Diabetes and other blood sugar disorders put the immune system in a compromised state, making the body highly susceptible to other life-threatening diseases. So those with diabetes or other blood sugar disorders (whose immune systems are already compromised) know it is vital to do all they can to protect the immune system.

With this in mind, I'm always looking for information to help us in this quest. Here's the latest good news:

Researchers have found a variety of benefits in pure oregano and extracted oil of oregano. Oregano contains quercetin, an ingredient that helps fight ovarian and breast cancer. The oregano the research refers to must come from the actual species of the plant, however, not the trace quantities found in the spices we buy at the grocery store.

True oregano grows wild in Mediterranean regions, such as Greece, and it is from this source the medicinally potent oil of oregano is extracted. So the best idea is to grow oregano on your kitchen windowsill in the cold months and in your garden during the warm months. Next best would be to buy oil derived from the plant from your local health food store, or from a reputable essential oils representative (doTerra® or Young Living®, for instance).

The other power house herb we don't want to go without is fresh ginger. It contains gingerol, which, when dried forms zingerone. This is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that has been shown conclusively to prevent cancer.

In fact, researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found ginger not only kills cancer cells, but also prevents them from becoming resilient to chemotherapy. Scientists combined a solution of ginger powder and water with ovarian cancer cells. In every one of their tests, the cancer cells died from being in contact with the ginger. The cancer cells either committed "suicide," or attacked themselves.

Fresh ginger is easy to find in the produce section of your local grocery store. Avoid any pieces that are shriveled or have a dark fuzzy growth in places. Keep your ginger in the fruit crisper or deli drawer of your refrigerator. I put a small piece (about 1/2 inch) in my green smoothie each morning. I also like to add finely chopped fresh ginger to a glass of mineral water with a drop of stevia - this makes a healthy ginger ale!

Now here are two terrific recipes using essential oil of oregano. I've been looking for all sorts of ways to include this essential oil in our diet and this soup and lasagna have become two of our favorites! I got these from the doTerra website (www.doterra.com), so of course they call for doTerra oils, but as mentioned, you can find good essential oils at any health store as well. Meanwhile, here's to continuing to protect our immune systems via two versatile, tasty herbs we just can't go without!

Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

Hearty an healthy, this soup using essential oils will become a family favorite.

Ingredients:
1 pound mild Italian sausage
1 bag diced or sliced carrot (about 3 cups)
1/2 sweet onion
1 orange bell pepper
3 to 4 cloves garlic minced
1 32 to 49 ounce can or box of low-sodium chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can
dash dried oregano
1 small zucchini thinly sliced
1 small summer squash thinly sliced
1 drop doTerra rosemary essential oil
1 scant drop doTerra oregano essential oil
1 scant drop doTerra basil essential oil
garlic powder to taste
chopped parsley optional, to taste
1 (20-ounce) package tortellini pasta


Directions:

In a large pan (wok), combine sausage, carrots, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until sausage is browned and crumbles. Drain well.
In a large pan (wok), combine sausage, carrots, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until sausage is browned and crumbles. Drain well.
Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and a dash of oregano. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer covered. Add zucchini, yellow squash, and essential oils. Add garlic salt to taste. If desired, add fresh, chopped parsley for garnish.
Prior to serving, add just enough tortellini per serving. This prevents the tortellini from absorbing too much broth and getting soggy.

Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.

Help on downloading recipes

EASY Cheesy Lasagna

Healthy essential oil adds flavor and important immune-system protecting properties!

Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (28-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 drop doTerra oregano essential oil
1 drop doTerra black pepper essential oil
1 drop doTerra cilantro essential oil
1 (10-ounce) container cottage cheese
1 (32-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
1/2 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/2 tablespoon fresh, chopped sweet basil
2 eggs
1 (16-ounce) package lasagna noodles
1 (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese


Directions:

In a large skillet, cook and stir ground beef until brown. Stir in pasta sauce, oregano, black pepper essential oil, and cilantro essential oil and heat through.
In a medium size bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, eggs,
parsley, and basil.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 13x9 inch pan. Layer with uncooked lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese, and meat sauce. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, reserving 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cover pan with aluminum foil.
Bake in a preheated 350° F oven for 40 minutes. Uncover, and top with remaining half cup of
mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand 10 to 15 before serving.

Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.

Help on downloading recipes