Artichokes are a versatile food, and although some would consider them a vegetable, they are actually an unusual variety of thistle! For nutritional purposes, they are primarily consumed due their associated benefits of protecting against various forms of cancer, bolstering immune system strength, lowering cholesterol, and protect against diseases such as diabetes, artherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Artichokes have also long been famous for detoxifying the body and improving the health of the liver, and aiding in digestive issues like indigestion, constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and diarrhea. Furthermore, this miraculous little thistle can reduce blood pressure, eliminate hangovers, and stimulate urination.

Artichokes are known in their natural form as cardoon, and their scientific classification is Cynara cardunculus, and it is native to the Mediterranean region, which is primarily why artichokes play such a major part of their cuisine on a number of levels. Artichokes can be found throughout Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, but they are less frequently encountered in Asian nations.

Read more here  http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-artichokes.html

Elderberry (also known as Sambucus) is a common, shrubby tree that grows to approximately ten feet tall and reveals yellow and white flowers in early summer, followed by strong blue or black berries which generally ripen around September. Reputated for their medicinal benefits Elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa (Elderberry’s use as a flu remedy dates back to ancient Roman times)and the medicinal benefits of elderberries are again being investigated and rediscovered.

They are primarily recognised as providing natural support for the immune system and is growing in popularity as an effective remedy against flu and other similar viruses. There is an off the shelf cough syrup derived from Elderberries or check out here for an even better home made one. You can also make these Elderberry and Kefir Gummies for a great immune boosting kid friendly snack.

Read more here  http://loulanatural.com/elderberries/

For little kids winter can be so much fun because they get to play and enjoy the snow around. However, for working adults this can be a big problem especially if you get lots of ice in your driveway. You could spend forever shovelling the snow and finding out the next day that your driveway is covered again with thicker snow. To prevent this hazard to you and your family, you should learn ways on how you can naturally melt ice on your path.

There are many ice melting products that you can find in the market these days, but these products contain chemicals which can be harmful to the environment. To protect our environment, we should opt for natural means in melting ice.

Read more here  http://naturehacks.com/house-and-home/how-to-naturally-melt-ice-on-your-path/

Potatoes grow all over the world and have been found in the diets of people down through time… and potatoes have great healing abilities when made into fresh juice.

Potato Juice is a wonderful anti-inflammatory agent work well for arthritis and all the other forms of inflammatory disease aches and pains, especially joint pain and back pain. And Potato Juice will increase circulation to every area of the body.

Read more here http://omtimes.com/2012/10/12-benefits-of-potato-juice-a-very-healthy-drink/