Spices That Heal Hypertension: Cocoa, Garlic,Saffron and 10 More

Yum! Cocoa, garlic and saffron are each delicious in their own distinct ways.What do all three have in common? Each one, when consumed in healthy doses, reduces the symptoms of hypertension and high blood pressure. To keep hypertension at bay, blend a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably organic) in a cup of hot water, and drink this once daily to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. If you like, blend it with cinnamon or cardamom.

Growing numbers of people are dealing with the effects of hypertension, particularly in the Western hemisphere. To reduce your own risk of hypertension related health problems, incorporate healing spices and whole foods into your diet. The healing and fortifying properties of whole foods and spices are boundless...

 Choose at least four or five from this list of spices to include in meals, snacks and beverages :

• Allspice
• Black Pepper
• Cardamom
• Celery Seed
• Cinnamon
• Cocoa
• Coriander
• Fennel Seed
• Garlic
• Onion
• Oregano
• Pomegranate
• Saffron

Garlic, a spice on the list worth noting, is a global remedy. Add generous quantities of fresh garlic daily in your soups, sauces and main courses to reduce your blood pressure by 2-7% over a month's time! Garlic boosts immunity, lowers cholesterol and strengthens heart health. Garlic can be taken in capsules, also; however, your body may have difficulty absorbing some of these. Be selective.

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Eighty thousand crocus flowers produce one pound of lovely saffron, so it is very difficult to cultivate. A miniscule 1/20th of an ounce vial of authentic Saffron costs about $20. Toss saffron on your rice, broth and seafood dishes. Saffron in capsule form may help prevent or treat hypertension, insomnia, PMS, anxiety, memory loss and depression.

Onions are easily accessible and inexpensive. Our potent-smelling friends have potent medicinal uses! Cancer-fighting and allergy healing, onions also help reduce hypertension. They are known for their anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral nature. Onions come in a variety of colors: green, red and yellow. Chopped, sliced or diced, onions will do wonders for your health. Avoid overcooking them to maximize nutritional benefit. Squeeze lemon juice on your hands to get the onion odor out of your skin after cutting them.

More tasty facts on Fennel Seed, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Pomegranate and other spices on the above list coming soon. This is one of my favorite subjects to talk about.

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Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Great Cure

Urban Sanctuary serves steaming warm neck pillows to spa clients before services.

Herbal Ease Neck Pillows--combine heat, steam, aromatherapy and healing Ayurvedic herbs to relieve neck pain and achy shoulders. The neck pillows are very versatile stress relievers and wonderfully effective. 

Basmati Rice creates steam once the pillows are heated. The steam helps carry the vapors of the herbs into your system through the pores, the soft tissue and sinuses. Steam passes easily through your clothing, so the neck pillows are very effective whether you're wearing one over your shirt or on bare skin. Basmati rice is a natural preservative, which helps the herbs inside of the pillows keep for 4 years or so. 

Cardamom treats muscle spasms, settles nerves and strengthens the immune system. It helps with insomnia and nervous exhaustion. In India, Cardamom's use is very wide spread. Cardamom massage oils, tinctures and teas are blended for healing and longevity. In the neck pillows, Cardamom's medicine is put to good use.

Clove is a very effective pain remedy. Clove heals sore muscles and nerve pain, arthritic pain and body aches. Mothers have rubbed Clove oil on teething babies' gums for ages, because it has a very soothing effect. The aromatic vapors can lift mental fatigue. 

Cinnamon steadies the nerves, boosts circulation and raises body temperature. The Cinnamon in the neck pillows helps to soften and relax tense muscles in the neck, shoulders and chest area.

Relaxing, delicious smelling and weighted, the neck pillows are comforting and very healing. We think they are one of the best neck and shoulder pain home cures available! Stop by Urban Sanctuary at 810 North Chase Street in Athens, Georgia to try some on for size. We'll even heat one up for you.
Be kind to yourself. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary...

Urban Sanctuary was voted Athens' Best Day Spa.