Hanna Kroeger Blog » Hanna Kroeger

Hanna’s Brain Food

Blake — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:06:45 +0000

Brain Food: Now with the kids back in school you and your kids could use a brain boost. Try these Hanna Kroeger Brain Food recommendations from Ageless Remedies from Mother’s Kitchen.

1 pound sunflower seeds, 1/4 pound almonds, 1 pound wheat. Grind up and eat 2 heaping tablespoons a day.

Barley and Coconut Brain cocktail: 1 cup barley, 1 cup coconut juice, 1 tablespoon lecithin. Add honey if desired.

Coconut Coconut is brian food. Eat the meat and drink the milk.

Cardamom Cardamom is an eye and brain food.

Leek Cut leeks, boil and use in soups and salads.

Kroeger Herb’s Brain Care Blend is also on sale now and would be a great complement to these brain food suggestions.

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Exercise Has Numerous Health Benefits

Star — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:07:18 +0000

We all know exercise is good for us, but why? Most of us would answer that question by first thinking of how it makes us look better. Although it’s important to feel good about yourself and the way we perceive ourselves to look to others does play a roll, there are also numerous health benefits to exercise besides trimming your waistline, not to mention, people always look better when they are healthy.

Hanna Kroeger taught that exercise was so important because it is the vehicle to move the lymphatic system, which is a major player in the function of the immune system. The circulatory system has a pump: the heart, but the lymphatic system needs the body to move for it to circulate. Hanna said: “The lymphatic system is extremely important. It has its own channels and disintegrates at death. When you have a hard, callous ring around your heel or foot, you have a lymph problem. The lymphatic system is pumped by movement. It does not work when you are at rest. Running and working out moves the lymphatic system. Since we have little opportunity for outdoor activity, we should have a small trampoline rebounder in our houses. Just a few minutes’ workout on a rebounder 2 or 3 times daily will activate the lymphatic system which is so very needed for good health.”

Not only does exercise affect our physical bodies, but studies have shown that exercise makes us happier and improves the quality of life and is even being found to help people who suffer from depression. Other researchers are finding that the chemicals produced in the brain from exercise are actually lowering anxiety levels and there’s good reason to exercise if you have insomnia since exercise helps regulate sleep patterns. The list of reasons to exercise go on and on. Whatever your reason, make sure to add a little more movement into your day!

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Herb Basket

Blake — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:05:34 +0000

Hello loyal customers and natural health enthusiasts everywhere. We are proud to announce the newest addition to our website, the Herb Basket. Not just any Herb Basket, but one filled with all kinds of sale items and goodies that we know you will enjoy.

Multiple times each week we will fill the herb basket with one item from our store and offer it to you at an outstanding low price. Now, waiting anxiously for the next monthly eNewsletter will not be so difficult because there will be something new on sale almost every day.

We recommend checking Hanna’s Herb Shop frequently so you do not miss the opportunity to get your favorite product while it’s on sale or to take advantage of a free shipping day. As always we love to hear from you so please post comments with your favorite product that you would like to see on sale and your wish just may come true.

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Liver Rejuvenating Recipe

Star — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:07:13 +0000

It’s a great time of year to pay attention to our liver! Try this recipe found in Hanna Kroeger’s book Old-Time Remedies For Modern Ailments!

Liver Rejuvenating Recipe

One teaspoon dandelion root

One teaspoon angelica or arnica

One teaspoon wormwood

One teaspoon gentian

Boil in two cups water, simmer and strain.

Add two quarts apple juice and four ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice and drink this in small portions during the day. Do this for two to three days and repeat if needed once a month. Take only stewed fruit and apple juice on these days.

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Herbs During Pregnancy

Star — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:29:29 +0000

Women have been using herbs during pregnancy since prehistoric times. Many herbs are wonderful for relieving minor ailments during pregnancy and assisting in the birthing process such as Peach Leaf. However, many herbs should never be used during pregnancy and pregnant women should always seek the advice of a professional for medical and nutritional advice. Herbs (and high doses of vitamin C) that promote the onset of menstruation (emmenogogues) and those that can cause miscarriages (abortifacients) can be extremely dangerous to the baby and even to the mother. Herbs containing high quantities of volatile oils or alkaloids can affect the mother’s central nervous system and interfere with the development of the baby. Harsh bitters and laxatives strongly stimulate digestion as well as metabolism and can trigger uterine contractions. Herbs with strong hormonal properties are also not advised.

The following is a list of herbs and their properties to be aware of when a woman is pregnant. Please remember that most of these are fine in small doses or when taken just as needed and not continuously. There are varying degrees of caution for using these herbs, but is fairly complete in the need to pay attention to them.

Agave (Agave spp) – strong bitter, laxative
Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) – cathartic, laxative
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) – emmenagogue
Arbor vitae (Thuja occidentalis) – abortifacient
Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnate) – teratogenic damage
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) – emmenagogue, uterine stimulant
Bearberry (Arcostaphylus uva-ursi) – emmenagogue
Beth Root/Birthroot (Trillium spp.) – uterine astringent
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)- emmenagogue
Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) – strong bitter
Blood root (Sanguinaria canadensis) – Emetic
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) – emmenagogue
Broom (Sarothamnus scopanius) – abortifacient
Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) – laxative
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) – laxative
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – estrogenic effect
Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) – laxative
Celandine (Chelidonium majus) – emmenagogue
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) – possible fetotoxic
Cottonroot bark (Gossypium herbaceum) – stimulates uterine contractions
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) – nervous system and hormonal activity
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) - hormonal activity
Drug aloe (Aloe vera) – cathartic
Ephedra (Ma-huang) (Ephedra sinica) – high alkaloid content, cardiac stimulant
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) – emmenagogue
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) – affects nervous system
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) – emmenagogue, uterine stimulant
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) – affects nervous system
Hops (Humulus lupulus) – strong bitter
Juniper berries (Juniperus communis) – possibly fetotoxic, affects kidneys
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – can cause high blood pressure
Male Fern (Dryopteris felix-mas) – emetic and laxative effect
Mandrake (Mandragora vernalis) – slightly toxic
Mistletoe (Viscum album) – Hemostatic
Motherwort (Leonorus cordiaca)- emmenagogue
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) – emmenagogue
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) (safe to use in cooking) – slightly toxic
Osha (Ligusticum porteri) – emmenagogue
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) (safe to use in cooking) – emmenagogue when used vaginally
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) – emmenagogue
Peruvian Bark (Cinchona spp.) – strong bitter
Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa) – cardiac stimulant
Poke Root (Phytolacca spp.) – emetic due to high sapon content
Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) – laxative
Rue (Ruta graveolens) – emmenagogue
Sage (Salvia officinalis) (Safe to use in cooking) – emmenagogue, hormonal activity
Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.) – hormonal activity
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) – cardiac stimulant
Senna (Senna alexandrina) – laxative
Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) – hemostatic
Southernwood (Artemisa abrotanum) – emmenagogue
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) – emmenagogue
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) – emmenagogue
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)- emmenagogue

Also, for all you moms out there, check out EcoMom for eco-conscious products for you and your babies.

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Introducing Healthy Gut

Blake — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:37:18 +0000

You might have heard about a new product that Kroeger Herb is introducing. The moment is here and Kroeger is pleased to announce Healthy Gut to the world at Expo West in Anaheim, CA today. Healthy Gut is an original Hanna Kroeger formula previously known as Tumee, which we are re-introducing to the world. With an increase of health problems related to unhealthy digestive systems today, Kroeger Herb Products knows this product can do great things for many people.

The combination of chamomile, spearmint, gentian, wintergreen, slippery elm, marjoram and meadowsweet in this product does wonders to maintain a properly working digestive system. Many times the system will fail to function properly due to years of consuming over-the-counter medicine and processed foods. These toxins can eventually damage the intestinal wall and allow undigested foods and toxins to leak into the bloodstream which may cause severe health issues including auto-immune conditions.

It is important to maintain a healthy system so it can digest and absorb all proteins and nutrients properly. With the increase of issues such as celiac and fibromyalgia which have been associated with improper protein digestion this product is available at no better time so people will realize how important it is to keep their digestive system functioning as it should.

Stay tuned on Hanna’s Herb Shop to order your bottle of Healthy Gut next week.

Click here to see more information on HealthyGut

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Heart Health Month

Chris — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:01:41 +0000

Hands on Heart Health-Photo by kortini

February is Heart Health Month. Everyone is getting on the bandwagon ranging from the Centers for Disease Control to college students. It helps to bring awareness to the issue with all of the Valentine’s Day hearts in abundance everywhere we look. Of course we like the attention as well since we are “The Heart of Herbal Health”.

I recently did a radio interview for a great local health food pioneer based out of a tight knit community in southern Pennsylvania. Sonnewald Natural Foods is one of the original American health food stores in the great family run tradition. Willa Lefever was interested in helping people learn about our great heart health product, Circu Flow and how Hanna Kroeger was able to come up with the formula when it was needed most. Hanna’s strong medical and folk healing background combined with a strong religious faith is a story that many people find personal resonance with. It was a relatively short time slot for the interview so we didn’t really get to cover as much as we would have liked to but you can always contact us here and we would love to answer any questions you might have.

Our heart is a tireless organ that can never stop its very important work and it is a blessing to be able to do what we can to assist in its healthy function. Heart disease is the number one killer but happily it is often preventable. Remember the old adage “ an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and its words were never more relevant than they are today.

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The Mighty Liver

Evan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:31:39 +0000

Oh, the mighty liver. This organ is your body’s primary “filter,” and in some healing systems is considered the seat of anger and frustration. It processes all of the hormones, medications, and toxins that pass through your body. It also produces glucose, your brain and muscles’ primary fuel. As well, did you know it is the only part of the human body that can re-grow itself? That’s right, you can lose up to 2/3 of your liver to disease or injury and it will regenerate. Most people would of course prefer to avoid this experience, so what can you do to keep your liver healthy?

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle seed has been used for ages to protect this vital organ from damage. It is most effective in an extracted form, such as Kroeger’s Milk Thistle Complete Concentrate. Taken regularly this wonderful herb has been shown to help reduce wear and tear on your liver. To help “clean the liver out,” and help everything flow smoothly, Dandelion root, Yellow Dock root and St. John’s Wort are traditional remedies. As well, a strong flush using Epsom salts, olive oil and grapefruit can be a powerful tool. We here at Hanna’s make a kit called, would you believe it, the “Liver Cleanse Kit” designed for just this purpose.

On the more esoteric side of things, there are herbs that can be used to ease emotional turmoil “stored up” in the liver. Lavender and Melissa (Lemon Balm) are used to “relax” the channels of “chi”. This allows anger and stress to be released. St. John’s Wort fits this bill as well. It may sound like these things are completely unrelated, but Chinese herbalism has recognized the connection for thousands of years.

So remember, your liver is the “king of organs”, all hail the king.

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Concentrating on Healing

Chris — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:50:46 +0000

When Hanna first decided to add an extract into her line of herbal combinations she approached it differently than others had done previously. Ginkgo biloba extract was producing some great results helping people with memory issues and those with trouble getting blood flow to their extremities. The standard extract that everyone was using was a product that concentrated the leaf of the Ginkgo tree to two of its active compounds at a very high ratio, Ginkgo Flavone Glycosides at 24% and Terpene Lactones at 6%. This is a very high concentration. In order to achieve such a powerful level very strong solvents such as acetone or methanol must be applied. Several repetitions of this process may be necessary, isolating the known marker compounds and throwing out the rest.

From Hanna’s perspective, this was wasteful. Why throw out part of the plant that may have healing benefit for the sake of producing a drug-like substance that requires a very unnatural approach in it’s production? Especially since the benefits of the plain leaf, by itself, had been noted for over two thousand years!

After some searching, a manufacturer was found that could produce an extract using the natural solvent water, at a smaller concentration of 10%/2.5% (as opposed to 24/6), while preserving the other as yet undiscovered compounds of this wonderful healing herb. This later became known as a full-profile extract. Hanna further improved on the concept by removing the commonly used, nutritionally empty, flowing agents that these extracts use to keep the material from gumming up the encapsulating machinery; and replaced them with some of the raw material itself. In this case, plain, unadulterated Ginkgo leaves!

The problem of encapsulating a difficult extract was solved and in the process a new way of looking at herbal extracts was born. She had made a product that the body would accept readily as food with the advanced efficacy of an extract!

We later took this concept that Hanna pioneered with the Ginkgo and applied it to other herbal extracts creating our Complete Concentrates^® line of supplements that we are very proud of.

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What Does Hanna Kroeger Mean to You?

Blake — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:06:31 +0000

Many of you are familiar with Hanna Kroeger. Her teachings, philosophy, healing and herbal formulas had a great impact and many people. Although she passed away 10 years ago, it remains ever so important to remember her and how she helped so many lives.

We would love to hear from you, the readers, on your memories of Hanna. Whether you knew her personally, attended one of her classes, went to her store on Pearl St. or use/used one of her products, her name must mean something to you. Her herbal formulas are still being produced today, so it may be that you have found success in one of these Kroeger products you would like to share. Whatever it is that comes to mind when you hear Hanna Kroeger, share your thoughts with us, your friends, family, peers, and strangers and help others benefit from Hanna’s wisdom. We look forward to viewing your comments. Click on ‘comment’ below.

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