Sunflower Sprouts

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

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Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)

butterbur

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

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