When learning all the positive attributes of coffee – keep in mind the negatives are just as prevalent. The plant does contain B vitamins, although over consumption has been shown to strip B12. It is a good blood tonic and strengthens the heart, though overconsumption dehydrates the body and can lead to heart palpitations. The healthier you are, and with moderate consumption of 1-2 cups per day, the less negative effects will be placed upon the body.
There are many ways to enjoy the aromatic qualities of coffee without overconsumption. Our adrenal glands are caffeine sensitive and our kidneys and brain are sensitive to dehydration. Be sure that with 1 cup coffee consumed, you replenish fluids with 7 cups pure water.
The caffeine in coffee is a great way to jump start your day. If you are fatigued and caffeine dependent, try adding vitamin c rich foods to your diet, such as citrus fruits or take a supplement containing rose hip. Vitamin C supports the health of adrenal glands and kidneys.
If you are dealing with degenerative health issues – consult with your health care practitioner and review your diet. Blood type diet may help to improve your immune system and digestion. An alkaline diet helps the body work better by reducing intake of acid ash foods. A dis-ease state flourishes in an acid environment. Coffee being acidic in nature can do more harm than good if your body is out of balance.
Coffee alone can have wonderful stimulating health benefits, but when it’s paired with an overindulgent lifestyle of alcohol, smoking, and overeating in general, it proves to be quite the opposite. Taking a homeopathically prepared coffee can help with the negative effects of coffee such as anxiousness, jitteriness, and sleeplessness. The coffee itself is an antidote to homeopathic remedies, so be aware if you are presently under the care of a homeopath or taking homeopathically prepared remedies.
How Coffee Can Be Used As Aromatic Herb
There are many ways to use coffee as an aromatic herb.
1. Internal
- Fresh berries can be crushed and made into a tea or tincture and used to help relieve menstrual cramping.
- Caution while pregnant.
- Filtered coffee aids in liver detoxification and stagnation, using other herbs with coffee may better direct detoxification processes.
- Strengthens heart by increasing circulation and energy flow throughout the body.
- Energy, stamina, and focus increase with caffeine intake.
- Drink coffee or use the raw bean to alleviate headaches and migraine.
- Coffee enema to assist in cleansing the large intestine.
2. External
- Soap
- Body scrub using finely ground roasted coffee beans helps to increase circulation and detoxification through the skin.
- Coffee extract added to homemade eye serum or cream will help to increase circulation helping to alleviate dark circles, puffiness, and eye fatigue. Vegetable glycine, aloe vera, or coconut oil can be used to make a good base for coffee extract.
3. Environment
- Coffee candle
- Simple aromatic coffee tea lite
- Composting
Benefits Of Coffee As A Herb
Health benefits of coffee include its ability to improve cognitive health, protect the cardiovascular system, reduce the chances of developing diabetes, aid in weight loss efforts, boost energy levels, maximize fitness efforts, increase liver protection, optimize the metabolism, and protect against certain types of cancer.
There are nutritional benefits of coffee beans that have important organic compounds and nutrients, including a range of B-family vitamins: riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and niacin, as well as potassium, manganese, and magnesium.
Perhaps most importantly, it contains caffeine, which has a wide range of health benefits when consumed in moderation and at right times during the day. If you crave coffee or sugar as a pick-me-up in the afternoon or more specifically 3 pm, then you may suffer from adrenal fatigue.
Again, all things in moderation. Too much coffee or caffeinated beverages will have a negative effect on the brain due to dehydration, since the brain is 70% water. The kidneys, being the water element of the body is dependent upon proper hydration inside and outside of the cells. The health of the kidneys directly affects the skeletal body. Since coffee is acidic to the body it actually strips away macro minerals calcium and magnesium.
If your diet it calcium poor, then your body makes up for this by stripping it from your mineral reserve – being the bones, to offset the acidifying effect. All of the said “health benefits” turn negative with overconsumption. Look to other alternatives to enjoy the aroma of coffee without over-consumption. Smelling the aroma alone can boost energy levels very similar to drinking a cup of coffee without the caffeine intake.
Coffee As An Essential Oil
Coffee essential oil is becoming more popular and readily available, even in organic form thanks to the popularity and increased demand for essential oils.
It is an overall warming and inviting aroma. It can be used in many ways. It can help to uplift the mood and energize the mind for better focus and attention.
