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nature's natural sweetener... In the Garden | Culinary | Medicinal use Popular garden varieties
Stevia |
Top In the GardenGrowth Characteristics: - Perennial, Evergreen, Frost sensitive,
- Height: ±80cm; Spread: ±60cm,
Cultivation: - Full sun; Well drained, composted soil,
Harvesting: - Pick fresh leaves when in flower throughout the year, and dry in a cool place for use when needed,
- The degree of sweetness will vary according to the growing conditions and timing of harvesting,
- Stevia will yield the greatest amount of sweetener (Stevioside) when forming flower buds,
- Dry Stevia leaves can be powdered in a grinder for easy use in cooking and beverages,
Top Culinary use- One teaspoon of dried Stevia is equal to 1 cup of sugar.
- Stevia is used as a natural sweetener, and is said to be 300 times sweeter than table sugar, with practically no calories, cholesterol free, and suitable for dieters, diabetics, and with NO known side effects.
- Chewing a fresh leaf of Stevia will curb a craving for something sweet, instead of chocolates, rich cakes and other fattening foods. It also reduces the desire for tobacco and alcohol.
Top Medicinal useStevia may be beneficial in the following cases: | General | - Addictions, Food cravings, Obesity, Sugar substitute, Tobacco cravings,
- Unlike sugar it does not trigger a rise in blood sugar. You do not get a sudden burst of energy,
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| Nervous System | - As a sugar substitute in sugar sensitive kids leading to hyperactivity - use as a sweetener in other herbal teas for ADD - use in Popsicles, smoothies, tea, cooking, cereals,
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| Endocrine System | - Diabetes, The natural sweetener stevioside, which is found in the plant stevia, has been used for many years in the treatment of diabetes among Indians in Paraguay and Brazil. Research results indicate that the compounds may have a potential role as an anti-hyperglycemic agent in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Stevia is a wonderful alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners for those who have diabetes,
- Hypoglycemia,
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| Cardiovascular System | - May help lower hypertension,
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Preparation and dosage: POWDER: TINCTURE: - ¼ teaspoon per cup - evaporate alcohol with little warming,
TEA: - can be made by pouring boiling water over fresh leaves, and allowing to steep for about 5 minutes.
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Cooking herbs
