Dandelion root and cinnamon - two questions

[spicegirl]

Hello,

Two questions:
First, is it okay to roast dandelion root, or best to drink it raw. I buy bulk, dried dandelion root and like to roast it on the stove then add a bit of chicory root to make a nice, rich tea. Is chicory root okay?

Also, I noticed a while back that Julia Chang says that cinnamon congests the liver and says women with hot flashes should avoid it (among other foods). I get night sweats before my period now a days. I don't use tons of cinnamon currently, but just started using it in my protein shakes. I do love it, but is this okay?

Thanks!
spicegirl

[shelley]

You can do anything you want with dandelion root. Steeping as tea is the best way to get medicinal value, but you can roast it first.

Julia's list of what congests the liver is taken from chinese medicine, which she is the first to admit is based on superstition. She's got her facts right in terms of hormones but everything else is questionable. Cinnamon is a pungent herb, pungent herbs are slightly irritating and thus cleansing.

Right before your period your body requires a ton of magnesium to stretch the uterus and shed the lining. Low magnesium causes night sweats and painful periods. Keep track of your period and about 2 days prior take some magnesium, either via Cal-Mag Fizz or a detox bath, and your night sweats should cease. Other causes are: Low zinc, low potassium, low magnesium, low manganese, high/low iodine, high
sodium, high Vitamin A.

Very low zinc, or way too high zinc, will cause low estrogen, which causes frequent night sweats. Have you supplemented any zinc lately?

[spicegirl]

Thanks Shelley!

I love dandelion and roasting it makes it so rich and a nice treat.

Good info on cinnamon. I've been making home-made chai tea and just wanted to make sure about the cinnamon.

I'm very into your protocol and finding a good balance with it.

xo,
spicegirl