Category: Natural Cures

4 Surprising Health Benefits of Juicing Raw Marijuana

By Healthy Holistic Living

Did you know that marijuana is a vegetable? Yup – it’s true.

The marijuana plant’s leaves and buds are actually loaded with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer compounds. These compounds are known as cannabidiols (CBD) and they make marijuana, cannabis, or whatever you want to call it, a superfood.

Yup – it’s true.

Don’t Get Dazed And Confused

But when heated, all of that goodness evaporates – it goes up in smoke and is blown away. Instead, be blown away by the health benefits of juicing the raw marijuana plant.

When heated the psychoactive compound – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)  – is released from the plant. Most people don’t want medicine to get “high” though. Our bodies were made to receive cannabidiols and the plant does not need to be heated to get these healing properties.

We have cannabinoid receptors built-in to our bodies. Getting CBD into your body can normalize functional systems like cell communication and immune functions. This means that the systems that make up your body, from cells to organs, will talk to each other better, have a better understanding of what’s going on, and help to clean things up.

Whole Lotta Love

It’s like a good relationship – both people should talk to each other and work with each other to keep the house clean.

And with cannabinoid receptors in our brains and pretty much no other way to get cannabidiol, marijuana seems to be the perfect medicine to ensure our bodies are working at peak performance. Major league sports would disagree.

CBDs bridge the gap of neurotransmission in the central nervous system by providing a two-way system of communication that completes a positive “feedback loop” says Dr. William Courtney, a medical marijuana expert and founder of Cannabis International. This is instead of a one-way transmission which promotes chronic inflammation.

CBDs mimic the body’s natural two-way communications system.

Stairway To Heaven

“The endogenous cannabinoid system acts as a modulator in fine-tuning a lot of these systems, and if something is deranged biochemically in a person’s body, it may well be that a cannabinoid system can bring things back into balance.” – Dr. Ethan Russo, a Seattle area physician, Senior Advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals.

Juicing marijuana ensures you’ll get the healing benefits of the plant without the high. No smoking, no high, and you can ingest higher doses of the drug, which will inevitably have your system running more smoothly and you feeling better. Juicing the plant also offers versatility: you can add other fruits and veggies to make delicious juices and incorporate cannabis into your diet.

Communication Breakdown

Smoking promotes inflammation which leads to infection and potential dysfunction or communication breakdowns in your body. While lots of doctors suggest vaporizing over smoking, most promote edibles over vaporizing. But you still need to heat up the drug to make edibles. That’s why, medically speaking, juicing the plant works best.

4 Health Benefits To Juicing Marijuana

Dr. Courtney and others are working hard to legalize the drug and work it into mainstream diets. They’ve found that using cannabis as a food (instead of a smokeable) it can help prevent, diminish, and fix:

  1. Autoimmune Disorders
  2. Cellular Dysfunction
  3. Chronic Inflammation
  4. Cancer Cells

 

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Categories: Cancer Cancer Cures Cannabis Cannabis Cannabis Oil Cleansing Depression Disease & Prevention Drugs Eating Healthy Folklore Healthy Choices Hydroponic Growing Immune System Inflammation Information Medical Marijuana Myths Natural Cures Organic Food Personal Health

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The Many Uses of the Mighty Moringa Tree

The Many Uses of the Mighty Moringa Tree - Fresh Moringa

Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing tree native to South Asia and now found throughout the tropics. Its leaves have been used as part of traditional medicine for centuries, and the Ayurvedic system of medicine associates it with the cure or prevention of about 300 diseases.1

Moringa, sometimes described as the “miracle tree,” “drumstick tree,” or “horseradish tree,” has small, rounded leaves that are packed with an incredible amount of nutrition: protein, calcium, beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium… you name it, moringa’s got it. No wonder it’s been used medicinally (and as a food source) for at least 4,000 years.2

The fact that moringa grows rapidly and easily makes it especially appealing for impoverished areas, and it’s been used successfully for boosting nutritional intake in Malawi, Senegal, and India. In these areas, moringa may be the most nutritious food locally available, and it can be harvested year-round.3

Personally, I grew a moringa tree for two years and I can attest to the fact that it grows like a weed. For those living in third-world countries, it may very well prove to be a valuable source of nutrition. However I don’t recommend planting one in your backyard for health purposes as the leaves are very small and it is a timely and exceedingly tedious task to harvest the leaves from the stem to eat them. You’ll likely find, as I did, that growing one is more trouble than it’s worth.

That being said, there is no denying that moringa offers an impressive nutritional profile that makes it appealing once it is harvested. You can get the benefits of moringa using fresh moringa leaves, powdered moringa, or cold-pressed moringa oil.

6 Reasons Why Moringa Is Being Hailed as a Superfood

1. A Rich Nutritional Profile

Moringa leaves are loaded with vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and more. One hundred grams of dry moringa leaf contains:4

  • 9 times the protein of yogurt
  • 10 times the vitamin A of carrots
  • 15 times the potassium of bananas
  • 17 times the calcium of milk
  • 12 times the vitamin C of oranges
  • 25 times the iron of spinach

2. Antioxidants Galore

Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. The latter, chlorogenic acid, has been shown to slow cells’ absorption of sugar and animal studies have found it to lower blood sugar levels. As noted in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention:5

“The leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree have been reported to demonstrate antioxidant activity due to its high amount of polyphenols.

Moringa oleifera extracts of both mature and tender leaves exhibit strong antioxidant activity against free radicals, prevent oxidative damage to major biomolecules, and give significant protection against oxidative damage.”

Further, in a study of women taking 1.5 teaspoons of moringa leaf powder daily for three months, blood levels of antioxidants increased significantly.6

3. Lower Blood Sugar Levels

The Many Uses of the Mighty Moringa Tree - Moringa LeafMoringa appears to have anti-diabetic effects,7 likely due to beneficial plant compounds contained in the leaves, including isothiocyanates. One study found women who took seven grams of moringa leaf powder daily for three months reduced their fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5 percent.8

Separate research revealed that adding 50 grams of moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by 21 percent among diabetic patients.9

4. Reduce Inflammation

The isothiocyanates, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in moringa leaves, pods, and seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties. According to the Epoch Times:10

“The tree’s strong anti-inflammatory action is traditionally used to treat stomach ulcers. Moringa oil (sometimes called Ben oil) has been shown to protect the liver from chronic inflammation. The oil is unique in that, unlike most vegetable oils, moringa resists rancidity.

This quality makes it a good preservative for foods that can spoil quickly. This sweet oil is used for both frying or in a salad dressing. It is also used topically to treat antifungal problems, arthritis, and is an excellent skin moisturizer.”

5. Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Moringa also has cholesterol-lowering properties, and one animal study found its effects were comparable to those of the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin.11 As noted in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology:12

“Moringa oleifera is used in Thai traditional medicine as cardiotonic. Recent studies demonstrated its hypocholesterolemic effect.

… In hypercholesterol-fed rabbits, at 12 weeks of treatment, it significantly (P<0.05) lowered the cholesterol levels and reduced the atherosclerotic plaque formation to about 50 and 86%, respectively. These effects were at degrees comparable to those of simvastatin.

… The results indicate that this plant possesses antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, and antiatherosclerotic activities, and has therapeutic potential for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.”

6. Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity

The leaves and seeds of moringa may protect against some of the effects of arsenic toxicity, which is especially important in light of news that common staple foods, such as rice, may be contaminated.13 Contamination of ground water by arsenic has also become a cause of global public health concern, and one study revealed: 14

“Co-administration of M. oleifera [moringa] seed powder (250 and 500 mg/kg, orally) with arsenic significantly increased the activities of SOD [superoxide dismutase], catalase, and GPx with elevation in reduced GSH level in tissues (liver, kidney, and brain).

These changes were accompanied by approximately 57%, 64%, and 17% decrease in blood ROS [reactive oxygen species], liver metallothionein (MT), and lipid peroxidation respectively in animal co-administered with M. oleifera and arsenic.

Another interesting observation has been the reduced uptake of arsenic in soft tissues (55% in blood, 65% in liver, 54% in kidneys, and 34% in brain) following administration of M. oleifera seed powder (particularly at the dose of 500 mg/kg).

It can thus be concluded from the present study that concomitant administration of M. oleifera seed powder with arsenic could significantly protect animals from oxidative stress and in reducing tissue arsenic concentration. Administration of M. oleifera seed powder thus could also be beneficial during chelation therapy…”

Moringa Leaves May Even Purify Water… and More

From a digestive standpoint, moringa is high in fiber that, as the Epoch Times put it, “works like a mop in your intestines… to clean up any of that extra grunge left over from a greasy diet.”15 Also noteworthy are its isothiocyanates, which have anti-bacterial properties that may help to rid your body of H. pylori, a bacteria implicated in gastritis, ulcers, and gastric cancer. Moringa seeds have even been found to work better for water purification than many of the conventional synthetic materials in use today.

According to Uppsala University:16

“A protein in the seeds binds to impurities causing them to aggregate so that the clusters can be separated from the water. The study… published in the journal Colloids and Surfaces A takes a step towards optimization of the water purification process.17

Researchers in Uppsala together with colleagues from Lund as well as Namibia, Botswana, France, and the USA have studied the microscopic structure of aggregates formed with the protein.

The results show that the clusters of material (flocs) that are produced with the protein are much more tightly packed than those formed with conventional flocculating agents. This is better for water purification as such flocs are more easily separated.”

There is speculation that moringa’s ability to attach itself to harmful materials may also happen in the body, making moringa a potential detoxification tool.

How to Use Moringa

The Many Uses of the Mighty Moringa Tree - Moringa PowderIf you have access to a moringa tree, you can use the fresh leaves in your meals; they have a flavor similar to a radish. Toss them like a salad, blend them into smoothies, or steam them like spinach. Another option is to use moringa powder, either in supplement form or added to smoothies, soups, and other foods for extra nutrition. Moringa powder has a distinctive “green” flavor, so you may want to start out slowly when adding it to your meals.

You can also use organic, cold-pressed moringa oil (or ben oil), although it’s expensive (about 15 times more than olive oil).18 As mentioned, while I don’t necessarily recommend planting a moringa tree in your backyard (a rapid-growing tree can grow to 15 to 30 feet in just a few years), you may want to give the leaves or powder a try if you come across some at your local health food market. As reported by ethnobotanist Chris Kilham, this is one plant food that displays not just one or two but numerous potential healing powers:19

“Virtually all parts of the plant are used to treat inflammation, infectious disorders, and various problems of the cardiovascular and digestive organs, while improving liver function and enhancing milk flow in nursing mothers. The uses of moringa are well documented in both the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of traditional medicine, among the most ancient healing systems in the world.

Moringa is rich in a variety of health-enhancing compounds, including moringine, moringinine, the potent antioxidants quercetin, kaempferol, rhamnetin, and various polyphenols. The leaves seem to be getting the most market attention, notably for their use in reducing high blood pressure, eliminating water weight, and lowering cholesterol.

Studies show that moringa leaves possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer activities, due in part to a compound called niaziminin. Preliminary experimentation also shows activity against the Epstein-Barr virus. Compounds in the leaf appear to help regulate thyroid function, especially in cases of over-active thyroid. Further research points to anti-viral activity in cases of Herpes simplex 1.”

19th September 2015

By Dr. Joseph Mercola

Guest Writer for Wake Up World

 

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Categories: Blood Pressure Blood Sugar Cleansing Cleansing Disease & Prevention Folklore General Health Healthy Techniques Inflammation Moringa Moringa Natural Cures Personal Health Well Being

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Serrapeptase the Miracle Enzyme

Looking for an alternative to steroid pain relievers that is just as effective? Looking to make sure you don’t get blood clots where they don’t belong? You might look into a naturally occurring enzyme that doctors in Europe have been prescribing to treat pain, arterial plaque, scarred lung tissue, blood clots and more.

Serrapeptase is a type of proteolytic enzyme, not a brand name. It digests protein. Not only does it help digest any complete protein food you have just eaten, it scavenges unwanted proteins throughout the body. This makes it ideal for getting rid of internal organ scar tissue, plaque and fluid that builds up after an injury.

Serrapeptase was originally discovered in silkworms that use the enzyme to digest the tough Mulberry leaves they live on and, more importantly, to rapidly bore through their cocoons and fly away if predators show up.

When the enzyme is isolated and formed into a capsule, it has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and pain-blocking abilities that rival those of aspirin and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), without their dangerous side effects.

It can also help eliminate cancer cells before they form tumors and assist cancer remedies after tumors form.

How Do These Serrapeptase Enzymes Work?

Enzymes are catalysts that enable or speed up biochemical reactions. Just like we were told in high school chemistry, enzymes do not get consumed by the chemical reactions they start. We have around 4000 biochemical reactions that require enzymes as catalysts.

The particular enzyme activity of Serrapeptase is unique. German Dr. Hans Napier, had positive results with clearing blocked arteries and preventing the need for by-pass operations. In other words, it is effective and safe as an arterial chelation agent.

Dr. Napier also treated a woman with Serrapeptase who was scheduled to have her hand amputated. She recovered without the amputation.

This miracle enzyme works in even more ways. It is able to dissolve and break down the fibrin by-products of blood coagulation, thereby controlling blood clotting. Current research suggests it can even dissolve the fibrin coating that tumors develop to keep themselves from being spotted by the immune system.

This dissolving action gets rid of arterial plaque without harming the insides of arteries. Serrapeptase stops pain by dissolving and inhibiting the release of amines, the proteins that send the pain signal. It also facilitates the draining of excessive fluid in tissues that may cause swelling and pain.

Serrapeptase has been a standard medicine among unrestricted real healers for the past 30 years in the East and more recently in Europe. It has been found to be more effective and less problematic than the more common medical use of EDTA (ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid) chelation for removing arterial plaque.

lipid depostitUnlike pharmaceutical statins used to remove plaque or lipids (fats) in the blood stream, serrapeptase does not block the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Ironically, cholesterol even acts as a band-aid for arterial lesions from inflammation.

Cholesterol in its pure form forms most of the brain’s tissue, it is part of our cell’s out walls, and helps create hormones that affect the body’s endocrine balance.One of those hormones initiates the process of converting sunlight into vitamin D3 organs in the body. If cholesterol’s biosynthesis is hampered, long term health such as dementia and others come about.

In addition to its cardiovascular uses, serrapeptase has been used successfully to treat arthritis, fibrocystic breast disease, lung problems, sinus problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sports injuries.

Some recommend serrapeptase as an anti-aging agent simply because much of aging has to do with the accumulation of scar tissue, inflammation and disregulation.

Disregulation occurs when the inflammation process loses discrimination and no longer differentiates between harmful and benign substances. After that, inflammation leads to long term autoimmune problems.

 

It’s Safe Enough to Trust Anecdotal Reports

There are many anecdotal reports of aches and pains vanishing from people’s lives after using serrapeptase. This natural enzyme does not suppress the immune system, and there are no known side effects, not even indigestion.

There are many sources of serrapeptase in both capsule and tablet form available online and in health food stores.Most holistic practitioners recommend that heavy doses be taken at first until a positive change occurs. Then taper off to a lighter dose.

So why is serrapeptase not a household term after being used for 30 years and found effective, safe and inexpensive?

The primary answer is that it can’t be patented by Big Pharma. And serrapeptase produces no known side effects. Therefore visits to prescribe more drugs for side effects are unnecessary. Big Pharma wont’ allow MDs to push something like that.

Paul Fassa is a contributing staff writer for REALfarmacy.com. His pet peeves are the Medical Mafia’s control over health and the food industry and government regulatory agencies’ corruption. Paul’s contributions to the health movement and global paradigm shift are well received by truth seekers.

Sources:
http://www.serrapeptase.info
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com
Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Cannabis and your IQ

Cannabis_Plant
A new study revealed this week shows that in spite of past claims, marijuana use does not affect IQ. The research, performed by the University College of London, was presented on Tuesday at the European Conference of Neuropsychopharmacology in Berlin.

The longitudinal study was performed on over 2,000 students. Researchers studied subjects–once at age 8 and again at age 15–born between 1991 and 1992. As the Washington Post reported, the study found

“‘No relationship between cannabis use and lower IQ at age 15,’ when confounding factors – alcohol use, cigarette use, maternal education, and others – were taken into account. Even heavy marijuana use wasn’t associated with IQ.”

This runs in stark contrast to what an internationally publicized Duke University study found in 2012. That study claimed that using marijuana in adolescence led to irreversible drops in IQ–an average of 8 points. Though scientists almost immediately objected to the efficacy of the Duke study, the University College of London’s findings are the most recent to prove it wrong.

As the lead author, Claire Mokrysz noted,

“This is a potentially important public health message- the belief that cannabis is particularly harmful may detract focus from and awareness of other potentially harmful behaviors.”

 

In fact, the only substance the study found to lower IQ was alcohol, a government authorized drug.

While cannabis, a largely prohibited plant, improves a variety of medical ailments, alcohol is mostly detrimental and addictive. Even the state, which allows alcohol consumption, acknowledges alcohol’s health risks and admits that it instigates violence.

Likewise, pharmaceutical painkillers can be highly addictive, are increasingly abused by teenagers, kill more people than the drugs the state forbids, and remain perfectly legal. This is because they are approved by an agency in bed with pharmaceutical companies.

Similarly, toxic chemicals are considered legal and safe (as are poisonous foods and pesticides approved by the FDA and EPA) because corporations pay for special treatment.

Meanwhile, drugs deemed dangerous by the government continue to be outlawed and punished. Marijuana is not the only one. LSD, mushrooms and MDMA are increasingly recognized as beneficial yet they remain classified as Schedule 1 narcotics, described by the DEA as

“Drugs, substances, or chemicals…defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules with potentially severe psychological or physical dependence.”

Painkillers do not make the list, nor does alcohol.

The London study did find that among the heaviest marijuana users, test scores averaged 3% lower, cautioning that there are still drawbacks to consumption. However, as Mokrysz noted,

“The current focus on the alleged harms of cannabis may be obscuring the fact that its use is often correlated with that of other even more freely available drugs and possibly lifestyle factors. These may be as or more important than cannabis itself.”

The study’s main findings add to the growing body of evidence that marijuana is far more medicinal than it is harmful. The new evidence adds to a long list of other past claims about the plant that have been disproved: that it causes cancer, that it is a gateway drug, and that it leads to crime and delinquency, to name a few.

Regardless of how harmful any drug — legal or illegal — may be, it is clear the government is not concerned with keeping people safe. Rather, its audacity in outlawing beneficial substances and promoting more dangerous ones shows not only its tendency toward corruption, but its belief that it can control what an individual non-violently does with his or her own body.

This notion is more dangerous than any drug the government condemns or endorses, but thanks to increasing studies like the University College of London’s, perceptions and policy continue to change.

Author Carey Wedler and TheAntiMedia.org

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The Health Benefits of Bananas

Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes. But energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

 

DEPRESSION
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. PMS: Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

 

ANEMIA

High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

 

BLOOD PRESSURE:

This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

 

BRAIN POWER

200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

 

CONSTIPATION

High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

 

HANGOVERS

One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

 

HEARTBURN

Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

 

MORNING SICKNESS

Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

 

MOSQUITO BITES:

Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

 

NERVES

Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.. Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

 

ULCERS

The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

 

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature. So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, ‘A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!’

Source: Natureknows.org

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24 Diagrams That Will Make Eating Healthy Easy

1. For fruit-ophiles.

Photos by Grace Hitchcock for PopSugar / Via popsugar.comSome diets require precision. Yes, even fruit portions.

2. For 5-minute dinners that are sure to be healthy.

Women’s Health / Via womenshealthmag.comFor more information on what makes these meals so easy: What Nutritionists Eat When They Only Have 5 Minutes to Prep a Meal, via Women’s Health.

3. For when you’re doing the caveman diet.

Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.comThis food guide will help you maneuver the Paleo way of life.

4. For picking the perfect avocado.

Northwest Edible Life / Via nwedible.comLook, ma! A life hack! More on this here.

5. For smoothies fit for royalty.

Lexi / Lexi’s Clean Kitchen / Via lexiscleankitchen.comSmoothies should be considered cheat food: they’re so easy to make, super healthy, and also taste amazing! Visit Lexi’s Clean Kitchen to read more about them.

6. For smoothies that you have no excuse not to make.

Daily Burn / Via dailyburn.comIt will almost be like you’re not even trying. And oh, did we tell you that there are 8 MORE healthy smoothie recipes that only use three ingredients? YOU’RE WELCOME.

7. For the new “It” food, the Mason jar salad!

Beth / Eat Within Your Means / Via eatwithinyourmeans.comYou can check out the recipe here. And because we love you, here’s more: 18 Mason Jar Salads That Make Perfect Healthy Lunches.

8. For tea so excellent you’ll forget other liquids exist.

utilityjournal.comWhat’s a coffee? You can read about the various kinds of teas here.

9. For soup that’s healthy and oh so delicious.

Shape / Via shape.comImpress your mom without batting an eyelash: these soups are all just different twists to the same basic recipe. Read more at All Souped Up, via Shape.

10. For making the salad dressing of gods.

Kath Eats Real Food / Via katheats.comYour friends will constantly hound you for the recipes. Check out DIY Salad Dressingfor more information plus a bit extra…yummy salads!

11. For when you’re treating your lovely self to a night in.

Greatist / Via greatist.comWho says cooking for one can’t be fun? Throw away those frozen dinners, stat! You can find the recipes at The Ultimate Healthy Grocery List When You’re Cooking for One, via Greatist.

12. For yummy-fying grains.

PopSugar / Via popsugar.comThere are other grains aside from rice and quinoa, people! Push the envelope and make it your resolution to try more of them this year. How to Cook Grains at PopSugar will teach you more.

13. For making “guesstimation” of portion sizes a thing of the past.

Guard Your Health Campaign / Via guardyourhealth.comDid you know that your hand is the easiest way to measure a half-cup or three ounces of your food? Yaaaaaaas.

14. For vegetarians looking for other sources of protein.

greatist.comThat means all vegetarians. Info, recipes, and more recipes at at 12 Complete Proteins Vegetarians Need to Know About, via Greatist.

15. For spotting the hidden sugars in your food.

Women’s Health / Via womenshealthmag.comSugar is a clever little thing, and most Americans get way too much of it (between two and three times the recommended amount!). So get informed, read through the ingredients to make sure you’re not getting any more than you should. Check out 56 Different Names for Sugar, viaWomen’s Health for more.

16. For knowing your nuts.

For getting your nuts straight.

Life by Daily Burn / Via dailyburn.comThese make really healthy snacks! You can put them in little Zip-lock bags to munch on throughout the day.

17. For the definitive ranking of all the veggies.

pinterest.comTreat yo’ self! To only the healthiest vegetables, that is.

18. For DIY hummus that’s as awesome as your Lebanese college roommate’s grandmother’s.

Shape / Via shape.comOkay so maybe her recipe is still waaaay better, but at the very least it’ll make you feel more Bohemian. And give you lots of hipster cred, too. Pop over to 13 Different Ways to Make Hummus for more.

19. For marinating your meat to utter perfection.

BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.comCome on, we all know marinating can make or break a meat recipe. Get your meals closer to restaurant level by reading How to Marinate and Make Better Food.

20. For substituting bad ingredients with the good.

For healthy recipe substitutions.

Greatist / Via greatist.comGood news for all sweets lovers: You can still make and eat the fluffiest, yummiest baked desserts without the self-loathing that comes afterwards. Congratulations! More about these here: 83 Healthy Recipe Substitutions, via Greatist.

21. For fans of salad in search of more adventure.

Prevention / Via prevention.comIf you’re the type who lives, breathes, and eats salads, but are tired of having the same thing errrday, then this is for you: Salads That’ll Make You Love Lunch Again, viaPrevention.

22. For when you want to be up close and personal with your vitamins.

hellawella.comGet intimate with your letters.

23. For remembering the superfoods alphabet.

For remembering all your superfoods.

Greatist / Via greatist.comToo, too easy. You can do this in your sleep. Find out more in detail at The Healthiest Superfoods, A – Z, via Greatist.

24. For proper superfood storage.

For how to store all your healthy foods.

Jenny Chang for BuzzFeed

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Categories: Disease & Prevention Eating Healthy Eating Healthy Folklore Food Fruit Healthy Choices Immune System Inflammation Information Kidney Health Lowering Cholesterol Managing Diabetes Natural Antibiotics Natural Cures Organic Food Personal Health Probiotics Starchy Foods Sugars Well Being Your Body

Hand Pressure Points – Every Body Part Is In The Palm Of Your Hand

Western medicine has not yet satisfactorily addressed chronic pain or discomfort in varying parts of our body. Alternative medicine can often be light-years ahead when it comes to relieving pain.

Although a combination of both western and alternative medicine, is probably the most sensible route overall, it is worth looking at the benefits of an alternative form of pain resolution, such as reflexology.


The principles of reflexology have led to the idea of finding the pressure points within the palm of your hand that are connected to the part of the body causing you pain. By pressing the thumb point into the corresponding part of the hand for 5 seconds, releasing for 3 seconds, pressing again and repeating this cycle for several minutes, several times a day you will get results. This methodology as well as others are demonstrated in this video.

In the video you are about to watch, Dr. Oz’s guest is a reflexologist who explains that both the hands and feet can be seen as a microcosm of our entire body. Five audience members come to the stage to explain what part of their body is causing them chronic discomfort or pain. For each malady, the reflexologist explains which part of the palm is connected to the body part involved. She then demonstrates how using one hand, different forms of pressing or massaging of a particular part of the palm of the other hand will, over time, alleviate the pain experienced.

The audience members in this video suffered from: (1) Constipation and bloating (2) Insomnia and exhaustion (3) Sinus congestion (4) Upper back pain (5) Low libido. The reflexologist showed them how to work on their own palms to alleviate their pain or problem. She explained what sensations they would experience as they applied pressure and massage, that would signal that they were working in the correct area. Her explanations were fascinating and easy to follow.


After watching this I will try a few of the methods demonstrated for things that I need relief from. Let us know what you think about reflexology after watching the video. Have you ever tried it and had success? Will you give it a try?

September 10, 2015

 

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Categories: Addiction Adrenal Fatigue Arthritis Asthma Bloating Bronchitis Cancer Colon Depression Diabetes General Health Healthy Techniques Holistic Healing Immune System Insomnia Kidney Health Liver Disease Natural Cures Pain Relief Reflexology Self Improvement Well Being Your Body

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Science Verifies Folklore ~ The Benefits of Elderberry

 elderberries
European Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a shrub that is commonly found across Europe, central and western Asia, and northern Africa, with subspecies all over North America. There are several different species of Elderberry. The berries and flowers are used medicinally and are loaded with antioxidants, quercetin, rutin and anthocyanins (a type of flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ).[1] Hippocrates referred to the elder tree as his “medicine chest.”[2]

Elderberry has been used for centuries as a medicinal in European folk medicine and by indigenous tribes to boost the immune system or as a general health tonic. Black elderberry is available and found in several supplemental forms at many health food stores. [3]

In fact, science has just recently verified what folk medicine has known for centuries, Black Elderberry ‘Laciniata’ is a potent antiviral medicine and works against some strains of bacteria as well. Just because researchers have only verified the medicinal benefits of Sambucus nigra L. does not mean that other varieties of Elderberry are not effective.

Elderberry Sambucus nigra subspecies forage map

Natural range of North American Sambucus nigra subspecies. Natural distribution map for the North American Sambucus nigra (black & blue elderberry) subspecies: Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis (green, from Little’s S. canadensis map and red from Little’s S. mexicana Presl map) Sambucus nigra subsp. cerulea (dark blue, from Little’s S. glauca map and light blue from Little’s S. velutina map)

Sambucus Nigra aka Elderberry for Cold and Flu

 

Caution: Do not eat raw wild elderberries as

they are mildly toxic unless cooked or dried

and made into a tincture. Watch the video

below to learn how to make your own

homemade Elderberry medicines.

Clinical Studies Verify Black Elderberry’s Efficacy

A 2011 study published in Bio Med Central (BMC) demonstrated that Black Elderberry inhibits the replication of both influenza A and B viruses, as well as three Gram-positive bacteria and one Gram-negative bacteria, which cause upper respiratory infections. [4]

 

Researchers at the Department of Virology at Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, concluded that the berries are very efficacious as a flu treatment:

“Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza.” [5]

 

Hadassah University researchers discovered that the berries confer protection at the cellular level by inhibiting damaging inflammation and enhancing immune system response. They also confirmed that Elderberry is a safe and effective general health tonic.

 

In summary, the Hadassah researchers stated:“Sambucol ( a proprietary Elderberry product) might therefore be beneficial to the immune system activation and in the inflammatory process in healthy individuals or in patients with various diseases. Sambucol could also have an immunoprotective or immunostimulatory effect when administered to cancer or AIDS patients, in conjunction with chemotherapeutic or other treatments.”

 

Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, [world-renowned Israeli virologist who researched and developed Sambucol] and is president of Razei Bar [the company that manufactures Sambucol], first tested her research on patients in the Southern Israel flu epidemic of 1992/3. The results were extremely encouraging.

 

“Within 24 hours, 20% of those patients taking Sambucol had dramatic improvements in symptoms like fever, muscle aches and pains and coughing. By the second day, 73% were improved and by day three, 90%. In the untreated group, only 16% felt better after two days. The majority of that group took almost a week to begin feeling better.” [6]

 

A 2001 study published in the journal, European Cytokine Network, focused on how elderberries engage proinflammatory cytokines in a healthy immune system.

 

The researchers concluded that Sambucol Elderberry products activate immune response by stimulating and enhancing inflammatory cytokines. Previous studies have demonstrated that elderberry also boosts the production of non-inflammatory infection-fighting cytokines depending on the situation and what is needed by the body, essentially acting like an adaptogen.

 

The immunostimulatory effect of Elderberry is effective not only for influenza but may prove useful in the treatment of cancer and various immunosuppressive diseases like AIDS.

 

According to Mountain Rose Herbs: “Extensive research shows that elder stop the production of hormone-like cytokines that direct a class of white blood cells known as neutrophils to cause inflammation, especially in influenza and arthritis. On the other hand, elder increases the production non-inflammatory infection-fighting cytokines as much as 10 fold” [8]

 

Learn how to make your own homemade Elderberry medicines:

by PAUL FASSA

Paul Fassa is a contributing staff writer for REALfarmacy.com. His pet peeves are the Medical Mafia’s control over health and the food industry and government regulatory agencies’ corruption. Paul’s valiant contributions to the health movement and global paradigm shift are world renowned.

Images courtesy of realfarmacy.com and facebook.com/growrealfood

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The Health Benefits of Oregano

oregano1

Oregano is widely considered as nature’s antibiotic. It is an indispensable spice in Turkish, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish, Latin American and Italian cuisine, oregano is the must-have ingredient in tomato sauces and pairs well with capers and olives. It may be one reason why people who eat a Mediterranean diet tend to live longer and healthier lives. The oil of the wild oregano plant has been shown to kill unwanted bacteria, fungus, yeast, parasites and viruses and is a powerful antihistamine.

Oregano is an important culinary and medicinal herb that has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years with a number of health benefits. It is a species of Origanum, belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae).

It is one of the top five spices in the world with one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scores meaning it will more effectively neutralize free radicals.

Oregano typically grows 50 cm tall and has purple leaves around 2 to 3 centimeters in length.

The chemicals that give the herb its unique and pleasant smell are thymol, pinene, limonene, carvacrol, ocimene, and caryophyllene.

Not only does oregano provide food flavor, there are also a substantial number of health claims associated with its potent antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties.

Oregano is a rich source of:

  • fiber
  • iron
  • manganese
  • vitamin K – an important vitamin which promotes bone growth and the maintenance of bone density and the production of blood clotting proteins.

The herb is used to treat respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, menstrual cramps, and urinary tract disorders.

Oregano contains at least four compounds that soothe coughs and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help reduce body odor. The ingredients in oregano that soothe coughs may also help un-knot muscles in the digestive tract, making oregano a digestive aid.

This familiar spice also contains compounds that can lower blood pressure too.

Oregano is also applied topically (onto the skin) to help treat a number of skin conditions, such as acne and dandruff.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF OREGANO

Excellent source of dietary antioxidants – a report published in the Journal of Nutrition revealed that oregano contains very high concentrations of antioxidants (i.e., >75 mmol/100 g).

Oregano contains numerous phytonutrients that have also been shown to function as potent antioxidants that can prevent oxygen-based damage to cell structures throughout the body protecting cells against the effects of free radicals and improving your ability to fight infection.

In laboratory studies, oregano has demonstrated stronger anti-oxidant capacity than either of the two synthetic (and toxic) anti-oxidants commonly added to processed food BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated bydroxyanisole). Additionally, on a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano has demonstrated 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries.

Packed with nutrients – oregano is very rich in fiber  which is known to reduce high cholesterol levels and lower the risk of colon cancer. In addition, the herb is an excellent source of vitamin E, iron, calcium, omega fatty acids, manganese, and typtophan.

Fiber works in the body to bind to bile salts and cancer-causing toxins in the colon and remove them from the body. This forces the body to break down cholesterol to make more bile salts. These are just some of the reasons that diets high in fiber have been shown to lower high cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Antibacterial properties – oregano has shown antimicrobial activity in a number of studies. A group of Portuguese researchers found thatOriganum vulgare essential oils were effective against 41 strains of the food pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.

Oregano oil is a powerful antimicrobial, because of an essential compound called carvacol.

In Mexico, researchers have compared oregano to tinidazol, a commonly used prescription drug to treat infection from the amoeba Giardia lamblia. These researchers found oregano to be more effective against Giardiathan the commonly used prescription drug.

A team of British and Indian researchers reported that the essential oil of Himalayan oregano has strong antibacterial properties that can even kill the hospital superbug MRSA.

Professor Vyv Salisbury, who was part of the research, said

“We have done a few preliminary tests and have found that the essential oil from the oregano kills MRSA at a dilution 1 to 1,000. The tests show that the oil kills MRSA both as a liquid and as a vapor and its antimicrobial activity is not diminished by heating in boiling water.”

Effective against inflammations – scientists at Bonn University, Germany, and the ETH Zurich, Switzerland, identified an active ingredient in oregano – known as beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) – which may possibly be of use against disorders such as osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis.

Anti-cancer properties – biologists at the United Arab Emirates University reported in the journal PLoS ONE that oregano exhibits anticancer activity by encouraging cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (cancer cells commit suicide) of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer line.

The scientists concluded “Our findings identify Origanum majorana as a promising chemopreventive and therapeutic candidate that modulate breast cancer growth and metastasis.” Put simply, they believecomponents in oregano may help slow down or prevent the progression of cancer in patients with breast cancer.

Oregano may be effective for the following (although more evidence is necessary):

  • Cough
  • Asthma
  • Acne
  • Dandruff
  • Bronchitis
  • Heartburn
  • Bloating
  • Headaches
  • Heart Conditions
  • Allergies
  • Intestinal parasites
  • Arthritis
  • Fatigue
  • Repelling insects
  • Menstrual cramps

How to Select and Store

Whenever possible, choose fresh oregano over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor. The leaves of fresh oregano should look fresh and be a vibrant green in color, while the stems should be firm. They should be free from darks spots or yellowing.

Even through dried herbs and spices like oregano are widely available in supermarkets, you may want to explore the local spice stores in your area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansive selection of dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness compared to those offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried herbs, when purchasing dried oregano, try to buy that which has been organically grown since this will give you more assurance that it has not been irradiated.

Fresh oregano should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. It may also be frozen, either whole or chopped, in airtight containers. Alternatively, you can freeze the oregano in ice cube trays covered with either water or stock that can be added when preparing soups or stews. Dried oregano should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place where it will keep fresh for about six months.

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7 Simple Ways to Boost Serotonin Naturally

seven boost serotoninSerotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for healthy brain chemistry and tends to be lower in the wintertime, especially if you live in the North because of decreased sunlight exposure. It affects many biological functions such as sex drive, digestion, sleep, how happy you feel, and more. Often times our serotonin levels can be lower than necessary for ideal health, happiness, sleep, and well-being. This begs the question, how can you boost serotonin in your life? Serotonin is produced by the gut and the brain and 95% of serotonin is stored in your nervous system. The serotonin neurotransmitter is stored mainly in your gut. This is why gut health and maintaining a healthy gut flora is so important because this acts as your second brain.

In the video below, I share with you 7 (technically 8) ways to boost serotonin naturally through healthy lifestyle practices such as diet, exercise, aromatherapy, and more. The video will help you understand serotonin better and understand why you may feel sad more often in the wintertime. Especially if you live in the north when the sun shines less which is also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This video will give you the practical advice to fix that, boost serotonin, and feel better.

Watch the video below to learn how to boost serotonin:

The 7 ways to boost serotonin are:

1. Sunshine
2. Exercise
3. Eat more magnesium rich foods (example: cacao, leafy greens etc.)
4. Eat more tryptophan rich foods (example: eggs, turkey, chicken, nuts)
5. Eat Camu Camu (I use camu gold shown in the video from http://OrganicRainforestHerbs.com)
6. Eat Turmeric (I like the kind found here)
7. Eat Carbs (kiwi, sour cherries, pineapple & bananas specifically) Space fruits out throughout the day.
8th tip… Use all natural incense, candles or essential oils to have aromatherapy boosting serotonin! I use certified therapeutic grade essential oils from doterra oils, click here to learn more.

 

Hopefully these 7 tips will help you feel happier, more carefree, sleep better, and receive all the benefits of having adequate levels of serotonin in your body and gut at any given time. Please leave your comments and share this with anyone you think it could help.

Cheers to your health!

 

David Benjamin

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Categories: Cleansing Disease & Prevention Immune System Information Insomnia Insomnia Myths Natural Cures Personal Health Serotonin Well Being