Principle for Optimum Health: Do not ignore symptoms…do not be presumptuous regarding your health. If you are experiencing symptoms of an injury or illness; have been diagnosed with a disease process or if you are pregnant, nursing or desiring to become pregnant; you should consult with the health care provider of your choice before embarking upon any new health regimen.
And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. (12) And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:12, American Standard Version)
Oregano*
Today, oregano is most commonly known for its strong flavor and pleasant aroma. Historically, oregano has been used for its health benefits. For more information regarding potential health benefits of oregano, refer to the PDR for Herbal Medicines, 4th edition
Oregano is a warm, aromatic member of the mint family. Other names for Oregano (Origanum vulgare) include: Mountain Mint, Origano, Wild Marjoram, Winter Marjoram and Wintersweet. The most common varieties of oregano include Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum or Origanum heracleoticum), Italian oregano (Origanum majoricum), Cretan oregano (Origanum onites), and Syrian oregano (Origanum syriacum).
The characteristics of oregano vary according to species. Flowers can range from white to purple with grayish to greenish leaves. It is a woody plant which can be cut back as needed. Oregano is an industrious plant, it spreads easily and its propagation is through simple division and replanting. Oregano does well in most soil types; the exception is in areas of poor drainage. Its culinary and medicinal parts range from its oil extracted from the fresh or dried leaves; as well as its flowers, leaves and stems. It is common throughout Asia, Europe and Northern Africa.
Culinary uses for oregano are diverse. It can be found in chili powders, commercial herb blends, tomato sauces, pizza sauces and salad dressings. Its use transcends cultures. It is used in Latin American, Greek, Italian, Middle Eastern, Spanish and French cuisines.
For centuries, oregano has also been used for its health benefits as well. Its medicinal properties include: carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene and caryophyllene.
Therefore, it can be used as an antiseptic (eliminates or reduces the growth of microorganisms); antispasmodic (decreases or eliminates spasms); carminative (relief of flatulence or stomach/intestinal gas); cholagogue (gallbladder stimulant); diaphoretic (induces sweating); emmenagogue (promotes normal menses); expectorant (treatment of coughs); stimulant (increases the functional activity of a body part or organ); stomachic (digestive aid); and mild tonic. Oregano oil has been used to treat mild fevers, colds and flu.
*Oregano should not be used if an allergy to oregano exists.
Special note regarding severe allergic response known as Anaphylaxis:
Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include: flushing of the face; tingling of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet; light-headedness and chest-tightness. If not treated, these can progress into seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, shock and respiratory distress. Anaphylaxis can result in death. Ingested or inhaled allergen such as: airborne allergen; food; latex; insect sting; and drug allergies can result in anaphylaxis. If you suspect you or another is experiencing an anaphylaxic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
Below is a taste-bud-popping recipe that highlights oregano in a delicious pizza sauce on a homemade pizza crust:
Homemade Pizza!
Pizza Dough Ingredients:
1/4 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon white sugar
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4 cups bread flour
2 tablespoons Italian-style seasoning
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 1/4 cups flat beer
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pizza Sauce Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 (28 ounce) can Roma tomatoes, with juice
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped, fresh oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a food processor, combine flour, Italian seasoning and salt. Pulse until mixed. Add yeast mixture, flat beer and oil. Pulse until a ball is formed. Scrape dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead for several minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic. Allow dough to rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Divide dough in half and shape into balls. Place dough balls in separate bowls and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, then store in the refrigerator overnight.
3. To make the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onions until tender. Stir in garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Crush tomatoes into saucepan. Add tomato paste, basil, parsley and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Time-Saving Notes:
Sauce may be used on canned or frozen pizza dough.
If you have a bread machine, just mix on Dough setting, following manufacturer's recommendations for pizza dough.
The dough can be frozen in plastic freezer bags in one-crust portions. Important: Thaw in the refrigerator.
It is your health…your life…live responsibly!
Until next time, Beloved Reader, it is my prayer that you prosper in all things and be healthy in all aspects of life - body, mind and spirit! (Personalized for you from 3 John 1:2)
*FREE NATURAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER: For more information on natural alternatives, integrative medicine and/or to receive Pam's free newsletter regarding natural health, please visit: www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com
Pam Anderson has earned the credentials of Doctor of Naturopathic Ministry and has actively worked in the field of nursing as a Registered Nurse for 31+ years. She is an Ordained Minister. Pam sees her role as a teacher or consultant. She believes in the body's innate, God-given, natural ability to heal itself when given an appropriate internal and external environment. Her years of experience in the ministry, medicine, and natural health field enables her to counsel individuals, couples and/or families on the principles of life, health and wellness for the body, mind (soul) and spirit as established in God's Word. Pam, along with her husband, Ron Anderson, operates several natural health clinics. They travel the country as motivational speakers. They have been married for 37 years.
Healthy Living Principle: Do not ignore symptoms…don't be presumptuous regarding your health. If you are experiencing symptoms of illness; have been diagnosed with a disease process; if you are pregnant, nursing or desiring to become pregnant, you should consult with the healthcare provider of your choice before embarking upon any new health regimen.
Below are some suggested exercises to encourage you to "get out there and move it, move it!" Due to space limitations, there are only a few shown. If you are interested in learning more, you may wish to visit these websites:
www.praisemoves.com
www.weboflife.ksc.nasa.gov/exerciseandaging/cover.html
www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com
The following exercises are excerpts from: "A Guide From The National Institute of Aging and the National Aeronautic and Space Administration":
Endurance:
(Any activity that raises the heart and breathing rates for an extended period of time)
Light:
Cooking
Light ironing
Moderate:
Swimming
Bicycling (indoors with stationary bike or outdoors if physically able)
Gardening (mowing, raking, etc.)
Walking briskly on a level surface
Mopping or scrubbing the floor
Golf
Dancing
Vigorous:
Climbing stairs or hills
Shoveling snow
Brisk bicycling up hills
Digging holes
Tennis
Swimming laps
Hiking
Jogging
Strength:
Plantar Flexion
Strengthens ankle and calf muscles. Use ankle weights, when you are ready. Stand straight, feet flat on the floor, holding onto the edge of a table or chair for balance. Take 3 seconds to stand as high up on tiptoe as you can; hold for 1 second, then take 3 seconds to slowly lower yourself back down. Do this exercise 8 to 15 times; rest a minute, then do another set of 8 to 15 repetitions. As you become stronger, do this exercise first on your right leg only, then on your left leg only, for a total of 8 to 15 times on each leg. Rest a minute, then do another set of 8 to 15 alternating repetitions.
Summary:
1. Stand straight, holding table or chair for balance.
2. Slowly stand on tiptoe, as high as possible.
3. Hold position.
4. Slowly lower heels all the way back down.
Variation, as strength increases:
Do the exercise standing on one leg only, alternating legs.
Shoulder Flexion
Strengthens shoulder muscles. Sit in a chair, with your back straight. Your feet should be flat on the floor, spaced apart so that they are even with your shoulders. Hold hand weights straight down at your sides, with your palms facing inward. Take 3 seconds to lift your arms in front of you, keeping them straight and rotating them so that your palms are facing upward, until your arms are parallel to the ground. Hold the position for 1 second. Take 3 seconds to lower your arms so that they are straight down by your sides again. Pause. Repeat 8 to 15 times. Rest; do another set of 8 to 15 repetitions.
Summary:
1. Sit in chair.
2. Feet flat on floor; keep feet even with shoulders.
3. Arms straight down at sides, palms inward.
4. Raise both arms in front of you (keep them straight and rotate so palms face upward) to shoulder height.
5. Hold position.
6. Slowly lower arms to sides.
Balance:
Anytime/Anywhere
These types of exercises also improve your balance. You can do them almost anytime, anywhere, and as often as you like, as long as you have something sturdy nearby to hold onto if you become unsteady.
Examples:
Walk heel-to-toe. Position your heel just in front of the toes of the opposite foot each time you take a step. Your heel and toes should touch or almost touch. (See Illustration.)
Stand on one foot (while waiting in line at the grocery store or at the bus stop, for example). Alternate feet.
Stand up and sit down without using your hands.
Stretching:
Hamstrings
(Stretches muscles in back of thigh)
Sit sideways on a bench or other hard surface (such as two chairs placed side by side) without leaning back against anything and with your back and shoulders straight. Your right leg should be resting on the bench, toes pointing up. Your left leg should be resting over the side of the bench, with your left foot flat on the floor. If your right knee is bent, gently stretch to get it to lie as flat as possible on the bench (do not force). If you feel a stretch at this point, hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds. If your right leg is flat on the bench and you don't feel a stretch, lean forward slowly from the hips (not the waist) until you do, keeping your back and shoulders straight the entire time (note: omit this part if you have had a hip replacement - don't lean forward, unless your surgeon or physical therapist approves). Stop and hold this position for 10 to 30 seconds. Reverse the position so that you stretch your left leg in the same way. Repeat 3 to 5 times on each side.
Summary:
1. Sit sideways on bench.
2. Keep one leg stretched out on bench, straight.
3. Keep other leg off of bench, with foot flat on floor.
4. Straighten back.
5. Lean forward from hips (not waist) till you feel stretching in leg on bench, keeping back and shoulders straight. Omit this step if you have had a hip replacement, unless surgeon/therapist approves.
6. Hold position.
7. Repeat with other leg.
Neck Rotation
Stretches neck muscles. Lie on the floor with a phone book or other thick book under your head, then slowly turn your head from side to side, holding position for 10 to 30 seconds on each side. Your head should not be tipped forward or backward, but should be in a comfortable position. You can keep your knees bent to keep your back comfortable during this exercise. Repeat 3 to 5 times.
Summary:
1. Lie on back.
2. Turn head from side to side, holding position each time.
You may have to modify and/or adapt any suggestions for increasing your activity. DON'T GIVE UP! Do what you can…every step forward…no matter how small you believe it to be…is still a STEP FORWARD!
Until next time, Beloved Reader, it is my prayer that you prosper in all things and be healthy in all aspects of life - body, mind and spirit! (Personalized for you from 3 John 1:2)
Remember: It is your health…your life…live responsibly.
Pam Anderson has earned the credentials of Doctor of Naturopathic Ministry and has actively worked in the field of nursing as a Registered Nurse for 31 years. She is also an Ordained Minister. Pam sees her role as a teacher or consultant. She believes in the body's innate, God-given, natural ability to heal itself when given an appropriate internal and external environment. Her years of experience in the ministry, medicine, and natural health field enables her to counsel individuals, couples and/or families on the principles for life, health and wellness of body, mind (soul) and spirit as established in God's Word. Pam, along with her husband, Ron Anderson, operates several natural health clinics. They travel the country as motivational speakers sharing their knowledge of Biblical principles for life, health and wellness. They have been married for 37 years.
For more information on Pam, natural health alternatives, integrative medicine and/or to receive her free newsletter, please visit: www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com.
