One man's treasure Most people I know are annoyed by and can spend hours trying to remove all traces of the yellow weed from their yard. But I just found out that this persistent plant actually has some benefits. Dandelions are a natural diuretic, and, if the roots are processed correctly, they can also be used as a laxative. Herbalists have even used the hardy plant to treat liver ailments. And although I had heard of dandelion wine, I never knew that the roots of the plant could also be roasted to make a coffee-like drink. Then you have the greens, which contain vitamins A, B, and C -- and all the health benefits that go along with them. Creative chefs in lots of restaurants have substituted dandelion greens for lettuce in salads and sandwiches. If you'd like to give it a try, pick the plant early in the morning before the blossom has opened for the day (or choose one that hasn't sprouted a flower yet). Otherwise the leaves will taste extremely bitter. Make sure to wash the greens thoroughly before you use them, too. If you spray your lawn with pesticides, you may want to forgo your own dandelions altogether and check with your local health food store to see if they carry these greens.
Under pressure
Q: I have hypertension. What can I do to lower my blood pressure without taking prescription drugs? JVW: There are many natural therapies for high blood pressure. They range from changing your diet to biofeedback to supplementation with nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, or vitamin C. In certain cases, other options include supplementing with amino acids or metabolites, or eating certain foods such as garlic. The best course of treatment largely depends on the root cause of your hypertension. Since there are many causes of hypertension and many ways to treat it, you should seek the advice of a doctor skilled in natural medicine to determine the best therapy for you. For a list of holistic physicians in your area, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine by calling (800)532-3688 or visiting their website, www.acam.org.
What is...hypertension?
Hypertension occurs when blood travels through the arteries at an elevated pressure. A blood pressure above 140/90 mm Hg is considered to be high. However, readings as low as 120-139/80-89 mm Hg are classified as pre-hypertensive. It's always a good idea to get multiple readings since they can fluctuate based on the time of day, emotions, stress, fatigue, or physical exertion. Certain medications can also have an impact on readings. Often, hypertension presents no outward symptoms until the condition is advanced. But if left untreated, the disorder can lead to problems with the heart and kidneys. | 
