Category: Natural Cures

Conditions You Can Treat With Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol is just one of the many cannabinoids found in marijuana, however, it is probably the most medically advanced substance in the world. Here’s what CBD can help treatment with…

Conditions You Can Treat With Cannabidiol (CBD)

There are more than 500 cannabinoids currently known to humanity and 1 of them is cannabidiol. It is easily the most interesting of all right next to THC as CBD has a ton of medicinal uses.

Thus, it is slowly becoming a global healing agent, but unlike “modern” drugs it has no negative side effects and can also help treat a number of conditions – some of which are extremely serious ones.

1. Cannabidiol VS Cancer

CBD has been proven to have antineoplastic properties which inhibit cancerous development and tumor growth. The stimulation of apoptotic pathways throughout the body forces the immune system to effectively destroy cancer cells.

2. Cannabidiol VS Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an awful condition which is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking nerve endings. That results in  constant pain throughout the entire day.

However, marijuana is very well know for its pain relieving properties. More specifically, CBD has been found to relieve that exact same pain caused by multiple sclerosis.

Rough statistics show that up to 30% of multiple sclerosis patients in Europe puff weed to ease the symptoms of MS.

3. Cannabidiol VS Epilepsy

This battle is probably what CBD is most famous for currently and we all know who the winner is. There is still much to learn about the way cannabidiol works to stop seizures, but one thing’s for sure – the effects are there and no one can deny their power.

The countless success stories around the Internet of people treating their children’s epilepsy with medical marijuana (like this one) prove just how good of a medicine this plant is.

In the story mentioned above, we have a 9 year old girl with severe epileptic episodes in her earlier years going to 30 or more in a day and some days even more than 100.

However, since here mother started her on cannabis oil treatment, her daughter hasn’t had a single seizure in more than 18 months.

The sad part is that even though the results are too obvious to be true, hospitals are still denying medical marijuana renewals, because of the lack of scientific evidence of marijuana being a safe treatment option.

What a joke. Where’s the scientific evidence that any of the drugs you buy at your local pharmacy are a safe treatment option? There is none, because they aren’t.

They all do more damage than heal and if the same rule was applied to them as is to cannabis, there will be no pharmacies left.

4. Cannabidiol VS Depression

That lame state of mind we’ve all been at one point in our lives should be fought with the mind itself, however, throwing in some CBD in the mix won’t hurt at all.

According to this study, cannabidiol induces anti-depressant effects in mice. THC was also found to have these same anti-depressant properties which is why marijuana is a first choice for anyone feeling blue.

5. Cannabidiol VS Diabetes

CBD has been recently found to significantly reduce the incidence of diabetes in mice. This study showed that with the percentage lowered from 86% for non-treated mice to 30% in mice treated with cannabidiol.

This data proves that CBD can in fact inhibit and delay the destructive insulitis and inflammatory cytokine production.

6. Cannabidiol VS Schizophrenia

Recent research suggested that CBD is also an effective and at the same time safe treatment for patients suffering from schizophrenia – who isn’t right?

Cannabidiol has anxiolytic and anti-psychotic properties that help people with schizophrenia as well as another similar mind condition, namely bipolar disorder.

It has also been found to help negate some of the more unwanted effects of THC such as paranoia and anxiety. In my opinion, those are caused by the puffer’s mind frame right before they smoke.

7. Cannabidiol VS Cardiovascular Disease

Aside from the aforementioned serious conditions that CBD can help with, it can also help with the number 1 cause of death nowadays – cardiovascular disease.

According to this study, the same effects that cannabidiol exerts which help prevent diabetes are also responsible for its positive effects on cardiovascular disease.

CBD attenuated myocardial dysfunction, cardiac fibrosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and interrelated signaling pathways.

Summary

Believe it or not, there are even more conditions that CBD can help with (probably even cure on its own), but a lot more research is needed to know.

However, since it acts on the endocannabinoid system in our bodies, which is located everywhere, it’s pretty logical to assume that it can help with almost anything.

The good thing is that CBD at least can be obtained legally much more easily than marijuana as a whole. That is due to the fact that it does not cause a high like THC.

But despite that fact, the decades of being demonized by the “health organizations” around the world have caused immense damage to the plant’s “image” including its underlying cannabinoids.

So, it will take time before marijuana and its substances become a (legal) major part of the medical industry, but once this happens, we will be surely looking at the medical revolution of the millennium.

Admin – February 2, 2016

18 Fantastic Uses For Aloe Vera

Aloe plants naturally grow in tropical areas, but you can bring tropics in your own home, and grow the plant in your garden. There is no fuss regarding the growing process, and you should follow only a few simple rules.

Aloe vera plant requires little care. It likes warm weather, occasional watering, and slight fertilization.

Keeping an aloe vera plant in the house will make you feel like a herbalist. Wonder why? Aloe vera is known for its amazing healing properties. They are concentrated in the thick, meaty leaves, right in the oozing gel.Aloe vera juice is available in every healthy food store, but making your own is a lot cheaper and safer. Always cut of the largest leaves, as they have the highest concentration of gel.

The plant has derived from Northern Africa, and the first known records of its healing power are 12 distinctive recipes using aloe vera. They are provided in ebers, the ancient Egyptian Papyrus. This marked the new era of natural healing, and since this period aloe vera was used as decorative plant and herbal remedy.

9 health benefits of taking Aloe Vera orally

1. Strengthens heart, and improves blood count

2. Relieves heart burn and treats indigestion

3. Relieves arthritis-induced inflammation

4. Enhances the function of the urinary tract

5. Strengthens and heals gums

6. Increases immunity

7. Stimulates the production of leukocytes and healthy cells in patients diagnosed with cancer

8. Regulates blood sugar

9. Treats digestive disorders, including upset stomach, constipation, IBS, colitis, and bloating

9 health benefits of using Aloe Vera topically

1. Relieves itching caused by bug bites

2. Heals burns and sunburns

3. Moisturizes and nourishes skin

4. Reduces the appearance of wrinkles

5. Shampoo substitute

6. Shaving gel substitute

7. Speeds up the healing of wounds

8. Soothes rashes, boils, and similar skin problems

9. Treats acne and eczema

 

Admin – Caymantra

 

Turmeric Is A Potent Inflammation & Cancer Fighter. How Much Turmeric Should You Take & How Often ?

Here’s everything you need to know about the health benefits of turmeric including how to take it, how much to take and how often…

turmeric-roots-and-a-jar-of-turmeric-powder

Historically, spices are treasured for the unique flavors they bring to food and for their healing properties.

Most spices provide some health benefits.

But one spice that shines for its medicinal benefits is turmeric.

You may have seen turmeric in the news as a potential treatment for diseases as diverse as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, psoriasis, and Alzheimer’s.

But does this spice live up to its press?

And can you get the benefits of turmeric from food alone or should you take a turmeric supplement?

Turmeric and curcumin are often used interchangeably. What’s the difference between them?

Here’s everything you need to know about the health benefits of turmeric.

Traditional Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa, a beautiful flowering tropical plant native to India.

Turmeric has been used for healing for thousands of years going back to Ayurveda, India’s 5,000-year-old natural healing system. (1)

Cooking residue found on pottery shards shows that people in parts of Asia cooked with turmeric 4,500 years ago. (2)

It is one of several spices used to make curry powder, an essential ingredient in south Asian cuisine.
It’s usually used dry, but the root can also be grated fresh like ginger.

This versatile spice was used traditionally to improve digestion, dissolve gallstones, relieve arthritis, and alleviate symptoms of allergies and colds. (34)

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It was applied externally for wounds and skin conditions.

It was also used as a beauty treatment. (5)

Soaps and creams containing turmeric are experiencing a surge in popularity today.

Turmeric paste is still applied to the skin of both the bride and groom in a ceremony before marriage in some parts of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to beautify skin and as a form of good luck.

The Relationship Between Turmeric and Curcumin

Many websites, even authoritative medical sites, incorrectly use the terms turmeric, curcumin, and even curry powder interchangeably.

This makes it hard to understand the information on turmeric.

Let’s clear up any confusion.

Curry powder is a mix of many spices including the spice turmeric.

Turmeric contains hundreds of compounds, each with its own unique properties.

But of all the compounds in turmeric, curcumin is by far the most promising and is the most widely studied.

Curcumin is not unique to turmeric, it is also found in ginger, another spice with a long history of medicinal use.

You can find many websites that make unrealistic claims about turmeric.

A few natural health websites boldly state that turmeric has been proven beneficial for over 600 ailments.

But the vast majority of studies were done on the isolated compound curcumin, not turmeric.
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The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says this about turmeric studies: “… there is little reliable evidence to support the use of turmeric for any health condition because few clinical trials have been conducted.” (6)

Why would this be?

It’s easier to study a compound like curcumin which can be isolated and standardized and acts more drug-like than spice-like.

But the overriding reason may be that there is little monetary incentive to research a spice that’s already found in millions of kitchens worldwide unless it can be transformed into a substance that can be patented.

Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric

As we’ve seen, the majority of studies have been done on curcumin — not turmeric — and it looks like there aren’t many health conditions this compound won’t help.

Proven health benefits of curcumin include alleviating allergies, breaking up the brain plaques of Alzheimer’s, easing the pain of arthritis, treating depression, controlling diabetes, and decreasing risk of heart attack. (7, 8, 9, 10111213)

But what about turmeric — what is it good for?

So far, turmeric has been found to contain at least 20 compounds that are antibiotic, 14 known cancer preventatives, 12 that are anti-tumor, 12 anti-inflammatory, and at least 10 antioxidants. (14)

Turmeric is considered a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer agent. (1516)

And studies point to a few specific conditions that turmeric can help.

Turmeric for Alzheimer’s

One of the most exciting benefits of turmeric is that it may prevent Alzheimer’s.

Elderly villagers in India who eat turmeric as a regular part of their diet have the lowest rate of Alzheimer’s in the world. (17)

Over 200 compounds have been identified in turmeric and curcumin is not the only one being studied for Alzheimer’s. (18)

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Another compound in turmeric, turmerone, stimulates the production of new neurons and seems to encourage the brain to repair itself. (19)

This property could make it a useful treatment for a variety of degenerative brain diseases besides Alzheimer’s, including Parkinson’s, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. (20)

Turmeric for Arthritis

Arthritis and other inflammatory diseases are extremely common.

Over $650 million is spent in the United States every year on natural remedies for treating chronic inflammation.

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and has been found to be beneficial for arthritis when taken internally and when applied topically. (21)

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The Arthritis Foundation reports that turmeric can provide long-term improvement in pain and function for those with osteoarthritis.

Their suggested dosage for osteoarthritis is to take one capsule (400-600 mg) three times per day or 0.5-1.0 gram of powdered turmeric root up to 3 grams per day.

Turmeric for Cancer

Curcumin is a promising candidate as a cancer treatment. (22)

It selectively kill tumor cells while leaving normal cells unharmed and works synergistically to increase the effectiveness of both chemotherapy and radiation. (23)

Dr. Saraswati Sukumar is a medical oncologist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and has been involved in hundreds of studies on the effects of turmeric on cancer. (24)

She has found that eating turmeric prepared in food provides more benefits than taking either curcumin or turmeric supplements. (25)

Turmeric Is Better than Prozac for Depression

Turmeric has impressive antidepressant properties.

In fact it’s been found to be more a more potent antidepressant than fluoxetine, the generic name for Prozac. (26)

It is believed to work by reducing the stress hormone cortisol while increasing serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with happiness.

This is great news for the millions who have tried antidepressants without success or for those who experience unacceptable side effects (27)

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Unlike antidepressant drugs, turmeric either in food or as a supplement can used indefinitely.
It can also be safely combined with other natural remedies for depression such as St. John’s wort and SAM-e. (28)

Enhancing Turmeric Naturally

Unfortunately, turmeric’s main active ingredient curcumin is not very well absorbed.

Unless the right steps are taken, it largely passes through the intestines unutilized.

You can greatly increase absorption by adding black pepper, as is done in curry powder.

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The compound piperine found in black pepper increases curcumin absorption by a whopping 2,000%. (29)

Since curcumin is fat soluble, its bioavailability is enhanced when turmeric is cooked in oil. (30)

Again, tradition has this covered.

Indian cuisine liberally uses peanut, sesame and coconut oil, and butter-derived ghee. (31)

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric tea is a great compromise between to trying to get enough turmeric into your daily diet and taking supplements.

Boiling turmeric in water for 10 minutes increases the solubility of curcumin up to 12 times. (32)

The people of Okinawa, Japan are the longest-lived in the world, with an average life span of 81.2 years.

And they drink large amounts of turmeric tea. (33)

To make basic turmeric tea, put 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder in 1 cup of water and simmer for 10 minutes.

Strain if needed and serve.

If you actually enjoy it, you’re in luck because not everyone is crazy about it.

It’s very bitter and medicinal-tasting.

I’ve been experimenting to find a recipe that’s both healthy and delicious.

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This recipe is tasty and assures maximum bioavailability by both heating and adding coconut oil, a top brain-healthy fat.

Liquid Gold Turmeric Tea

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Honey or stevia to taste

Bring water to a boil. Add turmeric powder and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Add coconut milk and coconut oil. Heat until warmed through.
Sweeten with honey or stevia to taste.

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and proportions to create the brew that is just right for you.

You can substitute almond milk or regular milk for coconut milk, as long as it contains some fat.
Ghee, traditional clarified Indian butter, works great instead of coconut oil and adds a rich buttery flavor.

Turmeric Dosage

Most of us in Western countries are familiar only with the turmeric found in the dried spice section at the grocery store.

But you can buy turmeric root in some produce sections — it looks a lot like ginger, a plant cousin that’s another source of curcumin.

According to the University of Maryland’s Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide, here are suggested turmeric dosages for adults:

  • Cut root: 1.5-3 grams per day
  • Dried, powdered root: 1-3 grams per day
  • Fluid extract (1:1): 30-90 drops per day
  • Tincture (1:2): 15-30 drops, 4 times per day

Their recommended curcumin dosage for a standardized powder supplement is 400-600 mg, 3 times per day.

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Look for products standardized for 95% curcuminoids that also contain piperine or black pepper extract.

When unsure, follow the dosage instructions on labels. (34)

Turmeric Supplement Side Effects

Turmeric consumed as a spice in food is considered safe.

There are almost no known turmeric side effects except for an increased risk of kidney stones in those susceptible. (35)

But I was somewhat surprised to learn that turmeric supplements carry a large number of possible side effects, interactions, and warnings.

While clearly turmeric and curcumin are not identical, their respective side effects and reactions are treated as one on sites like Drugs.com, RXlist.com, and the National Institutes of Health’s MedLine.
All three sites were in agreement that you should not take either curcumin or turmeric supplements if:

  • You are pregnant. Curcumin stimulates the uterus and raises the risk of a miscarriage. The safety of this spice while breastfeeding has not been established.
  • You are trying to conceive. If you are having trouble conceiving, turmeric could add to your difficulties.
  • You have a hormone-sensitive condition. Turmeric can act like estrogen so should be avoided if you have reproductive cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
  • You have gallstones or gallbladder disease. Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse.
  • You are scheduled for surgery in the next two weeks. Turmeric increases the risk of bleeding.
  • You take medications that slow clotting such as aspirin, clopidogrel, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, and warfarin. Turmeric increases the risk of bruising and bleeding.
  • You have GERD, ulcers, or other stomach problems. Turmeric can make GERD worse and cause gastric irritation, stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea.
  • You take drugs to reduce stomach acid. Turmeric can interfere with the actions of medications like Zantac, Tagamet, and Nexium, increasing the production of stomach acid. (36)
  • You take diabetes medication. Turmeric increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
  • You have an iron deficiency. Turmeric can prevent the absorption of iron.

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According to Drugs.com, 70 drugs interact adversely with turmeric and curcumin supplements.
You can find a complete list of turmeric interactions here.

Turmeric Benefits: The Bottom Line

Turmeric is a traditional healing spice with a long history of safe and effective use.
While there are turmeric capsules and turmeric tinctures available, their bioavailability is questionable.

They are also significantly more likely to cause side effects than cooking with turmeric which has no downside.

Some experts believe that the liberal use of turmeric in cooking is all you need to get therapeutic amounts.

We agree that it’s prudent to start first with turmeric in food and tea for that sweet spot of maximum benefits with virtually no risk of side effects.

And if you don’t get the results you want, you can try turmeric supplements.

If that still doesn’t bring the relief you’re looking for, then you can try curcumin supplements, staying mindful of interactions and side effects.

12 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Eat Eggs

Eggs might just be the easiest, cheapest and most versatile way to up your protein intake.
Beyond easily upping your daily protein count— each 85-calorie eggs packs a solid 7 grams of the muscle-builder—eggs also boost your health. They’re loaded with amino acids, antioxidants and iron. Don’t just reach for the whites, though; the yolks boast a fat-fighting nutrient called choline, so opting for whole eggs can actually help you trim down.
When you’re shopping for eggs, pay attention to the labels. You should be buying organic, when possible. These are certified by the USDA and are free from antibiotics, vaccines and hormones. As for color, that’s your call. The difference in color just varies based on the type of chicken—they both have the same nutritional value, says Molly Morgan, RD, a board certified sports specialist dietician based in upstate New York. Here are 12 incredible effects the mighty egg can have on the human body.

1. YOU’LL REDUCE YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE

LDL cholesterol became known as “bad” cholesterol because LDL particles transport their fat molecules into artery walls, and drive atherosclerosis — basically, gumming up of the arteries. (HDL particles, by contrast, can removefat molecules from artery walls.) But not all LDL particles are made equal, and there are various subtypes that differ in size. Bigger is definitely better — many studies have shown that people who have predominantly small, dense LDL particles have a higher risk of heart disease than people who have mostly large LDL particles. Here’s the beauty part: Even if eggs tend to raise LDL cholesterol in some people, studies show that the LDL particles change from small and dense to large, slashing the risk of cardiovascular problems.

2. YOU’LL BOOST Y IMMUNE SYSTEM

If you don’t want to play chicken with infections, viruses and diseases, add an egg or two to your diet daily. Just one large egg contains almost a quarter (22%) of your RDA of selenium, a nutrient that helps support your immune system and regulate thyroid hormones. Kids should eat eggs, especially. If children and adolescents don’t get enough selenium, they could develop Keshan disease and Kashin-Beck disease, two conditions that can affect the heart, bones and joints.

3.YOU’LL IMPROVE YOUR CHOLESTEROL PROFILE
There are three ideas about cholesterol that practically everyone knows: 1) High cholesterol is a bad thing; 2) There are good and bad kinds of cholesterol; 3) Eggs contain plenty of it. Doctors are generally most concerned with the ratio of “good” cholesterol (HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL). One large egg contains 212 mg of cholesterol, but this doesn’t mean that eggs will raise the “bad” kind in the blood. The body constantly produces cholesterol on its own, and a large body of evidence indicates that eggs can actually improve your cholesterol profile. How? Eggs seem to raise HDL (good) cholesterol while increasing the size of LDL particles.

4.YOU’LL HAVE MORE GET-UP-AND-GO
Just one egg contains about 15% of your RDA of vitamin B2, also called riboflavin. It’s just one of eight B vitamins, which all help the body to convert food into fuel, which in turn is used to produce energy. Eggs are just one of the25 Best Foods for a Toned Body!

5.YOUR SKIN AND HAIR WILL IMPROVE
B-complex vitamins are also necessary for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. (In addition to vitamin B2, eggs are also rich in B5 and B12.) They also help to ensure the proper function of the nervous system. For more foods full of B vitamins, click here for this list of the essential 40 Best Foods for Muscle and Strength!

6.YOU’LL FEEL FULLER AND EAT LESS
Eggs are such a good source of quality protein that all other sources of protein are measured against them. (Eggs get a perfect score of 100.) Many studies have demonstrated the effect of high-protein foods on appetite. Simply put, they take the edge off. You might not be surprised to learn that eggs score high on a scale called the Satiety Index, a measure of how much foods contribute to the feeling of fullness.

 

7.YOU’LL LOSE FAT
Largely because of their satiating power, eggs have been linked with fat loss. A study on this produced some remarkable results: Over an eight-week period, people ate a breakfast of either eggs or bagels, which contained the same amount of calories. The egg group lost 65% more body weight, 16% more body fat, experienced a 61% greater reduction in BMI and saw a 34% greater reduction in waist circumference!

 

8.YOU’LL PROTECT YOUR BRAIN
Eggs are brain food. That’s largely because of an essential nutrient calledcholine. It’s a component of cell membranes and is required to synthesize acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. Studies have shown that a lack of choline has been linked to neurological disorders and decreased cognitive function. Shockingly, more than 90% of Americans eat less than the daily recommended amount of choline, according to a U.S. dietary survey.

9.YOU’LL SAVE YOUR LIFE

Among the lesser-known amazing things the body can do: It can make 11 essential amino acids, which are necessary to sustain life. Thing is, there are 20 essential amino acids that your body needs. Guess where the other 9 can be found? That’s right. A lack of those 9 amino acids can lead to muscle wasting, decreased immune response, weakness, fatigue, and changes to the texture of your skin and hair.

10.YOU’LL HAVE LESS STRESS AND ANXIETY

If you’re deficient in the 9 amino acids that can be found in an egg, it can have mental effects. A 2004 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences described how supplementing a population’s diet with lysine significantly reduced anxiety and stress levels, possibly by modulating serotonin in the nervous system. For more relaxing foods, check out these 20 Foods That Keep You Slim for Life!

11.YOU’LL PROTECT YOUR PEEPERS

Two antioxidants found in eggs — lutein and zeaxanthin — have powerful protective effects on the eyes. You won’t find them in a carton of Egg Beaters — they only exist in the yolk. The antioxidants significantly reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, which are among the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness in the elderly. In a study published in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition, participants who ate 1.3 egg yolks per day for four-and-a-half weeks saw increased blood levels of zeaxanthin by 114-142% and lutein by 28-50%!

12.YOU’LL IMPROVE YOUR BONES AND TEETH

Eggs are one of the few natural sources of Vitamin D, which is important for the health and strength of bones and teeth. It does this primarily by aiding the absorption of calcium. (Calcium, incidentally, is important for a healthy heart, colon and metabolism.)

 

Chaga, The Cancer Healer and King of All Herbs

chaga

Birch trees take 15-20 years to reach maturity. During that time, the Chaga mushroom absorbs and concentrates many valuable enzymes, nutrients and healing compounds that are bioavailable to the human body.

Chaga grows primarily in Russia, but also in parts of Japan, Korea, Alaska, Canada and northern Scandinavia. And although Chaga is found on your typical white birch tree, the most potent variation is found on the black birch trees of Siberia.

Superfood is a word hot on everyone’s tongue these days, but right about now, you can’t use that buzz word without mentioning Chaga. It’s known as the “King of Herbs” and a “Gift from God” by many and after seeing it’s jaw-dropping antioxidant value, there’s no doubt why.

Antioxidant value comparison:

  • Chaga – 36,557
  • Acai Berries – 800
  • Goji Berries- 400
  • Blueberries – 24.5

Wild-harvested chaga mushrooms not only have the highest antioxidant levels in the mushroom kingdom, but of any known food known to man (as tested by the USDA and Tufts University in Boston, MA).

When I first saw an image of this polypore fungus, it looked like a giant mole…one with melanoma. And if you know about the ‘Doctrine of Signatures’, it essentially says, if a food looks like a body part, then it can be taken for a healing effect on that part of the body. Like a walnut, for example, bares a striking resemblance to the brain and as we all know, walnuts are high in Omega-3’s (important for proper brain function and health).

Turns out there’s no better treatment for melanoma than Chaga. Approximately 25 percent of the pigments in Chaga are melanin (a really high amount). Melanin is important for the health of the skin and hair with its protective properties and its ability to target free radicals and help with sleep.

Though new to many of us, Chaga has actually been used as a folk remedy for more than (a documented) 4,600 years. The uses for Chaga spans a wide range of health problems including:

  • stomach pain
  • ulcers
  • asthma
  • bronchitis
  • liver problems
  • eczema & psoriasis
  • cancer
  • chronic fatigues syndrome
  • the flu
  • HIV
  • tuberculosis
  • hypertension
  • viral infections
  • cardiovascular disease
  • diabetes.
  • fibromyalgia
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • stroke
  • Alzheimer’s Disease and more…

Recent studies have shown Chaga to have anti-tumor and antiviral properties, effectiveness against influenza and various cancer cells and is being heavily researched and studied for the treatment of HIV.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has even classified Chaga as a medicinal mushroom under WTO codes.

Here are some ways Chaga can benefit your health:

  • It’s adaptogenic – brings the body into homeostasis and beneficial for all autoimmune diseases by regulating the immune system.
  • The richest source of the enzyme SOD (superoxide dismutase). This super antioxidant prevents damage to the cell’s DNA. Low tissue levels of SOD correlate with a decline in overall health and a shorter lifespan
  • Provides lots of B-Vitamins and also flavonoids, enzymes, minerals and phenols
  • Contains the highest known antioxidant concentrations of any food
  • Contains an abundance of melanin, an important anti-aging compound that helps skin, balances the body’s bio-rhythms and activates the pineal gland
  • Rich in Zinc – which helps with proper cell growth, differentiation and survival
  • Promotes overall well-being
  • Boosts energy levels & physical stamina
  • Anti-aging properties
  • Anti-fungal & anti-candida
  • Antiviral & Anti-bacterial
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Joint health – contains the spongy stuff that’s in your joints – Glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Balances blood sugar levels

To take Chaga you can simply drop a tsp. of Chaga powder in warm liquid (such as your morning chai or hot cocoa) and drink up. It actually has a pleasant taste, no funky bitterness. Traditionally though, the tea is made by simmering Chaga at a low temperature for 6-8 hours. The temperature should not to exceed 140 degrees fahrenheit (staying at a low heat will protect the destruction of proteins, sterols and enzymes). Strain and drink at any temperature you like!

By:
Bess O’Connor  Mon, July 06 2015
You can learn more and buy Chaga at http://chaga.ca

3 Videos Show What Happens When Cannabis Ravages Cancer Cells

THC has been found to destroy cells that have become cancerous. Here is video proof in action.

After the Washington Post released an article in 1974 that stated THC, “slowed the growth of lung cancers, breast cancers and a virus-induced leukemia in laboratory mice, and prolonged their lives by as much as 36%,” the world was remarkedly quiet about it.  It took years, until after the advent of the internet and dissemination of information for the world to buy in.  Also, video footage of the cells in action helps drive the point home: certain strains of THC can kill cancer cells and let normal cells live in peace.  In 1998, a new study, by Madrid Complutense stated that ”THC can cause cancer cells to die, and unlike chemotherapy the THC kills nothing but the cancer cells, leaving the brain of course completely unharmed.”

It is believed that the Delta 9 THC eradicates cancer cells because when it binds and enters the cell membrade, it causes the production of a type of waxy fat called ceramide.  This ceramide cause hydrolysis in the myelin sheath, destroying the cell.

These three videos are a great example, and even some direct footage, of the THC molecule binding to cells and slaying the cancerous ones.

Contribution By Minds.com

4 Reasons to Drink Pomegranate Peel Tea

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I love pomegranate, it’s a wonderful fruit to incorporate into your diet because it can help reduce brain inflammation and protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

After extracting the delicious aryls, do you normally throw out the pomegranate peels, right?

So did I, until I discovered their potential to help keep you healthy and happy.

During the late nineties scientists discovered the health benefits from the discarded part of this extremely beneficial fruit.

Chief amongst these discoveries were the substantial benefits you can derive from using pomegranate peels, especially in your digestive system.

So before you start tossing away what might be the best part of pomegranates, here are some key benefits to convince you otherwise.

4 Benefits of Pomegranate Peels

1. They’re a Great Tool to Fight Heart Diseases

Pomegranate peels are loaded with antioxidants. As their name might imply, antioxidants are extremely effective at eliminating oxidation from LDL cholesterol.

If your LDL cholesterol accumulates too much oxidization, it will eventually wreak havoc in your cardiovascular system, leaving you vulnerable to most heart diseases.

When it comes to antioxidants, I’ve felt that you can never get enough, especially if they come from a completely natural source.

 2.They’re Packed with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an integral part of a healthy holistic diet. Its health benefits cover a lot of areas in your health, ranging from improving your immune system, your cardiovascular system, preventing prenatal health complications, avoiding wrinkles, and reducing your chances of developing ocular diseases.

Pomegranate peels carry enough vitamin c to render vitamin pills or tablets obsolete. This is perfect because we’re trying to base our diet’s needs on completely natural sources.

3.They’re an Effective Form of Detox

Remember the plentiful antioxidants that could help your heart? Well, here’s where they shine again. Pomegranate peels pack enough antioxidants to make them the perfect natural detox you can get your hands on.

If you ever feel the need to detox, be it to keep it in shape or if you feel like you want to spoil yourself, pomegranate peels make the perfect detox tea.

4.They Fine Tune Your Digestive System

Below this you’ll find my recipe for making pomegranate peel tea. This tea’s key strength is its ability to destroy the pathogenic cells that can wreak havoc within your gastrointestinal tract.

This makes it the perfect natural treatment for with multiple digestive diseases and their respective symptoms. They can range from diarrhea, salmonella, bile ulcers, and multiple forms of colitis.

So without further ado, here’s pomegranate peel tea recipe that’s the perfect addition to your healthy diet.

Homemade Pomegranate Peel Tea

Ingredients:

All you’ll really need is one part dried pomegranate peels to twenty parts water. For the purposes of keeping it simple think 10 to 12 grams of dried pomegranate peels paired with 200 milliliters of water.

Instructions:

  1. Place the dried pomegranate peels in an empty glass, preferably the one you’ll be using to drink it.
  2. Boil the 200 milliliters of water.
  3. Add the boiling water to the glass filled with pomegranate peels.
  4. Cover it with a lid and let it sit for 25 minutes.
  5. Do not strain it.
  6. Enjoy!

I’d recommend keeping it covered while you’re sipping it.

Sources:

Amazing Health Benefits of Pomegranate Peels.

http://www.natural–living.com/pomegrante-peel-benefits-recipes-and-more.html

Image Source: Cooking Fox

The Health Benefits of Eating Ginger

ginger

Ginger is in the same plant family (Zingiberacea) that includes the medicinal powerhouse turmeric, and which only recently was proven to be 100% effective in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes in prediabetics, according to a study published in the American Diabetes Association’s own journal Diabetes Care.

In the new ginger study, titled “The effect of ginger consumption of glycemic status, lipid profile and some inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus,”[i] 70 type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the objective of which was to assess the effect of ginger consumption on glycemic status, lipid profile and some common inflammatory markers associated with the condition.

The trial participants were divided randomly into a ginger group and control group, receiving either 1600 mg ginger or a 1600 mg placebo daily for 12 weeks. The patients were measured before and after the intervention for blood sugar levels, blood lipids, C-reactive protein, prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα).

As a result of the intervention, ginger treatment reduced the following parameters significantly compared with the placebo group:
  • Fasting plasma glucose
  • HbA1C (aka glycated hemoglobin) – a measurement of how much damage is being caused by sugars to red blood cells in the body, reflective of body wide damage caused by chronically elevated blood sugar
  • Insulin
  • HOMA (the homeostatic model assessment) – which measures insulin resistance and beta-cell function (the pancreatic cells that produce insulin)
  • Triglycerides
  • Total cholesterol
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) – a marker of inflammation
  • Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) – a marker of inflammation

No significant differences in HDL, LDL and TNFα between two groups (p > 0.05).

The researchers concluded:

“Ginger improved insulin sensitivity and some fractions of lipid profile, and reduced CRP and PGE2 in type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore ginger can be considered as an effective treatment for prevention of diabetes complications.”

This is, of course, not the first study to establish the value of ginger for diabetes. Simply dropping the two search terms “diabetes” and “ginger” into Pubmed.gov will draw up 63 results. Our database of abstracts on ginger contains a number of gems on its benefit for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes which can be viewed here: Ginger Health Benefits.

Additionally, the research on turmeric (and its primarily polyphenol curcumin) as a diabetes aid is far more plentiful, with 123 results for the search terms “turmeric” and “diabetes,” and 252 for “curcumin” and “diabetes,” on the National Library of Medicine’s Pubmed.gov database. To view our curated research on turmeric’s diabetes benefits (as well as for 600 other disorders), view our page on the topic: Turmeric Health Benefits.

How Much Was Used?

The amount of ginger used in the study amounted to 1.6 grams, which is a non-heroic, ‘culinary’ dose of approximately a quarter of a teaspoon. In the study, participants were given two doses of 800 mg, delivered twice daily, orally through capsules. This dose scheme points to the fact that higher doses does of complex plant extracts within the spice category are not necessarily better, and in fact, in some cases, may actually have effects opposite to the expectation. This study, for instance, found that rosemary at a lower dose (750 mg) improved cognition whereas a higher dose (6,000 mg) interfered with it. The point is that lower doses, as used traditionally in culinary applications, passed down to us through previous generations as ‘recipes’ (literally: ‘medical prescriptions’), may be more effective than higher ones; a perspective that obviously turns conventional pharmacological wisdom and practice on its head. Learn more here.

Other Essential Resources for Type 2 Diabetes

The GreenMedInfo.com database now contains 350 abstracts on 180 natural substances that have been researched to have potential value in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, and which can be viewed on our Type 2 Diabetes Research page.  The resource also includes Problem Substances (e.g. fructose, BPA), Therapeutic Actions (e.g. yoga, low carb diets) and Problematic Actions (e.g. vaccination, microwave cooking) linked to this condition in the published research. We also have a curated health portal on Blood Sugar Problems (click hyperlink to view) which aggregates both our research sections on type 1 and type 2 diabetes and our reporting on various studies related to these conditions in greater depth.

[i] Tahereh Arablou, Naheed Aryaeian, Majid Valizadeh, Faranak Sharifi, Aghafatemeh Hosseini, Mahmoud Djalali. The effect of ginger consumption on glycemic status, lipid profile and some inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2014 Feb 4. Epub 2014 Feb 4. PMID: 24490949

This article was republished with permission from greenmedinfo.com

Image Source:

whstatic.com

Worried About Clogged Arteries? Drink This!

arteries_clogging-1The future of cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment will not be found in your medicine cabinet, rather in your kitchen cupboard or in your back yard growing on a tree.

Pomegranate Found To Prevent Coronary Artery Disease Progression

A new study published in the journal Atherosclerosis confirms that pomegranate extract may prevent and/or reverse the primary pathology associated with cardiac mortality: the progressive thickening of the coronary arteries caused by the accumulation of fatty materials known as atherosclerosis.

Mice with a genetic susceptibility towards spontaneous coronary artery blockages were given pomegranate extract via their drinking water for two weeks, beginning at three weeks of age. Despite the fact that pomegranate treatment actually increased cholesterol levels associated with very low density lipoprotein-sized particles, the treatment both reduced the size of the atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic sinus (the dilated opening above the aortic valve) and reduced the proportion of coronary arteries with occlusive atherosclerotic plaques.

 

Remarkably, the researchers also found that pomegranate extract treatment resulted in the following beneficial effects:

  • -Reduced levels of oxidative stress
  • -Reduced monocytie chemotactic protein-1, a chemical messenger (chemokine) associated with inflammatory processes within the arteries.
  • -Reduced lipid accumulation in the heart muscle
  • -Reduced macrophage infiltration in the heart muscle
  • -Reduced levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and fibrosis in the myocardium
  • -Reduced cardiac enlargement
  • -Reduced ECG abnormalities

 

How can something as benign and commonplace as a fruit extract reverse so many aspects of coronary artery disease, simultaneously, as evidenced by the study above?  The answer may lie in the fact that our ancestors co-evolved with certain foods (fruits in particular) for so long that a lack of adequate quantities of these foods may directly result in deteriorating organ function.  Indeed, two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling argued that vitamin C deficiency is a fundamental cause of cardiovascular disease, owing to the fact that our hominid primate ancestors once had year-round access to fruits, and as a result lost the ability to synthesize it.  [see Linus Pauling vitamin C lecture on GreenMedTV]

 

pomegranate_heart_disease

Discussion

This study adds to the already extant body of clinical research indicating that pomegranate can help unclog your arteries.  For instance, back in 2004, the journal Clinical Nutrition published the results of a three year clinical trial in an Israeli population, finding that the daily consumption of pomegranate juice reversed carotid artery stenosis by up to 29% within 1 year.  Remarkably, the blockages in the control group increased 9%, indicating that pomegranate’s artery unblocking effects were even greater than at first apparent.

 

Pomegranate’s value in cardiovascular disease is quite broad, as evidenced by the following experimentally confirmed properties:

    • Anti-inflammatory: Like many chronic degenerative diseases, inflammation plays a significant role in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. There are five studies on GreenMedInfo.com indicating pomegranate’santi-inflammatory properties.

 

    • Blood-Pressure Lowering: Pomegranate juice has natural angiotensin converting enzyme inhibiting properties, and is a nitric oxide enhancer, two well-known pathways for reducing blood pressure.  Finally, pomegranate extract rich in punicalagin has been found reduce the adverse effects of perturbed stress on arterial segments exposed to disturbed flow.

 

    • Anti-Infective: Plaque buildup in the arteries often involves secondary viral and bacterial infection, including hepatitis C and Chlamydia pneumonia. Pomegranate has a broad range of anti-bacterial and anti-viralproperties.

 

  • Antioxidant: One of the ways in which blood lipids become heart disease-promoting (atherogenic) is through oxidation. LDL, for instance, may be technically ‘elevated’ but harmless as long as it does not readily oxidize. Pomegranate has been found to reduce the oxidative stress in the blood, as measured by serum paraoxonase levels.  One study in mice found this decrease in oxidative stress was associated with 44% reduction in the size of atherosclerotic lesions.

Source: GreenMedInfo

by Sayer Ji

Got Health Problems? Drink Frankincense Water. Here is How to Make It.

PicMonkey Collage

Frankincense water has been a traditional drink in the Middle East for Centuries. People in Oman and Yemen usually soak 4 or 5 pieces of this resin in water overnight and drink the water. According to their doctors, only few people over there have cancer.

Frankincense is a fragrant plant resin that comes from the Boswelllia sacra tree found in Africa and the Arabian peninsula, including Yemen and Oman.  Frankincense possesses analgesic, anti-arthritic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, tonic, vulnerary properties.

Scientists have found that there is some agent within frankincense which helps stop spreading of cancer. It induces cancerous cells to close themselves down. According to the latest studies,

“Cancer starts when the DNA code within the cell’s nucleus becomes corrupted. It seems frankincense has a re-set function. It can tell the cell what the right DNA code should be. “Frankincense separates the ‘brain’ of the cancerous cell – the nucleus – from the ‘body’ – the cytoplasm, and closes down the nucleus to stop it reproducing corrupted DNA codes.”]

Benefits of Frankincense Resin Water

  • Prevents digestive problems
  • Strengthens immune system
  • Works As A Natural Diuretic
  • Strengthens, tones, and lifts the skin, muscles, and internal organs
  • Promotes skin and tissue regeneration
  • Helps the body to read of  toxins
  • Helps with stress relief and inflammation
  • Anti-carcinogenic
  • Eases Fever And Headaches
  • Penetrates the blood-brain barrier
  • Helps with bronchitis
  • Helps relieve sore throats

How to Make Frankincense Water

Ingredients

One bag Frankincense resin (where to find)

One quarter of clean purified water

A one quarter glass jar

 

Directions

Place Frankincense Resin in the bottom of the jar. Boil Water. Pour water over resin until the jar is full. Cover with a glass plate or towel. Let the water sit overnight.

How to Use it

Drink a few ounces throughout the day.  If it’s your first time drinking the water, make sure to introduce this drink to your body slowly.
Madina-frankincense-1 Lb

 

Frankincense Essential Oil

One of the oldest known medical records from the sixteenth century B.C., the Ebers Papyrus, mentions frankincense oil. The ancient Egyptians listed the oil on hundreds of prescriptions and recipes.

Frankincense oil is one of the most highly prized essential oils in the world and one of the best oils you can use for your health.  The astringent property of frankincense oil can help strengthen gums, stop the bleeding from wounds and cuts, help with skin health, reverse signs of aging, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Frankincense oil can break up phlegm deposits in your respiratory tract and lungs, and can relieve bronchitis-related congestion. It can suppress the production of key inflammatory cells, helping to prevent the breakdown of cartilage tissue in patients with arthritis.

 

Quality frankincense oil is hard to find.  Make sure you are getting the real oil. This is why I recommend Doterra Essential oils. (where to find)

Reference: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8505251.stm

http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/frankincense-oil.aspx