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Everything about Molasses

Molasses is a natural product which is extracted from sugar cane, during the processing for the extraction of white sugar. It is a sweetener, thick and dark syrup, which now finds applications in both cooking, cosmetic and therapeutic uses!

It is considered a superfood, as 300 grams of molasses contain (on a daily basis): 9% vitamin B1, 16% vitamin B3, 116% vitamin B6 and 27% vitamin B5, water-soluble vitamins and particularly useful for the health of the nervous system, the nervous system, the memory and concentration but also skin health.
In addition, it contains trace elements and minerals that give energy, hydrate the body and normalize blood pH, in large quantities: 69% calcium, 88% iron, 204% magnesium, 10% phosphorus, 141% potassium, 258% manganese, 86% selenium , 7% zinc, 82% copper. The energy it also offers to the body is great as it offers 252% of the carbohydrate needs. It should be treated like any sweetener, as it contains a lot of calories!

Due to the many methods of extracting molasses, many times you will find a mixture of cane with sugar beet, so it is important to know that the quality and content of the ingredients depends on the method of extraction, the origin of molasses and the method of preservation. So prefer when buying, Blackstrap molasses, which is in its purest form and is extracted from raw cane sugar.

For the health:
Beneficial for the nervous system and the fight against stress, molasses due to its high content of magnesium and B-complex vitamins, protects and benefits the nervous system, thus reducing tension, muscle contractions, fatigue and stress. It raises the levels of the hormone serotonin, thus fighting melancholy, reducing physical pain and mood swings, and fighting depression. It contributes significantly to the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as the content of minerals and trace elements supports brain function and improves concentration and memory.

Prevents the formation of cancer cells, due to its powerful antioxidant action. By preventing the oxidation of cells and consequently their destruction, not only the formation of cancer cells is prevented but also the aging of the organism. The antioxidant action of molasses, fights free radicals, which in high concentrations are responsible for many diseases, aging, destruction of proteins in the body, damage to DNA and cell membranes. Selenium and manganese play an important role.

Improves bone health and fights arthritis. As it is a rich source of calcium, molasses strengthens bones and teeth. At the same time, consumption helps in faster and better recovery from fractures, and reduces the possibility of weak and fragile bones and joints. People suffering from arthritis will see an improvement in both swelling and pain.

Beneficial for red blood cells, molasses is rich in copper, so it helps significantly in the absorption of iron and the creation of new red blood cells, while protecting the immune system. In combination with its high iron content, it is ideal for people with anemia, low iron and hematocrit levels, people with thyroid problems, arrhythmia and low iron stores.For Women during menopause, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menstruation they will improve mood, reduce pain, supplement their iron and calcium needs and regulate their hormones naturally.

For the treatment of headaches, fatigue and poor sleep, molasses will be very useful, as it gives energy and the content of trace elements and vitamins improve blood flow, resulting in better brain function, higher energy levels and better sleep.

Stabilizes blood sugar levels, while the high content of potassium (potassium) reduces cholesterol levels. Potassium lowers blood pressure and supports the cardiovascular system, while helping to detoxify the liver and keep the body hydrated.

Improves sexual health, as it promotes healthy production of hormones, improves the function of the nervous and cardiovascular system and of course gives energy!

For the skin:
Molasses offers a variety of beneficial ingredients for the overall health of the skin with its main anti-aging action. Externally it can be used for exfoliation but also a very good emollient for very dry skin. Significantly reduces dark circles and restores vigor to the skin.

People suffering from skin diseases and acne will see improvement both with consumption and with its use for cleansing the face. Topically it can be used on pimples, wounds, cysts and rashes, as it has a healing and anti-inflammatory effect.

For hair:
The effect of molasses on hair is not proven by studies but mainly by the experience of thousands of users, who claim that it improves the quality and texture of hair, reduces the appearance of white hair and prevents hair loss. These observations are most likely to be correct, as high levels of copper and the strong antioxidant activity of molasses can have these effects on the body and hair. You can consume molasses daily to improve the hair but also apply molasses solution in water as a hair mask.

How to consume molasses
In cooking it is a favorite ingredient that you will find in pies and rum, in confectionery, in salad dressing, in grilled vegetables, in marinades and in sauces. You can use it in coffee, tea, juices, yogurt, cereals and ice cream, while you can add it to your own recipe for cereal bars!2 t

ablespoons is the maximum you can consume daily, while you can consume it insoluble, or even better in lemon juice dissolved in a little water for better absorption. Due to its particularly viscous texture, molasses dissolves in lukewarm water.Prefer to consume molasses before breakfast, on an empty stomach.

Possible side effects
It is generally considered safe to consume molasses in the permitted quantities. People who are allergic to cane should not consume molasses. It does not contain gluten, while it is easily digested by the body. People with diabetes should consume molasses on the advice of a doctor, while we must not forget that despite the invaluable nutrients it contains, it is still a sweetener. So the dosages should not be exceeded!

Source: Botanologio – everything about herbs

The basic principles of herbs intake

The consumption of various herbs, whether for therapeutic or preventive purposes, must always be done properly and in moderation. The analysis of the correct dosage for children, adults and pregnant women will follow in an article on the proper use of herbs. But proper consumption is not limited to that. There are some basic principles that must be followed in order not to lead to overdoses and especially complications.

The two basic rules for taking herbs are:

Weekly rest day: for the proper functioning of an herb, there should be a break from its use, 1 day a week. After 2 to 3 weeks of treatment, herbs should not be consumed, for 3 consecutive days. During this period of pause, we can monitor any changes or influences to the desired result, and even possible side effects. If the results within the three days of rest are unsatisfactory or remain at the same level, continue with the same dosage of herbs for another 3 weeks. If there is an improvement in any condition, continue with a reduced dose of herb. If the desired effect is achieved, treatment can be stopped and you can start some other nutritional or therapeutic use of herbs depending on your needs.

Dosage setting: Dosage is not something that depends only on your weight, there are many factors that affect the final amount of herb we use. The most important of these factors are listed below.

• For a slow and gradual overall effect, herbs should be consumed in small amounts mixed with milk between meals, as this delays the absorption.

• To increase appetite and increase digestive secretions or for local action in the gastrointestinal tract, the consumption of herbs should be done before the meal.

• To increase the absorption of an herb and its immediate effect, it is preferable to consume 1 to 2 hours after a meal

Herbs that do not have a tolerable taste, it is better to consume as cold decoctions or infusions

Source: Botanologio – everything about herbs

Homemade shampoo without chemicals

It is now known that commercial shampoos contain many chemical ingredients which of course we are used to without realizing the damage they can cause to our body. An herbal shampoo with herbs may sound difficult to prepare, but in fact with a few ingredients you can make unique shampoos without burdening your body!

Starting with the basics, in order to understand the damage of the use of chemical shampoos and shower gels, our skin, and especially the scalp, is full of pores that absorb what is deposited. During the bath or shower, the pores are dilated allowing the substances contained in the cleaning products to enter the body, through a particularly sensitive system, of our glands.

Many of the ingredients are harmful, and most stay in the body for more than 12 hours. Therefore a good rinse is not enough. Now that we know the important difference between herbal homemade shampoo and trade shampoo, some practical tips will help you make your own shampoo!

For connoisseurs of soap making it will seem easy to make a soap from scratch to create a gel or shampoo ! For those who do not know will need:

1. natural soap from caustic potash (not caustic soda) as the creation of soap with caustic potash creates soft soaps, which dissolve easily in water! Do not be afraid of caustic potash, the creation of a soap consists of water (it can be rose water, or some other flower water, vegetable glycerin, etc.) oil, preferably a combination of soft oils such as almond oil and coconut oil which is more foamy and of course caustic potash! After curing, the soap has a skin friendly Ph without any impurities of other chemicals.

2. Flower water of your choice, even aloe gel where you will dissolve the soap

3. vegetable glycerin, a natural ingredient which in addition to cosmetics, deeply moisturizes and protects the skin.

4. essential oils of your choice, depending on the needs of your skin and your aromatic tastes! Here we should note that in chemical shampoos the biggest trap is the fragrance which is still unknown what it can cause on the skin. As well as we should note the fact that in the bathroom your herbal shampoo will smell wonderful and you will take an aromatherapy bath but after a while you will not smell the aroma! At first you may not like it, but in the end the natural aroma of our skin is much nicer.

5. coarse salt to make the shampoo a little thicker, and a pinch of citric acid for the PH.

6. Additions of your choice, such as a little extra almond oil for soft hair, clay for detoxification, etc.
Method of preparation:

Crush the soap in a large bowl and cover with distilled water, flower water, decoction or combination. Allow it to dissolve on its own and add a tablespoon of almond oil and a tablespoon of glycerin, a tablespoon of salt and a pinch of citric acid and mix well. When the mixture has calmed down, add the essential oils and any addition of your choice and stir gently. Your shampoo is ready to be stored in beautiful bottles!

The drops of essential oil allowed for 500ml of shampoo are up to 70, with the exception of strong essential oils such as mint and cinnamon which require less.

A bar of soap 200g will make you about 500ml of shampoo, so the proportions mentioned are for this amount! You can add more or less water depending on how thin you want your shampoo! No it will not foam like the trade shampoo, nor will it smell like the trade shampoo! But you will see the difference from the first week of use!

Lavender – Everything about its properties, uses and cultivation!

The beautiful lavender, known since antiquity for many applications, finds many uses, from cooking and confectionery, to herbal cosmetics and treatments through its essential oil and tincture. As a natural aroma of space and closets but also for adorns a beautiful garden. In fact, it is food for all beekeeping insects.

Characteristics of lavender

It belongs to the Mediterranean herbs, to the genus Lavandula and is an evergreen herb. You will find it in many gardens as in addition to aromatic and healing herb, it is also a very beautiful shrub!

The flowers of lavender are purple and fragrant, while its stem is fluffy with a height of 30 to 80 cm. Flowering begins in spring and early summer and depends on the climate of the area in which it is grown.

There are many types of lavender that stand out from the foliage, the flower and the size that the plant reaches.
The essential oil, which is extracted from the flowers, is particularly beneficial offering many therapeutic and cosmetic applications. A special feature of lavender essential oil is that it can be used directly on the skin, offering relief from irritation, burns, acne and more.

Useful parts of the herb are its flowers, which are collected and stored in late spring and early summer, while they can be used for storing clothes, as well as for decoctions, infusions, baths, sleeping pillows. Lavender is not very nutritious, although the calcium and vitamin A it contains stand out. It is important that the lavender flowers are cut so that they always produce new flowers!

Lavender cultivation

Lavender is ideally grown in sunny airy areas with slightly sandy soil and alkaline with good drainage. It needs 6 to 8 hours of sun exposure and prefers mild winters. However, it can also respond to low temperatures. Adding well-digested manure helps young plants but generally lavender does not need fertilizers.


Lavender in cooking and confectionery

Dried lavender is great for cooking, as it can replace rosemary. Grated in a mixture of salt gives a wonderful taste, while the same happens when you mix lavender with sugar for your sweets. Try dipping in the oil bottle lavender, even in your vinegar so that you have ready aromatic oil and vinegar for salads and dressings. Finally, if you are a fan of iced tea, try adding lavender water or lavender tea in combination with lemonade, melissa or mountain tea.
* If you do not already know, lavender honey is wonderful, aromatic and creamy white!

Lavender in cosmetics

Lavender has countless uses in cosmetology, and it all depends on our imagination. The infusion, extract and flower water are used as toning face lotions, to dissolve clay powder for a soothing and cleansing mask, for insect bites, moisturizing and treating dry skin. You can wash your face to treat acne and rinse your hair if you have dry hair or severe itching and dry skin.

Lavender essential oil is ideal for wax ointments for sensitive skin, homemade soap where you can also put dried lavender, in shampoos for dry, damaged hair and massage oils.

In an oil base, the essential oil is excellent for relaxing massages, hair masks to balance the pH of the scalp, while removing dandruff. Lavender oil is an ideal face make-up remover.

Lavender can be used safely in young children and babies without side effects, while giving a feeling of relaxation. (not its essential oil or tincture)

Lavender essential in beeswax cream, due to its anti-inflammatory action, is used for redness of the skin, treatment of dark circles, discolorations and freckles. Its moisturizing action is useful for dry and dull skin, while it is ideal for hydration at the ages of 20 to 25. You will find the relaxing aroma of lavender in many fragrances, while the oil is soft and easily absorbed.

Lavender healing properties

In the form of an infusion (in boiled water) it will offer you relaxation from a difficult day, helps in better digestion after a heavy meal, fights migraines, relieves toothache and nausea, while reducing stress and hypertension.
Use lavender essential oil as it is on burns, as it immediately soothes, absorbs inflammation and heals faster without leaving marks. Apply the essential oil to insect bites with a cotton swab or if you want to avoid insect bites. Dissolve the essential oil (10 drops in 100ml oil of your choice) for massages when you feel muscle discomfort, joint pain or bruising. Rub lavender essential oil on the temples to relieve the headache.
When you suffer from insomnia, put dried lavender or lavender essential oil on your pillow for a peaceful sleep!

Lavender is especially known for its calming properties, so it can be used in cases of melancholy and mild depression. Ideal for dealing with feelings of fatigue, anxiety and feelings of panic.
Lavender tea relieves sore throat from colds, treats asthma and is beneficial for the respiratory system in general, offering relief from severe cough, bronchitis and irritation of the respiratory tract.
The anti-inflammatory action of lavender in combination with the healing and antimicrobial, works wonders on abrasions, skin diseases and cuts!

When rubbed, it relaxes the muscles and causes hyperemia. Relieves neuralgic and rheumatic pains. It is analgesic, antiseptic and antifungal actions, are ideal for bruises, psoriasis and scars.
There are no serious side effects from using lavender unless you are allergic. For safety reasons, we did not mention the therapeutic use of lavender tincture, as it is often misused and the advice of your doctor is preferable.

At home and in the garden

As a natural insect repellent, you can put it in cabinets and drawers dried for protection against moth, while you will find dried lavender to adorn candles, vases, giving color to your space.
As a natural aromatic, the essential oil in an aromatherapy device will absorb odors and at the same time will relax you, as it fights anxiety, melancholy and depression.
With a pot of lavender on your balcony, and an essential oil on your shelves, you ensure a variety of applications!

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