You will note in the Mr Cabbage Head Diet that salt is not allowed. This refers to normal table salt which is just a chemical, sodium chloride. Eating this unnatural salt can contribute to fluid imbalance, cellulite, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, Kidney and gall bladder stones. Processed food often contains salt as well; this is another reason to avoid processed food.

What is Himalayan Crystal Salt?

Himalayan Crystal Salt comes from a time when the planet Earth was a pristine ecosystem. Millions of years ago, a primordial sea was evaporated by the sun, leaving absolutely pristine crystalline salt. Millions of years of pressure forced this salt into a crystalline form. This crystal salt is buried deep in the Himalayas. Himalayan Crystal Salt is 250 million years old and is probably the only source of all trace elements necessary for optimum human health.

In ancient times, Himalayan Crystal Salt was also called “king salt” because it was reserved for Royalty. The common citizens only got rock salt.

“Salt is born of the purest of parents: the sun and the sea.” Pythagoras (580 BC - 500 BC)

Benefits of Himalayan Crystal Salt

Himalayan Crystal Salt is a source of all the 84 elements found in the body.
Regulating the water content throughout the body.
Promoting a healthy pH balance in body cells, particularly brain cells.
Promoting blood sugar health.
Assisting in the generation of hydroelectric energy in cells.
Improves nutrient absorption through the intestinal tract.
Supporting respiratory health.
Promoting sinus health.
Prevention of muscle cramps.
Promoting bone strength.
Regulating sleep.
Supporting libido.
Promoting vascular health.
Regulation of blood pressure.

How much Himalayan Crystal Salt should we eat?

The easiest method is to prepare Sole, a saturated solution of Himalayan Crystal Salt. Put some Himalayan Crystal Salt crystals in a glass of pure water. Always have some undissolved crystals to give a saturated solution. Consume 5mL of this solution each morning with plenty of water.

So, instead of suppressing symptoms with drugs, why not give the body what it needs - all 84 elements needed for human health. Of course, we need more than these elements for sustenance.

References:

Hendel B., Ferreira P. Water and Salt, The Essence of Life. 2003

Rose hips develop on wild roses as the flowers drop off. The rose hip, also called the rose haw, is the fruit of the rose. Rose hips were called “the food of the gods” by the ancient Greeks and regarded as beneficial for a number of health reasons.

Rose hips are available as an oil and as a powder. The powder makes a healthy additional to a smoothie. Rose hip seed oil can be used on the skin and is found in some skin creams. The Rosa Canina species is commonly used as a source of rose hips.

Rose hips contain vitamins A, C, D and E, flavonoids and iron. Rose hips are particularly high in vitamin C, with about 200 mg per 10 g of dried rose hips, making it one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C.

Benefits of rose hips

Research shows that rose hips reduce pain and improve general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis.

Rose hip tea is thought to be a natural cold remedy that soothes coughs and flushes out toxins from the kidneys and urinary tract.

Rose hip seed oil is claimed to soften the skin, build collagen and reduce sun damage that causes fine lines and wrinkles.

Rose hips and spirulina

Mr Cabbage Head suggests this potent start to the day. Mix 10g of powdered spirulina and 10g of rose hip powder with water or soy milk. It doesn’t taste that good, but it is a powerful start to the day. This is a quick way to start the day if you are in a hurry. Have a piece of fruit afterwards to change your taste.

References:

Christensen R et al., Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? – a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2008.

Kharazmi A., Rein E., Winther K. A herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis–a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology. 2004

Agronomists place this ancient cereal grass as being cultivated as early as 7000 BC and was been eaten by Roman gladiators for strength and stamina.

Barley grass contains many of the vitamins, minerals and proteins necessary for the human diet. It contains 18 amino acids, beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamins E, B1, B2, B3 and B6, and B12. There are useful quantities of minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese and zinc. Best of all, this goodness is easily absorbed since barley grass is a plant not a chemically derived supplement.

There are no known side effects attributed to barley grass; actually the side effects of barley grass are fantastic.

Barley grass benefits

The main appeal of barley grass is as a source of easily assimilated nutrients. Take barley grass 30 mnutes or more before a meal for maximum absorption.

Barley grass is a rich source of chlorophyll and live enzymes including the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD).

A Chinese study showed that barley grass was beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Barley grass contain two kinds of fiber–some that dissolves in water (known as beta-glucan) and some that does not dissolve. Both types of barley fiber may help to lower cholesterol.

Barley grass’ high mineral content helps alkalinize the body and promotes an ideal pH, it contains the buffer minerals sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium which help the body manage its pH. Buffer minerals neutralize acidic materials and can help people maintain a healthy balance between acidity and alkalinity. Our cells cannot adequately function if the pH is not in a narrow range. Most processed foods along with red meat, coffee and pretty much everything in the typical American diet acidify the pH of the body. Barley grass can help rectify this situation, but obviously overall diet is very important.

Research has shown that when barley grass juice is added to injured cells, the cells’ DNA repairs itself rapidly. This may contribute to preventing the changes that often lead to cancer and rapid aging.

There are un-substantiated claims that barley grass is effective for the following conditions: skin diseases, hepatitis, asthma, anemia, diabetes, arthritis, obesity and even cancer.

Sources of barley grass

Barley grass can be made fresh, but for most people it is convenient to purchase barley grass powder. No doubt the quality of commercial barley grass will vary. Mr Cabbage Head does not recommend specifc products, but suggests avoiding those products where the grass is simply cut, dried and powered. Those products where the barley grass is juiced, cooled and evaporated in an oxygen free environment would be worth investigation.

References:

Hagiwara Y. Green Barley Essence. Keats Publishing Inc 1985.

Kanauchi O, Iwanaga T, Mitsuyama K. 2001. Germinated barley foodstuff feeding. A novel neutraceutical therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis. Digestion. 2001; 63 Suppl 1: 60-7.

Seibold, R. Cereal Grass, Nature’s Greatest Health Gift. New Canaan.Keats Publishing Inc 1991.

YuYM, Chang WC, Chang CT, Hseih CL, Tsai CE. Effects of young barley leaf extract and antioxidative vitamins on LDL oxidation and free radical scavenging activities in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metabolism. 2002;28(2):107-114.