Blog
Irritible Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
What is IBS? IBS is a digestive disorder that occurs in 1 in 5 people, and most of these are women, according to the NIH*. The main symptoms of IBS are gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. Often times, IBS patients have a sluggish gastrointestinal tract, or low motility. This means that the peristaltic movements that pass the waste along the intestines are stalling. Sometimes, painful spasms occur (hence the term “spastic colon”). The degree of these symptoms may vary: for some people, it’s simply a nuisance, while for others it can be debilitating and may force them to be near a bathroom at all times. (more…)
Goji Berry & Chrysanthemum Tea
This is a great tea for the summer. Chrysanthemum flowers have heat-clearing properties, so even if you drink a hot cup of this tea, it will cool you down. The Chinese customarily drink this tea with sugar. Goji berries (these look like bright red raisins) have recently become popular because of their amazing health benefits, and can be eaten as raisins or tossed into hot cereal or tea. Goji berries are good for the kidneys, the lungs, the liver, and also for the yin of the body. I usually brew a pot of chrysanthemum tea and then throw a small handful of goji berries into it; they absorb the water and plump up as they float in the tea. This combination is great for vision problems. You can find these ingredients at health food stores and tea shops. I can also order goji berries if you want them.
