Sunflower Sprouts

Native American cultures have known about the many uses and benefits of sunflower for centuries.  Sunflower can be used as food, an oil source, and even as a dye pigment. As a food and health source, sunflower tops the list of sprouts as a protein source. They contain minerals, healthy fats, essential fatty acids, fiber and phytosterols. Their vitamin E content has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory effects, reduce the risk of colon cancer, help control some symptoms of menopause and help cut down on diabetic complications. Sunflower sprouts are also a good source of magnesium and may help reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, prevent migraine headaches and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Iron and chlorophyll also can be found in sprouted sunflower seeds, the latter of which will help detoxify your blood and liver. Sprouting sunflower seeds will transform nutrient content by as much as 300 - 1,200 percent. When sprouting sunflower seeds at home, soak the seeds for 2 days before planting in soil. Once in the soil, allow your seeds to sprout. They are ready to harvest in about 3 days.

Resources

Sunflower seeds. The World's Healthiest Foods.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=57

Image Attribution: Yastremska/bigstock.com

Tour of the Mints (Metha spp.)

A historic plant with origins dating back to ancient Greek mythology, and medicinal applications dating back to medieval monks, mint comes in hundreds of varieties. Some mint varieties, including peppermint, spearmint and chocolate mint, among others, are most often used for culinary purposes. Others, such as field mint, are more often valued for their therapeutic and medicinal qualities and used to treat ailments including headache, indigestion, heartburn, insomnia and gas. Still, some mint varieties are best used simply for their aroma or appearance. Corsican mint is one of the best known mint varieties and is most often used to make mint jelly to accompany a meal of lamb chops, but it also has medicinal properties.

Corsican mint has calming, anti-spasmodic effects that helps reduce anxiety, stress and headaches. It can also be used as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Its aroma, like that of most mints, will help calm the mind and relax the senses. Additionally, this mint has the ability to stimulate appetite and reduce gas. Topically, essential oil of Corsican mint can even help relieve pain and ease tension in muscles. Peppermint, another commonly used mint variety, has been found to help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, asthma and nasal symptoms of colds related to allergies, and even to limit some bacterial and fungal growth. Nutritionally, peppermint is also a good source of manganese, copper and vitamin C. 

There are many ways to enjoy mint. Try a cup of fresh mint tea, add some to a fruit salad, or add chopped mint leaves to soups that feature tomatoes. Fresh mints carry a superior flavor to dried mint and are better suited for culinary purposes. To store fresh mint leaves, carefully wrap them in a damp paper towel and place the pack inside a loosely closed plastic bag. If refrigerated this way, the leaves should keep for several days. Mints are fast-growing, aromatic herbs, which grow well in container gardens with moist, well-draining soil, set in full to partial sun. Many will also grow well indoors, making it possible to utilize mint year-round. For more tips on how to grow mint in your garden, check out GardeningKnowHow.com.

Resources

Photo credit. FreeDigitalPhotos.net. http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Vegetables_g63-Mint_Leaves_p145548.html

Mint Plant Varieties: Types of Mint for the Garden. Gardening Know How. http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/mint-plant-varieties.htm

Herb Fact Sheet: Mint. The Herb Society. http://www.herbsociety.org.uk/schools/factsheets/mint.htm

Peppermint. The World's Healthiest Foods. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=102

Image Attribution:  foto76/freedigitalphotos.net

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)

A perennial shrub found throughout Europe and in parts of Asia and North America, the butterbur plant has broad leaves and lilac-pink flowers. The name comes from the traditional use of its large leaves to wrap butter during warm months. Traditionally, butterbur has been used to treat pain, headache, anxiety, cough, fever, and gastrointestinal and urinary tract conditions. It has been used topically to help wounds heal, and modern studies suggest it may also be beneficial in treating the symptoms of seasonal allergies and asthma. It is recommended to avoid raw, unprocessed butterbur due to its potential for causing liver problems with long-term use. As with any herb, butterbur may interact with other herbs, supplements or medications, and it may also cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies. Be sure to discuss butterbur with Dr. Deb Bossio prior to use, to decide if Butterbur may be right for you.
 

RESOURCES

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus). Natural Standard Professional Monograph. 2013.

Herbs at a Glance. Butterbur. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/butterbur

Image Attribution: freebigpictures.com