Category Archives: Natural Medicine

Carnivore Files, Natural Medicine

Why Beef Fat Should Be Part of Your Healthy Diet

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Beef fat, also known as tallow, has long been shunned by health enthusiasts due to its high saturated fat content. However, recent studies have shown that this nutrient-dense and delicious food can be part of a healthy diet. In fact, beef fat contains many beneficial nutrients that are essential for overall health.

One of the primary benefits of beef fat is its high levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA is a type of fat that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies have also found that CLA can help reduce body fat, increase muscle mass, and improve insulin sensitivity.

Beef fat is also a good source of vitamin K2, a nutrient that plays a crucial role in bone and heart health. Vitamin K2 is responsible for activating proteins that help move calcium from the arteries and into the bones, preventing the buildup of plaque and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

In addition to CLA and vitamin K2, beef fat is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and improved insulin sensitivity. Oleic acid is also beneficial for brain health, as it helps improve cognitive function and memory.

Another important nutrient found in beef fat is palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Palmitoleic acid is also beneficial for skin health, as it helps maintain skin elasticity and moisture levels.

While beef fat is high in saturated fat, it is important to note that not all saturated fats are created equal. The saturated fat found in beef fat is primarily made up of stearic acid, which has been shown to have a neutral effect on cholesterol levels. In fact, studies have found that stearic acid can actually improve the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.

When it comes to incorporating beef fat into your diet, it is important to choose high-quality, grass-fed beef. Grass-fed beef is not only more sustainable and ethical than conventionally-raised beef, but it is also higher in beneficial nutrients like CLA, vitamin K2, and omega-3 fatty acids.

One way to incorporate beef fat into your diet is by using it for cooking. Beef fat has a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat cooking methods like frying and roasting. You can also use beef fat to make homemade beef tallow candles, soap, and moisturizer.

Another way to enjoy the health benefits of beef fat is by consuming bone broth, a nutrient-dense and flavorful broth made from simmering bones, meat, and vegetables. Bone broth is rich in collagen, gelatin, and other beneficial nutrients that support gut health, joint health, and overall well-being.

In conclusion, beef fat is a nutrient-dense and delicious food that can be part of a healthy diet. From its high levels of CLA and vitamin K2 to its anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial saturated fats, beef fat offers a wide range of health benefits. By choosing high-quality, grass-fed beef and incorporating beef fat into your cooking and diet, you can enjoy the many benefits of this versatile and delicious food.

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Natural Medicine

Rethinking Saturated Fat: Why It’s Time to Reconsider Our Views

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For decades, we’ve been told that saturated fat is bad for our health. We’ve been warned that it clogs our arteries, raises our cholesterol, and increases our risk of heart disease. As a result, many people have avoided foods like butter, cheese, and red meat, opting instead for low-fat options.

But recent research has challenged this conventional wisdom, suggesting that we may have been wrong about saturated fat all along. In fact, some experts argue that saturated fat is not only harmless, but even beneficial for our health.

So why are we rethinking saturated fat, and what does the latest research tell us?

To start, it’s worth noting that the link between saturated fat and heart disease is not as clear-cut as we once thought. A 2010 meta-analysis of 21 studies found no evidence to support the idea that saturated fat consumption increases the risk of heart disease. More recent studies have also failed to find a significant association between saturated fat intake and cardiovascular disease.

Meanwhile, some studies have even suggested that saturated fat may have some health benefits. One 2014 review found that replacing carbohydrates with saturated fat improved cholesterol levels and reduced the risk of heart disease in some populations. Another study published in the British Medical Journal found that higher intake of saturated fat was associated with a lower risk of stroke.

But how can this be? Isn’t saturated fat supposed to be unhealthy?

The answer may lie in the fact that not all saturated fats are created equal. While some types of saturated fat have been linked to negative health outcomes, others may have neutral or even positive effects on our health.

For example, coconut oil, which is high in a type of saturated fat called lauric acid, has been found to increase levels of HDL, or “good” cholesterol, and may have antimicrobial properties. Similarly, dairy products like cheese and butter contain a type of saturated fat called stearic acid, which has been found to have a neutral effect on cholesterol levels.

It’s also worth noting that the negative effects of saturated fat may be overstated. A 2018 study found that the link between saturated fat and heart disease may have been exaggerated in past research, and that other factors like genetics, smoking, and physical activity may play a larger role in determining cardiovascular risk.

Of course, this is not to say that we should all start eating bacon and butter with abandon. Saturated fat is still high in calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

But it does suggest that we should reconsider our views on saturated fat, and not be so quick to demonize it as a dietary villain. Instead of avoiding all sources of saturated fat, we should focus on choosing healthier options that contain a variety of fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

So, what does this mean for our diets? It means we should focus on whole, unprocessed foods that contain a variety of nutrients, including healthy fats. It means we should prioritize foods like nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado, and fatty fish, which are rich in unsaturated fats that have been shown to have numerous health benefits.

And it means we should not be afraid to enjoy foods like cheese, butter, and red meat in moderation, knowing that they can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed alongside other nutrient-dense foods.

In conclusion, while we’ve been conditioned to fear saturated fat, it’s time to reconsider our views. The latest research suggests that not all saturated fats are bad for our health, and that some may even have health benefits. Instead of avoiding all sources of saturated fat, we should focus on consuming a variety of healthy fats as part of a balanced diet. By doing so, we can support our overall health and well-being.

Magick, Natural Medicine

DMT and Spirituality: Exploring the Psychedelic Experience

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DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound that has been used for centuries in traditional South American shamanic practices. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of DMT, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.

One of the primary reasons for this interest is the fact that DMT has been shown to produce profound and transformative experiences in users. These experiences are often described as mystical or spiritual in nature, and can include feelings of interconnectedness with the universe, heightened empathy and compassion, and a sense of transcendence beyond the self. Such experiences have been found to have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing, with many users reporting long-lasting improvements in mood, attitude, and behavior.

Another reason for the interest in DMT as a therapeutic tool is its unique pharmacological profile. DMT is a fast-acting compound that is rapidly metabolized by the body, meaning that its effects are relatively short-lived compared to other psychedelics such as LSD or psilocybin. This makes DMT well-suited for use in clinical settings, as it allows therapists to more easily control the duration and intensity of the psychedelic experience.

Despite these promising characteristics, research into the therapeutic potential of DMT is still in its early stages. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that the compound may hold promise as a treatment for a range of mental health disorders.

One area of research that has received particular attention is the use of DMT in the treatment of addiction. Studies have shown that the compound can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in individuals with substance use disorders, and may also help to promote long-term abstinence. This is thought to be due in part to the transformative experiences that DMT can induce, which have been shown to promote self-reflection and introspection, and may help individuals to break free from destructive patterns of thought and behavior.

Another area of research that has shown promise is the use of DMT in the treatment of depression and anxiety. While the precise mechanisms by which DMT exerts its therapeutic effects are still not fully understood, it is thought that the compound may help to promote the growth of new neural connections in the brain, and may also help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which have been linked to depression and anxiety.

Despite these promising results, there are still significant barriers to the widespread use of DMT as a therapeutic tool. One of the primary challenges is the fact that the compound is currently classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning that it is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess. This has made it difficult for researchers to conduct clinical trials or to explore the potential therapeutic applications of the compound.

Despite these challenges, there is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of DMT, and researchers are continuing to explore the compound’s effects on mental health and wellbeing. With further research and development, it is possible that DMT could one day be used as a safe and effective treatment for a range of mental health disorders.

Cannabis, Natural Medicine

Cannabis as a Tool for Balancing Homeostasis: Implications for Health and Disease

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Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, with its benefits ranging from pain relief to the reduction of anxiety and depression. However, recent research has shown that cannabis may also play a crucial role in balancing homeostasis in the body.

Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. It involves various physiological processes, including the regulation of body temperature, blood pressure, and glucose levels. Homeostasis is essential for optimal health and wellness, and imbalances can lead to various health problems.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system of receptors and enzymes that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. The ECS is activated by endocannabinoids, which are naturally produced by the body. However, the ECS can also be activated by cannabinoids, which are compounds found in the cannabis plant.

There are two primary cannabinoids found in cannabis: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis, responsible for the “high” associated with its use. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have numerous health benefits.

One of the ways in which cannabis can help balance homeostasis is through its effects on inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health problems, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. CBD has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which may help balance the immune system and prevent chronic inflammation.

Cannabis may also help balance the nervous system, which plays a crucial role in homeostasis. The ECS is present throughout the nervous system, and cannabinoids have been shown to affect various aspects of nervous system function, including neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and even protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Another way in which cannabis may help balance homeostasis is through its effects on the digestive system. The ECS is present throughout the digestive system, and cannabinoids have been shown to affect various aspects of digestive function, including motility and inflammation. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), two common digestive disorders.

There is also evidence to suggest that cannabis may help balance the cardiovascular system. The ECS is present throughout the cardiovascular system, and cannabinoids have been shown to affect various aspects of cardiovascular function, including blood pressure, heart rate, and vascular tone. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce blood pressure and improve vascular function, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It is important to note that while cannabis may have significant health benefits, it is not a panacea. Cannabis use can have side effects, and there is still much we do not know about its long-term effects on health. Additionally, the legal status of cannabis varies by country and region, and individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before using cannabis for any medical purposes.

In conclusion, cannabis may be a valuable tool for balancing homeostasis in the body. Its effects on the ECS can help regulate various physiological processes, including inflammation, nervous system function, digestive function, and cardiovascular function. While further research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of cannabis, its potential as a tool for promoting health and wellness is promising.

Natural Medicine

The Dark Side of Turmeric: Excessive Consumption Can Lead to Health Risks

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Turmeric is a popular spice that has been used for centuries in cooking, traditional medicine, and religious ceremonies. It’s widely known for its vibrant color and distinct flavor, as well as its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric has become a trendy health food, with claims of preventing and treating various ailments from arthritis to cancer. However, like any other substance, consuming too much turmeric can lead to adverse effects on your health.

In recent years, turmeric supplements and extracts have become increasingly popular, and many people have started incorporating large amounts of turmeric into their diets, often surpassing the recommended daily intake. While turmeric is generally safe in moderate doses, excessive consumption can lead to various health risks, including gastrointestinal issues, liver damage, and even fertility problems.

This article will explore the dark side of turmeric and the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption. We’ll delve into the scientific research on turmeric, highlighting the various compounds and their effects on the body. We’ll also discuss the recommended daily intake and the potential risks of exceeding it. Finally, we’ll provide practical tips on how to incorporate turmeric into your diet safely and effectively, without putting your health at risk.

It’s crucial to understand the potential dangers of turmeric, particularly for those who consume it in large quantities or take supplements regularly. While turmeric is undoubtedly a powerful and beneficial spice, too much of a good thing can have adverse effects on your health. By educating ourselves on the potential risks and using turmeric in moderation, we can reap the benefits of this fantastic spice without putting our well-being at risk.

The Benefits of Turmeric: Understanding its Place in a Healthy Diet

Turmeric is a popular spice that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. This golden yellow spice is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has a warm, bitter taste. In recent years, turmeric has gained popularity in the Western world for its potential health benefits, and has been incorporated into a variety of foods and supplements. Here are some of the benefits of turmeric and why it should be considered as a part of a healthy diet.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Turmeric is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which have been attributed to its active ingredient, curcumin. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, such as heart disease, arthritis, and certain types of cancer. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can reduce inflammation and potentially lower the risk of these health conditions.

Antioxidant Effects

Turmeric also has antioxidant effects, which can protect the body from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Antioxidants, such as those found in turmeric, neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing harm. Additionally, curcumin has been shown to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body, further enhancing its antioxidant effects.

Improved Brain Function

Curcumin has been found to have neuroprotective properties, which means it can protect the brain from damage and potentially improve cognitive function. Studies have shown that curcumin can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that is essential for the growth and survival of brain cells. Low levels of BDNF have been linked to depression and cognitive decline, so increasing BDNF levels through the consumption of turmeric may have benefits for brain health.

Lowered Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and there is evidence to suggest that turmeric may have benefits for heart health. Curcumin has been shown to improve endothelial function, which is the function of the thin layer of cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction is a precursor to heart disease, so improving endothelial function can potentially lower the risk of heart disease. Additionally, curcumin has been found to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.

Digestive Benefits

Turmeric has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and constipation. Curcumin has been found to stimulate the production of bile, which is essential for the digestion and absorption of fats. Additionally, curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in the gut, which can reduce inflammation and potentially improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

In conclusion, turmeric is a spice with a wide range of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant effects, improved brain function, lower risk of heart disease, and digestive benefits. While incorporating turmeric into a healthy diet is generally safe, it is important to note that excessive consumption can lead to health risks. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating new supplements or foods into your diet.

The Potential Risks of Excessive Turmeric Consumption: A Closer Look

Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking. It is known for its bright yellow color, unique flavor, and potent anti-inflammatory properties. In recent years, turmeric has gained popularity as a superfood and has been added to various health products, including supplements and teas. While turmeric is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation, excessive consumption can have potential health risks. In this article, we will take a closer look at the potential risks of excessive turmeric consumption.

Firstly, turmeric has a compound called curcumin, which is responsible for most of its health benefits. Curcumin has antioxidant properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body. However, studies have shown that excessive consumption of curcumin can lead to gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, diarrhea, and bloating. This is because curcumin can stimulate the production of gastric acid, which can irritate the stomach lining and cause discomfort. Individuals who are prone to digestive issues or have a history of gastrointestinal problems should consume turmeric in moderation or consult a healthcare provider before taking it in supplement form.

Secondly, turmeric can have blood-thinning effects, which can be a potential concern for individuals taking certain medications, including blood thinners or aspirin. Curcumin can inhibit the activity of platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. While this property may be beneficial for individuals at risk of blood clots, it can be harmful to those who are already taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders. Excessive turmeric consumption can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, and may even interfere with surgical procedures. It is essential to talk to a doctor before consuming turmeric supplements or adding turmeric to your diet if you are taking any medication that affects blood clotting.

Thirdly, turmeric has been shown to have an impact on the liver’s detoxification process. While curcumin has liver-protective properties and can help prevent liver damage, excessive consumption of turmeric can have the opposite effect. Studies have shown that consuming high doses of turmeric can cause liver toxicity, leading to liver damage and even liver failure in severe cases. The liver is responsible for processing and metabolizing substances that enter the body, including medications and supplements. Excessive turmeric consumption can interfere with the liver’s ability to function properly and can lead to serious health problems.

Lastly, turmeric can have an impact on hormone levels, particularly in women. Curcumin can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, which can be beneficial for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. However, excessive consumption of turmeric can interfere with hormone levels and may lead to hormonal imbalances, causing problems like irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, and acne. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also exercise caution when consuming turmeric, as its effects on fetal development are not yet fully understood.

In conclusion, while turmeric is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation, excessive consumption can have potential health risks. The compound curcumin in turmeric has several health benefits but can also cause gastrointestinal problems, blood thinning, liver toxicity, and hormonal imbalances when consumed in excess. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking turmeric supplements or adding turmeric to your diet, especially if you have a history of digestive problems, take medication affecting blood clotting, or have a liver or hormonal disorder. Moderation is key to safely and effectively incorporating turmeric into your diet for its numerous health benefits.

Digestive Issues and Turmeric: Why Too Much Can Be a Bad Thing

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a spice, coloring agent, and in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is believed to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used as a natural remedy for a range of health conditions. However, while turmeric is generally considered safe for consumption, excessive intake can cause digestive issues and other side effects that may be harmful.

One of the most common digestive issues associated with turmeric consumption is stomach upset. Turmeric is known to stimulate the production of gastric acid in the stomach, which can lead to heartburn, indigestion, and even nausea in some individuals. This is especially true for those who consume turmeric in large quantities or on an empty stomach.

Another issue that can arise from excessive turmeric intake is diarrhea. This is because turmeric is a natural laxative and can cause the muscles in the intestines to contract more frequently, leading to loose stools. While this effect may be beneficial for those with constipation or sluggish digestion, it can be problematic for those who are already prone to diarrhea or have sensitive digestive systems.

In addition to stomach upset and diarrhea, consuming too much turmeric can also lead to other digestive problems, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. This is because turmeric contains a high amount of oxalates, which can form crystals and contribute to the development of kidney stones. Additionally, the spicy nature of turmeric can irritate the digestive tract, causing inflammation and discomfort.

It’s worth noting that not everyone who consumes turmeric will experience these digestive issues. In fact, many people are able to tolerate turmeric without any adverse effects. However, those who are more sensitive or who consume large amounts of turmeric may be at greater risk for digestive problems.

To avoid these issues, it’s important to consume turmeric in moderation and to be mindful of how much you’re consuming. The recommended daily intake of turmeric is about 500-2000 milligrams per day, which is roughly equivalent to 1-2 teaspoons of ground turmeric powder. It’s also a good idea to consume turmeric with food to help prevent stomach upset and to avoid taking it on an empty stomach.

Another way to reduce the risk of digestive issues when consuming turmeric is to choose high-quality turmeric supplements. Look for supplements that contain standardized extracts of curcumin, as these are generally more effective and have fewer side effects than whole turmeric powder. It’s also important to choose supplements that are free from contaminants and are manufactured by reputable companies.

In conclusion, turmeric is a powerful spice with many potential health benefits, but excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues that may be uncomfortable or even harmful. To avoid these problems, it’s important to consume turmeric in moderation and to be mindful of how much you’re consuming. If you experience any digestive issues after consuming turmeric, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. With the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of turmeric without putting your digestive health at risk.

The Impact of Turmeric on Blood Clotting: Understanding the Risks for Certain Populations

Turmeric, a spice often used in traditional Indian cuisine, has been widely touted for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has been studied for its potential benefits in treating a variety of health conditions, including arthritis, cancer, and depression. However, recent research has also raised concerns about the impact of turmeric on blood clotting, particularly for certain populations.

Blood clotting is a critical process that helps the body repair damaged blood vessels and prevent excessive bleeding. However, in some cases, blood clots can form inappropriately, leading to serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. While turmeric is generally considered safe for most people when used in moderation, some studies have suggested that it may have anticoagulant effects, meaning it can slow down blood clotting.

This can be beneficial for some individuals, such as those at risk for blood clots, but it can also be risky for others. For example, people taking certain medications that affect blood clotting, such as warfarin or aspirin, may experience complications if they also consume large amounts of turmeric. Additionally, individuals with bleeding disorders, liver disease, or other medical conditions that affect blood clotting may be at greater risk of experiencing adverse effects from turmeric consumption.

One study published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology investigated the impact of turmeric on blood clotting in healthy individuals. The researchers found that consuming 2 grams of turmeric per day for 5 days resulted in a significant increase in bleeding time, indicating that turmeric may have anticoagulant effects. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that curcumin supplements may interact with warfarin, a common blood thinner, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.

While these studies suggest that turmeric may have anticoagulant effects, it’s important to note that the evidence is not conclusive. Other studies have found conflicting results, with some indicating that turmeric has no significant impact on blood clotting. Additionally, the dosage and duration of turmeric consumption may play a role in its effects on blood clotting. Most studies investigating the impact of turmeric on blood clotting have used high doses of curcumin, which may not reflect the amount typically consumed in the diet.

Despite the conflicting evidence, it’s important for individuals at risk of bleeding or taking medications that affect blood clotting to exercise caution when consuming turmeric or curcumin supplements. It’s also important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to the diet.

For individuals who are not at increased risk of bleeding or taking medications that affect blood clotting, turmeric can still be a beneficial addition to a healthy diet. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a potentially helpful food for managing conditions such as arthritis or heart disease. However, moderation is key. Consuming large amounts of turmeric or curcumin supplements may increase the risk of adverse effects, including bleeding or gastrointestinal upset.

In conclusion, while turmeric has numerous potential health benefits, its impact on blood clotting should not be overlooked. For individuals at risk of bleeding or taking medications that affect blood clotting, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before consuming large amounts of turmeric or curcumin supplements. For others, moderation is key when incorporating turmeric into the diet, and it’s important to prioritize a balanced and varied diet for overall health and wellness.

Moderation is Key: Finding the Right Balance for Safe and Effective Turmeric Use.

Turmeric has become a popular health supplement in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and aiding digestion. However, while turmeric can be a valuable addition to a healthy diet, excessive consumption can lead to health risks. Therefore, it’s essential to find the right balance for safe and effective turmeric use.

Firstly, it’s important to understand the potential risks associated with excessive turmeric consumption. Turmeric contains a bioactive compound called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, curcumin can also interfere with the body’s normal blood clotting process. This can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, particularly in individuals who are already taking blood-thinning medications or have a bleeding disorder.

Additionally, consuming too much turmeric can cause digestive issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset. This is because turmeric stimulates the production of gastric acid in the stomach, which can cause irritation and discomfort in some individuals. Furthermore, excessive turmeric consumption may lead to liver damage, as the liver is responsible for metabolizing and removing excess amounts of curcumin from the body.

So, how much turmeric is safe to consume? The recommended daily intake of turmeric varies depending on the individual’s age, sex, and health status. However, a general guideline is to consume no more than 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric per day. It’s also essential to choose a high-quality turmeric supplement from a reputable source to ensure that the product is free of contaminants and contains the correct dosage of curcumin.

It’s also important to note that turmeric is not a cure-all, and it’s not intended to replace conventional medical treatments. While turmeric can be a valuable addition to a healthy diet, it should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplements, particularly if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.

Incorporating turmeric into your diet can be a great way to support overall health and wellness. Turmeric can be used in a variety of dishes, such as curries, stir-fries, and smoothies, and can be added to tea or water for a simple and effective supplement. However, it’s essential to use turmeric in moderation and to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive consumption.

To ensure safe and effective turmeric use, it’s important to start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage over time. This will allow your body to adjust to the new supplement and help you determine the optimal dosage for your individual needs. Additionally, it’s important to monitor any side effects or changes in your health and to discontinue turmeric use if you experience any adverse effects.

In conclusion, while turmeric can be a valuable addition to a healthy diet, excessive consumption can lead to health risks. Therefore, finding the right balance for safe and effective turmeric use is essential. By following the recommended dosage guidelines, choosing a high-quality supplement, and monitoring any side effects, you can safely incorporate turmeric into your diet and support your overall health and wellness. Remember, moderation is key!

Natural Medicine

Too Much of a Good Thing? The Potential Dangers of Excessive Garlic Intake

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Garlic is a superfood with many health benefits, including boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and improving heart health. However, like any other food, consuming too much garlic can have adverse effects on the body. In this article, we will explore the potential dangers of excessive garlic intake.

Garlic contains sulfur compounds that give it its distinct taste and smell. One of these compounds is allicin, which is responsible for most of the health benefits of garlic. However, consuming too much garlic can cause stomach upset, bloating, and diarrhea due to the high concentration of sulfur compounds. This can be especially problematic for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive disorders.

Another potential danger of excessive garlic intake is the risk of bleeding. Garlic has blood-thinning properties, which can be beneficial for people with heart disease or high blood pressure. However, consuming too much garlic can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with other blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin. This can lead to easy bruising, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums.

Garlic can also cause skin irritation when applied topically. Some people use garlic oil or garlic-infused creams for various skin conditions like acne or eczema. However, applying too much garlic or leaving it on the skin for too long can cause redness, swelling, and blistering. Garlic can also cause allergic reactions in some people, which can range from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis.

Consuming too much garlic can also have negative effects on the respiratory system. Some people may experience garlic breath or body odor after consuming large amounts of garlic. This can be embarrassing and may cause social isolation or low self-esteem. In addition, inhaling garlic powder or dust can irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

Finally, excessive garlic intake can interact with certain medications, causing adverse effects. Garlic can interact with drugs like blood thinners, antibiotics, and cholesterol-lowering medications. This can reduce the effectiveness of the medication or cause unexpected side effects. For example, taking garlic supplements with blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.

So, how much garlic is too much? The recommended daily intake of garlic is about one to two cloves per day. However, this can vary depending on the individual’s health status, age, and other factors. Some people may tolerate more garlic than others, while others may experience negative effects even with small amounts.

To avoid the potential dangers of excessive garlic intake, it’s essential to consume garlic in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider before taking garlic supplements or applying garlic topically. It’s also important to pay attention to any adverse effects or allergic reactions and seek medical attention if necessary.

In conclusion, garlic is a superfood with many health benefits, but consuming too much garlic can have adverse effects on the body. Excessive garlic intake can cause stomach upset, bleeding, skin irritation, respiratory problems, and interact with certain medications. To enjoy the health benefits of garlic without the potential dangers, it’s important to consume garlic in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider if necessary. Remember, too much of a good thing can be harmful, so it’s essential to strike a balance between the benefits and risks of garlic consumption.

Natural Medicine

When Garlic Becomes Toxic: The Health Risks of Overindulging in this Superfood

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Garlic has been praised for centuries for its various health benefits. It has been used as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, ranging from the common cold to cancer. Its active ingredient, allicin, has antimicrobial properties that have been shown to help fight against infections. Garlic is also known for its ability to improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, while garlic can be incredibly beneficial in moderation, too much of it can be toxic and harmful to the body.

Garlic contains compounds such as alliin, allicin, and ajoene that can be toxic in large amounts. These compounds can cause a variety of adverse effects on the body, including digestive issues, headaches, and even liver and kidney damage. The most common side effect of consuming too much garlic is digestive discomfort. Eating large amounts of raw garlic can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few hours, but they can be unpleasant.

Consuming too much garlic can also lead to more severe health problems. One study found that consuming high amounts of garlic extract can cause liver toxicity in rats. Similarly, another study found that long-term ingestion of garlic supplements could lead to kidney damage in mice. While there is limited research on the effects of garlic on humans, it is important to be cautious when consuming large amounts of garlic.

In addition to digestive issues, excessive garlic consumption can also cause headaches and dizziness. This is because garlic contains a compound called S-allyl cysteine, which can cause blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow to the brain. This sudden increase in blood flow can lead to headaches and dizziness, especially in those who are sensitive to these types of changes.

Garlic can also interact with certain medications, making them less effective or causing adverse side effects. For example, consuming large amounts of garlic can interfere with the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, increasing the risk of blood clots. Garlic can also interact with medications used to treat HIV/AIDS, causing them to be less effective. If you are taking medication, it is important to speak with your doctor before consuming large amounts of garlic.

While garlic is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation, it is important to be cautious when consuming large amounts of garlic. If you experience any adverse effects after consuming garlic, such as severe digestive discomfort, headaches, or dizziness, you should stop consuming it and speak with your healthcare provider.

In conclusion, garlic is a superfood that can provide numerous health benefits when consumed in moderation. However, excessive garlic consumption can be toxic and harmful to the body, causing a range of adverse effects such as digestive issues, headaches, and even liver and kidney damage. It is important to be cautious when consuming large amounts of garlic and to speak with your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse effects. By consuming garlic in moderation and being aware of its potential risks, you can enjoy its many health benefits without putting your health at risk.

Cannabis, Natural Medicine

Exploring the Mechanisms of Cannabis on Homeostasis: A Comprehensive Review

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Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain internal balance despite changes in the external environment. It is critical for optimal health and functioning. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that play a vital role in regulating various physiological processes, including appetite, pain sensation, mood, immune response, and stress. The discovery of the ECS has led to an increased interest in the potential therapeutic applications of cannabinoids, such as those found in cannabis, in restoring homeostasis.

Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. The two most well-known cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive effects, whereas CBD does not produce intoxication. Both THC and CBD interact with the ECS, but through different mechanisms.

The ECS consists of two main receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system and peripheral tissues. THC binds to CB1 receptors, resulting in the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, leading to the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis use. In contrast, CBD has a low affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors but can modulate their activity indirectly. CBD is believed to act on other non-cannabinoid receptors, such as the 5-HT1A receptor, which is involved in regulating mood and anxiety.

The ECS also produces endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which are similar in structure to cannabinoids found in cannabis. These endocannabinoids act as retrograde messengers, meaning they are synthesized and released by postsynaptic neurons to regulate neurotransmitter release from presynaptic neurons. Endocannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, leading to a decrease in neurotransmitter release, which helps maintain homeostasis.

Cannabis use can affect homeostasis by modulating the activity of the ECS. THC can activate CB1 receptors, leading to increased appetite, altered mood, and impaired cognitive function. However, THC can also have therapeutic effects, such as reducing pain and inflammation. CBD, on the other hand, can modulate the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors indirectly and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects.

The potential therapeutic applications of cannabis in restoring homeostasis are vast. For example, cannabinoids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may be useful in treating inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cannabinoids have also been found to have neuroprotective effects and may be useful in treating neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, cannabinoids have been shown to have antipsychotic effects and may be useful in treating psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia.

Despite the potential therapeutic applications of cannabis, there are also potential risks associated with its use. Cannabis use can have adverse effects on cognitive function, particularly in adolescents and young adults, and may also lead to the development of addiction. Furthermore, the use of cannabis during pregnancy may have adverse effects on fetal development.

In conclusion, the ECS plays a critical role in regulating homeostasis, and cannabinoids found in cannabis can modulate its activity. THC and CBD interact with the ECS through different mechanisms and can have both therapeutic and adverse effects. The potential therapeutic applications of cannabis in restoring homeostasis are vast and include the treatment of inflammatory conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, and psychiatric disorders. However, the potential risks associated with cannabis use must also be considered.

Natural Medicine

Intermittent Fasting: How to Fast Safely and Improve Your Health

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Intermittent fasting has become a popular trend among people who want to lose weight, improve their health, and boost their longevity. It involves alternating periods of eating and fasting, which can help reduce calorie intake, lower insulin levels, and promote fat burning. However, to reap the benefits of intermittent fasting and avoid potential risks, it’s important to fast safely and responsibly.

Here are some tips on how to fast safely and improve your health:

  1. Start Slowly

If you’re new to intermittent fasting, it’s essential to start slowly and gradually increase your fasting duration. Don’t jump into a 24-hour fast right away or skip meals abruptly, as it can shock your body and cause adverse effects. Instead, begin with a shorter fasting window, such as skipping breakfast and having an early dinner, and see how your body reacts. As you get used to fasting, you can extend your fasting periods or try different fasting methods.

  1. Choose a Fasting Method That Works for You

Intermittent fasting has many variations, and not all methods may suit your lifestyle, preferences, or health condition. Some popular fasting methods include the 16/8 method, which involves fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window, the 5:2 diet, which allows eating normally for five days and consuming 500-600 calories for two days, and the alternate-day fasting, which involves eating every other day or having very low-calorie meals on fasting days. Experiment with different fasting methods and find the one that fits your schedule and goals.

  1. Stay Hydrated

During fasting periods, it’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal tea, or other non-caloric fluids. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and constipation, and make fasting more challenging. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day and avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, or alcohol, which can dehydrate your body and interfere with your fasting goals.

  1. Eat Nutritious Foods During Feeding Windows

Intermittent fasting is not an excuse to indulge in junk food or processed snacks during feeding windows. Instead, focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body and provide sustained energy. Include plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats in your meals, and avoid sugary or fried foods that can trigger cravings and disrupt your metabolism.

  1. Listen to Your Body

Intermittent fasting is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for others may not work for you. It’s crucial to listen to your body and pay attention to its signals, such as hunger, thirst, fatigue, or discomfort. If you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or weak during fasting periods, it may indicate that you’re not getting enough nutrients or calories. Likewise, if you experience digestive issues, headaches, or mood changes, it may suggest that your fasting method is too restrictive or unsustainable. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits and seek medical advice if you have any concerns or pre-existing health conditions.

  1. Be Patient and Consistent

Intermittent fasting is not a quick fix or a magic solution for weight loss or health issues. It takes time, patience, and consistency to see the benefits of fasting, such as improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and increased autophagy. Don’t expect overnight results or get discouraged by setbacks or plateaus. Instead, focus on making intermittent fasting a lifestyle habit and integrate it into your daily routine. With time, you may notice that fasting becomes easier, and you feel more energized, focused, and healthy.

In conclusion, intermittent fasting can be a safe and effective way to improve your health and wellbeing, provided that you fast responsibly and listen to your body.

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Garlic Overdose: The Surprising Dangers of Too Much Garlic Consumption

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Garlic is a popular ingredient used in various cuisines around the world. It is known for its distinctive aroma and taste, as well as its health benefits. Garlic is believed to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, and it is said to help lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and prevent certain types of cancer.

While garlic can be a healthy addition to your diet, consuming too much of it can be harmful. In this article, we will explore the surprising dangers of garlic overdose and why it is essential to consume garlic in moderation.

What happens when you consume too much garlic?

Garlic overdose occurs when you consume an excessive amount of garlic in a short period. The most common symptoms of garlic overdose include bad breath, heartburn, upset stomach, bloating, diarrhea, and body odor. These symptoms typically go away once the excess garlic is flushed out of the body.

However, consuming too much garlic can also lead to more severe health problems. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which can be toxic in large doses. Allicin can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, and it can also lead to anemia, low blood pressure, and even death.

In rare cases, garlic overdose can also cause allergic reactions. People who are allergic to garlic may experience symptoms such as skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. An allergic reaction to garlic can be life-threatening, and immediate medical attention is necessary.

How much garlic is too much?

The amount of garlic that can lead to overdose varies from person to person. In general, consuming more than four cloves of garlic per day can be considered excessive. However, some people may be more sensitive to garlic than others, and even a small amount of garlic can cause adverse reactions.

It is also worth noting that the way garlic is consumed can affect its toxicity. Consuming raw garlic or garlic supplements can be more dangerous than cooking garlic, as raw garlic contains higher levels of allicin. Garlic supplements can also contain high levels of allicin, and they should be taken only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

How to prevent garlic overdose?

To prevent garlic overdose, it is essential to consume garlic in moderation. Most health experts recommend consuming no more than one or two cloves of garlic per day. Garlic can be added to soups, stews, salads, and other dishes to enhance their flavor and nutrition.

It is also important to be aware of the potential risks of consuming garlic supplements. Garlic supplements can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, and they can also cause digestive problems, headaches, and other side effects. If you are considering taking garlic supplements, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider first.

Conclusion

Garlic is a nutritious and flavorful ingredient that can provide a range of health benefits. However, consuming too much garlic can be harmful and even toxic. Garlic overdose can cause symptoms such as bad breath, heartburn, upset stomach, and diarrhea, and it can also lead to more severe health problems such as liver and kidney damage. To prevent garlic overdose, it is essential to consume garlic in moderation and to be aware of the potential risks of consuming garlic supplements. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the many benefits of garlic while keeping your body healthy and safe.

Cannabis, Natural Medicine

How Cannabis Affects Homeostasis in the Body

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Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes. This balance is critical for optimal functioning and survival of all living organisms. The human body has various systems and mechanisms in place to maintain homeostasis, including the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabis has been found to interact with the ECS, affecting homeostasis in various ways.

The ECS is a complex signaling system that regulates various physiological processes in the body, including pain, appetite, mood, and sleep. It comprises of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation, and cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). The endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are synthesized on demand and act as retrograde neurotransmitters to regulate the release of other neurotransmitters.

Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the ‘high’ associated with cannabis use. It binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain and affects various cognitive and physiological functions, including mood, memory, and appetite. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce psychoactive effects but modulates the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Studies have shown that cannabis use can affect various aspects of homeostasis, including body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism. Cannabis use can cause a decrease in body temperature, which can be beneficial in conditions such as fever, but may be detrimental in colder environments. THC can also cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which may pose a risk for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. However, CBD has been found to have a cardio-protective effect, reducing the negative effects of THC on cardiovascular function.

Cannabis has been found to have a significant effect on appetite regulation. THC has been shown to increase appetite, commonly referred to as the ‘munchies,’ by activating the CB1 receptors in the brain. This effect can be beneficial in conditions such as cachexia, a condition characterized by severe weight loss, but may be detrimental in individuals with obesity or eating disorders. CBD, on the other hand, has been found to have an appetite-suppressing effect, which may be useful in managing obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Cannabis has also been found to affect sleep. THC has been found to have a sedative effect, which can be beneficial in managing insomnia, but may impair cognitive function and performance the next day. CBD, on the other hand, has been found to have a wake-promoting effect, which may be useful in managing excessive daytime sleepiness.

Cannabis has been found to have analgesic properties, which can be beneficial in managing chronic pain. THC has been found to activate the CB1 receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing pain perception. CBD, on the other hand, has been found to modulate pain perception through various mechanisms, including the inhibition of inflammatory mediators and the activation of vanilloid receptors.

In conclusion, cannabis has been found to interact with the ECS, affecting various aspects of homeostasis. THC and CBD have different effects on the ECS and can have varying effects on homeostasis depending on the dose, route of administration, and individual factors. Further research is needed to understand the full extent of the effects of cannabis on homeostasis and to develop targeted therapies that can modulate the ECS to restore homeostasis in various pathological conditions.

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The Safe and Effective Guide to Fasting for Beginners

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Fasting is a centuries-old practice that has been used for spiritual, health, and wellness purposes. While fasting is an effective way to improve your physical and mental well-being, it can also be dangerous if done improperly. That’s why it’s essential to follow a safe and effective guide to fasting, especially if you’re new to the practice.

In this article, we’ll explore the safe and effective guide to fasting for beginners, including the different types of fasts, the benefits and risks, and the steps to take to ensure a safe fasting experience.

Types of Fasts

There are many different types of fasts, including water fasting, juice fasting, intermittent fasting, and extended fasting. Water fasting involves consuming only water for a certain period, while juice fasting involves drinking only juice. Intermittent fasting involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, while extended fasting can last for several days or even weeks.

For beginners, it’s best to start with intermittent fasting or short-term fasts of 24-48 hours. These fasts are less extreme and can help you adjust to the practice without putting your body under undue stress.

Benefits of Fasting

Fasting offers a range of health benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, better mental clarity, and increased energy levels. Fasting can also improve your immune system function, reduce inflammation, and lower your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Risks of Fasting

Fasting can be dangerous if done improperly, especially for individuals with certain health conditions. Potential risks of fasting include dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, low blood sugar, and muscle loss. If you have a history of disordered eating, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, or are taking certain medications, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before embarking on a fast.

Steps for Safe Fasting

  1. Choose the right type of fast: As mentioned earlier, beginners should start with short-term fasts or intermittent fasting. If you have a specific health condition or dietary needs, consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine the best type of fast for you.
  2. Plan your fast: Plan your fast in advance, including what type of fast you’ll do, how long you’ll fast for, and when you’ll start and end your fast. It’s also important to have a plan for breaking your fast, as this is a crucial part of the fasting process.
  3. Stay hydrated: Regardless of the type of fast you choose, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider adding electrolytes to your water to help maintain balance.
  4. Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel during your fast. If you experience dizziness, weakness, or other symptoms, it’s essential to break your fast and seek medical attention if necessary.
  5. Break your fast carefully: How you break your fast is just as important as the fast itself. Start with small, easy-to-digest foods, such as fruit or soup, and gradually reintroduce solid foods over the course of a few hours or days.

In conclusion, fasting can be a safe and effective way to improve your health and wellness, but it’s essential to follow a safe and effective guide to fasting, especially if you’re new to the practice. Start with short-term fasts or intermittent fasting, plan your fast in advance, stay hydrated, listen to your body, and break your fast carefully to ensure a safe and successful fasting experience. If you have any concerns or questions about fasting, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.

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The Hidden Risks of Garlic: How Too Much Can Harm Your Health

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Garlic is an ingredient that is used in a wide range of dishes across the world. It is considered to be a healthy food item that can boost the immune system, prevent heart disease, and even reduce the risk of certain cancers. However, while garlic may have several health benefits, there are also some hidden risks associated with consuming too much of it.

One of the most well-known side effects of garlic is bad breath. Garlic contains a compound called allyl methyl sulfide, which is responsible for its distinct odor. This compound is absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually excreted through the lungs, leading to a strong odor that can persist even after brushing and using mouthwash. While bad breath may seem like a minor issue, it can be a major source of embarrassment and may even affect social interactions.

Another risk of consuming too much garlic is gastrointestinal distress. Garlic is a powerful prebiotic, which means that it feeds the healthy bacteria in the gut. However, when consumed in excess, it can cause bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. This is because garlic contains fructans, which are complex sugars that can be difficult for the digestive system to break down.

In addition to these more common side effects, consuming too much garlic can also lead to more serious health problems. One potential risk is anemia. Garlic has blood-thinning properties, which can be beneficial for people with high blood pressure or cholesterol. However, in some cases, it can also interfere with the body’s ability to form blood clots, which can lead to excessive bleeding. This is especially concerning for people who are taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, as the combination of garlic and these medications can increase the risk of bleeding.

Another potential risk of consuming too much garlic is hypoglycemia. Garlic has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes. However, when consumed in excess, it can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels. This is because garlic contains compounds that stimulate the release of insulin, which can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. This is particularly concerning for people with diabetes who are already taking medications to lower their blood sugar levels.

Finally, consuming too much garlic can also lead to allergic reactions. Garlic allergy is relatively rare, but it can cause a range of symptoms, including hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can even lead to anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. It is important to note that garlic allergy can develop at any time, even if you have previously consumed garlic without any issues.

In conclusion, while garlic can have several health benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming too much of it. Some of the more common side effects include bad breath and gastrointestinal distress, while more serious risks include anemia, hypoglycemia, and allergic reactions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming garlic, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and to develop a treatment plan. Additionally, if you have any concerns about consuming garlic, it is always best to err on the side of caution and to speak with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet.

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The Impact of LSD on Personal Growth and Self-Awareness

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LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is a psychedelic drug that has been widely studied and researched for its effects on human consciousness. Despite its controversial history, LSD has been shown to have many positive benefits, including the ability to improve personal growth and self-awareness.

Personal growth is the process of improving oneself through learning, self-reflection, and personal development. LSD has been shown to be a powerful tool for personal growth, as it can facilitate new perspectives, insights, and experiences that can lead to personal growth and development.

One of the key ways in which LSD can impact personal growth is by altering one’s perception of reality. LSD can cause sensory distortions, hallucinations, and altered states of consciousness, which can lead to a shift in perspective and a new way of looking at the world. This altered perspective can lead to increased creativity, problem-solving ability, and a greater understanding of one’s place in the world.

Another way in which LSD can impact personal growth is by increasing self-awareness. LSD can cause individuals to become more introspective, leading to a greater understanding of one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This increased self-awareness can lead to greater emotional regulation, improved communication skills, and a better understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses.

LSD can also help individuals break free from negative thought patterns and behaviors. Through its ability to alter perception and increase self-awareness, LSD can help individuals recognize negative patterns and beliefs that may be holding them back. This newfound awareness can lead to a greater sense of agency and control, as well as the ability to change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

In addition to its impact on personal growth and self-awareness, LSD has also been shown to have therapeutic benefits. In the 1950s and 60s, LSD was studied as a potential treatment for various mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. While research into the therapeutic benefits of LSD was halted due to political and social pressures, recent studies have shown promising results for the use of LSD in psychotherapy.

One recent study conducted at Imperial College London found that a single dose of LSD can lead to long-lasting improvements in anxiety and depression. The study found that individuals who received a single dose of LSD experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms for up to three months after the experience.

Another study conducted at Johns Hopkins University found that LSD can lead to a mystical experience that can have long-lasting positive effects on mental health and well-being. The study found that individuals who had a mystical experience while on LSD reported increased feelings of unity, transcendence, and sacredness, as well as greater life satisfaction and a reduced fear of death.

While the therapeutic benefits of LSD are still being studied, these findings suggest that LSD may be a promising treatment for various mental health conditions. However, it is important to note that the use of LSD for therapeutic purposes should only be conducted under the supervision of a trained medical professional.

Despite its potential benefits, it is important to note that LSD can also have negative side effects. LSD can cause anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations, and it is important to approach its use with caution. Individuals with a history of mental health conditions or those who are at risk for psychosis should not use LSD.

In conclusion, LSD has the potential to impact personal growth and self-awareness in a positive way. Its ability to alter perception, increase self-awareness, and help individuals break free from negative thought patterns can lead to increased creativity, problem-solving ability, and emotional regulation. While more research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic benefits of LSD, recent studies suggest that it may be a promising treatment for various mental health conditions. However, it is important to approach its use with caution and only under the supervision of a trained medical professional.

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Cannabis for sleep: A promising remedy for insomnia

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Insomnia, the inability to fall or stay asleep, affects millions of people worldwide. Chronic insomnia can lead to numerous health issues such as fatigue, daytime drowsiness, mood disorders, and even chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, conventional sleep medications are often associated with adverse side effects, addiction, and tolerance. Thus, many people are turning to natural alternatives such as cannabis to manage insomnia.

Cannabis has been used as a sleep aid for centuries. In fact, one of the most commonly reported reasons for using cannabis is to promote relaxation and aid sleep. Cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a critical role in regulating sleep, mood, and anxiety.

One of the primary cannabinoids in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known for its sedative properties. THC interacts with receptors in the brain and body, which can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, thus helping users fall asleep faster. Additionally, THC may help improve the quality of sleep by increasing the amount of deep, restorative sleep and decreasing the amount of time spent in the REM sleep stage.

Another cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), is also gaining attention for its potential benefits in managing insomnia. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with THC. However, it has been shown to have anxiolytic and calming effects, which can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety that often lead to insomnia.

Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of cannabis in managing insomnia. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, researchers found that cannabis use was associated with reduced insomnia symptoms and improved sleep quality. The study involved 409 adults who reported using cannabis to manage their insomnia symptoms. Of these, 74% reported a reduction in their insomnia symptoms, and 78% reported improved sleep quality.

Another study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs found that cannabis use was associated with an increase in total sleep time, a decrease in the time it took to fall asleep, and an improvement in sleep quality. The study involved 163 adults who reported using cannabis to manage their sleep difficulties. Of these, 83% reported an improvement in their sleep quality, and 67% reported a decrease in the time it took them to fall asleep.

While the use of cannabis for sleep has shown promise, it is not without potential risks and side effects. Short-term side effects of cannabis use may include dry mouth, dizziness, and impaired memory and cognitive function. Additionally, long-term use of cannabis may lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.

It is also important to note that cannabis may interact with other medications, and its use is not recommended for pregnant women, those with a history of substance abuse, or individuals with a history of mental illness.

Before using cannabis as a sleep aid, individuals should consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether it is safe for them and to discuss potential side effects and risks. It is also important to obtain cannabis from a reputable source and to start with a low dose to gauge individual tolerance and response.

In conclusion, cannabis has shown promise as a natural remedy for managing insomnia. The sedative properties of THC and the anxiolytic effects of CBD may help individuals fall asleep faster and improve the quality of their sleep. However, the use of cannabis for sleep should be approached with caution, and individuals should consult with a healthcare provider before use. With proper use and precautions, cannabis may be a valuable tool in managing insomnia and promoting better sleep hygiene.

Natural Medicine

A poem from Lucy to Lucy.

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I took a trip with Lucy, LSD, they called it.
A little blotter on my tongue, And I was on a journey, fit.

The colors seemed to dance, And the sounds were oh so clear.
The world was like a canvas, And I could paint it without fear.

I felt the love around me, And the universe within.
All my senses were heightened, As I felt my mind spin.

It was a journey into me, To the depths of my soul.
A chance to find my meaning, And let my spirit unfold.

I saw things I’d never seen before, And felt things I’d never felt.
A moment of pure magic, As my heart began to melt.

I’ll always cherish Lucy, And the journey she took me on.
For she opened up my world, And made me feel so strong.

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The Connection Between LSD and Spiritual Experiences

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LSD, also known as lysergic acid diethylamide, is a powerful psychedelic drug that has been used for both medical and recreational purposes. While LSD was originally synthesized for its medicinal properties, it became a popular recreational drug during the 1960s counterculture movement. However, what many people don’t know is that LSD has a long history of use in spiritual practices and has been linked to profound spiritual experiences.

Throughout history, humans have used psychoactive substances to achieve altered states of consciousness for religious and spiritual purposes. Shamans, mystics, and spiritual leaders have used psychoactive plants such as ayahuasca, peyote, and psilocybin mushrooms in their spiritual practices. These substances were believed to connect the individual with the divine and to bring about a greater understanding of the world and the self.

LSD is no different. Many individuals have reported that taking LSD has led to profound spiritual experiences, often described as mystical or transcendental experiences. These experiences are characterized by a sense of unity with the universe, a feeling of interconnectedness with all things, and a deep understanding of the nature of reality.

The Connection Between LSD and Spirituality

One of the most well-known advocates for the spiritual use of LSD was the Harvard psychologist and philosopher, Timothy Leary. Leary believed that LSD had the potential to bring about a new consciousness that would change the way we view ourselves and the world. He saw LSD as a tool for exploring the inner world of the mind and unlocking our true potential.

Leary’s ideas were influenced by the work of Aldous Huxley, who wrote extensively about the potential of psychedelic drugs for spiritual exploration. Huxley believed that psychedelics could help individuals transcend the limitations of their ordinary consciousness and connect with a higher reality.

Many spiritual seekers have reported that taking LSD has helped them achieve a sense of unity with the universe and a deeper understanding of their place in the world. Some have even reported having mystical experiences that have left a profound impact on their lives. These experiences are often described as being ineffable, meaning that they are impossible to put into words.

The Science Behind LSD and Spirituality

The scientific study of LSD and spirituality is still in its early stages, but there is evidence to suggest that taking LSD can lead to spiritual experiences. In a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers found that individuals who had taken LSD were more likely to report having mystical experiences than those who had not.

The study also found that the intensity of the mystical experience was positively correlated with the dose of LSD. This suggests that higher doses of LSD may be more likely to produce profound spiritual experiences.

There is also evidence to suggest that LSD can change the brain in ways that are consistent with spiritual experiences. In a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that LSD increased the connectivity between different regions of the brain, leading to a more unified sense of self.

The researchers also found that LSD decreased activity in the default mode network, a network of brain regions that is active when we are not focused on the outside world. This suggests that LSD may help individuals to overcome their ego and connect with a higher reality.

Spiritual vs. Recreational Use of LSD

While LSD can lead to profound spiritual experiences, it is important to note that not all LSD use is spiritual in nature. Many individuals take LSD for recreational purposes, seeking the euphoric and hallucinogenic effects of the drug.

Recreational use of LSD can be dangerous, as high doses of the drug can lead to a range of negative effects, including anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis. It is also important to note that LSD is illegal in many parts of the world and can carry serious legal consequences for those caught in possession of the drug.

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The Endocannabinoid System: How cannabis interacts with the human body

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The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of signaling pathways that are present in every living organism with a vertebrate. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis or a state of balance within the body. The ECS is comprised of three main components, which include endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.

Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring cannabinoids, which are produced by the body to interact with the ECS. The two most well-known endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These endocannabinoids are synthesized on demand, and they act as signaling molecules that are involved in regulating a variety of physiological processes such as appetite, mood, pain, and inflammation.

Cannabinoid receptors are the second component of the ECS. They are found throughout the body, with the highest concentration in the brain and nervous system. The two primary cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are predominantly found in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and peripheral tissues. Cannabinoid receptors are involved in a wide range of physiological processes such as pain modulation, immune function, mood, and appetite.

The third component of the ECS is the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids. There are two main enzymes that are involved in the regulation of endocannabinoids, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). FAAH is responsible for the degradation of anandamide, while MAGL is responsible for the degradation of 2-AG.

Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which interact with the ECS. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which results in the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and does not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, it modulates the effects of THC by interacting with other receptors and neurotransmitters in the brain.

Research has shown that cannabis can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. The therapeutic effects of cannabis are due to its ability to interact with the ECS. Cannabis contains both THC and CBD, which can modulate the activity of the ECS. THC can activate the CB1 receptor, which can help alleviate pain and inflammation. CBD, on the other hand, can inhibit FAAH, which results in an increase in the concentration of anandamide, the endocannabinoid responsible for pain relief.

In addition to its therapeutic effects, cannabis has also been found to have neuroprotective properties. Research has shown that THC and CBD can protect the brain from damage caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The neuroprotective effects of cannabis are due to its ability to reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and promote neurogenesis.

In conclusion, the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. It is involved in regulating a variety of physiological processes such as pain, mood, and inflammation. Cannabis can interact with the ECS, which is why it has been found to have therapeutic effects for a variety of medical conditions.

Natural Medicine

Cannabis and its potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease

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Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 50 million people with dementia worldwide, and this number is expected to triple by 2050. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 70% of all cases.

Recent studies have shown that cannabis may have the potential to treat Alzheimer’s disease, providing new hope for patients suffering from this devastating condition.

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. These abnormal protein deposits cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to brain cells, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and other symptoms.

Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system plays a crucial role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including mood, appetite, pain, and inflammation.

One of the most well-known cannabinoids is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. However, another cannabinoid called cannabidiol (CBD) has gained attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits.

CBD is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. These properties make it a promising candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Several studies have shown that CBD may help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, which are key factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In one study, researchers found that CBD was able to reduce neuroinflammation and improve cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Another study found that CBD was able to improve social recognition memory in mice with Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that it may have potential as a treatment for the cognitive deficits associated with the disease.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, CBD may also help to reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. One study found that CBD was able to prevent the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in a cell culture model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Other studies have shown that THC may also have potential as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. THC has been shown to have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help to reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.

However, the psychoactive effects of THC may limit its potential as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, as many patients may be hesitant to use a medication that can cause cognitive impairment and altered perception.

Overall, the potential of cannabis as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is promising but still in its early stages. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the effects of cannabinoids on Alzheimer’s disease, as well as to determine the optimal dosages and delivery methods for these treatments.

In addition, it is important to note that cannabis is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and should not be seen as a replacement for traditional medical treatments. However, for patients who are not responding to traditional treatments or who are looking for alternative therapies, cannabis may offer a promising new avenue for treatment.

In conclusion, the potential of cannabis as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is an exciting area of research that has the potential to change the lives of millions of people around the world. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabinoids on Alzheimer’s disease, the preliminary results are promising and suggest that cannabis may offer a new hope for patients with this devastating condition.

Natural Medicine

Cannabis and autoimmune disorders: An emerging therapeutic strategy

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Autoimmune disorders are a group of diseases that cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy cells and tissues. These conditions can affect different parts of the body, including the skin, joints, muscles, and organs. Common examples of autoimmune disorders include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease.

Cannabis has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing autoimmune disorders. The plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. These effects make cannabis an attractive treatment option for people with autoimmune disorders, who often experience chronic pain, inflammation, and other symptoms that can be difficult to manage with conventional medications.

One of the most well-known autoimmune disorders that cannabis is used to treat is multiple sclerosis (MS). This condition affects the central nervous system and can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, pain, and fatigue. In a study published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, researchers found that cannabis use was associated with significant reductions in spasticity, pain, and sleep disturbance in people with MS. The study also found that cannabis was well-tolerated and had few side effects.

Another autoimmune disorder that may benefit from cannabis treatment is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This condition causes inflammation in the joints and can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. In a study published in the journal Rheumatology, researchers found that cannabis use was associated with significant improvements in pain, quality of sleep, and overall well-being in people with RA. The study also found that cannabis was well-tolerated and had no serious adverse effects.

Cannabis may also be effective in managing symptoms of Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder. In a study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, researchers found that cannabis use was associated with significant improvements in symptoms such as pain, nausea, and diarrhea in people with Crohn’s disease. The study also found that cannabis use was safe and well-tolerated.

Despite the promising results of these studies, there are still many questions that need to be answered before cannabis can be widely used as a treatment for autoimmune disorders. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of standardized dosing and administration methods. Different strains of cannabis can contain varying amounts of THC and CBD, and the way the plant is consumed (smoking, vaping, edibles, etc.) can affect how it is absorbed by the body. This variability makes it difficult to determine the optimal dose and delivery method for each individual patient.

Another challenge is the legal status of cannabis in many parts of the world. While cannabis has been legalized for medical use in some countries, it remains illegal in others, making it difficult for patients to access the treatment they need. In addition, many doctors are hesitant to recommend cannabis to their patients due to the lack of clinical evidence and the stigma associated with the drug.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing body of research suggesting that cannabis may be a valuable therapeutic option for people with autoimmune disorders. As more studies are conducted and more is learned about the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use, it is likely that more patients will turn to this natural remedy for relief from their symptoms. If you are considering using cannabis to manage an autoimmune disorder, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine if it is a safe and effective option for you.

Natural Medicine

How cannabis is transforming the way we treat chronic diseases

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Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, but it’s only in recent years that it’s been taken seriously as a treatment option for chronic diseases. In the past, cannabis was mostly associated with getting high, but today, it’s increasingly being recognized for its therapeutic properties.

The most well-known compound found in cannabis is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of the plant. However, another compound found in cannabis, CBD (cannabidiol), has been found to have many health benefits without causing the high associated with THC.

Chronic diseases, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, are often difficult to manage with traditional treatments. However, cannabis has been shown to have a positive effect on these diseases, with many patients reporting an improvement in their symptoms.

Cancer is one of the most deadly chronic diseases, with treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often causing debilitating side effects. Cannabis has been found to be effective in managing the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. It has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties, with studies indicating that it can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Multiple sclerosis is another chronic disease that has been shown to respond positively to cannabis. MS is a disease of the central nervous system, causing muscle weakness and difficulty with coordination. Cannabis has been found to help manage the muscle spasms associated with MS, as well as reducing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. It has also been found to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue in MS patients.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures, and is often difficult to manage with traditional medication. However, cannabis has been found to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in some patients. In fact, in 2018, the FDA approved the first cannabis-derived medication, Epidiolex, for the treatment of certain types of epilepsy.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Cannabis has been found to help manage the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, reducing inflammation in the gut and reducing pain. In fact, a study in Israel found that 65% of patients with Crohn’s disease experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after using cannabis.

HIV/AIDS is a chronic disease that weakens the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections and other illnesses. Cannabis has been found to help manage the symptoms of HIV/AIDS, such as nausea, loss of appetite, and neuropathic pain. It has also been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which is beneficial for patients with HIV/AIDS.

In conclusion, cannabis is transforming the way we treat chronic diseases. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabis on these diseases, the evidence so far is promising. Cannabis has been found to have a positive effect on cancer, MS, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and many other chronic diseases. With more states legalizing medical marijuana, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see cannabis being used as a treatment option for chronic diseases in the future.

Natural Medicine

Cannabis as a safer alternative to prescription drugs: A closer look at the evidence

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The use of prescription drugs has become an essential part of the modern healthcare system. However, the overreliance on these drugs has resulted in a myriad of problems, including addiction, dependence, and overdose. In recent years, there has been growing interest in cannabis as a safer alternative to prescription drugs, with mounting evidence suggesting that it has a plethora of health benefits.

One of the most notable benefits of cannabis is its ability to alleviate pain. It has been found to be effective in the treatment of chronic pain, which is often difficult to manage with traditional painkillers. Research has shown that cannabis can help to reduce inflammation, which is one of the main causes of chronic pain. It also interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a critical role in pain perception. Studies have shown that cannabis can be an effective alternative to prescription opioids, which are known to be highly addictive and can result in overdose.

Cannabis has also been found to have anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties. Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that are often treated with prescription drugs, such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However, these drugs can have numerous side effects, including drowsiness, headaches, and nausea. Cannabis, on the other hand, has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, without the unwanted side effects. Studies have shown that cannabis can help to regulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation.

Another area where cannabis has shown promise is in the treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent seizures. Traditional antiepileptic drugs are often ineffective in managing seizures, and can result in unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and fatigue. However, cannabis has been found to have anticonvulsant properties, making it a promising alternative to traditional drugs. One particular compound found in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), has been shown to be effective in reducing seizures in people with epilepsy.

Cannabis has also been found to be effective in the treatment of cancer. Studies have shown that it has anti-tumor properties, and can help to slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells. It can also help to alleviate some of the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea and vomiting. In addition, cannabis has been found to be effective in the treatment of other chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Despite the mounting evidence supporting the use of cannabis as a safer alternative to prescription drugs, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the lack of standardization in the production and distribution of cannabis products. This has resulted in inconsistencies in the quality and potency of cannabis products, which can affect their effectiveness and safety. In addition, there is still a lack of understanding of the long-term effects of cannabis use, particularly on the developing brain.

In conclusion, the use of cannabis as a safer alternative to prescription drugs is a promising area of research, with mounting evidence suggesting that it has a plethora of health benefits. Its ability to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, manage seizures, and treat cancer makes it a valuable addition to the modern healthcare system. However, further research is needed to address the challenges associated with its use, and to ensure that it is used safely and effectively.

Natural Medicine

The Mysterious World of DMT: A Comprehensive Guide

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DMT, or dimethyltryptamine, is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in several plant species, as well as in mammals, including humans. It is one of the most potent psychedelic substances known to man and is often referred to as the “spirit molecule” due to the profound and otherworldly experiences it can produce.

The Mysterious World of DMT

DMT is believed to be produced in the human pineal gland, which is located in the center of the brain and is responsible for the regulation of various physiological functions, including the sleep-wake cycle. The pineal gland is also known as the third eye, and some people believe that it is the gateway to spiritual experiences and higher states of consciousness.

The traditional use of DMT-containing plants in shamanic rituals has been recorded in several indigenous cultures around the world, including South America, Africa, and Asia. In these cultures, DMT is consumed as part of a spiritual practice, often in the form of a brew called ayahuasca. The effects of ayahuasca are said to be more prolonged and introspective than those of pure DMT, and are often accompanied by purging or vomiting.

DMT is usually consumed by smoking the pure crystalline form of the compound, which can be extracted from certain plant species, or by vaporizing it in a specialized pipe or vaporizer. The onset of the effects is usually rapid, with the peak of the experience lasting for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, users report a wide range of effects, including vivid visual hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, intense emotional experiences, and a sense of connectivity to a higher power or cosmic consciousness.

The effects of DMT are often described as “otherworldly,” and many people report encountering entities or beings that they describe as alien, machine-like, or even angelic. Some people report having out-of-body experiences or traveling to different dimensions, while others describe the experience as being akin to a lucid dream or a near-death experience.

The exact mechanisms of action of DMT are not fully understood, but it is believed to primarily act on the serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of mood, sleep, appetite, and other physiological functions, and its dysregulation has been implicated in various psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

The Therapeutic Potential of DMT

Despite the profound and often overwhelming effects of DMT, recent research has suggested that it may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of several mental health conditions. Some studies have suggested that DMT may have antidepressant effects, and may also be useful in the treatment of addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and end-of-life anxiety.

The potential therapeutic effects of DMT are thought to be related to its ability to produce a profound sense of interconnectedness and spiritual transcendence, which may help to shift an individual’s perspective and provide a sense of meaning and purpose. DMT may also help to “reset” the brain, promoting neuroplasticity and reducing maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior.

However, it is important to note that the use of DMT as a therapeutic tool is still in the early stages of research, and its safety and efficacy have not been fully established. The use of DMT in a clinical setting should only be conducted under the supervision of a trained medical professional.

Conclusion

DMT is a fascinating and mysterious substance that has captured the imagination of researchers, spiritual seekers, and curious minds alike. While its effects can be profound and otherworldly, it is important to approach its use with caution and respect. Whether it is used for spiritual exploration or as a potential therapeutic tool, the world of DMT remains shrouded in mystery.

Natural Medicine

The Endocannabinoid System and Its Role in Maintaining Homeostasis

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The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell signaling system that plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. Homeostasis is the ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes, which work together to regulate various physiological processes.

Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced naturally by the body. The two main endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These endocannabinoids are produced on-demand and act as signaling molecules that activate cannabinoid receptors.

There are two main cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, known as CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and peripheral tissues.

The ECS also contains enzymes that break down endocannabinoids. These enzymes, called fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), break down anandamide and 2-AG, respectively.

The ECS regulates several physiological processes, including appetite, pain, mood, immune function, and sleep. It plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating these processes and ensuring that they function optimally.

For example, the ECS plays a role in regulating appetite by modulating the release of hormones that control hunger and satiety. CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus of the brain are responsible for regulating food intake and energy expenditure. When activated by endocannabinoids, CB1 receptors increase appetite and reduce energy expenditure, leading to weight gain.

The ECS also plays a role in pain modulation. Endocannabinoids act on CB1 receptors in the nervous system to reduce the release of neurotransmitters that transmit pain signals. This can help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

In addition, the ECS plays a role in regulating mood and stress. Endocannabinoids act on CB1 receptors in the brain to regulate the release of neurotransmitters that are involved in mood and anxiety, such as serotonin and dopamine. This can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

The ECS also plays a role in regulating immune function. CB2 receptors are found on immune cells, and endocannabinoids can act on these receptors to reduce inflammation and modulate immune responses. This can help to prevent excessive inflammation and reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.

Sleep is another process regulated by the ECS. Endocannabinoids act on CB1 receptors in the brain to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Studies have shown that endocannabinoids can increase sleep duration and improve sleep quality.

The ECS also plays a role in regulating the cardiovascular system, bone metabolism, and reproductive function. It is involved in the regulation of many physiological processes, and its dysregulation has been implicated in several diseases, including obesity, diabetes, anxiety disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.

In conclusion, the endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. It regulates several physiological processes, including appetite, pain, mood, immune function, and sleep. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes, which work together to ensure that these processes function optimally. Dysregulation of the ECS has been implicated in several diseases, highlighting its importance in maintaining overall health and well-being.

Natural Medicine

Cannabis and Homeostasis: Understanding the Relationship

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Cannabis is a plant that has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years. It contains a number of active compounds, including cannabinoids, which have been found to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and signaling molecules that helps to regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including mood, appetite, pain, and sleep.

One of the most important functions of the ECS is maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body. Homeostasis is the ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment, even in the face of external stressors. For example, when the body is exposed to a hot environment, it responds by sweating to cool down and maintain a stable internal temperature. Similarly, when the body is exposed to a pathogen, it mounts an immune response to fight off the infection and maintain a stable internal environment.

The ECS plays a key role in regulating many of the body’s physiological processes that are involved in maintaining homeostasis. It has been found to be involved in regulating the immune system, the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, and the nervous system. It has also been found to be involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep.

Cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, have been found to interact with the ECS in a number of ways. For example, THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been found to activate the CB1 receptor in the ECS. This receptor is found in high levels in the brain and is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and pain. When THC activates this receptor, it can produce feelings of euphoria, increased appetite, and pain relief.

CBD, another important cannabinoid found in cannabis, has been found to interact with the ECS in a different way. It has been found to block the enzyme that breaks down anandamide, a naturally occurring cannabinoid that is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and pain. By blocking the breakdown of anandamide, CBD can increase its levels in the body and produce feelings of relaxation, pain relief, and improved mood.

Despite the many potential benefits of cannabis for homeostasis, there are also some potential risks. One of the main risks associated with cannabis use is the potential for addiction. THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been found to be addictive in some people. This can lead to a number of negative consequences, including impaired cognitive function, decreased motivation, and social withdrawal.

Another potential risk of cannabis use is the potential for adverse side effects. Some people may experience side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and impaired coordination. In rare cases, cannabis use can also lead to more serious side effects such as psychosis and cardiovascular problems.

In conclusion, cannabis and homeostasis are intimately connected. The active compounds in cannabis have been found to interact with the ECS in a number of ways, and can produce a wide range of effects on the body and mind. While cannabis has many potential benefits for homeostasis, it is also important to be aware of the potential risks and to use it in a responsible and safe manner. As with any substance, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using cannabis for medicinal purposes.

Natural Medicine

Here’s what to do, if you come into contact with someone who has had the monkey pox jab.

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So, here we are, at biological war with each other. It’s a sad state of affairs, but it is what it is, and we must be prepared for each and every outcome.

I recently came into close contact with someone who had the monkeypox jab, and within a couple of hours I had an ulcer appear on the roof of my mouth, increased heart rate, and temperature. I done my best to not panic, as frankly it’s clearly evident there are some people out there which wish direct harm on other people, simply because they lack any kind of control in their own lives.

I think a fair rebuttal would be an extremely large dose of LSD injected right into the left arm, and then to let them stew in their own misery. Yet hey, one can dream, because frankly I don’t have the budget for that or the desire to waste my energy on such malicious endeavours. There’s so many great things in this world to experience, and the above is not something I’m interested in.

Anyway… let’s get to fighting back against a monkeypox attack. This is a method I tried myself, and after a few days of persistence the attack was eased.

Of course, you could just take the monkeypox shot yourself and that will bypass all of this, yet you will also have to accept the fact that you’ve turned yourself into a biological weapon.

So, if you don’t like the idea of turning yourself into a biological weapon but you know you’ve been in contact with someone who has/had monkeypox/jab then this is going to be one of the best options.

You are going to need the following ingredients…

+ Garlic Powder (Natural anti viral)

+ Bromelain (blood thinner) OR ALCOHOL (The aim is to thin the blood so either will do)

+ Effervescent Vitamin C + Zinc (1 Gram vitamin C + 15mg Zinc) Pictured below… this one was something like £1 from Tesco.

Now, the next thing you need to do, is take 3 of the Vitamin C & Zinc tablets and put them in 200ml of water and leave them for five minutes to dissolve.

Next, you’re going to get one heaped teaspoon of garlic powder and make it into a paste with a little water. Once you’ve made the paste, add about 50ml of water so the paste is thin enough to drink. Try not to add too much water, as the more water you have to drink, the longer it’s going to take to get the garlic down your throat, which is honestly an excruciating experience. Yet the good it can do, far outweighs the harm.

TIP: Keep a glass of milk near for when you drink the garlic water. Sip a little milk, and just after. This will help counteract any burning sensation felt from the garlic.

Take 2 Bromelain tablets and place them in front of you.

So now, in front of you, you should have a little glass of garlic powder mixed with water, two Bromelain tablets, and 200ml of Vitamin C + Zinc water.

The one thing you’re going to need the most is the garlic powder, as that’s the most crucial element. So get down you as fast as you can. You can choose to take your Bromelain tablets with the garlic powder or with the vitamin C. That’s totally on you.

Once your stomach has settled, get the Vitamin C drink down you as fast as you can, as this will help boost your white blood cell count and fight of the viral infection… along with the garlic powder. The aim of the Bromelain/alcohol is to make sure your blood is thin enough to help get everything across the body. This will help with effective delivery.

For the first day, I repeated this process 3 times. As the days went on, I listened to my body and took as and when needed. This consisted of, as mentioned before, 3 times a day, down to two times a day. I repeated this process for 5 days, until I felt my body had started to return to normal.

It’s worth mentioning that everyone is different In their physical makeup. If you suffer from a bloated gut, you may want to consider getting something called Lactulose, which will help with digestion. It’s effectively lube, but for the gut. I used to suffer from acid reflux and problematic digestion until I started taking Lactulose, which makes digesting food a lot easier and I don’t have the acid reflux anymore. The reason why this is important, is because you are going to need to digest the garlic, the Bromelain and the Vitamin C so smooth digestion is vital.

Please, if you have anything you would like to add to this, please drop your comments below… the same if you have experienced something similar and tried a different protocol. You might just be able to save some misery.

Covid-19, Natural Medicine

Make-up of gut microbiome may influence COVID-19 severity and immune response

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By BMJ

Originally published 11th January 2021

Imbalances in type and volume of bacteria may also be implicated in ‘long COVID’

The variety and volume of bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, may influence the severity of COVID-19 as well as the magnitude of the immune system response to the infection, suggests research published online in the journal Gut. 

Imbalances in the make-up of the microbiome may also be implicated in persisting inflammatory symptoms, dubbed ‘long COVID’, the findings suggest. 

COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, but the evidence suggests that the gut may also have a role. 

As the gut is the largest immunological organ in the body and its resident microbes are known to influence immune responses, the researchers wanted to find out if the gut microbiome might also affect the immune system response to COVID-19 infection. 

They therefore obtained blood and stool samples and medical records from 100 hospital inpatients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection between February and May 2020 and from 78 people without COVID-19 who were taking part in a microbiome study before the pandemic. 

The severity of COVID-19 was classified as mild in the absence of x-ray evidence of pneumonia; moderate if pneumonia with fever and respiratory tract symptoms were detected; severe if patients found it very difficult to breathe normally; and critical if they needed mechanical ventilation or experienced organ failure requiring intensive care. 

To characterise the gut microbiome, 41 of the COVID patients provided multiple stool samples while in hospital, 27 of whom provided serial stool samples up to 30 days after clearance of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

Analysis of all 274 stool samples showed that the make-up of the gut microbiome differed significantly between patients with and without COVID-19, irrespective of whether they had been treated with drugs, including antibiotics. 

COVID patients had higher numbers of Ruminococcus gnavus, Ruminococcus torques and Bacteroides dorei species than people without the infection. 

And they had far fewer of the species that can influence immune system response, such as Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Eubacterium rectale.

Lower numbers of F. prausnitzii and Bifidobacterium bifidum were particularly associated with infection severity after taking account of antibiotic use and patient age.

And the numbers of these bacteria remained low in the samples collected up to 30 days after infected patients had cleared the virus from their bodies. 

COVID-19 infection prompts the immune system to produce inflammatory cytokines in response. In some cases, this response can be excessive (‘cytokine storm’), causing widespread tissue damage, septic shock, and multiorgan failure. 

Analysis of the blood samples showed that the microbial imbalance found in the COVID patients was also associated with raised levels of inflammatory cytokines and blood markers of tissue damage, such as C-reactive protein and certain enzymes.

This suggests that the gut microbiome might influence the immune system response to COVID-19 infection and potentially affect disease severity and outcome, say the researchers.

“In light of reports that a subset of recovered patients with COVID-19 experience persistent symptoms, such as fatigue, dyspnoea [breathlessness] and joint pains, some over 80 days after initial onset of symptoms, we posit that the dysbiotic gut microbiome could contribute to immune-related health problems post-COVID-19,” they write.

This is an observational study, and as such, can’t establish cause, added to which the gut microbiome varies widely among different populations, so the changes observed in this study may not be applicable to other COVID patients elsewhere, caution the researchers.

But they point to mounting evidence showing that gut microbes are linked to inflammatory diseases within and beyond the gut.

And they conclude: “Bolstering of beneficial gut species depleted in COVID-19 could serve as a novel avenue to mitigate severe disease, underscoring the importance of managing patients’ gut microbiota during and after COVID-19.”

[Ends]

11/01/21

Notes for editors
Research: Gut microbiota composition reflects disease severity and dysfunctional immune responses in patients with COVID-19  doi.org/10.1136/ gutjnl-2020-323020
Journal: Gut 

Funding: Primarily, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 

Covid-19, Natural Medicine

Supplementing with zinc reduces risk of liver cancer

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By Grace Olson (via Natural News)

Originally published December 30th 2019

Eating more foods rich in zinc may contribute to better liver health, a recent study finds.

Researchers from the Osaka-Rosai Hospital in Japan found that zinc supplementation may help reduce the risk of liver cancer and other liver diseases. Through a controlled clinical trial, their findings revealed that patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) who received zinc supplements exhibited better liver health compared to patients who did not. The researchers published their findings in the journal Nutrients. 

Zinc supplementation can help improve overall liver health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 33,000 Americans have liver cancer and 27,000 of them die from it each year. Liver cancer can stem from different conditions including diabetes, cirrhosis (the scarring of the liver) and excessive alcohol intake. (Related: Take a break from alcohol and switch to these 3 liver-detoxifying drinks.)

However, non-alcoholic drinkers may suffer from liver disease as well. One such disease being the build-up of fatty tissue around the liver or Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. According to medical experts, this is caused by various factors such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. It currently affects around 100 million individuals in the U.S.

With the rise of liver-related problems among Americans however, a team of Japanese researchers have found a solution: zinc supplementation.

According to the researchers, they observed that patients with CLD had lower concentrations of zinc. These levels, the researchers said, decreased further as the disease progressed, thus necessitating an investigation as to whether or not supplementing CLD patients with zinc can alleviate the symptoms.

In a controlled clinical trial, the researchers gathered 267 participants with CLD. These patients suffered from different kinds of liver-related conditions, including hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis due to alcohol intake and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). One group, comprised of 196 patients, received zinc supplementation twice daily. The other group, which had 71 patients, did not. Both groups however, received other standard treatments, including amino acid supplementation.

After three years, the study’s findings affirmed what the researchers suspected: the zinc group exhibited improved liver function and a reduction in inflammatory markers as well as a lower risk of developing liver cancer. Meanwhile, the liver health of patients who did not receive zinc deteriorated throughout the study.

Moreover, the researchers were able to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying zinc’s effects. According to their findings, when the body does not have enough zinc, it causes liver-specific cells called hepatic stellate cells to activate. This leads to lipid peroxidation, a process where reactive oxygen species attack polyunsaturated fats. It initiates a self-propagating chain reaction that results in the accumulation of fat in the liver. According to their findings, this fatty accumulation may contribute to several liver diseases.

Overall, the study showed that consuming more zinc – or at least meeting the recommended intake – may prevent liver cancer and promote overall liver health.

Eat more foods rich in zinc

Aside from liver health, consuming enough zinc per day has a wide array of health benefits. Some of these include:

  • Regulating the immune system;
  • Alleviating the symptoms of diarrhea;
  • Treating the common cold;
  • Boosts cognitive function (specifically learning and memory);
  • And preventing age-related macular degeneration.

The recommended daily intake for zinc is 11 mg for men and eight mg for women.

Some of the foods rich in zinc include grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, and cage-free eggs. For vegetarians, organic chickpeas, cashews, and sunflower seeds are also great sources of zinc.

Zinc supplements are also available in the form of lozenges and capsules. However, make sure to consult with a doctor first before taking these, and always follow the recommended dosage.

Learn more about other nutritious compounds the body needs to boost its health at Health.news.

Sources include:

NaturalHealth2365.com

CDC.gov

NIDDK.NIH.gov

LiverFoundation.org

MDPI.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 1

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 2

MedicalNewsToday.com

Covid-19, Natural Medicine

How zinc can boost your immune health

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By News Editors (via Natural News)

Originally published October 22nd 2021

 Zinc is essential for the normal development and function of your immune system, as it protects against susceptibility to pathogens, mediates natural killer cells, activates T-lymphocytes, regulates macrophages, and is central to DNA replication.

(Article by Joseph Mercola republished from TheEpochTimes.com)

You have at least 300 enzymes that require zinc to function normally.

Evidence shows zinc helps protect the body from COVID-19 by impairing viral replication in the cell, supporting ciliary growth and function in the respiratory system, and improving the respiratory epithelial barrier.

Colds Are Coronaviruses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified several common human coronaviruses that are responsible for upper respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Although a cold is usually a minor condition, it is also responsible for most doctor’s office visits every year.

A cold can last as short as a week, but in children and the elderly, it can last longer. Cold symptoms include a stuffy head, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and sometimes a fever. These are some of the same symptoms of influenza, but the symptoms are often worse and include fever and body chills.

It wasn’t until the work of Dr. Ananda Prasad in the 1970s that zinc was acknowledged as an essential mineral. A decade earlier, Prasad was studying young men who had grown up in Egypt and never attained their normal height.

After supplementing with zinc, the men grew “significantly taller.” In the 1970s, zinc was acknowledged by the National Academy of Sciences as a mineral fundamental to many aspects of health. Prasad collaborated with a scientist from the University of Michigan to demonstrate that zinc influences immunity.

Research in the past decade has identified the crucial role that zinc plays in curtailing the length and severity of upper respiratory infections. A meta-analysis published in 2017 found those who took a zinc supplement of 80 to 92 milligrams (mg) each day at the beginning of cold symptoms saw a reduction in the length of their cold by 33 percent.

Although research has demonstrated the significant positive effect zinc has on the immune system and on shortening upper respiratory infections caused by common cold viruses, further research in 2020 demonstrated that zinc is crucial to immune system function and deficiency may be linked to individuals who have severe COVID-19 illness.

Zinc Crucial for Immune System Development

Since the 1970s, scientists have discovered several facts about zinc and how it plays a central role in the immune system. Your immune system is your body’s first line of defense. Whether this is against infectious disease, wound infections, or chronic disease, your immune system plays a crucial role.

Researchers have spent decades studying the different ways that you can support your immune system to improve function. Nutrients play a vital role in supporting your immune system, and one of those nutrients is zinc.

Early and outpatient treatment from the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, contains zinc, as does the protocol recommended and prescribed by Dr. Vladimir Zelenko. Zelenko created a website to facilitate crowd-sourcing medical data from frontline primary care doctors around the world.

There are academics who also support Zelenko’s efforts, including some at the University of Texas, which hosts a download page describing the history and citations behind the Zelenko Protocol. Zelenko and the Front Line critical care doctors used their knowledge of the association between zinc and your immune system to develop their successful protocols. Data has shown:

  • People who are deficient in zinc have an increased susceptibility to pathogens, including through the skin barrier.
  • Zinc mediates nonspecific immunity, including natural killer cells and neutrophils.
  • Zinc deficiency prevents the activation of T-lymphocytes, production of Th1 cytokine, and the ability of B lymphocytes to help. During deficiency, B lymphocyte development is also compromised.
  • Deficiency affects the function of macrophage cells, which can trigger cytokine production and dysregulated intracellular death.
  • Zinc is central to DNA replication, RNA transcription, and cell activation and division.

Evidence Zinc Helps Protect Against COVID-19

Campbell describes several functions by which zinc helps protect the body from COVID-19, including helping to stop viruses from entering cells. Zinc also supports the growth and function of ciliary hairs in the respiratory system that move microbes and debris up and out of the airways. These hairs move in a synchronized beat, like rowers in a boat.

One study published in the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy showed that zinc helps to stimulate the ciliary beat frequency and may help improve mucociliary clearance, which is essential for clearing the lungs of mucous. Another group of scientists found that supplementing animals deficient in zinc affected the length of the cilia and number of epithelial cells in the bronchus.

Research has shown zinc also functions to improve the respiratory epithelial barrier, the “skin” that lines your respiratory tract and is constantly exposed to particles and microbes from the air you breathe. Evidence has shown that zinc influences interferon-gamma, a type of cytokine. Cytokines are proteins that act like smoke signals to alert the immune system to an invader. Interferon-gamma plays a significant role in defending against intracellular pathogens. When there is a reduction in this cytokine, it results in immunological impairment.

While the jury is still out on whether interferon-gamma plays a role as an anti-tumor mechanism, some studies have shown that it does have a positive effect on patients’ survival of certain cancers.

As you’ve likely heard throughout 2020, zinc also has a direct effect on viral replication inside the cells.

A great way to learn about zinc is a short video Dr. John Campbell posted on YouTube. He reviews some of the science behind the association between zinc and the immune system and shares his belief that zinc is one biological basis some people suffer more severe COVID infections.

Campbell describes some of the effects that zinc has inside the cells, including decreasing the effects of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, often called replicase since it helps replicate the virus inside the cells.

Zinc Deficiency Linked to Multiple Health Conditions

As Campbell points out, a zinc deficiency can significantly impact your immune system, but it can also result in a hyper-inflammatory response from proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, with a deficiency in zinc, you not only get more viral infections, but these trigger an increase in the hyper-inflammatory response.

Campbell points out that many conditions associated with a zinc deficiency are also known comorbidities for COVID-19. These conditions include:

  • Arteriosclerosis
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Bronchial asthma
  • Cancer
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Diabetes
  • Being on diuretics
  • Advanced age
  • Immunosuppression
  • Kidney disease and liver cirrhosis/damage
  • Tobacco smoking
  • Obesity

Zinc Ionophores Improve Effectiveness

In a short MedCram video posted on YouTube, Dr. Roger Seheult reviews the compelling evidence that suggests how zinc ionophores (a chemical that helps ions cross cell membranes) improve zinc uptake into the cell. This is a crucial component of stopping viral replication. As Seheult explains, zinc cannot easily penetrate the fatty walls of the cell but needs to be inside the cell to stop viral replication.

There are several zinc ionophores that can do the job. In this video, Seheult describes the role that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine play. Hydroxychloroquine is the ionophore that Zelenko uses in his protocol to move zinc into the cells.

In his peer-reviewed study, the researchers compared 141 treated patients against 377 untreated patients from the same community.

The data collection showed only four of the 141 treated patients were hospitalized and 58 of the untreated patients were hospitalized. One patient in the treatment group died and 13 patients in the untreated group died.

There are also other natural compounds that may work to get zinc into cells, except for perhaps in the most serious cases. Two that have been studied include quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is found in green tea.

In a comparative study, researchers evaluated quercetin and EGCG as zinc ionophores. They demonstrated ionophore action on a lipid membrane system and concluded that these polyphenols may raise zinc levels in the cells and have a significant impact on the biological action of zinc.

Interestingly, quercetin is also a potent antiviral, and quercetin and EGCG have the added advantage of inhibiting the 3CL protease. According to a 2020 study in the Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, the ability to inhibit SARS coronaviruses “is presumed to be directly linked to suppress the activity of SARS-CoV 3CLpro in some cases.”

Zinc Vitamins May Trigger a Copper Imbalance

Zinc deficiency is not uncommon. Experts believe that about 17.3 percent of the global population is deficient and it is estimated most people over 65 consume just 50 percent of the recommended amount of zinc.

Four common signs that your body may need more zinc:

  • Lack of appetite
  • Mental lethargy
  • Impaired sense of taste or smell
  • Frequent colds, flu, or infections
  • Hair loss

While some tests used to identify deficiency include hair analysis, urine samples, or an oral taste test, blood plasma tests are the most common. The oral taste test can be done at home through mail-order labs but it is not always reliable. People who are at risk for zinc deficiency include:

  • Those with malnutrition
  • The elderly
  • People with inflammatory or autoimmune diseases
  • Vegetarians and vegans

Early zinc deficiency is largely subclinical—meaning you do not have symptoms that a doctor would treat—yet it does impact the immune system. Although you may be tempted to begin supplementing with zinc, it’s important to realize that your body has an intricate method of maintaining a balance of trace minerals such as copper, iron, chromium, and zinc. The best way to readily achieve proper balance is to get your minerals from real food.

Although it may be necessary to supplement during illness when your body needs more zinc, I recommend trying to meet your daily requirement from foods. These are some of the best food sources of zinc:

  • Alaskan King crab
  • Oysters
  • Kidney beans
  • Lamb
  • Grass-fed beef
  • Cheddar or Swiss cheese
  • Mushrooms
  • Spinach
  • Pumpkin seeds

Read more at: TheEpochTimes.com

Covid-19, Natural Medicine

Can zinc help fight COVID-19?

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By Cassie B. (via Natural News)

Originally published March 26th 2020

We’ve long known that zinc can be effective when it comes to shortening the duration of the common cold, and we also know that many common colds are caused by coronaviruses. That has left many people wondering if zinc can help alleviate the impact of the novel coronavirus that is wreaking havoc across the planet, COVID-19.

Zinc is an essential mineral for human health, but we generally don’t need large quantities of it; around 15 milligrams a day is considered reasonable. Responsible for our immune system, wound healing, eyesight, and brain development, it has also been shown to possess antiviral activity.

In one study, people who took zinc while experiencing cold symptoms experienced a far shorter average cold duration than a control group at 4.5 days versus eight days. The participants took roughly 80 milligrams per day, which may be above the daily requirement but is unlikely to cause problems if taken in the short term.

Researchers don’t know exactly why it has this effect, but they think it may prevent the virus from getting into cells by binding with a protein that normally helps it get inside; it could also be that it lowers the level of inflammatory substances found in the blood known as cytokines.

Zinc may help with other coronaviruses, but how useful is it for COVID-19?

One critical care specialist and pulmonologist recently took a closer look at a study carried out into how intracellular zinc can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 version of coronavirus and how it might also be helpful in fighting the current COVID-19.

The study showed that zinc works by inhibiting coronavirus RNA polymerase activity. It essentially blocks the synthesis of RNA so that the virus is unable to keep replicating.

Because there are a lot of similarities between the two types of coronavirus, it’s reasonable to expect that zinc could affect the current iteration in a similar way. However, this finding pertains to intracellular zinc, or the zinc inside your cells, so zinc lozenges may not be helpful based on that finding.

While it’s not known if taking zinc orally can raise your intracellular zinc levels the way liposomal products can, it wouldn’t hurt to increase your zinc intake by consuming foods that are good sources of the mineral.

Topping the list of good zinc sources is oysters, which stand head and shoulders above other foods when it comes to zinc content. Other good sources of zinc include crab, beef, and lobster.

Is zinc a “silver bullet” against coronavirus?

There was a bit of controversy when online posts attributed to pathologist and coronavirus researcher Dr. James Robb claimed zinc lozenges were a “silver bullet against the coronavirus.” While he has said that his words were misrepresented, he maintained that, given its effects on inhibiting the replication of viruses such as coronaviruses, it may be helpful in the current pandemic.

However, he emphasized that there is no experimental support for such a claim. Nevertheless, he recommends that people suck on zinc lozenges as few times a day should they experience cold-like symptoms, preferably while lying down.

Although we can’t say with 100 percent certainty that zinc can indeed help with coronavirus, taking it is unlikely to hurt and may even help with other health issues. In fact, a deficiency of the mineral can cause problems like hair loss, compromised immunity, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue and osteoporosis.

Researchers and doctors the world over are working hard to uncover ways to address COVID-19. Natural treatments like zinc might not be a panacea, but ensuring you get enough of it is still a great way to enhance your health.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalHealth365.com

McGill.ca

Natural Medicine, The Plandemic

Prevent bone loss with vitamin C

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By Ellaine Castillo (via Natural News)

Originally published February 25th 2019

It’s a well-known fact that many older adults suffer from bone loss or osteoporosis. But what many people don’t realize is that it can happen to them, despite their age. In fact, the National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that over 54 million Americans suffer from, or are at risk of, osteoporosis. This can be caused either by excessive bone loss or insufficient production of bones mass. For some people, both factors may even be present.

Having weak bones can take a toll on the quality of a person’s life. It can reduce mobility and increase the risk of bone breakage. When bone loss becomes too severe, bones might even break just from bumping into something or straining, like when you sneeze. Over the years, people have gathered a lot of information regarding bone health and osteoporosis prevention. Unfortunately, most of it is wrong.

When it comes to bone loss, the most common misconception that people have is that calcium alone can solve this problem. This stems from findings that people with osteoporosis have calcium-deficient bones. Although this mineral is crucial for bone development, there are other problems that need to be addressed to prevent bone loss. One of these is oxidative stress, which occurs due to an imbalance in free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Studies have shown that vitamin C is crucial for preventing oxidative stress and bone loss. (Related: Supplemental calcium is the wrong approach to age-related bone loss.)

How does vitamin C improve bone strength

What many people don’t realize is that osteoporosis is scurvy of the bones, which is a symptom of vitamin C deficiency. This means that increasing your intake of this nutrient can promote the growth of new, healthy bone. Previous studies have shown that vitamin C supplements can improve bone density test results. But, unlike calcium, it produced strong, structurally sound bones and reduced the risk of fractures. This is possible because vitamin C plays an important role in the formation of bone’s structural matrix. It is involved in the production and cross-linking of collagen, as well as the development of non-collagen bone matrix proteins. It is also important for differentiating stem cells into bone cells and for regulating the cells that form collagen and cartilage.

A study from Mount Sinai School of Medicine was able to demonstrate the protective effects of vitamin C against osteoporosis in an animal model. The researchers showed that the mice that were supplemented with vitamin C avoided bone loss. These results were supported by findings published in the International Journal of Experimental Pathology. In this study, the researchers found that vitamin C deficiency caused failure of collagen synthesis. This resulted in symptoms of scurvy, such as spontaneous bone fractures.

More reasons to increase vitamin C intake

Increasing your intake of vitamin C can give you many other health benefits. Some examples of these include the following:

  • Lower blood pressure — High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the world. Taking vitamin C supplements has been shown to improve blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels.
  • Improved immunity — Vitamin C is most commonly used for its ability to boost immunity. This nutrient stimulates the production of white blood cells that fight against infection. It also has potent antioxidant properties that protect the immune cells from highly reactive molecules.
  • Lower risk of dementia — The potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of vitamin C are beneficial against dementia. It has also been associated with improved cognitive functions.

Read more news articles on the health benefits of vitamin C by visiting Nutrients.news.

Sources include:

NaturalHealth365.com

Healthline.com

Natural Medicine, The Plandemic

Vitamin C can prevent gout

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By Michelle Simmons (via Natural News)

Originally published November 14th 2018

Vitamin C has been reported to prevent and treat infection, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Another study has shown that it can also prevent gout.

Gout is one of the most common types of arthritis that causes severe pain, swelling, and stiffness in a joint, typically affecting the joint in the big toe. This condition is caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream. Earlier studies on vitamin C have reported that higher amounts of it can help increase the amount of uric acid eliminated through the urine.

For the study, the researchers assessed the vitamin C intake of more than 46,000 men between the ages of 40 and 75 for more 20 years. Every four years, the participants completed mailed health questionnaires related to their diet and vitamin C intake. They also filled out another questionnaire assessing gout.

In the 20-year study, the researchers documented 1,317 new cases of gout. The researchers also observed that the men who consumed the highest amounts of vitamin C had the lowest risk of suffering from gout. Those who took 1,500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C or more each day for two decades were 45 percent less likely to experience gout, in comparison to those who only took less than 250 mg of vitamin C per day. Those who took 500 mg of vitamin C per day had a 15 percent lower risk, while those who took 1,000 mg per day had their risk reduced by 30 percent.

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that taking vitamin C can cut the risk of gout. (Related: Gout: Another metabolic disorder that can be controlled through lifestyle.)

Treating and preventing gout naturally

People with gout can control gout attacks and reduce symptoms naturally by moderating their diet. For one, they should avoid low-carbohydrate diets as this prevents the body from burning fat stores properly. In turn, this can lead to the release of substances known as ketones into the bloodstream. This increase in ketones can lead to a condition called ketosis, which can increase the level of uric acid in the blood.

In addition, it is important to refrain from eating a lot of foods that contain high amounts of purine. Avoiding purine-rich foods ensures that the levels of uric acid in the blood do not get too high. Some of the foods high in purine you need to avoid include anchovies, beef kidneys, brains, peas, game meats, gravy, herring, liver, mackerel, mushrooms, sardines, scallops, and sweetbreads. However, there are also certain foods that will not trigger gout attacks, worsen symptoms, and affect uric acid levels even though they contain purine. Such foods include asparagus, beans, and other plant-based foods.

Read more news stories and studies on preventing gout naturally by going to Prevention.news.

Sources include:

NaturalHealth365.com

NHS.uk

MedicalNewsToday.com

Natural Medicine, The Plandemic

Vitamin C shown to annihilate cancer

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By Jeanette Padilla (via Natural News)

Originally Publsihed June 4th 2015

Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant and is commonly used to fight off a cold. Recent studies have cast a much brighter light on this underrated and extremely necessary vitamin. Researchers from the University of Kansas found that high doses of intravenously supplied vitamin C effectively eradicates cancer cells in human subjects. Additionally, healthy cells are left intact.

Inexpensive possible cancer treatment may never reach patients

Conducted in vitro, lab tests were performed by injecting high doses of vitamin C into human ovarian cells. These test were also performed on mice and a group of 22 human subjects. The test, according to BBC News, showed the vitamin C competently targeted the ovarian cancer cells while averting healthy cells. This major finding could potentially save millions of lives and at only a fraction of the price of modern cancer treatments. Dr. Jeanne Drisko, co-author of the study, stated to BBC News, “Patients are looking for safe and low-cost choices in their management of cancer. Intravenous vitamin C has that potential based on our basic science research and early clinical data.”

Replicating these results in patients and widespread application would be ideal. However, this may never become a reality. “Because vitamin C has no patent potential, its development will not be supported by pharmaceutical companies. We believe that the time has arrived for research agencies to vigorously support thoughtful and meticulous clinical trial with intravenous vitamin C,” said Qi Chen, lead author of the new study.

These and similar findings have been dismissed by the modern medicine industry because of the lack of patentability. How could pharmaceutical companies justify charging patients hundreds to thousands of dollars for what is basically just nutrients from food? Additionally, how can they validate years of cutting into patients via invasive surgery and putting patients on the conveyer belt of radiation and chemotherapy typically ending with bleak results?

While we may never see widespread application of these types of findings we can take preventative measures to stay healthy. Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin C is essential for optimal health because the body does not manufacture vitamin C. Vitamin C is required for so many basic physiological functions, like the following:

  • Growth and repair of tissue
  • Making skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels
  • Repair cartilage, bones, and teeth
  • Heal wounds
  • Form scar tissue
  • Helps the absorption of iron
  • Helps thyroid hormone production
  • Helps metabolize folic acid, tyrosine, and tryptophan
  • Stimulate adrenal function
  • Stimulates the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine (stress hormones)
  • Insulin production
  • Calcium metabolism
  • Fights free radicals

The majority of people suffer from vitamin C deficiency and most may not even be aware. The main cause of this deficiency is poor diet. Vitamin C should ideally come from a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. However, this diet isn’t typical for most. Another main cause of vitamin C deficiency is an imbalance of copper. Higher levels of copper can cause issues maintaining a healthy level of vitamin C.

Low levels of vitamin C can increase your risk for various cancers and arthritis. Other health issues caused by low levels of vitamin C include:

  • Scurvy
  • Anemia
  • Infertility
  • Arteriosclerosis
  • Artherosclerosis
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Nosebleeds
  • Fatigue
  • Infection
  • Gingivitis
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Gallstones
  • Dermatitis
  • Impaired hormones
  • Low insulin production
  • Vascular degeneration
  • Impaired formation and maintenance of collagen

Click here for more articles written by the author, Jeanette Padilla.

Sources:

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.greenmedinfo.com

http://umm.edu

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

http://www.acu-cell.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

About the author:
Jeanette Padilla is an experienced herbalist, writer, and co-creator of Sunshine Natural Healing. Read more of her work at Sunshine Natural Healing, or follow her on Facebook

Natural Medicine

Could Mushrooms Be the Key to Improving Immunity?

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By  Dr. Joseph Mercola (via Mercola)

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Mushrooms, long valued for their medicinal properties, are being explored as tools to boost immunity and fight viruses, including SARS-CoV-2
  • Three studies — two of them FDA-approved — are evaluating whether mushrooms have therapeutic potential for treating COVID-19
  • Research identified chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) as having the “widest range of antiviral activity” against different subtypes of influenza virus
  • Mushrooms contain several immunomodulators, including lectins, proteins, polysaccharides and terpenoids, while there are more than 400 bioactive compounds in reishi mushrooms alone
  • Researchers from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh believe mushroom-based therapeutic approaches could be used to achieve a “COVID-free world”

Mushrooms, long valued for their medicinal properties, are being explored as tools to boost immunity and fight viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Dr. Gordon Saxe, director of research at the Centers for Integrative Health at UC San Diego School of Medicine, is the principal investigator of three studies evaluating whether mushrooms are therapeutic for treating COVID-19.1

During the early days of the pandemic, Dr. Andrew Shubov, director of inpatient integrative medicine at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, said he was frustrated by the lack of effective treatments for COVID-19. “People were taking increasingly toxic drugs, and nothing was working,” he told JAMA.2

Saxe, Shubov and colleagues believe mushrooms and Chinese herbs may be the answer, given their strong antiviral properties. One type of mushroom, agarikon, was also previously found to inhibit two types of influenza (H1N1 and H5N1) as well as herpes. These immune-enhancing effects is part of what triggered Saxe to choose mushrooms in their studies against COVID-19.3

Three Studies Underway Using Mushrooms to Treat COVID-19

Mushrooms and Chinese Herbs for COVID-19, known as MACH-19, is a multicenter study led by University of California San Diego School of Medicine and UCLA. Their trials, which are still recruiting subjects, involve people who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and are quarantined at home with mild to moderate symptoms.

Two of the three studies have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as Phase 1 clinical safety trials for investigational compounds to treat COVID-19.4 Additional trial details follow:5

1.Mushroom-Based Product for COVID-19 — Running from December 2020 to December 2022, this study is testing a blend of half agarikon and half turkey tail mushrooms in capsule form.

2.Chinese Herbal Formula for COVID-19 — Running from July 2021 to December 2022, this study is testing 21 Chinese herbs from Taiwan, known as Qing Fei Pai Du Tang, which is used as a remedy for COVID-19 in China.

3.RCT of Mushroom Based Natural Product to Enhance Immune Response to COVID-19 Vaccination — This trial is evaluating whether a capsule of medicinal mushrooms, given at the time of a COVID-19 injection, can increase antibodies.

According to Saxe, “Mushrooms may not only increase the number of these antibodies, but also enhance T-cell immunity against virally infected cells. Further, because mushrooms bind to receptors on human immune cells, they can modulate our immunity — boosting it in some ways and calming it down in others. And this property of mushrooms may also reduce vaccine-related side effects.”6

A fourth trial may also soon be launched to explore whether medicinal mushrooms could enhance immune response to COVID-19 booster shots. Safety data from the initial three trials are expected by the end of 2021, while efficacy data will take another year. Saxe said:7

“We hope these treatments will reduce the need for hospitalization … Mushrooms have the advantage that they co-evolved with us. So bacteria, viruses and other fungi prey on mushrooms just like they prey on humans. And mushrooms have developed exquisite defenses against those pests, and we believe they can confer those to us when we eat them.”

Mushrooms’ Impressive Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Writing in the journal Immunology, researchers from Oslo University Hospital in Norway also highlighted the potential therapeutic effects of mushrooms against COVID-19, specifically the severe lung inflammation that often follows the infection.8 They looked at lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), hen of the wood (Grifola frondose) and Basidiomycota Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM) mushrooms.

An extract of the three was found to significantly reduce bacteria in the blood and increase survival in mice with pneumococcal sepsis. Their anti-inflammatory effects also led to improvements in symptoms and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, “such mushroom extracts could have prophylactic or therapeutic effect against the pneumonic superinfection and severe lung inflammation that often complicates COVID-19 infection,” the researchers explained.9

Long chain polysaccharides, particularly alpha and beta glucan molecules, are primarily responsible for mushrooms’ beneficial effect on your immune system. In one study, adding one or two servings of dried shiitake mushrooms was found to have a beneficial, modulating effect on immune system function.10

While there are at least 126 medicinal functions attributed to mushrooms, polysaccharides have received special attention and been the subject of a number of research studies.

According to the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, “[T]he most important for modern medicine are polysaccharides with antitumor and immunostimulating properties. Several of the mushroom polysaccharide compounds have proceeded through Phase I, II and III clinical trials and are used extensively and successfully as drugs in Asia to treat various cancers and other diseases.”11

Chaga Mushroom Fights Flu

As noted in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary medicine, more than 14,000 species of mushrooms have been identified (it’s believed that more than 140,000 exist), with more than 2,000 of them being edible and/or medicinal.12

Some of these species hold promise for acting as antivirals against influenza viruses that can cause pandemics.13 Research from the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector in Russia, for instance, identified chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) as having the “widest range of antiviral activity” against different subtypes of influenza virus.14

Chaga contains polysaccharides that have antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, and in mice it was found to work as well as the drug Tamiflu against pandemic influenza virus.15 Beyond its antiviral effects, in vitro studies show that chaga mushrooms have antibacterial, immunostimulating and antitumor activity,16 and as noted in the Journal of Internal Medicine are also anti-inflammatory:17

“Chaga mushrooms (grows mainly on the bark of birch trees in Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada, and Alaska) possess a powerful enzymatic system and a strong system of defense due to their parasitic mode of life. They have shown promising results in attenuation of inflammatory responses that have been associated with COVID-19.”

Reishi Could Help Achieve a ‘COVID-Free World’

Other mushroom species have also been celebrated for their anti-COVID-19 potential, with reishi, also known as lingzhi, emerging as an exemplary player.18 As noted in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, functional foods and nutraceuticals made from medicinal mushrooms make sense in the fight against COVID-19:19

“COVID-19 manifests a multitude of illnesses, some of which are symptomatic while others are asymptomatic. Among them, immunological deregulation (i.e., the cytokine storm) is the most notable manifestation of COVID-19. Thus, modulation of the compromised immune system has become the focal point in combating COVID-19.

Immunomodulation is the regulatory process that maintains a balanced immune system: it does not allow all immune cells to be active altogether. In this regard, food and nutraceutical-based approaches boosting immune defense and modulating compromised immunity seem apt as a defense against COVID-19.”

Mushrooms contain several immunomodulators, including lectins, proteins, polysaccharides and terpenoids, while there are more than 400 bioactive compounds in reishi mushrooms alone.20 Various immunomodulators isolated from mushrooms have been shown to:21

Suppress replication of respiratory syncytial virus (fungal immunomodulatory protein (FIP)-fve)Lower IL-6 expression and inflammation (FIP-fve)
Enhance trained immunity, an innate immune response that produces antibody-free memory to pathogens that lasts for months (β-D-glucan)Ameliorate both upper and lower respiratory tract infections and boost immunity (mushroom derived beta-glucan)
Lower the level of common cold events by one-fourth (β-D-glucan)Alleviate influenza (H1N1 and H5N1) in rats

The effects are so strong that the researchers, from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, believe mushroom-based therapeutic approaches could be used to achieve a “COVID-free world.” They explained:22

“Although the exact mechanism of anti-viral effect is not yet known, overall enhanced immunity seems apt. This enhancement might occur either through direct immune stimulation or through TRIM [trained immunity]. Thus, usage of β-D-glucan as both a therapeutic and prophylactic agent seems apposite.”

Strong Immunity Is Key, Mushrooms Help

Building strong immunity was described in the Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences as a “major weapon to fight against COVID-19.” The researchers listed many commonsense approaches to build strong immunity, ranging from sound sleep and meditation to vitamins C and D, along with medicinal mushrooms:23

“Medicinal mushrooms have been used since ancient times for prevention and treatment of infections and infectious diseases, different types of medicinal mushrooms have been studied for immunity boosting potential. Over 270 species of medicinal mushrooms are known to have immune enhancing properties, few examples include: cordyceps, lion‟s mane, maitake, shaitake, reishi, and turkey tail are beneficial for human health.”

As one of nature’s most powerful immune builders, mushrooms also make a useful functional food in times of both good and ill health.

In fact, the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms researchers advised “quick actions in preparing mushroom-based food items for COVID-19 sufferers” and requested that the World Health Organization “disseminate a mushroom-based therapeutic and preventive approach against SARS-CoV-2.” They pointed out that mushrooms are easily accessible and simple to distribute where needed:24

“As the preparation of mushroom powder is simple and does not require sophisticated handling and preservation processes, supplying mushroom powder to patients with COVID-19 and comorbidities around different parts of the globe would also be less cumbersome for aid agencies.”

Basidiomycetes mushrooms, which include reishi, almong, pom-pom and maitake mushrooms, are traditionally consumed in China and Japan for cancer prevention due to their ability to modify the immune response and provide nutritional support during chemotherapy.

These mushrooms also show promise as both prophylactic and therapeutic remedies for COVID-19 as well as to help curb related immune overreaction and inflammation, as noted in the Journal of Internal Medicine.25

Mushrooms Act as Health Tonics

It’s not only your immune system that benefits when you eat mushrooms, as medicinal varieties possess a plethora of potent medicinal properties, including:26

AntitumorImmunomodulatingAntioxidant
CardiovascularAntihypercholesterolemicAntiviral
AntibacterialAntiparasiticAntifungal
DetoxificationHepatoprotectiveAntidiabetic

Mushrooms can be used medicinally in supplement and extract form as well as enjoyed as a dietary addition. If you enjoy mushrooms, consider growing your own at home. For more information on the many health benefits of mushrooms, check out the infographic below.

Natural Medicine

10 Ways to cope with isolation, quarantines and extended power outages

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By Matthew Davis (via Natural News)

Blogger and book author Erika Nygaard said there is a need to be calm and focused in order to cope with isolation, quarantines and extended power outages.

“In this day and age, we are used to being able to go anywhere and be entertained. Even as adults, we struggle to deal with our downtime. We fantasize about being home for a whole week with nowhere to go and nothing to do but don’t know what to do when it happens’’ Nygaard wrote in “The Prepper’s Yearbook.”

According to Nygaard, panicking will only create more chaos and confusion.

“If you are in a quarantine whether it is self-quarantine or a mandated quarantine, you should plan to be home for a minimum of two weeks. Most people will only plan to be home for one week, but you should at least double that time. To be safe, I would plan for four weeks just to err on the side of caution. If you or your family ends up sick, you will need to be home for as long as it takes to recover and recoup,” she wrote.

Nygaard said one must try to make this time less stressful for everyone, remembering an ice storm that hit her hometown when she was eight years old.

“I remember my parents making the best of the situation. We had a wood stove that kept the living room and kitchen warm. We still ate good meals and we set up in the living room to sleep and hang out. Even though my brother and I ended up coming down with the chickenpox during that time too, we still had fun and played. If I remember right, the power was out for over a week.”

Attitude is everything when dealing with a situation like this. Everyone will need to keep their attitudes in check which will be difficult at times.

Must-do to keep your sanity when forced to stay at home

1. Make lists. You should be making lists of things to do inside your home. Cleaning lists, project lists and many other lists will help focus while you are unable to leave your home. Every morning (or every night before bed), you should be making a to-do list to keep your mind off the isolation and keep yourself productive.

2. Make a meal plan. You know exactly how much food you have in your home. If you don’t, you need to make an inventory. Just like having a list to plan out your day, you need to plan your meals to make this time a lot less stressful for you.

3. Give everyone assigned tasks to do. You will not be the only one struggling with your sudden free time. The people you live with will also be struggling. Make sure everyone has assigned chores to do every day and that they do them. If you have kids at home, keep the tasks age-appropriate. Keeping your home clean, tidy and uncluttered will be very important during this time.

4. Make sure you have things to do at home. Books, cards, board games, word puzzles, small projects, drawing supplies, dress-up clothes for the littles and more will help everyone entertain themselves much easier. While most kids and people can entertain themselves, having a few options or some new-to-them things to play with can definitely boost the morale around the house.

5. Stick to your routines and create some new ones. Routines are sanity savers. You should still be going to bed and waking up at the same time. You should still be taking a shower and getting ready for the day every day. Mealtimes and snacks should still be about the same time every day. By keeping daily life fairly normal for everyone, you can create a sense of normalcy that every one craves.

6. Make time for fun. If you can, set time aside every day for a fun time. If you can go outside in the yard, play a game or do something physical to burn off energy. If you can’t go outside, have a dance party inside or play hide and seek in the house. Doing something physical will help everyone’s mood in the house, as well as keep the morale up.

7. Play music throughout the day. The silence can be deafening and somewhat distracting, but yet you might not want the television on all day. Playing some music all day can be soothing. Even having a radio going can help give you some peacefulness.

8. Keep in contact with the outside world. Checking in with loved ones and keeping up with the world outside your home can certainly help your peace of mind. However, keep in mind the dangers of being on social too much. Getting bombarded with much information and misinformation can quickly lead to some destructive emotions like paranoia and fear.

9. Take notes during this time. Journaling through this time can be really beneficial for you. You can get your feelings down on paper and take notes of what happened when it happened. You can make notes of what is working and not working. You might be too distracted to remember what happened yesterday and keeping notes will definitely help you to remember. By doing this, you can give an accurate account of what happened to help someone else.

10. Give everyone some alone time, including yourself. While there are people who thrive on being around other people, most people need some alone time to recharge their batteries and to clear their minds. You also cannot be offended if someone asks to be left alone for a bit. That someone will be happier afterward, and you will be too.

Nygaard said that you can do other things to make home relaxing and calm. You can light candles or diffuse calming essential oils to keep the inside of your home a place that you want to be home for.

Keeping your home uncluttered and tidy will help give you some calm.  Having food, water and a source of heat should be at the top of your list. Being prepared is the ultimate peace of mind, but we should also be thinking about the mental aspects of these situations.

Many bad things have happened because someone couldn’t handle themselves mentally or emotionally. Do not let that happen in your home.

Natural Medicine, Politics

While they scare you with “variants,” Congress wants to make dietary supplements prescription only – TAKE ACTION NOW

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By Ethan Huff (via Natural News)

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) is once again attempting to eliminate your freedom to access dietary supplements, this time by slipping his own hidden bill into the upcoming appropriations bill, which is expected to be voted on at some point next week.

In an emergency announcement, Dave Hodges of The Common Sense Showwarned his listeners that the Codex Alimentarius scheme – it never went away, by the way – is being quietly slipped in while the government and mainstream media try to scare Americans about the latest Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) “variants.”

“Durbin wants to take away your right” to purchase dietary supplements, Hodges warns.

“Durbin’s bill that will be hidden within another bill, which should be totally illegal, is going to take supplements and not keep you from getting them,” but require that you get them through a doctor with a prescription, which will make them cost at least five times more – and the profits go to Big Pharma.

“This is the German model, and it’s in Durbin’s bill,” Hodges says. “I’m so sick of government thinking they can control every action. This is Marxism.”

Tell your Congress critter to vote NO on Durbin’s supplement prohibition bill

For a country that boasts being the “land of the free,” we sure do have to contend with more than our fair share of nanny state prohibitions on using nature. For decades, that prohibition centered mostly around healing herbs like cannabis sativa and psilocybin mushrooms. Now, Congress wants to make all of nature available only through prescription from a Western medicine doctor.

“We go to war to control our population. We go to war on freedom. We go to war on liberty. We go to war on individual choice. We go to war on people being successful. We tax them into oblivion,” Hodges laments. “That’s Dick Durbin. And Dick Durbin now wants to take away your options.”

“You’re in real danger of losing your access to supplements at the current price and availability that you have, and I thought you had a right to know.”

The Alliance for Natural Health – USA (ANH-USA) put up its own action alert complete with a submission portal for sending your comments of opposition to Congress.

If it slips through, Durbin’s bill will give enormous power to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to eliminate access to dietary supplements, which the agency has been trying to do for years.

“Senator Durbin’s goal is to create a mandatory product listing with the FDA, which seems innocuous but is far from it,” warns ANH-USA.

“The problem is that FDA is separately completing a process to eliminate every supplement from the market that doesn’t meet ‘new supplement’ notification requirements, which are akin to new drug requirements, and the FDA needs Sen. Durbin’s list to locate and pull and estimated 41,700 supplements from the market.”

In other words, Durbin’s bill is a bait-and-switch that at a glance might seem useful, but upon closer look is a Trojan Horse that serves the interests of Big Pharma.

“Drugs can afford these types of requirements because they are patentable in a way natural food supplements are not, which means that supplements do not have the ability to recoup the costs of complying with additional regulations,” ANH-USA further explains.

“This will either force companies to go out of business or it will make supplements so expensive that they are priced out of the market.”

Be sure to sign the petition calling for Durbin’s bill to be shot down and removed from the upcoming appropriations bill.

Natural Medicine, Science

Health Freedom Is the Hottest Political Issue on the Entire Globe, and Our World Will Never be the Same after this

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By Michael Snyder (via The Most Important News)

We are witnessing an epic global struggle for freedom, and the outcome of that struggle is going to greatly shape what our world is going to look like in the years ahead.  Ultimately, one of the most fundamental rights that we have is the right to make our own health decisions.  If someone else has the authority to make those decisions for you, then you aren’t really free.  This pandemic has transformed the debate over health freedom into the most hotly contested political issue on the entire planet, and the intensity seems to have been turned up a few more notches in recent days.  As governments around the world have begun instituting new lockdowns, new mandates and new “health passports”, we have seen huge eruptions of anger all over the world.

For example, over the weekend there was an enormous health freedom protest in London…

Thousands have gathered today Saturday, July 24, in London’s Trafalgar Square to protest against the lockdown rules and COVID-19 vaccinations. A wide range of speakers is attending the event, including well-known British conspiracy theorist, Kate Shemirani, who spoke to the crowd. Demonstrators are angry about the recent move which will see vaccine passports becoming compulsory in England to access nightclubs and other packed venues.

At the same time, there were also massive protests in the heart of Paris…

French anti-riot police fired tear gas Saturday as clashes erupted during protests in central Paris against COVID-19 restrictions and a vaccination campaign, television reported.

Police sought to push back demonstrators near the capital’s Gare Saint-Lazare railway station after protesters had knocked over a police motorbike ridden by two officers, television pictures showed.

Images showed a heavy police presence on the capital’s streets. Scuffles between police and demonstrators also broke out on the Champs-Elysees thoroughfare, where tear gas was fired and traffic was halted, the pictures showed.

On the other side of the globe, we continue to see violent protests in Sydney and other major Australian cities…

Thousands of people took to the streets of Sydney and other Australian cities on Saturday to protest lockdown restrictions amid another surge in cases, and police made several arrests after crowds broke through barriers and threw plastic bottles and plants.

The unmasked participants marched from Sydney’s Victoria Park to Town Hall in the central business district, carrying signs calling for “freedom” and “the truth.”

Millions upon millions of people are fed up and are refusing to accept any more violations of their fundamental rights.

But of course there are millions of others that are eagerly embracing the tyrannical measures that have been implemented by national governments around the globe.

In the end, the scale is going to tip one way or the other, and the outcome is going to greatly shape the direction of humanity’s future.

So let us hope that freedom wins.

Right now, the corporate media continues to work very hard to generate as much panic as possible.  Earlier today, I found it quite comical when one news outlet ran a story about how authorities are now warning us that COVID can be spread by flatulence…

The official advice is to open a window to increase ventilation and slow the spread of Covid, but now there could be an added incentive – the virus may also be spread by flatulence.

Ministers have privately pointed to evidence that Covid could be spread by people breaking wind in confined spaces such as lavatories. One said they had read “credible-looking stuff on it” from other countries, although government scientists are yet to produce a paper on the matter.

The source said there had been evidence of a “genomical-linked tracing connection between two individuals from a [lavatory] cubicle in Australia.”

You better run out and do as they say, because someone sitting in the next bathroom stall may have gas.

Here in the United States, we are now being told that more mandates and more lockdowns are coming because “this pandemic is spiraling out of control yet again”…

“More mitigation is coming. Whether it’s masking, or whether it’s closures or whether it’s your kids having to return to virtual learning, that is coming,” the Trump administration surgeon general told CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday.

“And it’s coming because this pandemic is spiraling out of control yet again. And it’s spiraling out of control because we don’t have enough people vaccinated.”

In fact, we are already starting to see some local governments put new mandates into place.

For instance, a new mask mandate has just been announced in St. Louis and St. Louis County…

Faced with a rising tide of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, St. Louis and St. Louis County leaders announced Friday that they will reinstate a mask requirement, for vaccinated and unvaccinated residents alike.

As more mandates are instituted by local governments around the country, it is inevitable that we will see widespread protests break out just like we are seeing in other countries.

Meanwhile, other “pestilences” continue to make headlines as well.  A drug-resistant “superbug” that is “resistant to all existing treatments” is causing quite a bit of alarm for U.S. health officials at this moment…

Cases of a deadly fungal infection resistant to all existing treatments have been spreading through nursing homes and hospitals in the United States for the first time, health officials said.

In the past we have seen isolated cases, but now we are being told that it looks like this “superbug” is spreading pretty easily from person to person…

“This is really the first time we’ve started seeing clustering of resistance” in which patients seemed to be getting the infections from each other, said Dr Meghan Lyman, a medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If that wasn’t bad enough, scientists have recently confirmed cases of the Bubonic Plague “in animals and fleas” in six different Colorado counties…

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says there have been laboratory-confirmed reports of plague in animals and fleas from six counties.

One of the six counties with confirmed plague is LaPlata County, where a 10-year-old resident died from causes associated with the plague. Laboratory testing has since confirmed the presence of plague in a sample of fleas collected in the county, according to CDPHE.

For even more examples like this, please see my previous article entitled “4 ‘Pestilences’ That Everyone Should Be Keeping An Eye On Right Now”.

As I have stated before, I believe that we have entered a new era of great pestilences.  Scientists all over the globe are constantly playing around with deadly diseases, and in many instances they are actually attempting to make them even deadlier.

With that in mind, it chilled me to the core to read that 33 ancient viruses were recently discovered “trapped in the ice of the Tibetan Plateau”…

Glaciers can preserve all sorts of relics from the distant past. So could they also be home to a pandemic from prehistoric times as well? It’s possible. A team from The Ohio State University has discovered a collection of viruses that have never been seen before in the ice of a glacier in China.

Scientists say the viral samples date back nearly 15,000 years and may reveal how pathogens evolve over the centuries. Of the 33 viruses found trapped in the ice of the Tibetan Plateau, the team considers 28 to be completely novel. About half of them also seem to have survived specifically because of the freezing conditions.

Now these ancient viruses will be “brought back to life”, and it is inevitable that scientists around the world will start playing around with them.

So what happens when there is an “accident” and one of those ancient viruses gets released?

We live at a time of incredible stupidity, and our stupidity is going to end up getting a whole lot of people killed.

Natural Medicine

Study presents evidence supporting the use of curcumin as alternative treatment for kidney fibrosis

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By Evangelyn Rodriguez (via Natural News)

Renal or kidney fibrosis is a progressive condition that results from the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, which can cause structural damage to the kidneys. It signifies a failed wound-healing process and ultimately leads to end-stage kidney disease wherein the kidneys are no longer able to function as they should.

In a recent study, Chinese researchers explored the anti-fibrotic effects of curcumin, the active component of turmeric. Specifically, they looked at how curcumin affects epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. EMT refers to epithelial cells undergoing molecular changes and gaining new characteristics, such as an enhanced ability to produce ECM components. Meanwhile, the PI3K/Akt pathway is one of the major cell signaling pathways that regulate fibrosis.

The researchers reported their findings in an article published in the journal Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin.

Curcumin is an effective alternative treatment for renal fibrosis

According to several animal studies, curcumin can protect the kidneys by preventing the development of renal fibrosis. However, the mechanisms underlying this activity are still unknown.

To explore these mechanisms and the anti-fibrotic activities of curcumin, the researchers treated human kidney tubular epithelial cells (HKCs) with transforming growth factor-B1 (TGF-B1), curcumin and a combination of both. TGF-B1 is a protein that’s involved in many cellular functions, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and death, as well as the induction of EMT.

The researchers used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to assess the effect of curcumin on cell proliferation. They also used immunocytochemistry, real-time PCR and Western blot to analyze the expression of epithelial cell markers (E-cadherin and cytokeratin), mesenchymal cell markers (vimentin, alpha smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1)) and key proteins involved in the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.

The researchers found that low-dose curcumin (3.125 and 25?micromol/L) effectively promoted HKC proliferation. After 72 hours of incubating HKCs with TGF-B1 and curcumin, curcumin caused the cells to maintain epithelial morphology in a dose-dependent manner. It also decreased the expression of EMT-related proteins, such as vimentin, a-SMA and FSP1, and increased the expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin. In addition, the researchers noted that curcumin reduced Akt, mTOR and P70S6K phosphorylation, which effectively suppressed the activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway in HKCs.

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that curcumin is an effective alternative treatment for renal fibrosis because it can promote HKC proliferation and stop EMT by inhibiting the activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway activity.

Other health benefits of curcumin

Curcumin from turmeric gained popularity because of its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, turmeric doesn’t contain high amounts of curcumin, and the compound is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. Because of these, curcumin is usually taken in the form of supplements, which contain significant amounts of the compound as well as piperine from black pepper. Piperine is said to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin by 2,000 percent.

Here are some of the health benefits associated with curcumin: (h/t to Healthline.com)

  • It helps the body fight foreign invaders and repair damage
  • It helps fight chronic inflammation, which is linked to the onset of life-threatening diseases
  • It increases the body’s antioxidant capacity, which is important for reducing oxidative stress
  • It helps improve brain function and lowers the risk of neurodegenerative diseases
  • It helps lower the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel function
  • It helps prevent and treat cancer
  • It is effective against rheumatoid arthritis
  • It boosts serotonin and dopamine production and shows promise as an antidepressant
  • It helps delay aging and fights age-related chronic diseases

Curcumin from turmeric offers plenty of health benefits. Among these is the prevention or treatment of serious diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and renal fibrosis. To experience these benefits, include turmeric in your daily diet or consider taking curcumin supplements. You can learn more about powerful compounds like curcumin at Phytonutrients.news.

The Pantry

Prepper must-haves: What to stock up on before a summer or winter power outage

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By Zoey Sky (via Natural News)

Almost everything in a modern home requires electricity, like food prep, heating, entertainment and communication.

Before SHTF and you lose power for a week or longer, make sure you have enough supplies for summer and winter. (h/t to FoodStorageMoms.com)

What to stock up on for a winter power outage

On a regular day, short-term power outages are annoying and inconvenient.

However, things are more serious if you’re suddenly facing a power outage in winter. Aside from the lack of electricity, you need to keep your family warm and cook food in cold weather.

Before disaster strikes in winter, stock up on these essential prepping supplies:

Several ways to heat your home

Stock up on items and devices that you can use to stay warm when the power goes out.

  • Extra warm clothing like hats, gloves, snow pants, thermal underwear, socks and coveralls
  • Hot water bottles
  • Indoor gas heater
  • Indoor kerosene heater
  • Sleeping bags
  • Warm blankets

Food

Ideally, you should have a supply of non-perishable food year-round. Even if it’s freezing outdoors, fresh food won’t last long if you don’t have electricity.

If you’re just starting your food stockpile, you should at least have enough food to feed your whole family for one week. You also need to prepare several ways to heat or cook food without relying on electricity.

If you have a gas stove, make sure you also stock up on fuel.

Stock up on the foods in the list below and learn some recipes so you can throw something together quickly when SHTF and it’s cold outdoors.

  • Beans
  • Canned fruits, vegetables and meat
  • Canned soup
  • Cooking oil
  • Dried fruit
  • Grains like couscous, oatmeal, quinoa, or rice
  • Herbs and spices
  • Nut butters
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Pasta
  • Pet food
  • Sugar
  • Vinegar

Water

During winter the lack of sufficient heat in your house might freeze up your pipes. If you have a well and the pump runs on electricity, it won’t work during a power outage.

Make sure you have enough water for every member of your household. You should have at least four gallons of water per person per day since you need water for drinking, cooking and cleaning.

If there’s enough space in your stockpile, get a week’s worth of water or more for the whole family. (Related: Prepping tips: What to expect when you lose power for one week.)

Batteries

Small tools and electric devices will require lots of batteries so stock up before SHTF.

Flashlights and candles

Once the power goes out, you’ll need flashlights and candles to navigate when it’s too dark to see. If you’re using flashlights, get extra batteries. When using candles, get matchsticks and lighters.

Be careful when leaving candles in rooms, especially if you have pets or small children that might accidentally knock them over. Never leave lit candles unattended before you go to bed.

Battery-powered radio

If you’re lucky, a power outage in your neighborhood will only last a couple of hours. But sometimes, they can last several days or weeks. When this happens, you need a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to monitor the news.

A full tank of gas and extra gas

Before a power outage, make sure your car always has a full tank, with extra gas secured somewhere in your garage.

If SHTF, you might need to evacuate and it’s better to have too much gas than not enough when you have to leave immediately.

Tent

It may sound silly but you’re not going to camp outside during winter in a tent.

If the weather is freezing, gather the whole family in one room in your house. You can huddle under blankets and stay warm in the tent to conserve heat.

Reminders for a winter power outage

Once you’ve stocked up on supplies, do these things if the power goes out during winter:

  1. Shut off the main water valve to prevent pipes from freezing.
  2. Make a warm room. Even if you still have a heating source, it might not be enough to heat your whole house. Choose one room big enough for the whole family and sleep there to keep warm. Cover the doors and windows and insulate the room with blankets.
  3. Store perishable food items in the freezer instead of the refrigerator to keep them cold a little longer. Don’t open the fridge or freezer unless you have to.
  4. Store perishables outside in the snow. If it’s cold enough (less than 32 degrees), you can leave some items outside in the shade to keep them cold longer.

What to stock up on for a summer power outage

While a summer power outage isn’t as dangerous as a winter one, you still need to stock up on supplies.

Non-perishable food

After a few hours of the power being out your food might spoil quickly so stock up on a week’s supply of non-perishable food items.

More water

You can get dehydrated faster in the summer, so store enough water for drinking, cleaning, cooking and gardening.

Propane refrigerator

If you have frequent summer power outages, it might be a good idea to get a propane or electric camping refrigerator so you can keep perishable items cold without electricity.

Heat blocking curtains

Certain states can reach temperatures of over 100 degrees in the summer. Without electricity, your home will feel much hotter.

To stay cool, get quality heat-blocking curtains.

Battery-powered fans and batteries

Stay cool with battery-powered fans and extra batteries. You can also get backup power sources that you can recharge with solar panels.

If you don’t want to spend too much money on batteries, get hand fans instead.

You can also stay cool by:

  • Spraying yourself with water from a misting bottle or wrapping a damp scarf around your neck if you need to work outdoors.
  • Wearing loose-fitting clothes.
  • Eating lighter meals with more veggies and fruits instead of fatty foods.
  • Drinking lots of water.

Flashlights

Candles are handy when it’s getting dark, but they’ll make the room hotter as they burn. To keep your home cool in the summer, use flashlights or electric lanterns with extra batteries.

Reminders for a summer power outage

After you’ve secured your supplies, keep these things in mind during a summer power outage:

  1. Keep your fridge full since it will stay cold longer than an empty fridge.
  2. Keep the refrigerator door closed so the food stays cold longer. Decide what you need before you open the door.
  3. Keep out the sun to keep your house cool and comfortable. Use heat-blocking curtains if you can.
  4. If you’re feeling too warm, cool off with a cool bath and let your hair and body dry on their own. Don’t waste the graywater; use it to water your plants.

Get your preps and survival stockpile ready before SHTF so you have everything you may need for a power outage in summer or winter.

Cancer Awareness

Beating cancer — how to take charge of your cancer cure and outlive the lies of the cancer industry

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By Mike Adams (via Natural News)

Here’s an example of how backwards health care really is in this country: it’s actually front-page news that a cancer center is serving anti-cancer foods in its cafeteria. This is taking place at the Miami Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital. And it’s apparently a big deal. Wow! Front-page news. Nation-wide news. Here is a cancer center serving foods that actually prevent cancer. Who woulda thunk it? Just the fact that this is news tells you how backwards the health care system in this country is, because if they’re just now serving anti-cancer foods, what on earth have they been serving up until today? Cancer-causing foods?

Today, you can find fast food restaurants, pizza joints and hamburger stands in hospitals all across the country. It should be an embarrassment to organized medicine. It should be an outrage to every patient who enters such an institution. These are supposed to be places of health, yet they are serving people foods with toxic ingredients like sodium nitrate, saturated animal fats, refined white flour in the buns of these hamburgers and MSG in the meats. There’s sugar in the tomato sauce, acrylamides in the fried foods, and hardly a speck of life left in the menus of most hospitals. There is truly dangerous food being served right now in cafeterias at cancer centers, hospitals, clinics, and, of course, public schools, all across the country.

Stop killing the hospital patients with junk food

There’s a heart surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic who has taken a stand and said, “We want McDonalds out of this clinic. We want these junk food and fast food restaurants out.” But the staff there is against him. They say, “We want our junk food. We want our diabetes-promoting, heart disease-promoting, cancer-causing foods. It’s our choice.” They want this stuff. Gosh, I hate to say it, but have you ever been in a hospital and looked at the healthof the nursing staff? I used to volunteer in a nursing home. I have seen it first-hand. These are not the healthiest people in the world, not by a long shot. 

I’m sorry if I’m offending anyone with this, especially if you’re trying to make a positive difference. I’m not trying to attack any particular individual, but how can we call this health care? How can we call it anything other than a disease care system? It’s a sick care system, and the whole system itself is sick. It thrives on sickness. It thrives on keeping people sick by actually feeding them disease-promoting foods as they come into the hospital (and a little more disease-promoting food when they leave the hospital). By the way, right in the middle of your surgery recovery, they’re going to bring you more disease-causing foods, right to your bedside. They’re going to charge you gourmet meal prices for that food, even while it’s loaded with chemicals that will probably make it even harder for your body to recover from whatever surgical procedure you just endured. 

How dare they call it medicine

It’s just outrageous. Sometimes I get emails from doctors who say I’m outrageous. They say, “How dare you question organized medicine? How dare you think that you know anything about nutrition or healing?” I say back to them, “How dare you claim to be a doctor when you’re working in a system that’s feeding disease-promoting foods to patients! How dare you claim to be a doctor! On one hand, you claim to have all this medical knowledge, and, on the other hand, you’re sick, your staff is sick, your patients are sick and you are feeding them disease-causing foods inside and outside the hospital. You’re not even teaching people how to be healthy. How dare you call yourself an M.D. or a doctor! You have no such right.”

A medical degree does not give you the right to claim you know how to heal people. You know nothing about healing until you venture outside the bounds of traditional organized medicine and have healed yourself first. If you have a healthy body and mind and a healthy sense of self esteem, and you don’t have to step on all the people around you with your over-inflated ego, and if you have the ability to be a healer and share information with people and help uplift people around you, then you can call yourself a doctor, and it doesn’t matter what degree you have. You can call yourself a doctor when you are a true healer, not when you have a medical degree and you work in an institution of disease called a hospital or a cancer center.

All hail the cancer center

When I say institutions of disease, I mean it. Look at what they’re named — an institution that’s supposed to be treating people with cancer. What’s it called? It’s called a cancercenter, as if it’s a center erected to worship cancer. It’s a cancer center.

Shouldn’t it be called an anti-cancer center? Shouldn’t it be called a health or wellness center? Well, no, it’s not their focus. Their focus is on cancer. It’s called a cancer center, almost as if it’s some kind of monument to the disease. I think that all the people whose jobs depend on disease in some way worship the disease. They worship them because those diseases give them job security. The very names of these institutions eliminate any possibility of living in a world free of cancer, because if you have an institution named the Cancer Center, then how in the world can anybody who works there even consider the possibility of curing cancer? Then what would it be? It would be the Empty Cancer Center. It would be the Closed Down Cancer Center.

Shouldn’t these institutions really be there to try to help people eliminate cancer? But that’s not what all these cancer centers are doing. They are really there to manage these diseases. I say, bring in the alternative healers, and help these people be free of cancer. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to — clinicians, people trained in herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, or even those trained in Western medicine — who are doing some advanced research on cancer. They’ve cured cancer, or more accurately, they’ve helped patients cure their own cancers, because cancer is a disease that is actually quite easy to beat, especially if it’s caught in the early stages.

This is not a difficult disease to eliminate, but in modern medicine they try to make it complicated. They try to talk about the microbiology of what’s happening, at the cellular level, what’s happening with the angiogenesis factors and the genetic influences. They try to figure out the biochemistry and physics, but they get lost in all the details. They forget about the big picture, which is, “Hey, we want this patient to be free of cancer. What do we have that really works?” 

Many cures for cancer exist right now

At last count, in my own research, I counted 18 cures for cancers — 18 different cures. They cover all different kinds of cancer: multiple myeloma, brain tumors, leukemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer and many others. Eighteen different cures for cancer. Now, the FDA says, “Oh no, you can’t claim there’s a cure for cancer.” And organized medicine says, “Oh no, you can’t claim there’s a cure. There’s no such thing as a cure.” Then, if a patient is actually cured using some of these therapies, organized medicine still won’t admit they’re cured. They don’t have the guts to stand up and say that maybe they were wrong, and maybe there is a cure for cancer. They think, “No, no, no, there is no such thing.” I don’t think any cancer center will admit there is a cure for cancer. They’ll say, “No, it’s just a permanent remission.”

I’m here to tell you that there are cures for cancer. In fact, every day when I go running through the desert, I’m jogging by literally tons and tons of anti-cancer desert plants right outside my back yard. People are being cured of cancer every single day all over the world. They are curing themselves of cancer. It is just that it has been criminalized here in the United States. It has been outlawed because we live in the Dark Ages of modern medicine, in a system of oppression that tries to censor the truth and make curing cancer illegal. It’s a system that tries to discredit all these alternative therapies and at the same time, tries to make a fortune managing all of these diseases that are easily preventable and curable if people just turn to therapies like a raw foods diet or the elimination of all animal products and processed foods from their diets. 

Remember, it’s headline news that this cancer center is serving anti-cancer foods. That tells you just how far behind things are in this country. You would think with all the hundreds of millions of dollars that have gone into cancer research — this so-called research that’s going on to find a cure for cancer — that with all these doctors who study cancer, all these oncologists trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and all this incredible research that the pharmaceutical companies claim to be doing to make your life better… with all this going on, you would think somewhere along the line, somebody would have said, “Gee, maybe we should feed these people some anti-cancer foods.”

It’s common sense, right? If they put me in charge (which will never happen, so don’t worry), I would walk in and scrap that whole menu at the cancer center, and I would give them a menu of serious anti-cancer foods: things like raw, organic vegan foods, loaded with broccoli, sprouts, cauliflower, kale, garlic, beans, berries, raw nuts and the like. After a couple of months of that, and some alternative therapies, those patients would never need to come back. Most of those patients would be free of cancer. Of course, that is one of the many reasons why they would never invite me to come in and do something like that. I would bankrupt these cancer centers by eliminating all their repeat business.I’d send people home cancer-free. And that’s bad for business in the cancer industry. Their greatest fear, I believe, is that someone will actually promote a simple cure for cancer. It would wipe out a billion-dollar industry of profit and power.

Cancer cures from nature

Sometimes people say, “Okay, Mike, let’s hear what you’ve got. You’re talking big about this stuff. Name some anticancer foods.” That’s easy. Let’s start with broccoli. Get some raw broccoli in your body. Broccoli sprouts are potent anticancer foods. Let’s talk about some nutrition supplements — selenium, zinc and modified citrus pectin for prostate cancer, for example. Vitamin D is a potent moderator of cancer tumor cell growth, so if you get enough vitamin D in your body, you’re going to prevent and even help reverse prostate, cervical and breast cancers. The way you get vitamin D is to get some sunshine on your skin. This is not rocket science, folks. Doctors try to make it sound complicated, but it isn’t. 

You have anticancer properties in blueberries, and in all of the small fruits – blackberries, raspberries, acai and goji berries from Asia. Then you have onion, ginger and garlic. Garlic is phenomenal as an anti-cancer food. It contains sulphur compounds that just obliterate cancer cells. You’ve got spirulina, which contains anticancer phytochemicals called phycocyanin, which provide a blue-green color. When injected into breast tumors in laboratory studies in Japan, it’s been shown to cause breast tumors to self-destruct. You’ve got chlorella and oxygen treatments. There is a product out there called Cell Food; when you take it into your body, it creates nascent oxygen and hydrogen. This oxygen helps create an environment in the body in which your body naturally eliminates its own cancerous cells. That’s just the tip of the iceberg here. 

Then you have traditional Chinese medicine, with some powerful anti-cancer herbs. There’s an outstanding book on that by Michael Tierra, who is a master herbalist, and really one of the best herbalist authors out there. He’s got a book called Treating Cancer with Herbs. This book teaches you about medicinal mushrooms — the reishi mushrooms and the shitake mushrooms. Beyond that, we have anti-cancer oils: salmon oil, flax oil and cod liver oil. The list just goes on and on.

I haven’t really covered them all, but in addition all those healing foods, there are all the foods you can eliminate from your diet to stop poisoning your body and stop giving yourself cancer. What are those foods? Well, there’s sodium nitrate, which is in almost every processed meat product, found in every grocery store in the world, so if you just eliminate processed meats, your cancer risk plummets. You should also eliminate hydrogenated oils and partially-hydrogenated oils, both of which strongly promote cancer. 

Eliminate homogenized milk and dairy products. Stop drinking liquids excreted from the glands of other species. (You thirsty pervert…) Eliminate all red meat from your diet. Eliminate all liquid refined sugar, such as soft drinks made of high-fructose corn syrup. Eliminate all food additives, preservatives and artificial colors; eliminate MSG, which is known as monosodium glutamate, yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein and autolyzed vegetable protein. Eliminate aspartame and sucralose and all the artificial chemical sweeteners. Eliminate white flour; stop barbecuing your meat, because barbecuing meat creates chemicals that cause colon cancer and stomach cancer. Stop cooking your food at extremely high temperatures. Or, better yet, become a live foods vegan. I’m just naming off a few things. You can be cancer-free if you follow the recipe. 

Curing cancer is not profitable

So why aren’t the cancer centers in this country giving people this recipe? It’s freely available. I just named off some of the best strategies out there that are very easy to follow. So why aren’t cancer centers giving people this information? Ill tell you why. There’s no money in it. A world free of cancer is a world without any paying cancer patients.That’s why there’s virtually NO effort or investment being spent on the prevention of this disease.

The answers to cancer, to living free of this disease, are right here in front of us, right now. You can walk outside your door and look at nature, and those are the answers to cancer right there. It’s not that difficult. It’s eating foods of different colors; the rainbow diet. There’s an anti-cancer strategy right there. There’s another book called, Eat to Beat Cancer that lists all the anti-cancer foods out there, everything from nuts and peanuts to legumes, brown rice, onions, kale, spinach and cauliflower. If you do these things right, you won’t have cancer. There’s another book by Dr. Gabriel Cousens called Conscious Eating that gives you loads of information on using live foods to eliminate chronic disease (and heal the planet, too).

Cancer is not a matter of luck. Only doctors and pharmaceutical companies want you to think it’s a matter of luck. If they can convince you to believe that, then you’ll go through life thinking it doesn’t matter what you eat, and then you are much more likely to have a poor diet and end up with the disease, which makes them a lot of money.

I am just astonished at what we have in this country — this system that claims to offer health care is a complete myth. There is no health care. There is just disease management, exploitation and profiteering. That’s the system we have in this country today, and the fact that it is headline news that a cancer center is serving anti-cancer foods is proof that we still live in the Dark Ages of modern medicine. We still live in an age of censorship and oppression, distortion and propaganda. The organizations out there pushing the pro-cancer propaganda include every major medical association and disease organization you can name. They also include medical journals that disallow the publication of articles on alternative medicine. These are some of the players who are defending this “Dark Ages” system they call medicine, which is really just a gimmick to turn the human body into a profit-generating machine for Big Pharma. 

You were designed to live in a state of perfect health

How do I know all this to be true at a personal level? Because I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been in my life. I am healthy because I fired my doctor, I swore off prescription drugs and I started teaching myself about health and nutrition. I reversed my disease. I eliminated chronic back pain and I eliminated my borderline diabetes, obesity and depression. I did it all by turning to nature and ignoring all the information from modern medicine, companies, the FDA, the mainstream press, medical schools, cancer centers and everybody else. That information will, in my opinion, lead to a life of chronic pain, degenerative disease, and medical bankruptcy. 

If you want to be healthy, you’ve got to acknowledge your human nature and your interaction with the natural world around you. You have a blueprint for health in you right now. You’re supposed to be healthy. That’s your DNA. Doctors always talk about DNA as providing a blueprint for disease, which is hogwash. They never tell you about how your DNA actually is designed to keep you at a perfect point of health. That’s the whole point of the DNA — to pass on a blueprint that lets you survive and reproduce. That’s basic science, folks. How on earth can doctors think that DNA passed down through hundreds of thousands of generations could have a gene that would cause heart disease? That’s ridiculous. They must not know anything at all about natural selection, because if someone caries a gene that kills them, guess what? They don’t reproduce. So the genes that you have are genes that have survived and thrived through all of these generations, from healthy ancestry down to today, giving you the gift of a blueprint for perfect health. 

The only reason you aren’t in perfect health today, and the only reason we aren’t healthy as a nation, is because we’ve gone off the map. We stopped following the blueprint. We changed our environment. We changed our foods, our diet, our levels of stress, our use of toxic products like personal care products, deodorants, shampoos, laundry products and soaps with triclosan and antibacterial chemicals. We started popping prescription drugs like a bunch of crack addicts in this country. Forty percent of the nation now is on prescription drugs. Then when people get sick, we poison them with chemotherapy and radiation, and we call it medicine. 

So you want to be healthy? Get back to your nature. Recognize that you have a natural blueprint for being perfectly healthy. Now, as one disclaimer to all this, I want to tell you that it is important to work with a qualified health professional during any major health transition. That should be a naturopathic physician, ideally… or an M.D. who has really educated himself or herself about alternative medicine, nutrition and lifestyle changes. And there are such M.D.s out there. You just have to ask around and find one. You can’t just settle for any old M.D., or you might get someone who is a big drug pusher.

And if you ever have to go to a hospital or cancer center, take my advice: Bring your own food. You don’t want the stuff they’re going to feed you; that is, unless you want to stick around the center for a lot longer. If that’s the case, then go ahead and eat their hospital food. That will keep you in the hospital a few extra days, probably. But if you want to be healthy and free of disease, or if you want to recover from an injury or some kind of surgical procedure, bring your own food.

Real medicine is taking place at the personal level. It’s taking place with education across the internet. It’s taking place in the homes of people who are taking charge of their health. That’s real medicine and real healing. Be part of it. Be healthy, and help us move out of the Dark Ages of modern medicine and into an era of authentic healing and disease prevention; an age where we can have the majority of the population healthy rather than chronically diseased and addicted to toxic prescription drugs. Be healthy yourself. Set a good example. My name is Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and I thank you for your interest in this information.

Natural Medicine

Combat cancer with the top cancer-fighting foods

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By Sarka-Jonae Miller (via Natural News)

An estimated one-third of cancer deaths could be related to diet, according to the National Cancer Institute. Eating processed, sugary foods with harmful additives like chemicals or even animal products with hormones is the norm for many people in developed nations. What people eat can truly kill them. However, eating whole, organic foods gives people access to powerful cancer-fighting substances. Antioxidants are known to neutralize free radicals, which are natural substances made in the human body and found in environmental pollutants that cause cell damage. Experts are exploring the benefits of phytochemicals as well. These healthy substances are found in abundance in plant foods and spices.

Cruciferous vegetables

Studies on cruciferous vegetables indicate that these foods may help patients with colon or prostate cancer. Cruciferous vegetables include all vegetables in the Brassicaceae family, such as bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and similar green leafy vegetables. According to Diet.com, cruciferous vegetables may decrease risk of prostate and other cancers.

One study found that eating a lot of cruciferous vegetables decreased the risk of colon cancer. According to Cancer.gov, women who eat five servings of cruciferous vegetables weekly may be at less risk of lung cancer.

Red grapes

Red grapes contain three important substances to fight cancer. Red grapes have antioxidants called bioflavonoids that help to prevent cancer. They also have a high content of resveratrol, a substance that can inhibit enzymes known to stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Grapes also have a compound called ellagic acid that can block certain enzymes that cancer cells need. By blocking these enzymes, ellagic acid may slow tumor growth.

Ginger

Ginger may kill cancer cells. Although not yet proven in human studies, ginger may cause a process called apoptosis that causes cancer cells to effectively kill themselves without causing damage to nearby healthy cells. Ginger is also linked to autophagy, which is when cancer cells are “tricked into digesting themselves,” says J. Rebecca Liu of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Liu is an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology who has been studying the effects of ginger on ovarian cancer cells.

Kale

Kale contains phytochemicals called isothiocyanates that may inhibit tumor growth. These chemicals may also stop substances that cause cancer from getting to their targets. Kale contains nitrogen compounds called indoles that can help prevent a conversion of certain lesions into cancer cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues.

Mushrooms

Several types of mushrooms help to boost the immune system and may aid the body in its fight against cancer. These mushrooms include:

  • Agaricus blazei Murill
  • Coriolus versicolor 
  • Maitake
  • Reishi
  • Shiitake

Within these mushrooms are compounds called polysaccharides that assists in building immunity. Mushrooms also contain lectin, a protein that fights cancer cells and keeps them from multiplying. Mushrooms also contain beta glucan and thioproline.

Nuts

Nuts may be beneficial for cancer patients because they have antioxidants including kaempferol and quercetin. These antioxidants can suppress cancer growth. Brazil nuts in particular can help people with prostate cancer because of the high content of selenium.

Figs

Researchers at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in Tokyo report that benzaldehyde, a derivative of figs, is very effective at shrinking tumors.

Any and all of these foods can help people combat cancer either by directly interfering with cancerous cells and growth, or by strengthening the body’s defenses to enable the body to fight off cancer itself. Diet modifications may not be a cancer cure, but they can assist other natural cancer treatments. Eating a variety of these foods as well as other cancer-fighting foods or supplements may also prevent cancer.

Sources:

http://www.cancure.org/cancer_fighting_foods.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruciferous_vegetables
http://www.lotussurvivalfoundation.org
https://www.naturalnews.com/036841_probiotics_cancer_prevention.html
http://www.diet.com/g/cancerfighting-foods
http://www.cancer.gov

Natural Medicine

American Cancer Society admits conventional cancer treatment causes more cancer

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By Julie Wilson (via Natural News)

The more radiation therapy you receive, the more likely it is you’ll develop a second cancer caused by that radiation, according to a document[PDF] released by the American Cancer Society, which admits that certain organs such as the breast and thyroid are more prone to developing a second cancer.

This information is followed by a new studywhich found that second cancers in Americans have increased a whopping 300 percent since the 1970s, all of which are a completely new type of cancer and not a reoccurrence of an old cancer.

The study also found that first cancers have spiked 70 percent over the last 45 years, highlighting the burgeoning profitability of an industry that shows no signs of slowing down as capital gains from cancer drugs reached the $100 billion mark last year.

Radiation, which may damage DNA, is believed to be responsible for 1.5 percent of cancer in the United States, and that’s not just from cancer therapy treatments but also from other sources of radiological imaging such as mammograms and coronary artery and CT scans, the latter of which delivers 100 to 500 times the radiation of an ordinary X-ray.

“For every 1,000 people undergoing a cardiac CT scan, the radiation adds one extra case of cancer to the 420 that would normally occur,” according to The New York Times.

Children exposed to radiation much more likely to develop breast cancer

Children who have received radiation therapy as a cancer treatment are much more likely to develop breast cancer later on in life. Age at the time of radiation plays a factor as the “therapy” affects the development of other tumors including lung and thyroid cancer, gastrointestinal and stomach cancer and bone sarcoma.

If a patient receives chemotherapy and radiation, their risk for developing some type of second cancer soars even higher.

Chemotherapy is actually considered a greater risk factor in causing leukemia than radiation and has been linked to the following second cancers: myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS, the most common) acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Testicular cancer has also been linked to chemotherapy treatment.

Chemotherapy increases the risk of developing hard-to-treat leukemia

The alkylating agents in chemo drugs are to blame, as they interfere with cellular DNA, sometimes causing the development of AML and MDS, which may then progress to ALL.

Some alkylating agents known to cause cancer include:

• mechlorethamine
• chlorambucil
• cyclophosphamide (cytoxan)
• melphalan,
• lomustine (CCNU)
• carmustine (BCNU)
• busulfan

The longer you receive treatment involving alkylating agents, as well as the higher the dose, the more likely you are to develop a second cancer, with the risk for leukemia rising about two years following treatment and peaking between five and ten years, after which the risk reportedly dwindles.

Second cancers caused by chemo drugs are “hard to treat and have a poor outcome”

Though not as risky, other chemotherapy drugs can also cause second cancers. Chemo drugs cisplatin and carboplatin act similarity to alkylating agents in the way they attack cancer cells, in turn also increasing certain types of leukemia that are difficult to treat and often have a poor outcome.

If cisplatin or carboplatin are given in combination with radiation, the risk for developing leukemia rises.

Topoisomerase II inhibitors, a class of chemo drugs that inhibit cells from being able to repair DNA, also contribute to the risk of developing leukemia, particularly AML, which develops much sooner (within two to three years) after treatment compared with alkylating agents.

Drugs in this class include:

• Etoposide (VP-16)
• Teniposide
• Mitoxantrone (Novantrone)

Another class of chemo drugs called anthracyclines, which are also topoisomerase II inhibitors, cause leukemia as well but aren’t as risky as the other drugs mentioned.

These include:

• Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
• Daunorubicin
• Epirubicin (Ellence)
• Idarubicin

Sources:

MSN.com

Cancer.org[PDF]

Well.Blogs.NYTimes.com

Natural Medicine

Research suggests seaweed used in traditional Chinese medicine could protect against COVID-19

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By Sally Robertson, B.Sc. (via News Medical Life Sciences)

Researchers in China have conducted a study showing that a carbohydrate found in the seaweed Ecklonia kurome blocks the activity of an enzyme that is essential for the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The seaweed – also called “Kun Bu” in China – has long been used as a medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine.

Kan Ding from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing and colleagues found that a crude polysaccharide extracted from the seaweed completely blocked the activity of an enzyme called 3C-like protease (3CLpro).

Also known as the main protease, 3CLpro is an enzyme found in coronavirusesresponsible for cleaving viral polyproteins into proteins that are essential for viral transcription and replication.

The researchers say the study suggests that this crude polysaccharide could serve as a potential drug candidate to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A pre-print version of the paper is available on the bioRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review.

Understanding SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms

Since the COVID-19 outbreak first began in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, researchers have been trying to understand the infective mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 to help them develop effective antiviral therapies.

Researchers have established that the initial step in SARS-CoV-2 infection requires a surface viral structure called the spike protein, which binds the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and its co-receptor heparan sulfate.

The researchers say that the traditional Chinese medicine Ecklonia kurome contains a polysaccharide with a sulfate group at the end of its molecular chain, which may confer significant bio-activity.

The researchers propose that if heparan sulfate can bind to the spike protein, polysaccharides occurring in nature might also attach to this protein and potentially block SARS-CoV-2 infection.

“Indeed, some marine polysaccharides have been reported to inhibit SARS-Cov-2 infection in vitro, although the precise targets and mechanisms are still vague,” said Ding and colleagues.

Researchers already know that coronaviruses use the enzyme 3CLpro to cleave viral polyproteins into mature non-structural proteins such as RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and helicase, crucial for viral transcription and replication.

Recently, two components of the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Shuanghuanglian were shown to inhibit 3CLpro in SARS-CoV-2 and to exhibit potent antiviral activities in vitro.

“However, the detailed mechanism underlying active components against the virus is still vague,” says Ding and colleagues.

What did the researchers do?

To investigate whether Ecklonia kurome can also target 3CLpro, the team extracted a biomacromolecule polysaccharide from the seaweed, which they called 375, and examined its activity against SARS-CoV-2.

Infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging were used to characterize the structure of 375, as well as and three homogeneous polysaccharides (37501, 37502, and 37503) purified from the native 375 using ion-exchange chromatography.

What did they find?

The researchers found that polysaccharide 375 completely blocked the enzyme activity of 3CLpro. Furthermore, the homogeneous polysaccharide 37502 bound to 3CLpro and potently disrupted spike – ACE2 binding.

Importantly, polysaccharide 375 exhibited strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro, with a viral inhibition rate of 99.9% at a concentration of 20 µg/mL.

Further analysis showed that polysaccharides 37501 and 37503 also inhibited SARS-Cov-2 activity, but to a much lesser degree than the native polysaccharide 375.

Surprisingly, polysaccharide 37502 exhibited no inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2.

The structural analysis showed that polysaccharide 375 contains guluronic acid, mannuronic acid, mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, and fucos.

Polysaccharides 37501 and 37503 were also found to contain many of these components, whereas the composition of polysaccharide 37502 was much simpler – 89.3% mannuronic acid and 10.7% guluronic acid.

What are the implications of the study?

The researchers say the results suggest that the heterogeneous polysaccharide 375 within Ecklonia kurome is much more effective at inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 activity than the individual polysaccharides 37501, 37502, and 37503.

Ding and colleagues suspect that the more potent effect observed for 375 “may be due to the cocktail-like polysaccharide exerting synergistic function through targeting multiple key molecules implicated in virus infection and replication.”

“The results also suggest that 375 may be a potential drug candidate against SARS-CoV-2,” concludes the team.

*Important Notice

bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.Journal reference:

Natural Medicine

Green tea supplements modulate facial development of children with Down syndrome, study finds

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Via Science Daily

A new study led by Belgian and Spanish researchers published in Scientific Reports adds evidence about the potential benefits of green tea extracts in Down syndrome. The researchers observed that the intake of green tea extracts can reduce facial dysmorphology in children with Down syndrome when taken during the first three years of life. Additional experimental research in mice confirmed the positive effects at low doses. However, they also found that high doses of the extract can disrupt facial and bone development. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of green tea extracts and therefore they should always be taken under medical supervision.

Down syndrome is caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21, leading to an overexpression of the genes in this region and resulting in a number of physical and intellectual disabilities. One of the genes, DYRK1A, contributes to altering brain and bone development in people with Down syndrome. The green tea compound EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) is known to inhibit DYRK1A activity, although it also has other mechanisms of action. Previous research has shown the potential of EGCG to improve cognition in young adults with Down syndrome.

In a new study, researchers analysed the effect of green tea supplements on facial development in Down syndrome. In the experimental part of the study, the EGCG supplements were tested in mice at different dosages. In a second part of the research, they did an observational study on children with and without Down syndrome. This work, led by the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and University of Barcelona in Spain and KU Leuven in Belgium, is an international effort involving researchers from University of Central Florida, La Salle — University Ramon Llull, and IMIM — Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute.

For the mouse study, carried out at KU Leuven, the researchers started the treatment before birth, while the pups were developing in the wombs of their mothers, by adding either a low or a high dose of green tea extracts to their drinking water. “The low dose treatment had a positive effect on mice that are a model of Down syndrome,” Professor Greetje Vande Velde (KU Leuven) comments, co-lead author of the study. “Sixty percent of them showed a facial shape similar to the control group.”

“The high dose treatment, however, generated very mixed results, and even disrupted normal facial development in some cases, causing additional dysmorphology. This occurred in all mice, in the model of Down syndrome as well as in the control group.”

Age-dependent effects

The observational study was set up in Spain and also included participants from North America. 287 children between 0 and 18 years participated, including children with Down syndrome who did (n = 13) or didn’t (n = 63) receive EGCG supplementation. The treated group were all self-medicated and didn’t follow a prescribed protocol.

“All participants were photographed from various angles to create a 3D model of their faces,” explains Neus Martínez-Abadías, professor at the University of Barcelona and co-lead author of the study. “We use 21 facial landmarks, and the distances between them, to compare the faces of the participants. In the youngest group between 0 and 3 years, we observed that 57 percent of the linear distances are significantly different when you compare the faces of children with Down syndrome that never received the treatment to those of children that do not have Down syndrome. For babies and toddlers who did receive EGCG treatment, this difference was much smaller, only 25 percent. After green tea supplementation, the facial dysmorphology decreases and the children with or without Down syndrome look more alike.”

“We didn’t identify a similar effect in the adolescent group. Even when treated with green tea extracts, children with Down syndrome still show a difference of more than 50 percent compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the green tea supplements only affect facial development when they are administered in the early stages of life when the face and skull are rapidly growing.”

Further research required

“Despite the potential benefits we observed, we must handle these findings with caution considering they are preliminary and based on an observational study,” Professor Vande Velde warns. “Much more research is necessary to evaluate the effects of EGCG-containing supplements, the appropriate dose and their therapeutic potential in general. We also need to take into the account possible effects on other organs and systems, not just on the development of the face. This requires first more basic research in the lab with mice, and then clinical studies with more participants and controlled use of these supplements.”

“Our findings suggest that effects of EGCG strongly depend on the dose.” Professor Martínez-Abadías concludes. “EGCG products are commercially available and they are used regularly as a general health-promoting compounds. However, it’s important to follow the European Food Safety Authority recommendations regarding the maximal intake and to always consult a physician before taking the supplements. Our research shows potential beneficial effects of facial development at low doses, but at very high doses they can produce unpredictable effects in mice. More research is needed in humans to determine the optimal dose at each age that maximizes the potential benefits.”

Story Source:

Materials provided by KU Leuven. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference:

  1. John M. Starbuck, Sergi Llambrich, Rubèn Gonzàlez, Julia Albaigès, Anna Sarlé, Jens Wouters, Alejandro González, Xavier Sevillano, James Sharpe, Rafael De La Torre, Mara Dierssen, Greetje Vande Velde, Neus Martínez-Abadías. Green tea extracts containing epigallocatechin-3-gallate modulate facial development in Down syndrome. Scientific Reports, 2021; 11 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83757-1
Natural Medicine

Food supply tips: Survival foods that will last longer as powder

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By Zoey Sky (via Natural News)

Preppers know that home canning is one of the best ways to preserve food for your survival stockpile. But there are also other ways to extend the shelf life of food, such as dehydration.

You can even use a dehydrator or oven to turn various foods into powder, effectively prolonging their shelf life even more and freeing up some space in your stockpile.

And while other foods don’t turn into a powder, processing them with a dehydrator will turn them into a powder-like substance that makes it easier to incorporate them into various dishes when SHTF. (h/t to AskAPrepper.com)

This technique works best with a dehydrator, but if you don’t want to spend money on another device, you can also use an old-fashioned oven to turn food into powder.

Note that some of the foods detailed below must be processed using different instructions or timing. Not all foods will turn into a powdered form, but dehydrating will help them stay in a more dehydrated state, like some fruits.

Experiment and learn which foods suit this method best through trial and error.

Foods that you can easily turn into powder include:

  • Herbs and leafy greens
  • Vegetables
  • Meats and poultry
  • Milk
  • Mushrooms
  • Eggs

You can turn fruits into powder, but it’s best to choose ingredients that contain less sugar. If you want to process fruits for your survival stockpile, they’re better off dehydrated because they taste better and they last longer that way.

Making powdered greens

Fresh greens can boost the nutrient content of salads, soups, or sandwiches, but powdered greens will have a longer shelf life.

Here are some leafy greens and herbs that you can turn into powder:

  • Basil
  • Beet greens
  • Broccoli leaves
  • Carrot tops
  • Cauliflower leaves
  • Celery leaves
  • Chives
  • Cilantro
  • Collard greens
  • Kale
  • Lemongrass
  • Lettuce
  • Mint
  • Mustard greens
  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Parsnip tops
  • Pumpkin leaves
  • Radish greens
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Spinach
  • Swiss chard
  • Thyme
  • Turnip greens

Follow the steps below to turn leafy greens and herbs into a powder using a dehydrator:

  1. Preheat the dehydrator using the appropriate temperature setting based on the dehydrator’s recommendations or 95 to 115 F. Set on the lower end for herbs. Greens can be processed at slightly higher temperatures.
  2. While the dehydrator is preheating, wash the leaves thoroughly. Soak them in a vegetable wash made of two parts water, one part vinegar and two tablespoons lemon juice for at least five to 10 minutes.
  3. Remove the stems and veins to make the drying process more even and consistent. Compost the stems and veins if you don’t need them.
  4. Dry the leaves by hand. Put them between layers of paper towel and gently press to soak up as much moisture as possible.
  5. Place the leaves on the dehydrator trays. Make sure the leaves aren’t stacked on top of each other.
  6. During the dehydrating process, the leaves will start to shrink up to half their original size, leaving a lot of room on the trays. The drying process can take four to eight hours.
  7. Check the greens. If they crumble when you crush them between your fingers, the greens are ready.
  8. Place the greens in a blender and pulse quickly until they become a powder. Don’t over-blend, or the powder will turn into mush.

Follow the steps below if you’re using an oven instead of a dehydrator:

  1. Preheat the oven to the lowest possible temperature.
  2. Place the leaves on cooling racks, then place them in the oven. Leave the oven door open to help keep the temperature low and circulate the air to release excess moisture.
  3. Check the leaves often. They should be done after two to three hours.

Cooking with powdered greens

When SHTF, having powdered greens ensures that you have a balanced diet even if you’re stuck in your homestead during a long-term survival scenario.

Here are some suggestions on how to use powdered herbs or greens:

  • Add a couple of tablespoons into a breakfast smoothie.
  • Sprinkle powdered herbs into salads.
  • Create a unique herbal mix out of green powder, other herbs and dried zests.
  • Replace parsley with a teaspoon of powdered greens for extra seasonings.
  • Add powdered greens into meatloaf.

Making powdered vegetables

Since vegetables come in various sizes, the process may vary.

Follow the steps detailed below when processing garlic or onions.

  1. Lay some tin foil on the dehydrator tray or cooling rack.
  2. Slice the garlic or onions, then place the slices on the tray or rack.

Other vegetables need to be blanched first, then sliced. Once the veggies are blanched, follow the same process of dehydration as the greens.

Vegetables that need to be balanced include:

  • Asparagus
  • Beans
  • Carrots
  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchini

Almost any vegetable can be turned into a powder. Use powdered vegetables to enhance the flavors of soups, smoothies, or other dishes. (Related: Food storage tips: How to make DIY dehydrated meals.)

Making powdered meat and poultry

It’s better to use an oven when making meat or poultry powder. The final product isn’t as fine as powdered vegetables but the meat “powder” can be used as a protein addition to casseroles, soups, or stews.

You can use beef, pork, or chicken to make meat powder. Follow the steps below to make meat powder using an oven:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 F.
  2. Place the meat or poultry into a food processor. Process until finely minced or until it looks like ground beef or poultry.
  3. Heat some oil in a skillet. Cook minced meat for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until there’s no moisture anymore.
  4. Spread the minced mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the meat for two to six hours or until it has completely dried. Stir every 30 minutes or so.
  5. Monitor the meat as it cooks because the time could be different depending on the ingredients used and your oven.
  6. When the minced meat is completely dried and cooled, process it in a blender. Use quick pulsing steps until you have a fine powder.

Follow the steps to make meat powder using a dehydrator:

  1. Cook the meat first. Once done, slice them very thinly.
  2. Place the meat slices in the dehydrator trays and follow the time chart of your dehydrator.
  3. Once the meat is dehydrated, pulse the slices quickly in a blender until you have meat “powder.”

How to properly store powdered foods

Powdered food should be stored in an airtight container in a dry, cool and dark area like a pantry or cupboard.

  • Leafy greens and herbs – Powdered herbs and greens will last for about six to nine months. Any longer and the color of the powdered greens will start to fade. You can still use powdered greens once they fade but at this point, they start losing nutrients.
  • Vegetables – Stored properly, veggie powder can stay fresh and maintain nutrients for up to a year.
  • Meat and poultry – Meat and poultry powder will last for at least five years in an airtight container if the seal isn’t broken.

If you open an airtight container frequently, you’ll let more air into the container. This shortens the time powdered food will keep fresh. To make powdered food last longer on the shelf, break the product down into smaller batches for storage.

Before SHTF, learn how to make powdered greens, veggies and meat to extend the shelf life of your survival food stockpile.

Visit FoodStorage.news for more articles about food dehydration.

Natural Medicine

Homegrown medicine: Local yarrow from the Middle East shown to have gastroprotective properties

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By Evangelyn Rodriguez (via Natural News)

Gastric or stomach ulcers are open sores that develop along the lining of the stomach. When they occur in the first part of the small intestine, they are called duodenal ulcers. Gastric ulcer is the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder in the world, affecting about 5 percent of the world’s population.

Gastric ulcers can be caused by many things, such as poor dietary habits, smoking, infection by the gut bacterium Helicobacter pylori and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). According to previous studies, extensive use of NSAIDs, particularly aspirin and indomethacin, is responsible for 25 percent of gastric ulcer casesworldwide.

To manage NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, physicians often prescribe antiulcer medications like ranitidine and omeprazole. However, ranitidine, sold under the brand name Zantac, can cause various side effects, which include headaches, diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, impotence and muscle pain, among others. Similarly, omeprazole (Prilosec and Prilosec OTC) is linked to adverse effects that range from body aches and constipation to blisters, red or irritated eyes, loss of appetite and unusual bleeding or bruising. Because of the unpleasantness caused by these medications, researchers are looking for safer alternatives that are easily accessible for many.

Achillea wilhelmsii, commonly known as yarrow, is a medicinal plant that can be found in different parts of Iran. Widely used in Traditional Persian Medicine, yarrow has been found to have anti-hypertensive and anti-hyperlipidemic properties, thanks to its abundance of flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones. A study published in the Journal of Inflammatory Diseases also found that A. millefollium, another species of yarrow, has wound-healing properties that can help treat gastric ulcers. (Related: Get rid of your gastric ulcers NATURALLY with snake gourd.)

To determine if the local variety of yarrow in their country has the same properties, Iranian researchers decided to test hydro-alcoholic extracts of the plant on rats with indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers. They also conducted proteomic and metabolomic analyses to determine which proteins and metabolites are affected by the extract. The researchers reported their findings in an article published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Iranian yarrow promotes healing of indomethacin-induced gastric lesions

For their experiment, the researchers divided 20 rats into four groups: Group 1, the normal control, received nothing but deionized water, while group 2 received only 1 percent carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution. Group 3 received a single dose of 45 mg/kg indomethacin with CMC as the vehicle, while group 4 received the same dose of indomethacin plus 800 mg/kg body weight yarrow extract. Treatment for all four groups lasted for 10 days.

Pre- and post-treatment, the researchers collected serum and tissue samples and conducted spectrometric analyses for the metabolomic study. For the proteomic analysis, they conducted 2D gel electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. They confirmed relevant genes using real-time PCR.

The researchers reported that a panel of metabolites showed altered expression levels during gastric lesion development. Some of these metabolites returned to near-normal levels after treatment with the yarrow extract. The researchers also found that the extract reduced the levels of various proteins that are overexpressed in rats with gastric ulcers. These proteins include transgelin (Tagln), which promotes gastric cancer development; galectin-7 (Lgals7), an anti-inflammatory mediator; heat shock protein beta-1 (Hspb1), which helps protect against gastric stressors like NSAIDs; myosin regulatory light polypeptide-9 (Myl9), which enhances tumor progression; and fatty acid-binding protein 5 (Fabp5), which promotes tumor formation.

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that Iranian yarrow is an effective natural treatment for indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers.

Natural Medicine

Superfruits and plant compounds: Fat molecule in avocados may be key to reversing diabetes

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By Virgilio Marin (via Natural News)

Researchers from the University of Guelph in Canada have discovered that a fat molecule unique to avocado may help treat diabetes. In a study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, the researchers found that avocatin B (AvoB) reduced insulin resistance in diabetic mice and promoted weight loss in humans.

Avocado compound improves insulin sensitivity

AvoB is a mixture of polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols found exclusively in avocados. Discovered just a few years ago, the compound has attracted the attention of researchers due to its anti-cancer properties, which stem from its ability to inhibit fatty acid oxidation (FAO) or the breakdown of fats. Cancer cells depend on FAO for their proliferation and survival.

But FAO is also implicated in the development of Type 2 diabetes. In diabetic and obese individuals, cells that produce insulin get damaged due to incomplete FAO in the mitochondria.

Because of this, the researchers wanted to examine the effect of the compound on glucose and fat metabolism. They fed mice a high-fat diet for eight weeks to induce obesity and insulin resistance and then added avoB to the diet of half the mice for the next 5 weeks. The AvoB-treated mice had increased insulin sensitivity and weighed less than the untreated mice.

The researchers also tested the effect of AvoB on humans to see if the compound is safe for use. They administered either 50 or 200 milligrams of AvoB supplements to participants who were on an average Western diet.

After two months, the researchers found no negative effects in the liver, muscles or kidneys and no indication of dose-dependent toxicity. The participants also lost weight, though the effect was not statistically significant. (Related: Avocado seed: a superfood for your health.)

The researchers noted, however, that eating avocados alone may not be enough for a person to experience AvoB’s health benefits. The amount of the compound varies from fruit to fruit and it remains unclear how well the body absorbs the compound. To address these, the researchers developed AvoB supplements that are available for purchase.“We advocate healthy eating and exercise as solutions to the problem, but that’s difficult for some people. We’ve known this for decades, and obesity and diabetes are still a significant health problem,” said lead author Nawaz Ahmed.

More nutritious superfoods to fight diabetes

The following superfoods help fight diabetes: (h/t to Healthline.com)

  • Leafy greens – Vegetables like spinach and kale are low in calories and are packed with antioxidants that help protect against diabetes.
  • Chia seeds – Research shows that the viscous fiber in chia seeds can lower blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of food.
  • Beans – Beans have a low glycemic index, which is important for diabetes management.
  • Yogurt – Studies link high yogurt consumption to lower blood sugar levels and reduced insulin resistance.
  • Nuts – Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, pecans and other types of nuts are rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates.
  • Broccoli – Research shows that broccoli helps lower blood sugar levels.
  • Flaxseeds – A portion of flaxseeds’ insoluble fiber is made of lignans, which help improve blood sugar control and decrease heart disease risk.

Add avocado and these nutritious superfoods to your diet to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes.

Learn more about the best foods for diabetes prevention at DiabetesCure.news.

Censorship, Natural Medicine

Dr. Mercola deletes all articles about Vitamin D, zinc and covid after being personally threatened

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By Ethan Huff (via Natural News)

For the past year, Dr. Joseph Mercola has been teaching his followers how to naturally support their immune systems with vitamin D, zinc and other natural remedies that have been medically proven to optimize wellbeing. He has received so much backlash from the establishment, however, that Dr. Mercola has now decided to delete all associated articles about these protocols for his own protection.

In an announcement, Dr. Mercola explained that one of the last straws was when a Bill Gates-funded “doctor” called on terrorists to personally attack Dr. Mercola for countering the pro-vaccine agenda of Gates and other medical fascists who have raked in obscene profits over the past year pushing masks, jabs and small business closures.

Peter Hotez, president of the Gates-linked Sabin Vaccine Institute, recently put out a report called “Meeting the Challenge of Vaccine Hesitancy” that contains a call-to-action for “cyberwarfare experts” to wage war on people like Dr. Mercola who are teaching people to protect their health naturally and cheaply through nature, rather than unnaturally and expensively through Big Pharma.

“Accurate, targeted counter-messaging from the global health community is important but insufficient, as is public pressure on social-media companies,” Hotez laments in the piece.

“The United Nations and the highest levels of government must take direct, even confrontational, approaches with Russia, and move to dismantle anti-vaccine groups in the United States.”

Hotez’s remark about Russia just goes to show that the vaccine-loving left is still obsessed with the ongoing Russiagate conspiracy theory, which was debunked more than four years ago as manufactured fake news stemming from two-time failed presidential wannabe Hillary Clinton.

Hotez goes on to call for the establishment of a “high-level inter-agency task force reporting to the U.N. secretary-general” that would be used to “assess the full impact of anti-vaccine aggression, and propose tough, balanced measures.”

Such experts should be well-versed in how to tackle “complex global threats such as terrorism, cyber attacks and nuclear armament, because anti-science is now approaching similar levels of peril,” Hotez writes.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that advancing immunization requires a counteroffensive.”

Cyberterrorists target Dr. Mercola’s website, threatening to destroy him

Such hysterical fearmongering and radical extremism are nothing new for the medical deep state. What is new is calling on bomb diffusers and counter-terrorists to take up the fight against freedom-loving Americans who object to permanently altering their DNA with the experimental gene therapy injections that they are calling Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines.

Consequently, Dr. Mercola has already been deplatformed from all the major social media networks. His website was also targeted by left-wing cyberterrorists who launched numerous attacks in an effort to silence him and run his operation straight into the ground.

Despite all this, Dr. Mercola has refused to succumb to these governmental and pharmaceutical thugs and is willing to defend himself in court, if necessary. What he says he cannot endure any longer is the growing threat to both himself and his family, which he says he has “limited ability to defend” against.

“If you can imagine what billionaires and their front groups are capable of, I can assure you they have been creative in deploying their assets to have this content removed,” he writes.

“It is with a heavy heart that I purge my website of valuable information … They’ve moved past censorship. Just what do you call people who advocate counteroffensive attacks by terrorism and cyberwarfare experts? You’d think we could have a debate and be protected under free speech but, no, we’re not allowed. These lunatics are dangerously unhinged.”

Take the time to read Dr. Mercola’s full statement at this link (you will need to enter an email address to access the article).

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

Articles.Mercola.com

Natural Medicine

STUDY: 70% of Men Would Rather Die Early Than Give Up Meat

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An overwhelming majority of men would rather die young than give up eating meat

By TANNER RADFORD (via National File)

Normal functions of men and humans alike, also known as “toxic masculinity” by the left, reign supreme again in a new study conducted by No Meat May.

No Meat May, a group that encourages people to give up meat for a month on the fraudulent basis of “Climate Change” and “Fighting against toxic masculinity”, recently conducted a study that surveyed 1,000 male participants. 73 percent of the men said they would rather die 10 years early than quit eating anymore meat.

Although 81 percent supposedly care about the “climate crisis” , 79 percent would not give up meat for it. According to No Meat May co-founder Ryan Alexander, “Significant research over many years has shown that eating meat and other animal products increases the risk of developing certain cancers, heart disease, obesity and having a reduced life expectancy, not to mention being one of the biggest contributors to global warming and the destruction of our environment. Yet our survey alarmingly shows that Australian men are either not aware of any of these facts, don’t believe them, or simply don’t care,” he said.

Scientists, however, suggest there are numerous health benefits to eating meat that Ryan did not mention in his statements regarding the survey, which are as follows according to Health Line:

  • Reduced appetite and increased metabolism
  • Retention of muscle mass
  • Stronger bones
  • Better iron absorption

Despite how badly the left and those alike would like to throw all logical reasoning out the window when the fraudulent words of climate change are uttered, that will not change the fact that almost all men wont and should not give up meat.

The overwhelming desire to eat meat comes as the mainstream media has repeatedly promoted insect eating as an alternative to meat based protein. Recently, experts claimed that eating bugs as food would become a billion dollar industry, as National File reported.

Natural Medicine

Researchers discover that Kefir (fermented yogurt) can halt cytokine storms observed during SARS-CoV-2 infections

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By Lance D Johnson (via Medicine News)

One of the most important areas of scientific research for combating SARS-CoV-2 involves understanding cytokines and mitigating cytokine storm. Cytokines are cell signaling molecules that facilitate immune responses. These molecules communicate between cells to stimulate the movement of immune responsive cells toward sites of inflammation and infection. Israeli scientists have found that yogurt (kefir) can halt the cytokine storm that affects some COVID-19 patients. The yogurt changes the individual’s microbiome, strengthening the commensal species of bacteria in the gut. This strengthening of the microbiome allows gut microbes to readily identify pathogenic threats and modulate communication between cells, so the immune responsive cells can more efficiently respond to infections, without over-reacting.

Researchers at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have identified molecules in kefir that regulate inflammation in the body and help cells communicate more effectively. The research, conducted by PhD student Orit Malka and Prof. Raz Jelinek, was published in Microbiome. These probiotics interfere with the bacterial biofilms that contribute to disease progression. They effectively reduce replication of vibrio cholera, the causative agent behind cholera. These probiotic molecules work by blocking communication between cells.

Mitigating cytokine storm is essential for saving lives impacted by bio-weaponry

SARS-CoV-2 is engineered to target the ACE2 receptor on human lung cells. If the infection is not properly detected by the innate surveillance immune proteins on the surface of lung cells, the virus may evade detection and replicate unabated. This can set off a cytokine storm that causes a hyperinflammatory immune response that destroys healthy lung cells. This is the first reason why covid-19 patients need intensive care. Immune compromising drugs like antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (antacids) can weaken the microbiome, distorting cytokine communication between immune responsive cells.

The cytokine storm is observed in a small minority of patients, but it can lead to further issues that threaten the person’s survival. The next reason why covid-19 patients need intensive care involves the liver’s response to these hyper-inflammatory reactions. The liver may produce an influx of proteins to fight the infection that the humoral immune response failed to control. If too many liver proteins are allocated, they can coagulate the blood, clog blood vessels, and deprive patients of oxygen and nutrients. If the process is not abated, it can lead to multi-organ failure, acute lung injury, and cardiovascular events.

Similar over-reactive immune responses are observed in people who are vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2. Some vaccinated individuals experience blood clots and cardiovascular events because the vaccine induces a hyper-inflammatory response, causing an overproduction of B-cells that attack the body’s own platelets and clotting factor proteins. Further studies should investigate the role that the vaccines play in altering the gut microbiome and causing further problems with cytokines and cellular communication.

Inflammation identified as determining factor behind cytokine storm

The Lewis Katz School of Medicine and Temple University Hospital published an important report on early identification of cytokine storm in covid-19 patients. The report, published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, is the first to identify specific criteria that can be used in clinical practice to predict cytokine storm before it occurs. The research group analyzed data on 513 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Temple University Hospital, of which sixty-four developed cytokine storm. The most important predictive factors included inflammation, cell death, tissue damage, and electrolyte imbalance.

These indicators suggest that underlying inflammation at the cellular level is one of the greatest risk factors for cytokine storm and subsequent mortality in covid-19. The good news is that kefir and other probiotics address this issue, and there are many known antioxidants, flavonoids, and nutrients that can reduce inflammation throughout the body, setting the body up for success against coronavirus and other infections.

Sources include:

GreatGameIndia.com

Hindawi.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

NaturalNews.com

ScienceDaily.com

Natural Medicine

A high-fiber diet may help reduce inflammation linked to COVID-19, study suggests

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By Divina Ramirez (Natural News)

Up to 50 percent of patients with COVID-19 report experiencing gastrointestinal problems, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Research also shows that patients tend to have lower levels of gut bacteria that make short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by fermenting fiber from foods. SCFAs play a key role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. They also regulate immune cell function.

A recent study showed that colon and intestinal epithelial cells treated with SCFAs reduced the expression of a gene that encodes a key viral receptor and of interferon-beta (IFN-beta), a type of cytokine that favors inflammation.

Cytokines are small proteins released by specific cells of the immune system. They trigger symptoms like fever, runny nose, aches and inflammation in the event of a viral infection. But too many cytokines can result in a “cytokine storm,” which is implicated in the prevalence of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including death.

The findings appeared online in the journal Gut Microbes.

SCFAs don’t change viral load but affect expression of genes, proteins involved in infection

Research suggests that alterations in gut microbiota and its products can modify an infected subject’s immune response. According to co-author Patricia Rodrigues from the University of Campinas in Brazil, previous animal studies showed that compounds produced by gut microbiota, such as SCFAs, helped protect organisms from respiratory infections.

To confirm whether SCFAs produced by gut bacteria affect the infection of intestinal cells by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, Rodrigues and her colleagues infected colon tissue samples from healthy patients and intestinal epithelial cells with the virus. The tissues and cells were then treated with a mixture of butyrate, acetate and propionate, which are the most abundant SCFAs.

The results showed that treating the tissues and cells with the SCFA mixture did not alter their viral loads. The treatment also did not affect cell wall permeability and integrity.

However, the team found that treated tissues and cells showed a marked decrease in the expression of DDX58, a gene that encodes a key viral receptor called retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I).

The treatment also resulted in a decrease in the expression of TMPRSS2, an endothelial cell surface protein. It is involved in the entry and spread of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Recent studies suggest that blocking TMPRSS2 may be an effective clinical therapy for COVID-19. (Related: Zinc is an effective treatment for coronavirus infection, blocks viral replication.)

Given these findings, co-author Raquel Leal said it would be important to conduct further studies on the potentially beneficial effects of SCFAs produced by gut bacteria on infection of intestinal cells by SARS-CoV-2.

Increasing SCFA levels

Besides potentially controlling inflammation associated with COVID-19, SCFAs may also decrease your risk of inflammatory diseases, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease, among many other health problems. In addition, SCFAs improve gut health by maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. They may also reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.

Gut bacteria produce SCFAs by fermenting dietary fiber from foods. So if you want to boost your SCFAs levels, you should add more fiber-rich foods to your daily diet or consider adopting a high-fiber diet. Below are some tips for adding more fiber to your diet:

  • Eat a fiber-rich breakfast – Swap instant oats for rolled oats and processed breakfast cereal for a whole-grain version. For more fiber, top your cereal or oatmeal with fresh fruit slices.
  • Eat fruits for dessert – Eat a piece of fruit after a meal. Fiber-rich choices include banana, apples, pears and oranges.
  • Eat beans and legumes – Peas, lentils, black beans and the like are excellent sources of fiber. Add more legumes to your soups and salads or swap meat for legumes. They are also rich in protein.

FoodIsMedicine.com has more articles about the health benefits of a high-fiber diet.

Natural Medicine

Coronavirus survivors regain their sense of smell by going through “fragrance journey” with renowned perfumer

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By Arsenio Toledo (via Natural News)

Perfumer and “fragrance expert” Sue Phillips from New York City believes she can help people who have recovered from the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) regain their sense of smell.

The loss of the sense of smell is a symptom of COVID-19. Many who recover from the virus wait months before their ability to smell returns – and many others are still waiting. (Related: Yes, it’s REAL: Coronavirus patients are losing their sense of smell and taste – and aren’t getting them back.)

This is why Phillips began promoting a “fragrance journey” in her custom perfumery in New York City’s Upper East Side neighborhood. The store, which she has owned for over 12 years, launched the “scent therapy healing program” earlier this year.

For $650, Phillips’ clients can get one meeting with her and a custom fragrance to take home.

During this meeting, her clients will go through many different scents such as vanilla, musk, lavender and amber. These scents are divided between three types of scents – top notes, or lighter fragrances; medium notes, such as fruity or floral scents; and base notes like vanilla.

The clients will go through these individually with the use of scented strips to help arouse their sense of smell. She explained that this process was like exercise for the brain.

The fragrance expert claims her “fragrance journey” program has helped over 20 people regain at least some of their sense of smell since it began.

Many of Phillips’ clients tell stories of their sense of smell suddenly reawakening

Phillips got the idea for her “fragrance journey” program last year when a friend sent Lyss Stern, a COVID-19 survivor, to her shop. Stern lost her sense of smell in March 2020 and never got it back.

“I said to her, ‘Look, I’m not a doctor, and I’m not a chemist, but I know the extraordinary powers of fragrance,’” said Phillips during an interview with celebrity news magazine People. Phillips took Stern through the fragrance journey, and by the time the latter got to the base notes, her dormant sense of smell started waking up.

“She couldn’t really smell the top notes, she couldn’t really identify the middle notes, but then [when she got to the base notes] suddenly there was a flicker in her eye, and she said, ‘I can smell something. I don’t know what it is, but I can smell something.’”

Phillips said Stern started crying when she realized she could smell the vanilla and amber scents on the strips.

“She texted me about three hours later and said, “I cannot believe what you just did, for the first time I’m smelling my candles, I’m smelling restaurants, I’m smelling food. I have not been able to do this,’” recalled Phillips. “It was like the fog had lifted and she could smell.”

Stern isn’t the only one who had her sense of smell reawakened by Phillips’ “fragrance journey.” According to the perfumer, 20 people have regained at least some of their sense of smell since the program began.

Tammy Farrell, 51, lost her sense of smell in March 2020 when she contracted the coronavirus. After she recovered, she was devastated to learn that her ability to smell didn’t come back. She kept waiting for her nose to suddenly reawaken. She tried all kinds of tricks, including sniffing garlic powder and regularly walking past fragrant bakeries, but nothing worked.

She sought out the help of multiple neurologists, who performed brain scans and blood tests on her. All these tests came back normal, and they couldn’t pinpoint the problem.

“I couldn’t smell anything, and no one knew why. You just can’t help but cry. I couldn’t smell my favorite candles or my husband’s cologne. I couldn’t enjoy eating – it just became fuel for my body, not pleasure.”

Farrell was motivated to seek alternatives when her daughter alerted her to the smell of gas coming from her basement that Farrell could not smell. “When you can’t smell gasoline leaks, it’s a huge problem,” she said. “I didn’t have any more options.”

On Thursday, April 22, Farrell went to Phillips’ store to go through her “fragrance journey.” After just one hour-long session, she could smell again.

“A piece of my life was missing, and I’m elated that something dormant for more than a year is triggered,” she said. “Now [my sense of smell] is on full blast.”

Farrell’s sense of smell is still recovering. She was able to detect pepper in her dinner and she was able to smell garlic, albeit faintly. But she still can’t smell many other scents, like bacon or popcorn. Despite this, she is committed to regaining her full sense of smell back, which is why she’s following the “homework” Phillips gave her – to smell different fragrances with a “meditation-like focus.”

Phillips said seeing clients get to the point where their sense of smell begins to reawaken makes what she does worth it.

“This for me, this is what I live for,” said Phillips.

“When people can’t smell and they can’t taste, they can’t enjoy their food and they don’t want to socialize. The net result is that people retract from society,” she added. “The fact that I’m able to help them rediscover their sense of smell and get back to enjoying things is such a joy. I’m so happy that I’ve been able to help people.”

Learn more about the many alternative treatments to coronavirus symptoms by reading the latest articles at AlternativeMedicine.news.

Natural Medicine, The Plandemic

DR. RYAN COLE, CEO AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF COLE DIAGNOSTICS ON VITAMIN D, IVERMECTIN, “VACCINES”

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By Brian Shilhavy (via Health Impact News)

Dr. Ryan Cole is the CEO and Medical Director of Cole Diagnostics, one of the largest independent labs in the State of Idaho. Dr. Cole is a Mayo Clinic trained Board Certified Pathologist.

He is Board Certified in anatomic and clinical pathology. He has expertise in immunology and virology and also has subspecialty expertise in skin pathology.

He has seen over 350,000 patients in his career, and has done over 100,000 Covid tests in the past year.

He recently was invited to speak at the “Capitol Clarity” event in Idaho, apparently sponsored by the Lt. Governor’s office, where he discussed successful outpatient treatments for COVID, and to offer his views on the new COVID “vaccines.”

Dr. Cole begins by showing statistics that prove Idaho is no longer in a “pandemic,” but an “endemic.” He states that the highest risk factors for contracting COVID are advanced age, obesity, and low Vitamin D levels.

He also explains that coronaviruses have historically always followed a 6-9 month life cycle. He gives previous examples such as SARS-1, MERS, etc.

One very interesting statistic that he pointed out is that in the U.S. the average annual age of death is 78.6 years old, and the average age of death during COVID has also been 78.6 years old.

Dr. Cole is very adamant that proper levels of Vitamin D are essential to fight coronaviruses. He states:

There is no such thing as “flu and cold season,” only low Vitamin D season.

Slide from Dr. Cole’s presentation.

Slide from Dr. Cole’s presentation.

Dr. Cole then goes on to explain that by law, the government cannot use experimental vaccines on the population if there are already effective treatments.

So all of the current experimental COVID “vaccines,” which Dr. Cole himself admits do NOT meet the legal definition of a “vaccine” to begin with, are all illegal because there are therapies, such as Vitamin D, that are effective in treating COVID patients, as well as older already FDA-approved drugs like Ivermectin.

He points out that the NIH (the National Institute of Health), which is a U.S. government agency involved with approving drugs, holds patents on the Moderna experimental COVID “vaccine,” which is like asking the fox to guard the hen house.

This is also the agency that Anthony Fauci works for, and has been employed there for over 30 years and is one the highest paid politicians in the U.S., making more money than even the President of the United States. (Go ahead and fact check this for yourself.)

Watch the entire presentation by Dr. Cole. We have it on our Bitchute Channel, as well as our Rumble Channel.

Conspiracy, Natural Medicine

Antibiotics Before Age 1 Tied to Celiac Disease Risk

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Results from Scandinavian study differ from TEDDY trial

by Diana Swift (via MEDPAGE TODAY)

Exposure to systemic antibiotics in the first year of life was modestly associated with later diagnosis of celiac disease, a national study of Danish and Norwegian children found.

In the observational study of two independent cohorts numbering more than 1.7 million children, a dispensed systemic antibiotic in the first year of life consistently correlated with diagnosed celiac disease, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.26 (95% CI 1.16-1.36), according to Stine Dydensborg Sander, MD, PhD, of Hans Christian Andersen Children’s Hospital in Odense, Denmark, and colleagues.

And a dose-dependent relationship emerged as the number of antibiotic prescriptions increased (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.05-1.11), they reported in Gastroenterology.

“These findings indicate that childhood exposure to systemic antibiotics may be a risk factor for celiac disease,” the authors stated.

Other studies have found no such association, including the 2017 TEDDY study, a multinational cohort of children at high genetic risk of type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. TEDDY “found no association between parentally reported antibiotic exposure and persistently positive celiac disease,” at age 4 years, Sander and colleagues noted.

“In contrast to population-based cohort studies that do not include cases of undiagnosed children, screening for celiac disease autoimmunity as the outcome captured all the children with celiac disease and some who never will develop celiac disease. Our findings may be affected if factors related to being diagnosed as opposed to remaining undiagnosed are related to the use of antibiotic,” they stated.

Neither a specific type of antibiotic nor age at exposure were prominent factors in celiac disease, suggesting there is no particularly vulnerable age and no differing effect among antibiotic classes. The association was at least as strong for exposure from 0 to 24 months as for 0 to 12 months, Sander’s group reported.

The study cohorts consisted of children born in Denmark from 1995 to 2012 (the Danish National Birth Cohort) and followed until May 2015, and children born in Norway from 2004 to 2012 (the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study) and followed until December 2013. The mothers answered questionnaires, sometimes aided by computer-assisted telephone interviews, on infectious diseases and feeding.

The final analysis in the Danish cohort included 1,168,656 children with a median age at end of follow-up of 11.6 years. A diagnosis of celiac disease was registered for 1,427 of these children (0.12%). Systemic antibiotics in the first year of life were dispensed to 451,196 participants without celiac disease (38.7%) and to 622 with celiac disease (43.6%).

The final Norwegian cohort consisted of 537,457 children, with a median age at end of follow-up of 5.4 years. Celiac disease was diagnosed in 1,919 (0.36%) of participants. Systemic antibiotics in the first year of life were dispensed to 98,538 without celiac disease (18.4%) and to 390 with celiac disease (20.3%).

Data from two large subgroups within the final cohort looked at the potentially confounding impact of adjustment for the number of children’s maternally reported infections as well as the duration of breastfeeding, examined 6 and 18 months postpartum for 55,082 Danish children (100 with celiac disease) and 53,257 Norwegian children (464 with celiac disease). Neither variable had a measurable impact, nor did prescriptions for topical antifungal drugs, although these were more common in those registered for systemic antibiotics.

The authors pointed out that the intestinal microbiota is considered a player in pathogenesis of celiac disease and one strongly influenced by systemic antibiotics, especially in early life. Early-life infections have been proposed as promoters of celiac disease development and important potential confounders. Some studies have reported associations with types of infection, as well as the number of hospital admissions for infectious diseases, medically attended infectious diseases, and parentally reported infectious diseases.

Jocelyn A. Silvester, MD, of Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, commented that understanding the potential ties between antibiotics and celiac disease poses a challenge.

“This is a very difficult question to answer, even though this is one of the largest datasets we have to look at,” said Silvester, who was not involved in the study.

She added that it is difficult to tease out the true relationship because of potential confounding factors, noting that not all antibiotic types have the same effect on the microbiota, and not all the infections treated with antibiotics were bacterial but may have included viral and fungal.

Underlying infection rather than antibiotics may have been driving the celiac risk. “But having large well-done studies that try to answer difficult questions is always a step in the right direction,” Silvester said.

Study limitations included the difficulty of disentangling the effect of infections and antibiotics in an observational study lacking details of the infections and indications for antibiotic use.

The authors concluded that the findings could have resulted from reverse causality, in which the symptoms of celiac disease can mimic infection, exaggerate infectious symptoms, or raise the risk of infectious diseases, thereby increasing the propensity for prescriptions for antibiotics.

Natural Medicine

Cat’s Claw: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage

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Written by Mary Jane Brown, PhD, RD (UK) (via Healthline)

Cat’s claw is a popular herbal supplement derived from a tropical vine.

It allegedly helps fight a range of ailments, including infections, cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease (1Trusted Source).

However, only some of these benefits are supported by science.

This article tells you everything you need to know about cat’s claw, including its benefits, side effects, and dosage.

What Is Cat’s Claw?

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a tropical vine which can grow up to 98 feet (30 meters) tall. Its name comes from its hooked thorns, which resemble the claws of a cat.

It is found mainly in the Amazon rainforest and in other tropical areas of South and Central America.

The two most common varieties are Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. The former is the type often used in supplements in the United States (2Trusted Source).

The bark and root have been used for centuries in South America as a traditional medicine for many conditions, such as inflammation, cancer, and infections.

Cat’s claw supplements can be taken as a liquid extract, capsule, powder, or tea.

SUMMARY

Cat’s claw is a tropical vine used for centuries as a traditional medicine. Today, it’s commonly consumed as a supplement due to its alleged health benefits.

Potential Health Benefits 

Cat’s claw has soared in popularity as a herbal supplement due to its alleged health benefits — though only the claims below are backed up by sufficient research.

May Boost Your Immune System

Cat’s claw may support your immune system, possibly helping fight infections more effectively.

A small study in 27 men found that consuming 700 mg of cat’s claw extract for 2 months increased their number of white blood cells, which are involved in combating infections (3Trusted Source).

Another small study in four men given cat’s claw extract for six weeks noted the same results (4Trusted Source).

Cat’s claw seems to work both by boosting your immune response and calming an overactive immune system (3Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source). 

Its anti-inflammatory properties could be responsible for its immune benefits (6Trusted Source).

Despite these promising results, more research is needed.

May Relieve Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition in the United States, causing painful and stiff joints (7Trusted Source).

In one study in 45 people with osteoarthritis in the knee, taking 100 mg of cat’s claw extract for 4 weeks resulted in reduced pain during physical activity. No side effects were reported.

However, there was no change in either pain at rest or knee swelling (8Trusted Source).

In an eight-week study, a supplement of cat’s claw and maca root — a Peruvian medicinal plant — reduced pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. In addition, participants needed pain medication less frequently (9Trusted Source).

Another trial tested a daily mineral supplement alongside 100 mg of cat’s claw extract in people with osteoporosis. After 1–2 weeks, joint pain and function improved compared to those not taking the supplements (10Trusted Source).

However, after eight weeks, the benefits were not sustained.

It should also be noted that it can be difficult to determine the specific actions of cat’s claw in studies that test multiple supplements at once.

Scientists believe that cat’s claw may ease osteoarthritis symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties (6Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).

Keep in mind that more research is needed on cat’s claw and osteoarthritis (11Trusted Source).

May Relieve Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes warm, swollen, painful joints. It is increasing in prevalence in the United States, where it affects more than 1.28 million adults (12Trusted Source).

Some studies suggest that cat’s claw can help relieve its symptoms.

For example, a study in 40 people with rheumatoid arthritis determined that 60 mg of cat’s claw extract per day alongside regular medication resulted in a 29% reduction in the number of painful joints compared to a control group (13Trusted Source).

As with osteoarthritis, cat’s claw is thought to reduce inflammation in your body, easing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms as a result (6Trusted Source).

Although these results are promising, the evidence is weak. Larger, better-quality studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

SUMMARY

Research suggests that cat’s claw extract may aid your immune system and reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, more studies are needed.

Unfounded Health Claims 

Cat’s claw contains several powerful compounds — such as phenolic acids, alkaloids, and flavonoids — that may promote health (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).

However, there is currently not enough research to support many of its supposed benefits, including for the following conditions:

  • cancer
  • viral infections
  • anxiety
  • allergies
  • high blood pressure
  • gout
  • stomach and bowel disorders
  • asthma
  • ovarian cysts
  • AIDS

Due to the lack of research, it’s unclear whether cat’s claw is an effective or safe treatment option for any of these ailments.

SUMMARY

Despite many marketing claims, there is insufficient evidence to support using cat’s claw for conditions like cancer, allergies, and AIDS.

Safety and Side Effects

While side effects of cat’s claw are rarely reported, available information to determine its overall safety is currently insufficient.

The high levels of tannins in cat’s claw may cause some side effects — including nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea — if consumed in large amounts (1Trusted Source).

Case reports and test-tube studies support other possible side effects, including low blood pressure, increased risk of bleeding, nerve damage, anti-estrogen effects, and adverse effects on kidney function (16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).

That said, these symptoms are rare.

It is generally advised that the following groups of people should avoid or limit cat’s claw:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Cat’s claw is not considered safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety information.
  • People with certain medical conditions. Those with bleeding disorders, autoimmune disease, kidney disease, leukemia, problems with blood pressure, or who are awaiting surgery should avoid cat’s claw (1Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).
  • People taking certain medications. As cat’s claw may interfere with some drugs, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer, and blood clotting, you should speak to your doctor before taking it (19Trusted Source).

The lack of safety evidence means that you should always use cat’s claw with caution.

SUMMARY

There is insufficient research into the risks of cat’s claw, although side effects are rare. Certain populations, such as pregnant women or those with particular medical conditions, should avoid cat’s claw.

Dosage Information

If you decide to take cat’s claw, note that dosage guidelines have not been established.

However, WHO says that an average daily dose is 20–350 mg of dried stem bark for extracts or 300–500 mg for capsules, taken in 2–3 separate doses throughout the day (21).

Studies have used daily doses of 60 and 100 mg of cat’s claw extract for treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knee, respectively (8Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).

One potential risk is that many herbal supplements — including cat’s claw — are not tightly regulated by the FDA. Therefore, it’s best to purchase cat’s claw from a reputable supplier to reduce the risk of contamination.

Look out for brands that have been independently tested by companies such as ConsumerLab.com, USP, or NSF International.

SUMMARY

Available information to develop dosage guidelines for cat’s claw is insufficient. However, average daily doses range from 20–350 mg of dried bark extract or 300–500 mg in capsule form.

The Bottom Line

Cat’s claw is a popular herbal supplement derived from a tropical vine. 

While research to support many of its supposed health benefits is limited, some evidence suggests that cat’s claw may help boost your immune system and ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Because safety and dosage guidelines have not been established, it may be best to consult with your doctor before taking cat’s claw.

Natural Medicine

What Is Burdock Root?

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Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC — Written by Ana Gotter (via Healthline)

Burdock root

Burdock root is a vegetable native to Northern Asia and Europe, though it now grows in the United States. The burdock plant’s deep roots are very long and vary in color from beige to brown and nearly black on the outside.

Burdock root has been used for centuries in holistic medicine to treat a variety of different conditions. Traditionally, it’s been most commonly used as a diuretic and a digestive aid (1).

Now, researchers have discovered numerous potential uses and health benefits for burdock root. These benefits may be extensive enough to warrant using burdock root as a complementary treatment for certain conditions.

Burdock root benefits

1. It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants

Burdock root has been shown to contain multiple types of powerful antioxidants, including quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids (2). 

Antioxidants protect cells in the body from damage due to free radicals. They can help treat and prevent a number of different health conditions.

Antioxidants can also help to reduce inflammation. One study found that burdock root reduced inflammatory markers in the blood of patients with osteoarthritis (3).

2. It removes toxins from the blood

One of the most common uses for burdock root has been to purify the blood. 

Recent evidence has found that burdock root contains active ingredients in its root system that can remove toxins from the bloodstream. 

Research also found that burdock root effectively detoxified blood and promoted increased circulation in the surface of the skin (1).

3. It may inhibit some types of cancer

Burdock root, as it turns out, may not only purify the blood, but it may also inhibit certain types of cancer. 

Research has also found that burdock had “potent inhibitory effects” on cancer growth caused by cancers like pancreatic carcinoma (1). Another study found burdock root significantly interfered with cancer cell growth. 

While more research is needed to determine the full effects of burdock on different types of cancers and tumors, this is still a remarkable finding (1, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).

4. It may be an aphrodisiac

Another possible use of burdock root is as an aphrodisiac. In a nonhuman study, it was found that the extract of burdock root had an aphrodisiac effect. The extract enhanced sexual function and increased the amount of sexual behavior in the male rats (6).

Research is needed on humans, but anecdotal evidence supports this claim.

5. It can help treat skin issues

Burdock root has also long been used to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema. The root’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can help resolve skin issues when applied topically to the skin (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source). 

There’s also evidence that burdock root may help treat topical burns (9Trusted Source).

Potential risks and side effects

There’s limited or no research available on the pediatric uses of burdock root, and its safety hasn’t been studied in children. Because of this, you should never give your child burdock root unless under the supervision of your healthcare provider.

Some potential risks of burdock include the following:

  • If you’re taking burdock supplements, take only in moderation. More research is needed to determine the safety of the supplement.
  • Burdock is considered to be safe to eat, but you should only buy it from reputable sellers and should never collect it in the wild. The burdock plant resembles belladonna nightshade plants, which are highly toxic. They often grow together.
  • Burdock root is a natural diuretic, so you shouldn’t take it if you’re dehydrated. You also shouldn’t take it if you’re also taking other diuretics or water pills, as it can increase dehydration.
  • If you’re allergic to chrysanthemums or daisies, you may be at an increased risk of having an allergic reaction to burdock root and should avoid it.
  • Pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant shouldn’t take burdock root or supplements.

Forms and doses


There are a number of different forms of burdock root available. These include:

  • fresh burdock root
  • burdock tea
  • dried root powder
  • burdock oil or burdock extract
Natural Medicine

Why I Replaced My Entire Shower Regimen With a Single Bar of Soap

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By Team Repeller (via Repeller)

Bathtubs attract a crowd. Shower gels, shampoos and conditioners, other shampoos and conditioners, body oil if you’re feeling fancy, shaving cream if that’s your bag, maybe an exfoliant or a scrub. But I’ve always enjoyed a little more solitude when I bathe, sticking to three products at most. I love a good Dr. Bronner’s, for example, which doubles as body wash and shampoo, as well as some light reading material while I wash. And I tend to stick to the same bottle of Aveda clay conditioner, which has proven effective for my naturally knotty stands. As someone who likes control but eschews responsibility, a modest kingdom is easier to maintain.

But even if I dreamed of getting my routine down to one product, I never thought it would actually be possible. And then, last year, I found the holy grail: Dr. Beekman’s COPA Soaps. Based in Philly but available online and at local markets, the all-purpose potential of this soap occurred to me by accident. I was sitting in the tub having a deep think, when I idly raised the soap bar — which I’d previously only used on my body — to my head and rubbed it all over my scalp, like an ancient monkey encountering modern cleansing instruments for the first time. The friction created very little lather at first, but after a while, successfully transferred the soap’s humectant properties to my hair. So much so that conditioner was superfluous: my hair felt soft, orderly and untangled.

COPA stands for the ingredient oils: coconut, olive, palm and almond. According to the packaging, the bars are “cold processed and all natural, using quality essential oils and herbs.” The soaps come in scents like sage, saffron, tea tree with peppermint, cider and avocado, but I always come back to the same six lavender varieties, which they helpfully bundle in one Lavender Collection. They are delicious but subtle, leaving behind only a whisper of their scent, an intimate privilege for anyone lucky enough to get close.Their glacé surfaces, when wet, resemble a gold bar dipped in condensed milk. I would eat them if I could.

bar soap

For a woman with winter-dry skin and fine, baby hair, keeping one nourished and the other squeaky clean is a delicate dance. But after my first full-body turn with this one bar, I emerged from the shower with fluffy hair and soft skin, in need of nothing more than a towel. I felt so portable. Like I could recreate my home spa experience in any shower in the world with an item that fit neatly in my palm. For there, I started using it for everything: face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner. In whittling down my bath product suite, I felt efficient and indulgent in one emollient stroke. I knew who I was and what I needed.

I can’t vouch for the universality of my practice — in the months since, I’ve given away bars to friends, who love it but haven’t embraced it monogamously. But it has me completely smitten, and my shower has never looked so gloriously empty.

The oneness of a uniform is contained in the word itself. Singularity is the thing, and with it comes certainty. What else can you be but what you are, when you wear one thing? A uniform takes self-definition and reproduces it semiotically. My beauty uniform doesn’t make me feel conformist or anonymous, but more like myself. After all, if it only takes one substance to make my hair bouncy and turn my skin to velvet, then I can believe that this soft, clean creature is who I really am. I am the luxury, and no one can ever take that away. I just need a bar of soap.

What’s your holy grail shower product? Would you ever use soap as shampoo? I’ll be waiting with my Dr. Beekman’s in the comments.

Photos by Louisiana Mei Gelpi.

Natural Medicine

7 Things Your Hair Says About Your Health

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Your hair can let you and your doctor know whether you’re stressed, have a nutritional deficiency, a thyroid problem, or other health issues. Here are seven key things to look for in your locks.

By Madeline R. Vann, MPH Medically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD (via Everyday Health)

You probably think about your hair on a daily basis — fretting over a bad hair day or enjoying a nice blowout, or maybe wondering whether to try out the new style you noticed on your favorite celebrity. But you might be missing clues that your hair is revealing about your health. Research shows that changes in your hair’s look, texture, or thickness can be signs of underlying health conditions. Here’s how you can tell whether your hair changes are due to a health problem, genetics, stress, or a nutritional deficiency.

Stress (and Genes) Can Make You Go Gray

Gray Hair

Anyone who has watched presidential hair change from campaign to campaign has noticed that stress seems to make hair turn gray, and a study on mice published in the journal Nature suggested that chronic stress may indeed contribute to graying hair by causing DNA damage and reducing the supply of pigment-producing cells in hair follicles. Stress can also cause your hair to fall out.

Another type of stress, known as oxidative stress, may also play a role in gray hair. “Oxidative stress (when cell-damaging free radicals inhibit the body’s repair processes) may affect pigment-producing cells,” says Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a dermatologist with The Permanente Medical Group in Vallejo, California.

Going gray is actually a totally natural part of aging, as your hair follicles produce less color as you get older. Your genes also play a role in when your hair turns gray, adds Dr. Mirmirani — ask your parents how old they were when they saw the first sign of silver, and you might follow suit. In fact, a study published in March 2016 in the journal Nature Communications was the first to identify the gene responsible for gray hair.2

Brittle Hair Could Be a Sign of Cushing’s Syndrome

a person with brittle hair

Brittle hair is one symptom of Cushing’s syndrome, which is a rare condition caused by too much cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. But, notes Mirmirani, there are many other more obvious symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome, including high blood pressure, fatigue, and back pain.

Treatment for Cushing’s syndrome may include changing the dose of medication that could be causing the condition, such as glucocorticoids, which are steroids used to treat inflammation caused by a variety of illnesses. Other people might need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to correct the adrenal gland’s overproduction of cortisol.

Hair Thinning Could Be a Sign of Thyroid Disease

a person with thinning hair

People who have hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, might notice increased hair shedding and a change in hair appearance, says Mirmirani.

About 4.6 percent of the U.S. population ages 12 and older has hypothyroidism, although most cases are mild. It can cause thinning hair and other symptoms, such as tiredness, cold intolerance, joint pain, muscle pain, a puffy face, and weight gain. A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test will diagnose the condition, and treatment entails taking thyroid medication. 

In addition to thinning hair, certain thyroid disorders put you at risk for an autoimmune hair-loss condition called alopecia areata. This type of hair loss causes round patches of sudden hair loss and is caused by the immune system attacking the hair follicles. 4

Hair Shedding Could Be a Sign of Anemia

a hair brush full of hair

If you’re suddenly noticing a lot more hair in your hairbrush or on your shower floor, this could be a sign that your body has low iron stores, or anemia, and may warrant testing. “This is another blood test we do when you complain of hair changes,” says Mirmirani. She says she is particularly likely to order this blood test for people who are vegetarian or for women who have heavy periods, both of which increase the chance that hair changes are due to low iron.

It’s not completely known why low iron can cause hair loss, but iron is critical for many biological and chemical reactions, perhaps including hair growth, says Rebecca Baxt, MD, a dermatologist in Paramus, New Jersey. If your doctor determines that you are truly iron deficient, eating more foods that are high in iron, or taking an iron supplement, might help with hair loss, she adds.

Hair shedding can also happen (temporarily) with sudden changes in estrogen levels and is often noticed after pregnancy or stopping birth control pills.5

Hair Loss Could Indicate a Protein Deficiency

a man with balding hair

Protein is essential for hair health and growth (a lack of protein has been linked to hair thinning and loss). Protein deficiency isn’t a problem for most Americans, says Mirmirani — most adults need 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Good sources of protein include nonfat Greek yogurt, tilapia, chickpeas, and chicken breast.

People who have gastrointestinal difficulties or who just had gastric bypass surgery may have problems digesting protein. These specialized situations will have to be managed with your doctor’s help. But most hair thinning, even in women, is likely due to genetics.6

White or Yellow Flakes Could Mean You Have Dandruff

a man with dandruff

Yellow or white flakes in your hair, on your shoulders, and even in your eyebrows are a sign of dandruff, a chronic scalp condition. Dandruff doesn’t usually indicate a serious health problem, and it can usually be treated with over-the-counter specialty hair shampoos or a prescription shampoo.

One of the most common causes of dandruff is a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Those with seborrheic dermatitis have red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. A yeast-like fungus called malassezia can also irritate the scalp. Not shampooing enough, sensitivity to hair care products, and dry skin can also cause dandruff. (Dandruff is usually worse in winter, when indoor heating can make skin drier.)7

Damaged Hair Can Mask Other Health Problems

a person using a hair straigtener

Although hair can tattle on your health conditions, Mirmirani says that patients more commonly complain about the damage done by coloring and heat-treating hair to within an inch of its life. Too much heat, from daily flat iron use or daily blowouts, can certainly damage your hair, making it dry, brittle, and hard to maintain, says Tania Moran, a licensed hairstylist at Swank Hair Salon in New York City. Moran recommends using no more than one hot tool per day (infrequent double heat processes are okay, but not daily). Whenever you’re applying heat to your hair, always use products with protective ingredients, she adds. “Serums and shine drops tend to have qualities that preserve the hair when using direct and indirect heat,” she explains.

Getting your hair professionally colored is unlikely to cause much damage, Moran says, but bleaching your hair and using boxed hair color at home can have adverse effects. You can mitigate any damage to your hair by using the right products. “Post-color treatment, use proper color-preserving and moisturizing shampoo,” Moran recommends.

Perhaps most importantly, highly treated hair may mask certain problems and make it difficult to see or feel what your hair can tell you about your health.

Natural Medicine

25 BEST HERBS FOR HAIR GROWTH AND THICKNESS

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By Anveya (via Anveya)

Ayurveda has wonderful and effective means to ensure a long-term sustainable hair health. Whether you’re blessed with long and healthy hair and your goal is to keep it as so for the years to come, or whether you’re dealing with hair issues like hair fall and damaged hair and similar scalp issues, a natural practice which can work well for you and can stay with you for years in the best one. Ayurvedic remedies have proven themselves for thousands of years for Indian hair, and they will work out wonderfully well for your hair too. Here is a list of Ayurvedic herbs for hair growth, nourishment, and for dealing with hair fall.

INDIAN HERBS FOR FASTER HAIR GROWTH

1. SHIKAKAI

Shikakai

This Ayurvedic herb is often used as a replacement for chemical shampoo products due to its excellent cleaning properties. Commonly found in India, and scientifically known as ‘acacia concinna’, it is packed with important vitamins such as Vitamin A, K and E which are all beneficial in maintaining hair health.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Controls and lessens dandruff. Dandruff is often one of the factors for hair loss.
  • Cleanses your scalp thoroughly and improves scalp health.
  • Strengthens the roots of your hair. Strengthens hair overall.
  • Promotes strong hair and hair growth.

2. BRAHMI

Named ‘Brahmi’, after the God Brahman, this Ayurvedic herb has several redeeming qualities for hair health. Scientifically known as ‘bacopa monnieri’, Brahmi is used as an oil or as a paste applied onto the scalp and hair to prevent hair loss and to make hair thicker and healthier.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Not only does Brahmi reduce hair fall, it even reduces stress.
  • It is beneficial in nourishing the hair scalp.
  • It promotes and causes hair to grow healthily, strongly.

3. HENNA

Henna

Scientifically known as ‘lawsonia inermis’, henna or mehendi as we popularly know it, is widely known for its usage of hair colouring and making beautiful patterns on women’s palms, hands and feet. However, it has several beneficial qualities such as antibacterial and astringent properties which make it extremely beneficial for promoting hair health. It prevents clogging of the pores in your scalp by removing any excess oil and is often applied in the form of a paste onto your hair and scalp.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • It acts as a natural hair dye, with repeated usage.
  • It helps manage or treat oily hair and scalp.
  • It aids in restoring the pH level of our scalp.
  • It helps in repairing any damage caused to our scalp and hair. Controls hair damage.

4. BHRINGRAJ

Alternatively known as a false daisy, bhringraj is a medicinal herb growing primarily in moist areas. Scientifically known as ‘Eclipta Alba’, when this herb is used in the form of an oil, it has miraculous effects on our hair, skin and bodily health. Mainly, it prevents hair loss and rejuvenates our scalp. It can even aid those who are experiencing greying of some hair strands at a young age. Bhringraj can be used as a natural dye as well.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Makes your hair appear lustrous, adds shine to your hair.
  • Promotes healthy hair growth.

5. AMLA OR INDIAN GOOSEBERRY

Amla

Scientifically known as ‘Phyllanthus Emblica’, Amla is a well-known fruit in the Indian subcontinent whose oil is used widely in India for nourishing and moisturising hair. It is a fruit loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants which all aid in the production of collagen. Collagen, of course, boosts production of hair and promotes a healthy and strong hair. Amla can be used either as an oil with Coconut oil or a paste with water by combining dry amla powder with water or any carrier oil.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Amla helps reduce greying of hair.
  • Promotes strong and healthy hair.
  • Help treat dandruff and any other underlying scalp condition.
  • Conditions or moisturizes hair well.

6. FENUGREEK

Popularly known in Indian households as ‘methi’ and scientifically known as ‘trigonella foenumgraecum’, is a wonderful natural conditioner. Fenugreek seeds have been traditionally used as a condiment promoting hair health and conditioning. It aids in strengthening hair roots and stimulating hair follicles for hair growth. Thus it prevents hair loss. Due to its moisturising property it also aids in adding sheen to one’s hair. It can even aid in fighting against dandruff, a common problem during the months of winter.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Promotes growth of hair.
  • Conditions, hydrates the scalp and hair.
  • Improves blood circulation in the scalp.
  • Keeps hair light, oil free and fragrant.

7. NEEM

Neem

Neem oil or even neem paste can prove beneficial for hair with its various medicinal properties. The oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree, alternatively known as the Indian lilac, and the paste can be prepared by crushing the neem leaves and blending it with a little water. While neem oil increases the growth rate of hair and adds strength and lustre to hair, neem paste is beneficial for taking care of our scalp by preventing dryness and flaking when used as a nourishing and hydrating hair pack or mask.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Neem possesses antibacterial properties. This is beneficial for fighting against any potential infections.
  • Neem is beneficial for cleansing and nourishing the scalp.
  • It controls dandruff, reducing dandruff.
  • Neem even aids in increasing collagen production.

8. ARITHA

Soap nuts, or ‘ritha’, ‘aritha’, or the myriad other names it is known by, is a popularly utilized herb in ayurveda. Natural, eco-friendly, relatively inexpensive and reusable, soap nuts are a great alternative for hair products from store bought products. Soap nuts are rich in something called saponin, which is great for adding lustre to your hair when used regularly. It increases hair health as well. This is a popular alternative especially for people with a sensitive scalp, or skin.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Nourishes hair follicles and scalp.
  • Promotes healthy growth of hair.
  • Cleanses and cools scalp.
  • Antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties help fight infections.

9. BASIL

Basil

Basil is popularly known in Indian households as ‘tulsi’. Tulsi is traditionally known in ayurveda to have several beneficial properties for one’s hair and skin. Specifically speaking for hair, it promotes hair growth by stimulating blood circulation in our scalp. Basil oil can help provide for stronger hair follicles. Fresh, light and aromatic, basil oil can be used as a wonderful massage oil as well.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Reduces hair fall.
  • Provides for or stimulates hair growth.
  • Controls and lessens itchiness, dry scalp, dandruff.

10. ALOE VERA

Aloe vera enjoys widespread usage of beauty products due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. The aloe plant’s leaves hold inside a translucent gel which has incredible healing properties. This gel is rich in vitamins and important amino acids. Aloe vera possesses something called proteolytic enzymes which are beneficial in repairing dead cells on the scalp. Aloe vera aids in conditioning, nourishing; reduces itchiness, dandruff, etcetera. Thus aloe vera is great for controlling hair fall.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Aloe vera is known as a miraculous plant for its many medicinal properties.
  • Possesses antiviral and antibacterial properties.
  • Can be used throughout the year, perennially.
  • Conditions and nourishes hair.
  • Prevents and controls hair fall.

11. LAVENDER

Lavender

Also known as ‘lavendula officinalis’, lavender is known mostly for its aromatic, cooling and calming properties, however, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a natural insect repeller which helps guard against lice. Lavender is popularly used as an essential oil along with a carrier oil. Lavender is beneficial in deep conditioning your hair and controlling hair damage and dandruff.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Acts as a natural insect repeller.
  • Promotes scalp health.
  • Controls oil production in your scalp.
  • Provides nourishment and sheen to hair.
  • Provides a lovely fragrance to one’s hair.

12. HIBISCUS

Hibiscus oil is known to boost collagen production, strengthening hair and facilitating regrowth of hair. This happens due to the high presence of Vitamin C in Hibiscus. It is additionally, rich in amino acids which keep hair roots healthy, promote a lustrous and shiny hair. Hibiscus oil is famously known for helping those with bald patches as well, it stimulates hair regrowth from dormant hair follicles. It aids in adding volume to your thinning hair, which is a distressing thing for anyone.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Is an excellent anti-dandruff all-natural product.
  • Helps guard against greying hair, is a natural hair dye.
  • Can act as an excellent natural deep conditioning material, guarding against frizz, breakage, and dryness

13. BLACK WALNUT

Black Walnut

Black walnuts are most commonly in use as natural hair-colouring dyes, however they have benefits for hair regrowth and for boosting hair health as well. Commonly known in the Indian subcontinent as ‘akhrot’, this item not only boosts brain health it also benefits us in preventing hair loss.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Walnuts are a natural source of tannin, juglone and plumbagin which leave stains on whatever they come in contact with. Thus they are excellent for their usage as a natural hair dye, and cloth dye as well.
  • High content of ALA or alpha-linoleic acid provides ample nourishment for hair, making it shiny and silky smooth in return.
  • It helps in relieving an itchy scalp by fighting dandruff.

14. CHAMOMILE

Scientifically known as ‘matricaria recutita’, chamomile is popularly consumed as a tea due to its fragrance and soothing aroma. However it has many usages for hair care as well. It nourishes and soothes one’s scalp, promoting healthy hair growth. One possible usage is rinsing your hair with chamomile tea after having washed and conditioned it, for adding fragrance and strength to your hair.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • It is beneficial for soothing one’s scalp.
  • Providing fragrance to your hair.
  • Nourishes roots.

15. ROSEMARY

Rosemary

Not only does rosemary have gastronomical usages, it is a herb used for healing purposes as well. You can use it in oil form, directly as a hair massage, or mix it in your shampoo. It is a popular herb in the Mediterranean region, used to promote hair health. There isn’t enough research on the subject, however it is a safe, economical, home produce which has been popular in domestic usage and as such can yield results for problems such as bald patches, hair frizz, hair smoothening, adding shine to hair, etcetera.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Antioxidant benefits.
  • Anti inflammatory.
  • Improves blood circulation and stimulates nerve growth and reaction.

16. THYME

Scientifically known as ‘thymus vulgaris’, thyme is a herb rich in several beneficial nutrients such as potassium, magnesium and selenium. These aid in stimulating the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. It maintains scalp health via its antifungal and antiseptic properties. It can be applied as an essential oil along with a carrier oil.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Promotes hair growth and regrowth.
  • Possesses antiseptic properties.
  • Possesses antifungal properties.

17. CLOVES

Cloves

Cloves are popularly known in India as ‘laung’ and are used in tempering while cooking in Indian households. It has several other benefits for hair health besides. Cloves have preservative and antiseptic properties, and as such can be great for shampooing or applying to hair to boost hair health and restoring its sheen and lustre.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • It aids in preventing hair loss.
  • Is a great colour refresher, makes hair appear fresh and rejuvenated.
  • Is good for conditioning hair, providing fragrance to hair.

18. GOTU KOLA

Gotu Kola is a herb most popularly used for its treatment of hair loss. It is a small herb native to India, used in herbal medication. It has several health, skin and hair benefits. It acts as a booster for hair regrowth by strengthening hair follicles and nourishing the scalp. It aids in the expansion of hair follicles.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Benefitial for hair loss prevention.
  • Improves blood circulation in the scalp.
  • Refreshing quality.

19. BLACK TEA

Black Tea

Black tea contains more caffeine than a cup of coffee, and caffeine is beneficial in blocking the DHT, the hormone which is responsible for hair loss. Applying black tea to hair has several benefits. Black tea contains tannic acid which is beneficial in darkening hair as well, thus it can be used as a natural hair dye. Black tea stimulates hair growth and fosters healthier and stronger hair.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • High content of antioxidants and caffeine aids in boosting hair health.
  • Drinking black tea significantly prevents hair loss.
  • Helps in hair regrowth.
  • Adds shine and lustre to hair.
  • Is a natural dye.

20. FLAXSEED

Flaxseeds are extremely beneficial for your hair. Being a rich source of omega-3, manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin B1, etcetera, they help moisturize the hair, reduce flakiness of scalp, treat dandruff, improve hair strength and add shine to hair. Due to their affordability and availability, flaxseeds can be easily incorporated into your dailt diet as a means of naturally improving hair health.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Contain essential vitamins for hair.
  • Contain lignans which helps protect or fight against hair thinning.

21. GREEN TEA

Green Tea

Green tea is an excellent tea to consume as it is high on antioxidants, catechins(aid in fighting against DTH thus prevents hair loss), vitamins, enzymes, etcetera. It can be used as a mask, it can be consumed, or it can be used as a rinse to obtain a shining, fragrant, healthier hair.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Fights hair loss as it is rich in a compound which fights DTH.
  • Fights dryness of scalp.
  • Helps prevent dandruff.
  • Promotes hair regrowth by stimulating hair roots and follicles, due to the presence of polyphenol.

22. INDIGO

Apart from being used as a great, natural hair dye, indigo has other beneficial properties for hair. Indigo is used primarily as a hair oil for stimulating hair growth and as a hair pack for dyeing hair. It even aids in preventing dandruff and moisturizing dry hair.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Is a great hair dye. It is healthy, natural and gives a great colour when used in conjunction with henna or ‘mehendi’.
  • Indigo powder promotes hair growth, lessening hair loss by preventing irritation of the scalp.
  • It adds shine to hair, it dispels heat and revitalises hair.

23. DANDELION

Dandelion

Dandelion is a lesser explored herb especially in the Indian subcontinent, however, it is a herb rich in vitamins and minerals which aid in the nourishment of hair and thus is beneficial for your hair. Consuming dandelion and applying the herb onto your hair both have benefits. It stimulates hair growth, helps treat dandruff, and can help control oil production on your scalp thus preventing oily or greasy hair. Therefore it is a great herb for hair health.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Stimulates hair growth due to high content of vitamins A, C, E and B complex vitamins.
  • Due to presence of minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, etcetera it aids in boosting hair health.
  • It is rich in iron which aids in lessening and even preventing dandruff.
  • It treats greasy hair by getting rid of excess oil or accumulated sebum on the scalp.

24. MARSHMALLOW

Marshmallow root extract is not used widely in India as a domestic ingredient however it is a popular ingredient in many hair conditioners for its amazing slippery texture. It disentangles and softens hair. It is a plant high in protein, thus promoting healthy hair growth, moisturizing dry hair, and a soothed, cool scalp. It can be used at home as a natural hair dye as well.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Prevents skin inflammation.
  • Thickens hair strands.
  • Promotes healthy hair regrowth.

25. NETTLE

Nettle

Nettle is alternatively known as ‘urtica dioica’ and has several beneficial properties for hair. It is popularly used to treat hair fall problems and promotes hair regrowth. It even aids in treating dandruff. It is rich in vitamins and proteins and is great for boosting hair health.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS HERB

  • Good source of tannin, thus can act as a natural dye
  • Good source of iron, potassium, calcium, etcetera. Thus helps prevent dandruff and aids in boosting hair health.
  • Rich in Vitamins A, C and D. These aid in stimulating hair growth.
Magic Mushrooms, Natural Medicine

Mushrooms as Medicine with Paul Stamets at Exponential Medicine

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Leading mycologist Paul Stamets shares his work exploring the diverse role medicinal mushrooms may have in activating our immune systems and helping treat cancer, to new data supporting the role of fungi in biosecurity and the health of the bees that pollinate our planet.

Exponential Medicine (http://ExponentialMedicine.com) is unique cross-disciplinary program exploring the cutting edge of health, medicine and technology.

The next xMed program will be held November 4-7th 2019 at the Hotel del Coronado.

More talks at http://ExponentialMedicine.com/videos

More about Singularity University: http://su.org

Magic Mushrooms, Natural Medicine

Turkey Tail Mushroom | Medicine Making, ID, Harvest, and More

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Learn how to identify, harvest and make medicine with Turkey Tail Mushroom with Herbalist Yarrow Willard (Herbal Jedi).

This mini-intensive goes deep into the mycelial layer, covering many uses and benefits that can be found in working with this Mushroom for your health needs.

Turkey tail is easy to find all over the world and is one of those important natural remedies to know about when looking to work with chronic health conditions and immune support.

It has been heavily studied by modern science and revered for its benefits since ancient times.

Happy Turkey Tail hunting…

Y~ Some additional Turkey tail info:

Coriolus versicolor (Trametes versicolor; Turkey tail, Kawaratake, Yun-Zhi, 云芝

This mushroom and it isolates are some of the most studied of all medicinal mushrooms. In particular is the glucan-protein complex of Polysaccharide-K (Kresin, PSK, PSP) that is used in cancer therapy to counter-act the immune depressing action of common chemotherapy.

Approved in 1980 by the Japanese equivalent to the FDA for concurrent use with chemotherapy, it is covered by all health care plans in Japan. Both the isolate and the mushroom have been shown to increase survival time of cancer patients.

In large studies it has also been shown to be useful in stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, small cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung carcinoma. PSK has been shown to enhance activity of chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubin and etoposide. US cancer doctors have seen both PSK and whole mushroom extract to have promises for chemoprevention due to multiple effects on the malignant process and reducing side effect of oral dosage. These studies, published in Lancet, found the results to be significant.

The sales for these unique all natural compounds have reached several hundred million dollars a year in Japan and China, making them the most widely used products in those countries by people facing serious immune challenges.

There has been great interest in Coriolus’ ability to work as an antiviral including HIV, HPV hepatitis and many other viruses.

Turkey has been studied by the biotech industry for its ability to digest many pesticides including PCP’s and to detoxify dangerous Hydro Carbons.

A variety of Turkey tail mushroom products are available at http://www.harmonicarts.ca

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Natural Medicine

10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin

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Written by Kris Gunnars, BSc (via HealthLine)

Turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence.

Many high-quality studies show that it has major benefits for your body and brain.

Here are the top 10 evidence-based health benefits of turmeric.

1. Turmeric Contains Bioactive Compounds With Powerful Medicinal Properties

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Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color.

It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb.

Recently, science has started to back up what Indians have known for a long time — it really does contain compounds with medicinal properties (1Trusted Source).

These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

However, the curcumin content of turmeric is not that high. It’s around 3%, by weight (2Trusted Source).

Most of the studies on this herb are using turmeric extracts that contain mostly curcumin itself, with dosages usually exceeding 1 gram per day.

It would be very difficult to reach these levels just using the turmeric spice in your foods.

Therefore, if you want to experience the full effects, you need to take a supplement that contains significant amounts of curcumin.

Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine, a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000% (3Trusted Source).

The best curcumin supplements contain piperine, substantially increasing their effectiveness.

Curcumin is also fat soluble, so it may be a good idea to take it with a fatty meal.

SUMMARY

Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Most studies used turmeric extracts that are standardized to include large amounts of curcumin.

2. Curcumin Is a Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound

Inflammation is incredibly important.

It helps your body fight foreign invaders and also has a role in repairing damage.

Without inflammation, pathogens like bacteria could easily take over your body and kill you.

Although acute, short-term inflammation is beneficial, it can become a major problem when it becomes chronic and inappropriately attacks your body’s own tissues.

Scientists now believe that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases.

Curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory. In fact, it’s so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs, without the side effects (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source ).

It blocks NF-kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of your cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. NF-kB is believed to play a major role in many chronic diseases (10, 11Trusted Source).

Without getting into the details (inflammation is extremely complicated), the key takeaway is that curcumin is a bioactive substance that fights inflammation at the molecular level (12Trusted Source, 13, 14).

SUMMARY

Chronic inflammation contributes to many common Western diseases. Curcumin can suppress many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation.

3. Turmeric Dramatically Increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the Body

Oxidative damage is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind aging and many diseases.

It involves free radicals, highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons.

Free radicals tend to react with important organic substances, such as fatty acids, proteins or DNA.

The main reason antioxidants are so beneficial is that they protect your body from free radicals.

Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals due to its chemical structure (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source).

In addition, curcumin boosts the activity of your body’s own antioxidant enzymes (17, 18, 19Trusted Source).

In that way, curcumin delivers a one-two punch against free radicals. It blocks them directly, then stimulates your body’s own antioxidant defenses.

SUMMARY

Curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects. It neutralizes free radicals on its own but also stimulates your body’s own antioxidant enzymes.

4. Curcumin Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Linked to Improved Brain Function and a Lower Risk of Brain Diseases

Back in the day, it was believed that neurons weren’t able to divide and multiply after early childhood.

However, it’s now known that this does happen.

Neurons are capable of forming new connections, but in certain areas of the brain they can also multiply and increase in number.

One of the main drivers of this process is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a type of growth hormone that functions in your brain (20Trusted Source).

Many common brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of this hormone, including depression and Alzheimer’s disease (21, 22).

Interestingly, curcumin can increase brain levels of BDNF (23, 24).

By doing this, it may be effective in delaying or even reversing many brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function (25Trusted Source).

It may also improve memory and make you smarter, which seems logical given its effects on BDNF levels. However, controlled studies in people are needed to confirm this (26).

SUMMARY

Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in your brain.

5. Curcumin Should Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number 1 cause of death in the world (27Trusted Source).

Researchers have studied it for many decades and learned a lot about why it happens.

Unsurprisingly, heart disease is incredibly complicated and various things contribute to it.

Curcumin may help reverse many steps in the heart disease process (28Trusted Source).

Perhaps the main benefit of curcumin when it comes to heart disease is improving the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of your blood vessels.

It’s well known that endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of heart disease and involves an inability of your endothelium to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and various other factors (29Trusted Source).

Several studies suggest that curcumin leads to improvements in endothelial function. One study found that it’s as effective as exercise while another shows that it works as well as the drug Atorvastatin (30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).

In addition, curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidation (as discussed above), which play a role in heart disease as well.

One study randomly assigned 121 people, who were undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, either a placebo or 4 grams of curcumin per day, a few days before and after the surgery.

The curcumin group had a 65% decreased risk of experiencing a heart attack in the hospital (32Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Curcumin has beneficial effects on several factors known to play a role in heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.

6. Turmeric Can Help Prevent (And Perhaps Even Treat) Cancer

Cancer is a terrible disease, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.

There are many different forms of cancer, which still have several things in common. Some of them appear to be affected by curcumin supplements (33Trusted Source).

Curcumin has been studied as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment and been found to affect cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level (34Trusted Source).

Studies have shown that it can contribute to the death of cancerous cells and reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors) and metastasis (spread of cancer) (35Trusted Source).

Multiple studies indicate that curcumin can reduce the growth of cancerous cells in the laboratory and inhibit the growth of tumors in test animals (36Trusted Source, 37Trusted Source).

Whether high-dose curcumin (preferably with an absorption enhancer like piperine) can help treat cancer in humans has yet to be studied properly.

However, there is evidence that it may prevent cancer from occurring in the first place, especially cancers of the digestive system like colorectal cancer.

In a 30-day study in 44 men with lesions in the colon that sometimes turn cancerous, 4 grams of curcumin per day reduced the number of lesions by 40% (38Trusted Source).

Maybe curcumin will be used along with conventional cancer treatment one day. It’s too early to say for sure, but it looks promising and is being intensively studied.

SUMMARY

Curcumin leads to several changes on the molecular level that may help prevent and perhaps even treat cancer.

7. Curcumin May Be Useful in Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world and a leading cause of dementia.

Unfortunately, no good treatment is available for Alzheimer’s yet.

Therefore, preventing it from occurring in the first place is of utmost importance.

There may be good news on the horizon because curcumin has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier (39Trusted Source).

It’s known that inflammation and oxidative damage play a role in Alzheimer’s disease, and curcumin has beneficial effects on both (40).

In addition, a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease is a buildup of protein tangles called amyloid plaques. Studies show that curcumin can help clear these plaques (41Trusted Source).

Whether curcumin can really slow down or even reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people is currently unknown and needs to be studied properly.

SUMMARY

Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease.

8. Arthritis Patients Respond Very Well to Curcumin Supplements

Arthritis is a common problem in Western countries.

There are several different types, most of which involve inflammation in the joints.

Given that curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory compound, it makes sense that it may help with arthritis.

Several studies show this to be true.

In a study in people with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was even more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug (