eats, that's all she does for days. Then she'll climb up on some kind of slanted stick or a root with a pointed end that's stretching up toward infinity. Slowly she creeps. Slowly, slowly, slowly. When she gets to the top, probably thinking, "Whew!", her life's work is just begun. For now she begins to weave a silk thread around herself to create a sacred place - the chrysalis- in which to sleep. While she is sleeping Mother Nature deconstructs her form and the caterpillar undergoes a transformation; her body completely breaks down and is turned to liquid. From this watery substance a butterfly takes form, and when the transformation is complete she breaks through, a completely new being. Her true self.

Each of us has an authentic style, and we manifest it in our appearance, in the way we decorate, the way we arrange flowers, the way we cook. We manifest it in every choice we make because we are artists of every day. I believe that authentic style is a a gift of Spirit, and that when we celebrate who we are, Spirit blesses us and we become women (people) of substance, style and spirit."
The Simple Abundance Companion - Sarah Ban Breathnach

Much like a butterfly flies from side to side to get to it's destination, we as human "spirit creatures" do the same. We flit and flirt with many sides to come to one ultimate destination; our true selves.

Risk spiritually induces re-embodiment!

11 Secrets For Exercise Success.

2011-11-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

If you ever look at some people who always manage to stay in shape and wonder what's so special about them, now, you may not have to. Just as there are proven "secrets" to the rich, famous and any other class in between on how they got there, there are also secrets of the slim and svelte. Follow me:

Secret #1:
Having a clear and realistic image of your own ideal body in your mind (and not Giselle Bunchden's!)

Reason it works: No one is 100% identical to another so to get a good, sound image of your own frame structure, height, and problem areas will leave you feeling more motivated rather than envious of Brazilian beach beauties.
Your Method: Specifically decide what your ultimate goal is - to add more muscle mass, tone up certain areas or lose 20lbs - then imagine what you will look like at the end of your journey. If you can, conjure up this ideal image in your head when you're working out, feeling lazy and about to ignore your workout, or feeling a little low on self-confidence. If you can find a similar picture in a magazine or an older, leaner photo of yourself, don't be afraid to put it up on your bathroom mirror or on the fridge as a constant reminder.

Secret #2:
Focus on cardiovascular fitness as opposed to dropping lbs.

Reason it works: Researchers have found that people with good cardiovascular health were at about 50% less likely to die from heart disease, cancer and other weight related ailments. By keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, body fat and bone density at optimal levels, we are healthier and stronger for much longer than those who do not.
Your method: You should be able to walk about 2-3 miles at a steady pace of about 15-20 per mile, 3 - 4 times weekly. Aim for about 3-4 sessions of cardio for at least 45 minutes and 2-3 strength.resistance training sessions of about 30 minutes weekly.

Secret #3:
Plan your workout BEFOREHAND!

Reason it works: Not doing so would be like going to the grocery store without a list. When you plan out your routine beforehand, you ensure you are putting in the right amount of effort to maximize results. You don't get as exhausted too early on either because your mind has something to "work towards" so to speak instead of aimlessly pumping reps and not even doing them the right way.
Your method: Be as precise as possible when plotting your workout. Don't just say "Work out - Monday." Instead say "Workout - Monday (45 mins. treadmill, 15 minutes resistance upper body, 5 mins cool down.")

Secret #4:
Have a healthy, BALANCED snack an hour or so before working out.

Reason it works: During exercise, carbohydrates are the body's first fuel, so by adding protein, fats and fiber to it, it takes longer to digest. This greatly adds to the feeling of being full longer and sustains your energy for a longer time.
Your method: A fitting pre-workout meal consists of 150-250 calories coming from carbs and fats. A half of an apple with a teaspoon of peanut butter, a handful of trail mix or a cup of oatmeal will do just fine. For me, I like my MaxFlax Smoothie or a handful or so of almonds.

Secret #5:
Keep on a heart rate monitor when doing cardio.

Reason it works: This simply tells you whether you are working too hard or not hard enough.
Your method: Try this exercise to track your heart rate: Grab a monitor and get on a treadmill or bicycle. Warm up for 5 minutes and then check your heart rate. This is your base number. Now increase your intensity to a level where you feel challenged but comfortable and sustain for 20-30 minutes. Cool down by walking or biking at a slow pace and see how long it takes to get your heart rate back down to that base number. Your ideal goal over time is to reduce the time it takes to cool down to normal again within 2 minutes. The faster you recover, the fitter you are!

Secret #6:
Develop an arsenal of strengthening moves for each specific body part. (Like the precise moves in P90X, targeting specific body zones).

Reason it works: Many areas of the body have complex muscle groups which require "special attention" in order to tone and totally define them such as the back, legs and triceps. You will see results much faster if you hone in on these areas.
Your method: To improve your tricep strength and definition, complete 10-12 reps of each of these exercises back to back: dumbbell kickbacks, tricep press-downs and triceps extensions. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat twice.

Secret #7:
Contract your abs periodically throughout the course of the day.

Reason it works: Contracting your abdominal muscles as opposed to doing crunches engages the deeper muscles that are responsible for keeping your tummy flat and taut.
Your method: Don't think that ab exercises can only be done on the floor or at the gym. Whether you're standing a line at the bank, stuck in 5 o'clock traffic or playing with the kids at the park you can work these middle muscles that will keep your posture upright as well as flatten that tummy. The most affordable tummy tuck known to man!

Secret #8:
Increase the intensity of your work outs across the board.

Reason it works: You up the ante and burn tons more calories!
Your method: Gradually increase the speed at which you work out or the workload. You can get twice the benefits of a work out done in the same amount of time if you intensify it at short intervals.

Secret #9:
Bury the word "routine" from your exercise vocabulary.

Reason it works: The human mind gets bored of the word "routine" as well as the body if you do the same type of work-out "routinely".
Your method: Keep the body guessing and fighting to keep up with all your new "demands". By taking an occasional Pilates class or inline skating, you force your body to use muscles it forgot it had. Mix it up and keep the mind excited and entertained at the same time so you stay motivated.

Secret #10:
Make friends with the trainers at the gym.

Reason it works: If you get to know them, they will look out for you. If they see you flailing your arms or hunching over, they'll help you out by showing correct form and offer you other helful advice (free of charge).
Your method: To break the ice, I would suggest (between clients of course!) approaching and introducing yourself as the "newbie" to the club. Ask about a particular machine or the correct type of tennis you should be wearing. Show your thankfulness and respect for what they do daily and they will - more than likely - remember you later on.

Secret #11:
Consider exercise as THE REWARD!

Reason it works: Exercise is not just a means to an end, it is the end! If you love Yoga and the tight tummy it has given you, does that mean you will stop now? Of course not! Consider the now taut tummy as a great side-effect of your Yoga regimen.
Your method: The next time you feel stressed and want to grab for a sugary snack, hit the gym or go for a brisk walk. Not only will you feel better afterward but you will look better as well.

Exercise is not torture once you don't see it that way. It is a means of staying healthy, strong and supple for a lifetime!

Common Bush Medicines & Their Uses.

2011-11-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

For thousands of years, people have been curing and controlling ailments with the use of natural herbs. Today, these herbs still exist all around us, but many are hesitant to consume them because they are not sure what they are eating/drinking is actually "safe". Here is a list of the most common plants and their health benefits. I am a huge believer in alternative medicine and feel as though the cures that our Creator has provided for us far surpasses any chemically altered concoction. Not to mention, it is often free and found right in our own backyards.

Aloe

Native to Africa, aloe vera is commonly cultivated elsewhere. The clear gel found inside the plant's leaf and the crystalline part found alongside the leaf blade, which contains aloin, are both used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

The clear gel is a remarkably effective healer of wounds and burns, speeding up the rate of healing and reducing the risk of infection. The brownish part containing aloin is a strong laxative, useful for short-term constipation. Aloe is present in many cosmetic's formulae because its emollient and scar preventing properties. It has a very unpleasant odour, but this is a small price to pay for its other good qualities.

Annito (Bixa orellana)

This pink flowering shrub is cultivated for the red/orange dye that comes from it's dried seeds. The seeds are used in cooking to color food such as rice, margarine and soup. They were used by the Caribs and Central American Indians for body paint and insect repellant. Ants that feed off the nectar at the flower base and on the main stem help to protect the plant from harmful creatures. It is used in industrialized nations as a food coloring replacement for red dye #2, which was determined to be a carcinogenic.

Water in which young leaves have been crushed and then strained, has been taken for diarrhea and dysentery.

Arrowroot

Arrowroot is native to South America and the Caribbean. The local people use its root as a poultice for smallpox sores, and as an infusion for urinary infections. Arrowroot is used as a soothing demulcent and a nutrient of benefit in convalescence and for easing digestion. It helps to relieve acidity, indigestion and colic, and is mildly laxative. It may be applied as an ointment or poultice mixed with some other antiseptic herbs such as comfrey.

Bay Geranium (Ambrosia Hispida)

Can be made into soap and used to relieve itching skin. Recommended for indigestion and cleaning of the lungs and mainly used to cure the common cold in the form of a strong tea with lime and salt.

Billy Webb (Acosmium panamensis)

The hard, durable wood of this tree is used in heavy construction, and to make such household items as washing tubs, breadboards and mortar sticks.

The bitter-tasting bark is used as a remedy for coughs and fever. It is the main ingredient in "Sweet Blood", one of the Rain forest Remedies bottled by Ix Chel Farms, which is good for diabetes, dry cough and low appetite.

Blue Flowers (Valerianoides Jamaicensis)

Blue Flowers are used to soothe babies with colic, gas and constipation. Also used to cool the blood and soothe skin irritations in children.

Breadfruit (Artocarpus Altilis)

Breadfruit leaves are used for high blood pressure. The leaves slightly crushed, are also bound on the head and forehead as a cure for headache.

Calabash Tree

It is said that the fruit of the Calabash Tree when roasted is a good treatment for menstrual cramps or to induced childbirth and that the leaf can be used in tea to treat colds, diarrhea, dysentery and headaches.

Candle Bush (Senna alata)

This is a flowering shrub, producing towers of yellow flowers and can be found in yards and disturbed forests. Its Belizean name "Piss A Bed" is derived from its use as a traditional remedy to help urinary tract conditions. Throughout the day, one should sip on three cups of tea made from boiling and steeping the flowers. Drinking a leaf tea can help kidney ailments and liver congestion. Fresh juice from the leaves should be applied to skin diseases such as scabies and ringworm. In Guatemala, its common name is "Ringworm shrub".

Cascarilla (Croton Eluteria)

Cascarilla has a very long history of traditional herbal medicine use worldwide. It has long been used as a digestive aid, to stimulate digestion and digestive juices, for nausea and vomiting, and as a general bitter digestive tonic. The bark is prepared as a decoction and utilized for all types of digestive complaints, feverish conditions, anemia, hemorrhoids and high blood pressure. It is also recommended for diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, intermittent and low fevers, intestinal bloating and gas, colic, nausea, an overall tonic during convalescence, and as an expectorant for chronic bronchitis.

Catnip

Cats will rub and sometime ingest the plant, and then act "drunk" or "wild" for up to an hour or more. No lasting toxicity is reported. Humans also have their moods uplifted and it is supposed to improve mental clarity and alertness. Aids in pain reduction.

Cat's Claw - Uña de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa and U. guianensis)

Cat's Claw, also called Uña de Gato, is a thorny liana vine reputed to be a remarkably powerful immune system booster and effective in treating a wide array of maladies. It has been proven to have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. It has proven useful in treating arthritis, bursitis, allergies and numerous bowel and intestinal disorders. There is some evidence that indicates effectiveness in relieving side effects of chemotherapy.

Cerasee

A tea made of the vine is used for diabetes, hypertension, worms, dysentery, malaria and as a general tonic and blood purifier. It is also very effective to relieve constipation and colds and fevers in children.

Women in Latin American use the leaf for menstrual problems to promote discharge after childbirth. The tea is taken for 9 days after giving birth to clean out and tone up all the organs involved in the delivery. Cerasee is also used as a natural method of birth control, by taking two cups each day after intercourse, for three days. It is said that women who drink Cerasee daily will not conceive during that time.

As a wash, the tea is used externally for sores, rashes, skin ulcers and all skin problems. A Cerasee bath is good for arthritis, rheumatism, gout and other similar ailments.

Cockspur (Acacia cornigera)

Sometimes called the Bullhorn or Cow Thorn, this plant has a symbiotic relationship with an aggressive and painful species of ant (Pseudomyrmex ferruginea). The ants live in its thorns and protect the tree from encroaching plants, trying to grow near its trunk or leaves high in the canopy. The ants also emerge from the thorns to attack other insects, humans and animals that come in contact with the tree.

The Pseudomyrmex ferruginea ants have been used as a bush medicine for relief of mucous congestion in infants which are given water containing the ants (once they've been squeezed and strained). Snake doctors use the Cockspur bark and root to slow down snake venom from entering the bloodstream. Acne and other skin conditions can be treated by bathing in water in which the thorns have been boiled.

Copal (Protium copal)

This was a sacred tree of the ancient Maya who used the resin as a ceremonial incense, as well as to ward off evil spirits and the evil eye (it is believed that people can harm others by their envious glances).

The resin was once widely used to treat tooth cavities. They would stuff it into the cavity and several days later, the tooth broke and was removed. Bush Doctors will make a powder made from the bark to be applied to wounds, sores and infections. The bark is also used in a tea (taken before each meal), to treat intestinal parasites.

Ginger Root

For over two thousand years Chinese Medicine has recommended ginger to treat a number of health problems. The influx of Chinese immigrants to Belize has resulted in the addition of Ginger Root as a bush remedy to combat all forms of nausea and vomiting, including appetite loss, indigestion and motion sickness. Comparisons between ginger and prescription or non-prescription drugs for motion sickness relief have been conducted, and similar effectiveness was seen between ginger and drugs. It is also taken to relieve toothache pain, loosen phlegm, to relieve gas, sore throats, headaches, ulcerative colitis, some types of menstrual pain, arthritis pain, as well as fevers and aches caused by colds and flu.

There are a lot of different varieties of ginger. For a more detailed description of the various plants visit Nature Products Network's great website.

Goat Pepper (Capsicum)

Used internally as a powerful stimulant, being considered beneficial in exciting the appetite, also used externally as a counter-irritant. A leaf is slightly crushed and placed on a boil to "draw" it to a head.

Gumbo Limbo (Kamalamee)

While exploring the Belize, you may see a large tree with red shaggy bark that peels off in paper-thin strips. That's the Gumbo-limbo tree, and its bark is a common topical remedy. Strips of bark are boiled in water and then used topically for skin sores, measles, sunburn, insect bites, and rashes or drunk as tea to treat backaches, urinary tract infections, colds, flu, and fevers. Young leaves rubbed on skin exposed to poison wood can prevent reaction and will sooth itching and speed recovery.

The tree is a member of the same botanical species as frankincense and myrrh, both representatives of the worlds oldest medicines. It is also the source of that very, very soft and light wood used for making toy airplanes and boats. In that form it is called balsa wood.

Note: This tree is also known as the Gamalamee, or Kamalamee tree. It is also called the Sunburned Tourists Tree. Tourists get burned and peel, much like the red peeling bark on this tree. And this tree provides a cure!

Hurricane Weed (phyllanthus amarus)

Called both Gale of Wind Weed and Hurricane Weed, the botanical name for this small annual herb is phyllanthus amarus. It is also called the "stone breaker plant" because it has been used for generations to eliminate gallstones or kidney stones. This plant is used for poor appetite, constipation, typhoid fever, flu, and colds. It’s a popular herbal treatment because it has no side effects or toxicity. Phyllanthus amarus has been the focus of a great deal of research in recent years because its antiviral qualities may even be useful in treating hepatitis and the HIV virus.

Jackass Bitters (Neurolaena lobata)

Jackass Bitters is a well-respected plant that has been used widely in traditional Central American medicine. It has yellow flowers and bitter-tasting leaves which contain a potent anti-parasitic agent (sesquiterpene dialdehyde) that is active against amoebas, candida, giardia and intestinal parasites. Traditionally, the herb is taken internally as a tea or a wine or used topically to bath wounds and infections, or as a hair wash to get rid of lice.

Jumbie Plant (wild tamarind)

The Jumbie Plant is used mostly to nourish cattle, but is good for human ailments, too. As with most bush medicine, you boil the leaves from the plant and brew into a tea. If you've had a stressful day, a cup or two of the brew will calm you down. If, on the other hand, you're suffering from flatulence, the tea is said to have a calming effect on your stomach. Some folks drink the tea to strengthen their hearts.

Lignum Vitae (guiacum officinale)

One of the most versatile native trees is the Lignum Vitae, tree of life, or as many old folk call it "Nigly Whitey"). Its glossy leaves are a rich green, and its abundant flowers range in color from purple to blue. Virtually all parts of the tree are valuable, particularly its heavy, dense wood that was once used commercially in construction, until the tree became scarce. Its resin, called guaiacum, is obtained from the wood by distillation and is used to treat weakness and strengthen your back.

Limon Grass

Native from Sri Lanka and South India, lemon grass is now widely cultivated in the tropical areas of America and Asia. Its oil is used as a culinary flavoring, a scent and medicine. Lemon Grass is principally taken as a tea to remedy digestive problems diarrhea and stomach ache. It relaxes the muscles of the stomach and gut, relieves cramping pains and flatulence and is particularly suitable for children. In the Caribbean, lemon grass is primarily regarded as a fever-reducing herb. It is applied externally as a poultice or as diluted essential oil to ease pain and arthritis.

Love Vine

If it is an aphrodisiac you are looking for, then the Love Vine could be the plant for you. Apparently this vine can be found not-so-lovingly attached to other plants, which it eventually kills. As with most of the local remedies, the vine leaves are made into a tea.

Mimosa (Mimosa pudica)

This small ground herb has many common names. It is known in Belize as the Sensitive Plant, Humble Plant, or Sleeping Grass. It closes up and droops down when touched, which indicates one of its properties - to induce sleep. Traditionally, leaves have been placed under one's pillow for treatment of insomnia. A tea made from its leaves and branches is used as a relaxant, pain reliever and to induce sleep. The leaves can also be applied, once mashed, to aching teeth.

Periwinkle

The Periwinkle plant has historically been used throughout the Caribbean to treat a wide assortment of diseases. It was used as a folk remedy for diabetes in the area for centuries. Juice from the leaves is used to treat wasp stings and other insect bites. The plant can be boiled to make a poultice to stop bleeding. It has been used as an astringent, diuretic and cough remedy. In Central and South America, it is used as a homemade cold remedy to ease lung congestion and inflammation and sore throats., an extract from the flowers is used to make a solution to treat eye irritation and infections.

If you've had a hard day at work and have aching limbs, the bruised, boiled leaves of the Periwinkle can be applied, giving much sought-after relief.

It also had a reputation as a magic plant; Europeans thought it could ward off evil spirits, and the French referred to it as "violet of the sorcerers."

Picao Preto

Picao Preto, a small annual herb with prickly leaves and yellow flowers, is considered a weed in many places. But in the Islands, it has a long history of producing herbal curatives, and virtually all parts of the plant are used. The people of Exuma grind the sun-dried leaves with olive oil to make poultices for sores and lacerations. Leaves are balled up and applied to toothaches, or plastered to the head to soothe a headache.

Provision Tree (Pachira aquatica)

Also known as Malabar Chestnut, Guiana Chestnut and Saba Nut. this tree is sold commercially in the USA under the name Money Tree. It produces large, colorful flowers and fruits. The fruit can weigh up to six lbs, and be a foot in diameter. The seeds can be roasted and eaten.

Provision Tree bark is highly regarded as a blood tonic. A tea made by boiling its bark is used to help anemia, low blood pressure, fatigue and to generally build strength.

Pound-Cake Bush (Parthenium Hysterophorus)

Used to combat "weakness" and is also used for coughs and as a wash for skin sores. The flowers are sometimes "parched" and sprinkled on skin sores. It is also made into a tea for diabetes.

Sarsaparilla

Brought from the New World to Spain in 1563, sarsaparilla was heralded as a cure for syphilis. In Belize, the herb has traditionally been used to treat a variety of skin problems.

Sarsaparilla is anti- inflammatory and cleansing, and can bring relief to skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and general itchiness, and help treat rheumatism, rheumatoid, arthritis and gout. Sarsaparilla also has a progesterogenic action, making it beneficial in pre-menstrual problems, and menopausal conditions such as debility and depression. In Mexico the root is still frequently consumed for its reputed tonic and aphrodisiac properties. Native Amazonian peoples take sarsaparilla to improve virility and to treat menopausal problems..

Seagrape

Sea Grapes are said to be especially good if you have an upset stomach. Children used to eat them as a sweet treat, but now the most of the local children prefer candy.

Shepherd's Needle (Bidens Pilosa)

Foliage and flowers are steeped and used for prickly heat, "cooling the blood" and to relieve "sick stomach" and given every day for nine days for worms in children.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

In the Bahamas we called this plant "Mother-In-Law's Tongue" because once it gets started, you can't get rid if it! The color pattern on this stemless plant resembles the skin of a snake. Following the "Doctrine of Signatures" this also indicates one of its uses in bush medicine: For snakebite! Rashes and skin sores can be helped by bathing them with water in which the leaves have been boiled. Some people place leaf juice in water for chickens, which helps prevent diseases. (If you get bitten by a Dangerous Snake in Belize, don't rely on Bush Medicine, get to a clinic immediately!)

Soursop / Guyabano (Annona muricata Linnaeus)

To reduce fever, a decoction or tea made from Soursop leaves can be taken internally. Leaves added to bathing water has the same effect. The crushed fresh leaves can be applied on skin eruptions to promote healing. A poultice of young Soursop leaves is applied on the skin to alleviate rheumatism and other skin infections like eczema. The tea has also been used as a wet compress on swollen feet and other inflammations. The juice of the fruit can be taken orally as a remedy for urethritis, haematuria and liver ailments.

Other uses: A thick tea can be used to kill bedbugs and head lice. Mixing pulverizing Soursop seeds with soap & water is an effective spray against caterpillars, armyworms and leafhoppers on plants.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum sp.)

There are several species of this flowering shrub found throughout the world in warm temperate to tropical climates. Our Belizean St. John's Wort is common in the savanna areas and easy to find at The Belize Zoo. It can grow on dry, disturbed soil, and benefits from fire ecology, growing quickly and robust after savanna fires.

Scientific research has found that certain species of St. John's Wort were an effective antidepressant in the treatment of mild and moderate depression.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Wild yam has been used for menstrual cramps and discomfort, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach cramps and pain from gallstones. ailments.

Women in Mexico, for ages, ate the tuber of the Wild Yam as a birth control method. Scientific research has found that the tuber of Dioscorea does contain steroids. These same steroids were then synthetically developed and are used in the manufacturing of birth control pills.