One of the best ways to heal up a scratchy throat and cough is to drink freshly juiced pineapple juice. For several years now we have juiced a pineapple every time we get a cough or have a sore throat.  And every time it heals us up rather quickly!  It usually only takes about 1-2 glasses of fresh pineapple juice to send a cough on it's way out the door. There have been several articles make the statement that pineapple juice is 5 times more effective than cough syrup, and I can confirm, that this is most definitely the case!  In fact, one study performed by the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology in India, confirmed that fresh pineapple juice, with honey and pepper added, was found to be extremely helpful in dissolving mucus of the lungs in tuberculosis.  

The pineapple's super-power lies within it's naturally occurring enzyme, bromelain, which reduces inflammation.  This soothes the irritation of the throat and relieves the coughing. Bromelain is also a proteolytic enzyme, which means it digests protein. It also contains high amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Magnesium, all of which boost the immune system, which in turn helps ward off colds and illness. By triggering the body's production of substances that reduce swelling and fight pain, Bromelain is able to soothe and heal irritated coughs. 

• Cataract prevention via Vitamin A & C, which both play a key role in protecting vision
• High amounts of Manganese which is an essential nutrient that helps protect cells against free radicals and strengthens bones and teeth  
• Very high fiber content helps with constipation and cleansing toxins from organs
• Bromelain reduces inflammation, which in turn soothes pain and swelling
• High Vitamin C content that is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues.  Also helps absorb minerals, maintain immune system, maintains teeth, bones & cartilage and helps in forming collagen.
• Drinking fresh pineapple juice helps remove intestinal worms
• Acts as natural diuretic and helps detox the body of toxins
• Helps in removing dead cells from the skin
• Contains antioxidants that fight skin damage and reduce wrinkles
• Boosts fertility via antioxidants that fight free radicals, which cause damage to reproductive organs
• Facilitates the healing of wounds by quickly repairing cells and tissues
• Helps digestion by providing the enzymes to break down protein, that in turn helps absorb nutrients that are eaten
• Contains copper, the mineral essential for healthy red blood cells. Copper increases cognitive abilities and helps maintain neural pathways, helping prevent neural disorders 

These benefits will be most enjoyed when drinking fresh pineapple juice, right from the juicer.  If you must buy store bought, make sure you get Organic, Not From Concentrate, No Sugar Added,  and all that jazz pineapple juice.  But you will reap the rewards of pineapples most from freshly squeezed juice! 

Our personal experience has always been that once we give pineapple juice, no matter how long the cough has been around, it usually tends to disappear in a day or two completely after being given a couple of glasses of fresh pineapple juice. Or anytime I notice one of my children getting a cold, a glass of pineapple juice will ward it off. I keep going with the pineapple juice too, we keep drinking it for a few days just to keep illness away.  Remember, natural remedies work best in strong bodies that aren't tainted with poisonous medications. 

And you know the best part about pineapple juice??  It tastes WONDERFUL!!!  My boys like the fresh pineapple juice the best, with a couple of ice cubes mixed in, so you're not drinking warm pineapple juice. It taste's delicious people, and it's so good for you!  Cheers!



Sources:
1. Bromelain treatment decreases neutrophil migration to sites of inflammation.
Publication: Clin. Immunol. 2008 Jul ;128(1)::66-74. :doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2008.02.015. 
Publication Date: 2008 Jul 
Study Author(s): Fitzhugh, David J;Shan, Siqing;Dewhirst, Mark W;Hale, Laura P; 
2. Oral Bromelain Attenuates Inflammation in an Ovalbumin-induced Murine Model of Asthma.
Publication: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2008 Mar ;5(1)::61-9. :doi: 10.1093/ecam/nel110. 
Publication Date: 2008 Mar 
Study Author(s): Secor, Eric R;Carson, William F;Singh, Anurag;Pensa, Mellisa;Guernsey, Linda A;Schramm, Craig M;Thrall, Roger S; 
Institution: Department of Immunology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
3.  https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnme/2014/861659/
4.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882156/

Golden Milk, or turmeric tea, is a health tonic that purifies the blood of toxins, gives relief to autoimmune diseases, clarifies the skin, relieves pain associated with rheumatoid  arthritis and helps relax the central nervous system, making for a great sleep aid!  There are over 11,000 studies on the health benefits of the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin.

Golden Milk tonic has been used for centuries to aid in the healing of several ailments.  Curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties can be thanked for that. The studies conducted on the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have found it 400 times more effective at activating the enzyme that improves insulin sensitivity to help reverse type-2 diabetes than the leading diabetes medication, Metformin.  Curcumin is also anti-bacterial and can help heal bacterial infections, including oral infections.  It also helps fight off environmental toxins by binding with heavy metals in the blood to be excreted. Toxin overload in the blood is the main culprit for skin issues and rashes, making curcumin very beneficial for those with eczema, psoriasis and other various skin rashes.  Curcumin also helps prevent/treat cancer and liver disease. In one study, curcumin was found to decrease testosterone production in prostate cancer patients.  

To add to the greatness of curcumin, it is also a wonder herb for anxiety and depression.  It helps your body produce more of the natural mood boosters, serotonin and dopamine!  Baylor University conducted a study on curcumin's anti-depressive properties and it showed that taking 1,000mg of curcumin a day could be just as beneficial as an antidepressant. Therefore, adding turmeric to your food daily could be beneficial for everyone, and possibly life-changing for people who suffer with anxiety and depression. 

 
These findings mixed with it's anti-inflammatory properties, which soothes the nervous system for relaxation, is what makes this a great calming tea to drink before bed and a nice alternative to help people with insomnia.  I can vouch for the calming effects of the tea and have made sure to drink it nearly every night.

​Last, but not least, there have been about ZERO findings of side-effects from using turmeric.  So enjoy as much and as often as you would like. 

Below is the recipe that I use and it is my absolute favorite, not to mention easy and extra healthy!  Don't forget the black pepper, as it helps the body absorb the curcumin! 
​

To vegan-ize this recipe, use 2 cups of almond milk with organic, raw maple syrup instead of the honey.

If you're one of those people that can't deal with the taste of turmeric, you can always find a turmeric/curcumin supplement instead. Below are a few of my favorite choices!

 Elderberries are an immune-boosting powerhouse! They've been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years to heal people of illness and to keep people healthy. In fact, black elderberries can be traced all the way back to Ancient Egypt, where elderberries were the main ingredient in several medicines. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, called this plant his “medicine chest” for all the ailments and illnesses it helped cure.

This elderberry syrup is extra potent, as I use 2 cups of elderberries, instead of the usual 2/3 cup or 1 cup. I also smash the berries for quite some time to get all the nutrients from these wonderful berries!  Below are the benefits of this nutritious plant!

Elderberries:
-Boost the immune system
-Protects against bacteria & infection
-Slows down the spread of cancer
-Moderates the digestive process
-Prevents the development of diabetes
-Reduces the pain & speed of autoimmune diseases
-Helps with weight loss
-Lowers blood pressure
-Alleviates allergies
-Contain vitamins A, B, & C
-Provide iron, potassium, phosphorus & copper
-Provide fiber & protein
-Are anti-inflammatory
-Contain antioxidants
-Aides digestion
-Increases gastrointestinal health
​

The other main ingredient of elderberry syrup is raw, unfiltered organic honey.  And made into elderberry syrup it is pure, yummy, deliciousness!  The raw honey is LOADED with nutrients.  There are over 80 different vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants found in raw, unfiltered honey!  The entire B-Complex can be found in honey, along with vitamins A, C, D, E and K.  The mineral content includes magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, iodine and manganese.  Raw, unfiltered honey is also an alkaline food, having one of the highest live enzyme contents of all foods!  To top it off, the honey is also antimicrobial and antibacterial!  As you can see, all of these nutrients, in combination with the nutrients from the elderberries make for a super, immune-boosting syrup!  Which is why it is so powerful at kicking the flu, and other illness, to the curb, where it belongs!  My recipe makes just a little over a quart.  And it will stay good for up to 3 months in the fridge.
​

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

​1 cup raw, unfiltered organic honey
2 cups whole organic black elderberries
1 tablespoon organic clove powder
1 tablespoon organic ginger root powder
2 cinnamon sticks or 1 tablespoon of organic cinnamon powder
4 cups water
(this recipe ^ makes just over a quart of syrup-to make 2 quarts, add 2 more cups of water, and one more cup of honey to the recipe above)
Instructions:
Simmer the elderberries and seasonings in the water for 30-45 minutes. Let it cool and then mash the berries with a spoon, through a strainer and into a glass bowl.  Add the honey and stir. Store in the fridge. I mash the berries for 10 minutes, just to be sure I get all the goodness out of them.  Quart sized mason jars are perfect for storing the syrup.

Need to make Vegan elderberry syrup? Just substitute the honey with 100% pure, organic maple syrup. 

And How Will Elderberry Syrup Fight Off The Flu?...
Elderberries have antioxidants called flavonoids (vitamin P) which are extracted and contained in the syrup. These flavonoids stimulate the immune system and have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antihistamine properties. Elderberries also have compounds called anthocyanins that have anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory compounds found in elderberries are believed to be what soothes aches, pains and fevers associated with the flu. 

Ingredients are available through my affiliate links below or locate and call a local, natural grocer to see if they carry black elderberries!  ​

​(please note, if you have any allergies or reactions to honey, any of the seasonings or the berries, for that matter, please do not use this recipe)

Resource: http://www.blackelderberry.info/clinical-summary/
                          https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/

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