HERBS FOR HEALTH

HERBS FOR HEALTH

Brothers and sisters, herbs are a gift from the Lord and should be utilized more by our people as we involve ourselves in the true methods of healing. Indeed, at this time when various pharmaceutical drugs are being called into question because of their many and deadly side effects, the spotlight is again being focused on these natural healers.

The drug industry would have us believe that herbal remedies are untested and therefore "dangerous," but herbs have been used for centuries. And many of them have been rigorously tested in other countries. Indeed the German Commission E, similar to our Food and Drug Administration, has done extensive research on many of the most common herbs and found them safe and efficacious when used as directed. It's instructive to note that in Germany herbal science is state of the art and natural remedies are taught in medical schools.

Let's take a closer look at herbs as a viable healing modality:

* Herb, which are in tune with our biological make-up, were part of the first system of healing that the world has known--yes, even from Bible times. They contain great healing benefits and are really a class of foods and therefore an extension of nutrition.

* The World Health Organization informs us that 80% of the more than 6 billion world population rely on herbal medicines. 30 to 50% of all medical doctors in France and Germany rely exclusively on herbal praparations as their primary medicines.

* Andrew Weil, MD., who teaches at the University of Arizona Medical School and is the author of Spontaneous Healing and other books, has prescribed herbs for everything from asthma to immune deficiency and has never seen plants cause serious side effects. He says he prescribes 40 times more botanical and herbal medicines than synthetic drugs.

* The herbal medicine chest has a centuries old history of effectiveness and solid scientific research confirmas their traditional use. Indeed, respected herbal practioners around the world recommend them to their patients...Varro E. Tyler, PhD, ScD, America's foremost expert on herbs and plant derived medicine, and dean emeritus of the Purdue University School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences, points out that herbs are part of the antioxidant army so cruicial for good health. Indeed, in many cases they are as much as 50 times more powerful than the antioxidant vitamins.

* Herbs (plants), work by assisting the body's normal self-healing mechanism... Drugs work by suppressing symptoms. Herbs are the new focus of reputable experts and labs across the country. From Rockefeller Univ. to the National Institutes of Health, studies are underway looking into the benefits of these healing wonders.

* For every drug there is an herbal alternative.

* A major "pain" that herbs can prevent: regular visits to the doctor's office.

* Time, the weekly new magazine pointed out that in one recent year 60 million Americans took herbal supplements, spending nearly $5 billion.

* Lynn Walker, PhD., writing in Nature's Pharmacy, points out that herbs are nature's gentle yet effective medicines. Many medical drugs are developed by isolating or imitating plant ingredients. But only the whole herb contains nature's wisdom and safety.

Important Note: Ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance as you utilize the healing power of herbs. And study, study, study--this subject is indeed worthy of our time and concern as we explore God's method of healing.

God heals His creation with His creation.

Suzanne

More on Herbs

Brothers and sisters, herbs have been used as healing agents since the beginning of time by every race upon the earth. Indeed, every culture has had some knowledge of herbs. These plant remedies represent the most continuous and universal form of treatment for man's ills.
The practice of using herbs in health care sprang back to life in the U.S. so suddenly and dramatically in the late'60's and early '70's that the decades since have been seen as an "herbal renaissance."

Drugs act upon the vital forces in a manner similar to whipping a tired horse, whereas herbs are in tune with bodily processes and work along with it in building, repairing and vitalizing in a more gentle fashion.

Isadore Rosenfeld, MD., writing in an issue of "Parade" magazine: "A Doctor's Guide to Herbs," points out that "Times have changed. Establishment doctors like myself are taking a fresh look at herbal medicines--largely because of patient pressure. People are turning to a 'natural' approach because of their interest in prevention (not a strong suit of traditional medicne) and to find relief from a host of degenerative diseases, ranging from Alzheimer's to arthritis, for which there is currently no cure. In addition, herbal medicine is now the subject of serious research not only abroad but also in America."

Dr. Rosenfield list the following herbs as those he uses in his own practice: echinacia, helps alleviate the symptoms of colds; St. John's wort, treats mild depression; feverfew, prevents migraine headaches; saw palmetto, helps men with benign enlargement of the prostate; ginkgo biloba, used to treat memory loss; ginger, prevents motion sickness and nausea; garlic, lowers cholesterol; ginseng, increases energy; valerian, a safe, mild sleeping aid; milk thistle, for hepatitis and other liver disorders; and peppermint, a digestive aid.

Dr. Rosenfield issues certain cautions and says that these herbs should be avoided: comfrey, chaparral, jin bu haun, germander, pennyroyal and pokeroot, as all can hurt the liver. Ephedra (ma huang) can raise heart rate and blood pressure and should likewise be avoided.

(I have also read elsewhere that certain Chinese herbs should be used with extreme caution or not at all). Any use of herbs should be preceded by learning as much as possible about them. Here is where detective work comes in.

And there are various herbal books that give much info on the subject. My favorite is Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss. Varro E. Tyler, PhD, ScD, America's foremost expert on herbs and plant derived medicine, lists these herbal books as quite helpful: 101 Medicinal Herbs, by Steven Foster; The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, by Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, PhD; The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs, by Rob McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien; The Doctors Book of Herbal Home Remedies by the editors of Prevention Health Books; Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., and Herbal Medicine Expanded Commission E Monographs (Integrative Medicine Communications, 2000), edited by Mark Blumenthal, Alicia Goldberg, and Josef Brinckmann.

The use of herbs for health is obviously for the thinking man or women who takes the time to prayerfully and carefully study up on the subject. They are part of a total program that includes the 8-laws of health as outlined in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy.

Your health is YOUR responsibility.

Suzanne

Hi Suzanne,

Thank you for the herbal references; Back to Eden has been a favourite as it includes treatments, anecdotes and some sound Biblical precepts.

It's true that we've long viewed health as our own responsibility, within the SDA construct. But my health is not truly MY responsibility, nor is my behaviour. These belong to God if we believe He is our Creator, and Christ our Redeemer. The difference may seem petty or contentious, merely semantics. But not so. If a man or woman is surrendered to Christ, HE will work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

Herbs in themselves are only a minor inclusion to the Newstart principle (under Nutrition), and here is my position: It's Christ we need, not herbs. Your sage words on Overeating & Gluttony confirm this truth: "The animal part of our nature should never be left to govern the moral and intellectual." (CD 47)

Christ has infinite power. Surrendered to Him, we partake of that divine nature because He is living within. It is no longer I that live, but Christ that liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galations 2:20)

There are few, if any Adventists who follow the inspired laws of health, and so they suffer from afflictions you list: colds, depression, migraines, BPH, memory loss, elevated blood cholesterol, insomnia, indigestion, etc. Herbs will not remove the cause. We willfully violate the laws of health only when we resist His direction. Trust in Christ's love for us alone will keep us safe and healthy, for He will never lead us amiss.

Many amongst us have forgotten the Divine reason for the health laws, and so apply them as works. This preserves us to some extent, but fails of reaching the intended goal, which is to have the mind of Christ. A mind open and subject to the leading of Divinity. As we surrender to Him by faith, our faith increases and we trust more, surrender more. Christ was always in subjection to His Father's will, and thus He is our example.
______

Thanks, gordon1, for your words of wisdom--so true! However the Lord "knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust," (Ps. 103:14), and do not always measure up. Hence He has given us a sensible, balanced health message, which includes natural remedies, and the use of herbs, as His own approved healing modalities that can and should be used when needed.

And this system stands as an open rebuke to those who use and foster the use of expensive, dangerous medicinal drugs that have well nigh taken over the Western world and is met with indifference by many SDAs.

It may be well for each of us to reread, and prayerfully study The Ministry of Healing, by Ellen White. This volumn clarifies so many questions that arise concering the health of the body and our relationship to Christ.

Suzanne

Brothers and sisters, the Lord in His mercy has given us a balanced view of many Bible statements that sometimes are misunderstood. Consider the following thought from Inspiration:

"Brethren, we are far behind. Many of the things which the church should do in order to be a living church are not done. Through the indulgence of perverted appetite many place themselves in such a condition of health that there is constant warring against the soul's highest interests. The truth, though presented in clear lines, is not accepted. I wish to set this matter before every member of our churches. Our habits must be brought into conformity to the will of God. We are assured, 'It is God which worketh in you,' but man must do his part in controlling appetite and passion. The religious life requires the action of mind and heart in harmony with the divine forces. No man can of himself work out his own salvation, and God cannot do this work for him without his co-operation. But when man works earnestly, God works with him, giving him power to become a son of God." --Ellen White, Testimony for the Church, Vol. 6:371, 372.

Comment: The point I want to make here is that we are not robots to be controlled like puppets on a string by the Lord, but must cooperate fully in working out our salvation. That means that we definitely have a role to play in following the directions the Lord has outlined--work out what the Lord works in. And we need divine help to do our part.

It may sound a bit confusing, but by the grace and help of the Lord we can and must understand these crucial concepts.

Suzanne

Herb Sales Grow

In spite of the recession, more consumers purchased herbal supplements last year (2009), than in 2008. This according to HerbalGram, a publication of the American Botanical Council. Indeed, in natural products stores, sales of plant-based dietary supplements increased by 4.5%.

Top sellers include the following:

1. Aloe vera
2. Flaxseeds and/or flaxseed oil
3. Wheat or barley grass
4. Acai
5. Turmeric
6. Milk thistle
7. Stevia
8. Elderberry
9. Saw palmetto
10. Echihnacea

Suzanne

I would like to emphasize that herbs are only a part of the whole program. Many seek herbs as a magic pill unlike the toxic substances urged by the slash, burn, and poison industry.

Of course, it depends upon what one defines as "herbs", but using the definition related to the context that they are to be taken for healing rather than regular consumption, if someone is following the eight laws of health, they would not need healing. It's only those who have not been following them who may need a boost while they get back on track.

For those who refuse to follow the laws of health, herbs may not harm them, but they won't fix the problem. Too many put too much belief in advertising hype such as, lose weight without changing your diet.

I agree. While it is true our health is a gift from God, can one expect God to restore health if we abuse the machinery He's given us? How we choose to treat our bodies IS our responsibility.

You are an enigma to me kland, sometimes appearing scientifically aware, and at other times, not..

Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal herbal teas taking the mainstream beverage industry by storm

by Jonathan Benson, staff writer

(NaturalNews) Many people looking for alternatives to coffee, soda pop, artificially-sweetened drink mixes, and other mainstream beverages that severely lack in the nutritional department, are turning to medicinal teas, according to a recent report in The News Tribune. Tisanes, or herbal infusion teas that often have a medicinal flare, are popping up at coffee shops and specialty beverage stores across the country, as customers seek healthier and more flavorful beverage alternatives.

Herbal tea blends containing all sorts of plant materials, from common herbs and fruits to flowers and roots, have been utilized for centuries by many ancient cultures that recognized their health-promoting benefits. And many Americans are now discovering for the first time that when certain herbs are carefully steeped at just the right temperature for just the right amount of time, they can provide benefits like headache relief and anti-inflammation.

Maureen McHugh, co-owner of the Mad Hat Tea Co. in Tacoma, Wash., and certified nutritionist, told the Tribune that her particular tea shop is actually run more like an apothecary because many of her customers often come specifically to purchase teas for pains and ailments.

"I have had people come in, sit down, have a cup of tea and walk away without a headache," she said, referring specifically to her "Pounding Headache" herbal infusion tea made from white willow, lavender, rosehips, blue violet, lemon peel and chrysanthemum.

She and other tea herbalists have also developed blends to promote things like restful sleep and energy, among other things, taking advantage of the countless natural compounds present in plants and herbs that can be extracted into water and consumed like medicine. And while such herbalists do not specifically dispense medical advice, customers quickly learn of the teas' benefits and continue to come back for more.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/...

Suzanne

Chamomile helps with anxiety, sleeplessness and depression

by Celeste M. Smucker, MPH, PhD

(NaturalNews) Anxiety and insomnia are health concerns which may appear together and are often also linked to depression. These three health issues have a significant impact on people's lives and on our national health care economy. Within any 12 month period, 18% of adults suffer from anxiety, while nearly 29% will do so at some time during their life. Similarly, as much as 30% of the population may suffer from some form of insomnia, including a high percentage of those individuals diagnosed as depressed. Annual economic costs are significant and range from estimates of $15 billion for medical care to as much as $150 billion in lost productivity. While medical interventions are common, there are a variety of natural solutions including chamomile, a common herb which is inexpensive and readily available with minimal side effects.

Chamomile Tames Anxiety
While traditional healers have long recommended chamomile for anxiety, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania were some of the first to examine this relationship scientifically. In a 2009 study, the authors compared scores from standardized tests designed to measure generalized anxiety disorder or GAD. Over a period of eight weeks, one group received a placebo while the other took pharmaceutical grade chamomile capsules. Subjects were then tested to measure changes in symptoms of anxiety during this time. Those who took chamomile enjoyed a reduction in anxiety symptoms and the changes were termed "clinically meaningful and statistically significant."

Chamomile is a Great Sleep Remedy
Most of us are familiar with chamomile as a soothing tea that promotes relaxation and feelings of drowsiness at bedtime; its effectiveness is possibly due to its mild sedative action. While researchers have not confirmed a link between chamomile and sleep in humans, there are animal studies which do support a relationship. For example, a Japanese study using sleep-disturbed rats found chamomile worked as well as a tranquilizer in helping them fall asleep. Chamomile also has anti-inflammatory properties and may promote sleep by helping to reduce swelling caused by inflammation associated with allergies.

Chamomile May Indirectly Impact Depression
In an article about depression and insomnia which appeared in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the authors concluded that if you are diagnosed with insomnia your risk of also being diagnosed with depression in the next one to three years is very high. Of course anxiety is also strongly associated with depression. As many as 85% of depressed individuals were found to be anxious according to a study reported at the consumer mental health site, Healthyplace.com. The frequency of anxiety and insomnia during depression suggests that chamomile may be helpful for alleviating some of its symptoms as well.

Chamomile's Long Lasting Effects
Unlike some supplements which are only effective for a few hours, chamomile seems to stay in your system for a relatively long time. A 2005 study reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry evaluated the urine of volunteers who drank chamomile tea daily for two weeks. They found elevated levels of hippurate, an anti-inflammatory, and glycine, which helps soothe muscle spasms. Two weeks after the volunteers stopped drinking chamomile, levels of these elements were still measurable.

Chamomile is readily available in capsule form and as a tea in most grocery and health food stores. However, proceed with caution if ragweed causes you to sniffle and sneeze. Chamomile is in the same family and could cause a similar allergic reaction.

Sources for this article include

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/...
http://www.better-sleep-better-life...
http://nccam.nih.gov/research/resul...
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-s...
http://www.jad-journal.com/article/...
http://www.Healthyplace.com January 13, 2009
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021... J Agric Food Chem, Jan 26, 2005

Suzanne

Four bitter herbs heal the liver, gall bladder, and other ailments

by Brad Chase

(NaturalNews) Certain bitter herbs are considered liver herbs because they stimulate, cleanse, and protect the liver and gall bladder. While Western palates are not fond of bitter tasting foods, they do stimulate and support digestion. German research shows that bitter tonic herbs stimulate bile and hydrochloric acid production. They stimulate nervous system and immune system function, as well as combat fatigue and exhaustion.

Four commonly used bitter herbs which are used traditionally and in the medical community to support the liver, gall bladder, and other ailments are milk thistle, dandelion, Oregon grape root, and gentian root, from which gentian violet is manufactured.

Milk thistle protects liver cells

Milk thistle protects liver cells by coating them with phytochemicals. These chemicals heal damaged liver cells and protect healthy cells from becoming damaged.

The medical journal Phytochemical Research states that milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is the most well-researched herb for the treatment of liver disease. The seeds and fruit in milk thistle contain the most silymarin, an antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and toxin blocker.

In animal testing, milk thistle was able to reduce liver damage caused by acetaminophen, radiation, carbon tetrachloride, and other environmental toxins. Milk thistle has been demonstrated clinically to treat liver damage from alcohol, hepatitis, and other liver disease.

Dandelion stimulates digestion and bile action

Dandelion root and leaf is a classic bitter liver tonic herb. Along with Oregon grape root bark, gentian root, and wormwood leaves, dandelion stimulates digestion, stimulates the liver to produce more bile. This action cleanses the liver and gall bladder.

The International Journal of Molecular Science published an in-depth study in 2010 of the effects of dandelion root and leaf on cholesterol-fed rabbits. While one can never assume that an animal study will benefit humans, plenty of empirical evidence supports the idea that dandelion is beneficial for humans.

This study points out that dandelion has been shown to possess the ability to reduce cholesterol, rheumatism, oxidative stress which contributes to atherosclerosis, and acts as a diuretic.

This was a cross-matched study involving rabbits who were fed a normal diet, a high-cholesterol diet, a high cholesterol diet with dandelion leaves, and a high cholesterol diet with dandelion root.

The results showed that both dandelion root and leaves were able to positively change both the antioxidant activities and lipid profile in the rabbits. The conclusion was that dandelion could be used to help prevent liver and heart disease.

Oregon grape root is a favorite among dermatologists

Dermatologic Therapy noted the healing benefits of Oregon grape root in a 2003 paper describing herbs which are useful in the treatment of skin conditions. While the paper specifically mentioned Oregon grape root for acne, it stated that the herb has "anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and bile-stimulating properties."

Gentian root supports liver function as well as being a fungicide

Gentian root extract is a fungicide, an immune booster, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Its bitter principles stimulate the secretion of both gastric juices and bile.

In an uncontrolled clinical study, a gentian root tincture in an alcohol base increased and prolonged gall bladder emptying. It also helped to enhance protein and fat digestion.

These four bitter herbs are particularly beneficial for people who have been exposed to environmental toxins, are in the habit of consuming alcohol, eat a large amount of meat, have high cholesterol levels or a "fatty liver."

Sources:

PubMed.gov, Phytotherapy Research. 2010 Oct;24(10):1423-32. "Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future." Abenavoli L and Capasso R, et al.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20564545

PubMed.gov, International Journal of Molecular Science. 2010 January; 11(1): 67-78. "Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Root and Leaf on Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits." Ung-Kyu Choi and Ok-Hwan Lee, et al.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2820990/

Zooscape.com, "Gentian: A bitter pill to swallow," by Christopher Hobbs http://www.zooscape.com

Healing Tools. Tripod.com, "Liver /Gallbladder and Anti-Parasite Tonic"
http://healingtools.tripod.com/thn8.html#livtonic

Suzanne

Turmeric can help regenerate the liver, groundbreaking new research

by J. D. Heyes

(NaturalNews) Incredible, groundbreaking new research just published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand found that the primary polyphenol in turmeric - curcumin - is able to repair and even regenerate the liver tissues in diabetic rats.

Researchers at the Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok administered curcumin to rats afflicted with diabetes and whose livers demonstrated the characteristic pathology and destruction of tissues and microvasculature. The curcumin was able to trigger a significant reversal of the condition.

"Fascinatingly, liver microvasculature in curcumin treated group developed into regenerate and repair into healthy and normal characteristics," the research team said, in its findings. "These results optimistically demonstrated the potential use of curcumin as a novel therapeutic agent in liver pathology of diabetic rats."

The Thai research is just the latest - albeit most promising to date - research showing a treatment link between curcumin and both forms of diabetes, Type I and Type II.

Earlier research reveals similar findings

Researchers, who published their results in the journal Diabetes Care in July, said they discovered that over nine months, a daily dose of curcumin - a compound in curry spice - appeared to prevent new cases of diabetes among people with so-called pre-diabetes, or abnormally high blood sugar levels that could eventually progress into full-blown Type II diabetes, which is also linked to obesity.

That study, which was also Thai-based, followed 240 adults with pre-diabetes who were randomly assigned to either take curcumin capsules or a placebo that looked identical but contained no active ingredient, Reuters reported.

After nine months, 19 of the 116 placebo patients had developed Type II diabetes, compared to none of the 119 patients who took the curcumin.

The researchers, led by Dr. Somlak Chuengsamarn of Srinakharinwirot University in Nakornnayok, Thailand, said their findings were an endorsement.

"Our study showed that the curcumin extract can effectively prevent the prediabetes population from developing type 2 diabetes mellitus," wrote the research team. "Although we found that the results were quite remarkable, a longer trial may be required to see if the curcumin-treated prediabetes population will eventually develop type 2 diabetes mellitus."

"Because of its benefits and safety, we propose that curcumin extract may be used for an intervention therapy for the prediabetes population," the team wrote.

One thing experts agree on is that the concentration of curcumin is not the same in each extract or capsule.

In the July Thai study, participants took six capsules a day containing 250 mg each of "curcuminoids."

Other health advantages

"Last year, the testing company ConsumerLab.com found that 20 percent of curcumin and turmeric supplements it tested failed the company's quality review. And the cost of getting the amount of curcumin used in this study would range from 39 cents to $1.50 per day, depending on the supplement used," Reuters reported.

As for the study's results, Constance Brown-Riggs, a certified diabetes educator and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said more research was needed but that what had been discovered thus far "is compelling, and the good news is there seemed to be minimal adverse effects."

Other health benefits are thought to be linked to this compound, which is one of the most clinically studied ever.

For example, "scientists agree that curcumin may have anti-inflammatory properties and may act as an antioxidant," says Discovery Health. "Other research is looking into the use of curcumin and turmeric in treating many medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, high cholesterol and osteoarthritis."

Even if you don't eat a lot of food from certain cultures that use curry, you have likely eaten something with curcumin. If you've had a hot dog with mustard, you have: curcumin gives mustard its distinctive tangy flavor and yellow color.

Sources:

http://www.greenmedinfo.com

http://www.greenmedinfo.com

http://www.reuters.com

Suzanne

Dandelions aren't just weeds in the yard - Discover how dandelions protect against diabetes, cancer, liver disease, and kidney stones

by JB Bardot

(NaturalNews) If you haven't already sprayed this year's crop of dandelions with Roundup or other herbicide - and you'd like to rid your lawn from unwanted vegetation - why not dig up your dandelions and make tea or eat them in salads, stews or a green smoothie?

The common dandelion proliferating summer lawns is often considered a weed. It was brought to the United States from Europe and Asia and introduced for its myriad health benefits, which have been utilized by Eastern cultures for centuries. Dandelion is a bitter herb and all parts of the plant are used medicinally in herbal preparations, teas and as foods.

Preparing dandelions for consumption

Make dandelion tea by brewing 1 ounce of dandelion root or leaves in 1 pint of water for 15 minutes. Roast dandelion root like you would carrots or potatoes. Dandelion greens and flowers are delicious raw in salads or cooked like you would spinach.

Stimulates digestion

The bitter properties in dandelion aid digestion, stimulating the production of digestive juices, which begin in the mouth with saliva. The stomach responds to stimulus from bitter foods by increasing the production of all natural digestive juices including acids and bicarbonate.

>h1>Tonifies the liver
Dandelion tea supports the liver in its production of bile, reducing inflammation, jaundice, hepatitis and gall bladder disease, according to Columbia University.

Effects on blood sugar and diabetes

Dandelion affects blood sugar levels, acting as a stabilizing agent and buffering against extreme highs and lows. Drinking dandelion tea three times a day provides support for diabetics.

Prevention of kidney stones

The University of Maryland Medical Center notes the combination of foods high in oxalates and calcium may lower the incidence of kidney stones. Dandelion is high in oxalates and when consumed at the same time as high-calcium foods, they bind in the intestine creating protection for the kidneys.

Weight loss and swelling

Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic and can be made into tea, which reduces swelling and fluid retention as well as promoting weight loss, according to Columbia University. It's believed that dandelion tea may have other properties that aid with weight loss in addition to its diuretic affect.

Cancer fighting properties

According to Columbia University, antibodies to various types of cancers have been detected in individuals after consuming dandelion, including the leaves, flowers and roots.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.columbia.edu

http://www.umm.edu

http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_dandelion.htm

Suzanne

Discover the amazing healing power of oregano

by Ethan A. Huff, staff writer

(NaturalNews) Seductively aromatic and bountiful in flavor, oregano is one of the most commonly used herbs in the world. But beyond the rich zest it adds to food, oregano is also a nutritional and medicinal powerhouse, regarded by many as one of nature's perfect antibiotics. In fact, this amazing herb is loaded with so many antioxidants, vitamins and other beneficial compounds that it would be foolish not to consume it regularly for good health.

Many people in the natural health community are already aware of oil of oregano, which, like its name implies, is the oil derived from oregano. Particularly when harvested from wild varieties of oregano, this oil has been shown to be a powerful antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral, antihistamine and yeast-inhibiting medicine unlike anything ever concocted in a pharmaceutical laboratory. And yet this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of oregano.

Oregano ranks near the top of the ORAC scale

A member of the mint family, oregano ranks near the top of the list when it comes to overall antioxidant content. According to PreventDisease.com, dried oregano ranks fifth overall on the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale, which measures the antioxidant density of foods and herbs. Oregano is actually higher on the list than other more well-known antioxidant foods like acai berry and sumac.

Among oregano's many antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols are thymol, pinene, limonene, carvacrol, ocimene and caryophyllene, which collectively give the herb its enticing and pleasant aroma. Each of these compounds is also what makes oregano medicinal, as they synergistically deter infections, cramping, indigestion and various other conditions.

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

Oregano can help prevent a host of illnesses, including metabolic syndrome and cancer

These same compounds can also help prevent oxidative damage in cells, effectively protecting the body against chronic illness. Individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and various other markers of metabolic syndrome or heart disease, for instance, stand to gain substantially from the inclusion of more oregano in their diets.

The same goes for people with dirty colons, chronic inflammation, osteoporosis, allergies, chronic fatigue and headaches. Numerous studies have identified oregano as containing active compounds that target each of these maladies and more, all without triggering any harmful side effects. Oregano is also a highly effective preventative food against cancer.

One particular study out of United Arab Emirates University found that oregano targets cancer by specifically triggering cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, which is another way of saying cancer cell suicide. In other words, consuming oregano can help the body get rid of malignant cancer cells, while at the same time protecting healthy cells.

"Whenever possible, choose fresh oregano over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor," adds Foster, noting that dried oregano is also suitable, so long as it is organic or nonirradiated. "Just like with dried oregano, try to buy that which has been organically grown since this will give you more assurance that it has not been irradiated."

To learn more about the benefits of oregano, be sure to check out Foster's full report:
http://preventdisease.com.

You can also check out the NaturalNews archive of stories pertaining to the health benefits of oregano:
http://www.naturalnews.com.

Sources for this article include:

http://preventdisease.com

http://preventdisease.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

Suzanne

Dandelion has unsuspected health benefits such as inhibiting cancer cell growth

by P. Simard

(NaturalNews) So many people can't wait to get rid of them once they start growing on their lawn, since dandelions are often seen as unwelcome weeds. Some of you may also recall the Rolling Stones song named "Dandelion" that came out during the summer of 1967. It was possibly the last time that dandelion was truly put into the spotlight, but new hope has now emerged that could very well make it the most wanted weed around.

The dandelion greens are closely related to the sunflower plant family, which includes over 22 000 other plant species, such as thistles and daisies. This herb had a much better reputation in the old days, regarded by most as a formidable healer. The dandelion leaves are recognized for their ability to purify the blood, help with digestion and hamper the formation of hardened crystals known as gall stones. Ongoing research is most importantly starting to show that dandelion may possibly turn out to be an exceptional alternative for chemoresistant forms of cancer.

The dandelion greens contain extremely important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium, folate, magnesium and manganese. They may contribute up to 535% of the suggested daily intake of vitamin K, not to mention over 110% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. It is believed that some of its flavonoids such as zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin have specific healing properties. Zeaxanthin seems to provide protection for the retina when confronted by the sun's UV rays, while cryptoxanthin can potentially defend the body against the development of mouth and lung cancer cells.

Dandelion has been shown to induce apoptosis in melanoma cells

It's now on record that chemoresistant melanoma is the most common form of cancer for a portion of North American young adults, those aged between 25 and 29. Knowing that the immediate physical removal of melanoma cells remains to this day a standard practice for such patients, it is vital to know some researched alternatives. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ontario's University of Windsor demonstrated that dandelion root extracts can efficiently induce apoptosis in human melanoma cells without causing any forms of toxicity in the process.

In the initial study, the chemical reaction created by the dandelion extracts forced cancer cells to start disintegrating within the first 48 hours of treatment and at no time were all the other healthy cells affected. Researchers realized that continuous treatments with low-dose dandelion root extracts were effective in getting rid of most cancerous cells. The initial study turned out to be so positive that the research team was given additional grants in order to continue the project.

Although further research is only in its early stages, a 72-year-old gentleman by the name of John DiCarlo doesn't need to be convinced about what dandelion tea can do for him. Mr. DiCarlo underwent aggressive cancer treatments and had been suffering for three years before the medical team decided to send him home to spend the little time they felt he had left with his family. Thankfully for him, the cancer clinic suggested that he try dandelion tea as a last resort. Within only four months, Mr. DiCarlo was in full remission and has stayed that way ever since.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://nutritiondata.self.com

http://www.cbc.ca

Suzanne

Bullet proof your immunity with nature's original wonder drug

by Paul Fassa

(NaturalNews) The cure is in the kitchen. Steaming hot bowls of "stinking rose" soup will fortify your immune system and keep illness away. Who said medicine has to taste bad? The Greeks, Egyptians and Romans effectively used garlic to treat a host of ailments including infections, digestive problems and high blood pressure.

Most don't know that garlic was the favored treatment for tuberculosis prior to the introduction of antibiotics during World War II. In 2012, the International Herald Tribune [now the International New York Times] ran an article titled "Garlic inhibits TB bacteria, finds research."

The article stated: "Garlic is already known for its anti-tumour, anti-hyperlidemic (lowering abnormally elevated lipid levels) and anti-microbial properties."

Allicin is the compound in garlic that gives it its pungent odor as well as its powerful health benefits. A mere 1 milligram of allicin is nearly 15 times as potent as penicillin. Allicin offers a broad spectrum of protection against pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites. It even kills MRSA and is effective against yeast infections.

Garlic contains 33 active sulfur-containing substances. When ingested, allicin converts to sulfenic acid, which is the fastest acting free radical eliminator, bar none.

The best way to eat garlic

Savvy health experts increasingly promote eating whole foods as a foundation for good health and healing rather than taking supplements, especially when it comes to garlic. Eating garlic is by far the best way to ensure that you receive its numerous health benefits.

The "proper" way to eat garlic for health purposes is to first smash a whole, fresh clove with a garlic press, or chop it with a knife or smash it with the back of a knife. Then wait about 5 minutes before consuming.

This ritual ensures that the potent, medicinal allicin in garlic has been activated. So if you buy powdered or jarred garlic, you will not experience the full spectrum of medicinal benefits that garlic offers.

However, there are two other schools of thought regarding the best way to prepare garlic for health purposes.

Argentinian researchers discovered that garlic releases allicin when you bake the cloves, while scientists at South Carolina Medical University advised peeling garlic and letting it sit uncovered for 15 minutes if you want to release garlic's full medicinal potential.

Revised 52 Clove Garlic Soup Recipe (Serves 4)

* 26 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
* 2 tablespoons genuine olive oil
* 2 tablespoons soy margarine
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
* 1 heaping teaspoon turmeric
* 1/2 cup fresh ginger
* 2 1/4 cups sliced onions
* 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
* 26 garlic cloves, peeled
* 1/2 cup almond milk or coconut milk (homemade is best)
* 3 1/2 cups organic vegetable broth
* 4 lemon wedges

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 26 garlic cloves in small glass baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and toss till coated.

Cover baking dish tightly with foil and bake until garlic is golden brown and tender, about 45 minutes. Cool. Squeeze garlic between fingertips to release cloves. Transfer cloves to small bowl.

Melt butter in heavy, large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, thyme, ginger, turmeric and cayenne powder and cook until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes.

Smash 12 raw garlic cloves and set aside. Add roasted garlic and 14 raw garlic cloves and cook 3 minutes. Add vegetable broth; cover and simmer until garlic is very tender, about 20 minutes.

Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to saucepan; add almond or other milk and bring to simmer. Add 12 smashed garlic cloves to finished soup and stir. Season with sea salt and pepper for flavor. Squeeze juice of 1 lemon wedge (into each bowl) and serve.

Sources for this article include:

https://joyofgarlic.com/garlic-raw-garlic-recipes-and-health-benefits/

http://www.vegparadise.com/highestperch71.html

http://blog.cherylsdelights.com/2012/10/medicinal-pickled-garlic/

http://voices.yahoo.com

http://tribune.com.pk

http://worldtruth.tv

Suzanne

Research shows curcumin suppresses cancer cell invasion and metastasis

by L.J. Devon, Staff Writer

(NaturalNews) Doctors in hospitals around the world should be leaning in to hear the results of this study.

At the School of Medicine in National Yang-Ming University, in Taipei, Taiwan, researchers studied the active component of turmeric, curcumin, for its anti-tumor capabilities. In the thorough study, curcumin was found to activate tumor-suppressing proteins which are responsible for stopping cancer cell invasion and the further spread of cancer, or metastasis.

It's becoming clear, at the center of any cancer treatment regime should be large, daily doses of curcumin.

Curcumin activates the body's cancer defense mechanisms, modulates gene expression

As part of the study, researchers put human lung adenocarcinoma cells to the test and treated them with various amounts of curcumin. The more they added curcumin, the less invasive the cancer cells became. It became clear that cancer cell migration fizzled out in the presence of curcumin, and the cancer's ability to metastasize dissipated the more curcumin was used. Curcumin activated the Dnaj-like heat shock protein 40, which is a tumor suppressor. This protein expression highlighted curcumin's anticancer effectiveness.

Furthermore, it was observed that curcumin works through the activation of a specific pathway. This finding could allow oncologists to fight cancers through a direct channel. Through that specific JNK/JunD pathway, curcumin was found to inhibit lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis by modulating the expression of E-cadherin, a specific gene.

This means that curcumin can literally recognize a healthy cell and differentiate between the good genes and the sick genes. Curcumin can basically go in and alter that sick gene's expression.

Those who point to bad family genes don't have to look to luck any longer.

Bad gene theory debunked

Since curcumin has the ability to distinguish between cancer-ridden genes and healthy ones and alter DNA in a way to change a person's "biological course," the whole bad gene theory has been debunked. Just because someone in the family tree had cancer does not mean that their offspring will get the same cancer.

Why? Because curcumin can change DNA, alter the course of genes and completely turn around one's cellular health. Of course, it's always good to depend on more than just one anticancerous food or herb. Multiple anticancerous foods should be included in a person's diet for optimal cellular protection and quality life, free of cancer worries.

There's no need to go get a double mastectomy because one's relatives had breast cancer. One can be completely confident in themselves, because they eat the right foods. No one should have to live in paranoia and mutilate their own body in submission to fear mongering tactics of the medical system.

The idea that genes predetermine one's health has being debunked by researchers on multiple occasions! The future of medical research will continue highlighting the role of epigenetics in health and disease. As the current medical paradigm is shattered, many will wake up and realize that genes are not self regulating; they are basically blueprints that are activated and controlled by outside forces, like foods and toxins and even mindsets, emotions, thoughts and beliefs.

Why aren't hospitals jumping at the opportunity to treat patients with turmeric?

Anticancerous foods are found all around the world. These naturally occurring foods contain built-in properties that inhibit angiogenesis. If these are the body's natural defenses against cancer, then why are hospitals not utilizing such simple methods to beat cancer at the roots. Why do hospitals today invoke invasive anticancer therapies and thrust them onto patients as if it's the only way?

These chemotherapy and radiation strategies debilitate patients who are already struggling with weakened immune systems. These cut-throat therapies can ultimately be the very weapon that kills the patient in the end; many incidences show that these medical procedures actually take people to their grave faster than the cancer could have.

So why aren't hospitals bringing in doses of curcumin to their cancer patients? Why aren't full-on anticancerous food and herb gardens being planted around hospitals?

These are questions that medical professionals must face, as the current system continues to fall flat on its face and is responsible for further destroying the lives of multiple thousands each year.

Sources for this article include:

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

Suzanne

Curcumin causes colon cancer cells to self-destruct

by L.J. Devon, Staff Writer

(NaturalNews) The second leading cause of cancer-related death in America, colon cancer, is projected to take over 50,000 lives in 2013, just in the US. The steep death toll can be prevented, however, because the causes of colon cancer are preventable and are no coincidence. Cancer of the colon is based on risk factors acquired through lifestyle decisions.

These risk factors do not include stereotypical medical excuses like family genetics and being over 50 years old.

Stereotypical colon cancer risk factors debunked

People of the same family may harbor similar genes, but more importantly, they may pass on the same mindsets. Similar negative gene expression may actually come from families who tend to practice and teach the same philosophies about thinking, eating and medicating.

In fact, gene expression can be completely altered and changed in the face of cancer when a new mindset and eating approach is undertaken. (Certain substances like turmeric can alter proteins in colon cancer cells.)

Age is no risk factor for cancer either. Just because a person is over age 50, doesn't mean they need a colonoscopy from a medical doctor. One can be completely confident that they are not harboring cancer by knowing their nutrition levels and understanding their body's signs and the condition of their stool.

If there's one assurance that trumps all, it's the understanding that natural substances like turmeric have the greatest impact on killing cancer cells in the colon. Turmeric, and its active ingredient, curcumin, has been tested for its ability to destroy colon cancer cells at the Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

The results, were astounding.

Curcumin obliterates colon cancer cells

In the study, researchers looked at three kinds of colon cancer cells, p53(+/+), p53(-/-) HCT-116, and p53 HT-29.

Cancer cell death was observed through curcumin's ability to reduce pro-caspase-3 levels, polymerase-1 cleavage and chromatin condensation. In a time- and dosage-dependent manner, curcumin caused wild-type p53 HCT-116 cells to self-destruct, while obliterating mutant p53 HT-29 cells in their tracks.

The researchers were so astounded that they proposed that curcumin may actually have therapeutic potential in the management of colon cancer. With its ability to inhibit the growth of neoplastic cells, curcumin is king against colon cancer. In the presence of curcumin, colon cancer cells went through a process of phosphorylation, which is a complete altering of the function and activity of certain protein enzymes. This was all for the better, as oxidative stress was alleviated and superoxide anion production was increased.

Affordable curcumin cancer treatments could save over 50,000 lives without the devastating side effects

Health care is not expensive after all, and no one has to lose their hair to overcome cancer. The medical system and the insurance companies may only cover and recommend chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatment, but that way of thinking is not working. Look at all the dying people. It's not working. (A government health insurance mandate won't make the broken health care system work either.)

Instead, cancer treatment can be as simple as consuming daily doses of turmeric. Who said you needed to poison the immune system with radiation and chemotherapy just to kill some cancer in the colon?

Medical doctors in America typically graduate and are accredited simply by following one way of thinking. This means they probably have no clue about the evidence of turmeric killing cancer. Maybe they are restricted from recommending a cheaper, natural therapy that actually works. Maybe turmeric doesn't pay off their student loans and high salaries. Regardless, turmeric itself can travel in the body, alkalize it and kill cancer cells in their tracks.

An alkaline state of body should be first priority

Furthermore, the importance of starving cancer cells by creating an alkaline state in the body is disregarded by mainstream medical doctors. An alkaline state makes bacteria, virus, cancer and fungus growth practically impossible. Alkalizing the body, which is rooted in a holistic lifestyle eating approach, should be the first step in any cancer treatment.

How might patients get to an alkaline state?

First, the hospital wouldn't feed the patients processed food. They'd hydrate the patients' bodies with filtered water and feed them fresh herbs and vegetables from the hospital garden. Patients would be fed only foods that are alkaline forming. A few examples of these foods include apple cider vinegar, probiotic cultures, berries, spirulina, mostly any herb, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, garlic and spices like cinnamon and turmeric.

You can prevent and destroy cancer right here, right now

There's no coincidence to colon cancer incidence, and you can begin to help yourself, right now, and begin preventing and destroying cancer in the colon. As a matter of fact, you are the only person that can help you right now, because the last time I checked, the doctor wasn't bringing in fresh vegetables, herbs and doses of turmeric for you to eat at the clinic or hospital. He's probably over there talking to the pharmaceutical rep, taking an incentive, ready to put you on a new experimental drug.

Sources for this article include:

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://ccalliance.org

http://www.rense.com

Suzanne

Medical science embraces the healing power of aloe vera

by Brad Chase

(NaturalNews) Aloe vera has been used as a healing agent for centuries. As far back as the days of ancient Egypt, aloe vera was prescribed as "the plant of immortality." Aloe vera is used to heal a variety of skin conditions, to heal wounds, and as a laxative when consumed internally. Even the FDA approves aloe vera as a food additive.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that aloe vera is being used to treat diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy, and asthma. It is often used topically on burns and sunburns, but is also used to help treat psoriasis. The gel inside the aloe vera plant can be spread directly on the skin, and the leaves can be juiced.

Aloe vera lowers blood glucose and lipid levels and heals skin conditions

The British Journal of General Practice published a medical study in 1999 which reviewed all of the available research done on aloe vera to that time. The researchers found sound evidence that aloe vera could be useful in the treatment of diabetes patients by lowering blood glucose levels. Aloe vera could also help to reduce blood lipid (fat) levels, and possibly help create faster healing times in genital herpes and psoriasis.

Dermatologists find a multitude of clinical uses for aloe vera

By 2008, dermatologists around the world were using aloe vera in numerous applications in the field of cosmetology. The Indian Journal of Dermatology noted over 75 different active components in the aloe vera plant. Aloe vera is full of vitamins and minerals, enzymes, mono and poly-saccharides, and laxative properties. It is antimicrobial, it provides pain relief, and provides fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory. In addition, aloe vera offers wound healing hormones and most of the human body's required and essential amino acids.

There is scientific documentation that aloe vera is useful for the following health issues: dermatitis, psoriasis, herpes simplex virus-2, burns, type 2 diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and preventing cancer. There is also clinical proof that aloe vera works for ulcerative colitis, some cases of wound healing, radiation burns, acne, frostbite, and constipation.

Traditional literature suggests empirical evidence that aloe vera can also be used in the treatment of alopecia (hair loss and baldness), parasite infections, lupus, and arthritis.

Aloe vera tincture may be used as eye drops

An interesting new use for aloe vera is as eye drops for a variety of eye diseases. Pharmaceutical Biology suggests that an ethanol extract, or tincture, of aloe vera could be used to treat inflammations in the eyes and ailments of the cornea.

Side effects of aloe vera

The side effects of aloe vera are few, and are mostly related to individuals who are allergic to the plant. In sensitive individuals, aloe vera may cause redness or stinging when applied to the skin. When consumed orally, aloe vera may possibly cause abdominal cramps, either diarrhea or increased constipation, or a red tint to urine color. The laxative effect of aloe vera may cause potassium levels to become low.

Aloe vera is not recommended for pregnancy because of the remote possibility of triggering uterine contractions. It is also not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, because it may cause the baby's gastrointestinal system to become upset.

There is some concern about long-term oral use of aloe vera as a laxative. Rats fed aloe vera for two years, over half of their lifetimes, developed colon cancer in a toxicology study. While no such evidence has occurred clinically in humans, more study is needed to determine any possible risk to ingesting aloe vera over several decades.

Sources:

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.gov, "Aloe Vera"
http: //nccam.nih.gov/health/aloevera

Pubmed.gov, British Journal of General Practice. 1999 Oct; 49(447):823-8. "Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness." Vogler BK, and Ernst E.
http://science.naturalnews.com/pubmed/10885091.html

Pubmed.gov, Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2008; 53(4): 163-166. "Aloe Vera: A Short Review"
Amar Surjushe, Resham Vasani, and D G Saple
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/

Pubmed.gov, Pharmaceutical Biology. 2012 Feb;50(2):147-54. "Aloe vera extract activity on human corneal cells." Wozniak A and Paduch R.
Pharm Biol. 2012 Feb;50(2):147-54.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2233812

Suzanne

How do we fit that in with what Ellen White said about cinnamon? Maybe a medicinal use?

And how do we fit in the cancer industry being run in hospitals bearing the name "Adventist"?

The Rock Will Cry Out

Myrrh can have a positive effect on the whole body

by Yanjun

(NaturalNews) Although well-known from the Bible, the sap used to create myrrh often remains something of a mystery to the majority of the public. The positive health effects of myrrh have been well-known since ancient times, with the ancient Egyptian people using the oil to embalm the dead. In the modern world, myrrh is used in a number of ways, from cleansing the body to avoiding illness, because of the antiviral and fungicidal properties of the oil. Myrrh is one of the best kept health secrets of our time.

Avoiding infection with myrrh

Myrrh is now well-known and used by many health practitioners and members of the general public to reduce the chances of infection caused by viruses and fungi. The positive effects of myrrh include the antiseptic and disinfectant properties of this naturally produced oil. Unlike other forms of antiviral and fungicidal oils, the 100 percent natural nature of myrrh makes it popular in reducing negative health problems. Infections and diseases, such as fevers and common colds, can be reduced by taking myrrh, with another benefit being the reduction in congestion, as the oil is also an expectorant. Myrrh is also used to reduce the buildup of parasites in the body, such as those caused by eating infected watercress.

Health benefits

As most people in the 21st century look to reduce their risk of contracting serious illnesses, the use of myrrh has become an important factor in avoiding some forms of cancer and intestinal problems. Amongst the positive effects of myrrh are a reduction in spasms and a boost to the immune system, which can include increased blood flow around the body. When taken into the body, myrrh can effectively aid the stimulation of white blood cells that reduce the risk of contracting certain medical conditions. The use of myrrh can reduce the formation of ulcers and, in some reports, has aided recovery from ulcers after treatment.

Antioxidant

Detoxification and antioxidant are words often used in the modern world by people looking to care for their bodies in the best possible way. With many millions of dollars spent looking for the effective removal of toxins, salts and other dangerous products each year, the use of a natural product like myrrh is often ignored. The positive effects of myrrh on the body as an antioxidant tick many of the boxes of those spending a large amount of money on detoxification therapies. A healthier looking, glowing skin is produced, which is matched by the healthy looking hair from the roots to the tips of each strand. Fluid retention can be a dangerous part of too many toxins in the body, which is reduced with the regular use of myrrh.

Myrrh can help the human body repair itself after an illness and reduce the effects of a large number of medical conditions. With a reduction in the buildup of gases in the body and an increase in the general well-being of the individual, this natural oil is effective in many ways.

Sources:

http://www.med.nyu.edu

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com

http://www.organicfacts.net

http://www.experience-essential-oils.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

Suzanne

Fennel can help neutralize cancer and encourage weight loss

by P. Simard

(NaturalNews) It may not be well known in North America, but the more we go east, the more we see fennel being incorporated in dishes, especially in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. The bulb, stalk, leaves and seeds are all edible, and you may also recognize it as being one of the main components of the alcoholic beverage absinthe.

Its many health benefits have now been noticed for well over 2,000 years, popular amongst Roman society and with health practitioners from ancient Greece. Fennel has been widely used to assist the bodily functions of the kidneys, spleen, liver, lungs and digestive system. Based on knowledge transmitted from one generation to another and sometimes thoroughly validated by scientific research, it is known to help treat or improve physical conditions such as diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, constipation, heart disease, blood pressure, obesity, menstrual disorders, respiratory disorders and even cancer.

Fennel is quite rich in phytoestrogens and is a very respectable source of vitamin C, folate, potassium and fiber. The fiber, folate and potassium all have a quite beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system while also helping to remove carcinogenic toxins from the colon. Apparently, members of the Eulji University in Korea discovered that simply inhaling fennel's essential oil greatly helped rats digest food while lowering their caloric intake.

Fennel acts as a chemopreventive agent against carcinogenesis

As with practically all herbs, fennel is a very potent antioxidant, but specific studies done at the University of Texas' MD Anderson Cancer Center showed that it has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties thanks to a phytonutrient named anethole. This particular component contributes to not only blocking inflammation but also the transformation of regular cells into cancerous ones.

Experiments conducted on rats in New Delhi, India, have made scientists realize that fennel seeds have a chemopreventive effect, although it does vary depending on the doses administered to test subjects. In their research, Swiss albino mice with induced skin and forestomach papillomagenesis were monitored very closely. These tests basically demonstrated that both the expansion and formation of new cancerous cells were strongly inhibited by the fennel seeds' protective chemical reaction.

Fennels can assist in suppressing appetite as well as activating the metabolism. The Thuringian State Institute of Agriculture in Germany was able to show that fennels help diminish food consumption. It is also believed that fennel consumption not only can drastically reduce food cravings but can also cause fat deposits in the blood to be more efficiently decomposed in order to be used as an energy source. Fennels also tend to increase urination and will reduce water weight. It is definitely recommended to add them to any weight loss program which should also include only healthy fresh organic produce.

Lastly, back in 2011, researchers from the University of Granada found that fennels can somewhat help with sleep thanks to its melatonin content which, of course, is known to regulate it.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.naturalhealth365.com

http://www.herbwisdom.com

http://www.organicfacts.net

http://science.naturalnews.com

Suzanne

Red Clover Improves Blood Flow, Bone Density and Alleviates Menopause Symptoms

by P. Simard

(NaturalNews) Red clovers make beautiful flowers that can now be found just about anywhere in the US although they originally came from Europe, Africa and Northern Asia. The plants are believed to help soils by adjusting their nitrogen levels, thus making them ideal for guaranteeing better soil fertility and overall quality.

They are a great source of important nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, niacin, thiamine and vitamin C. They are also considered to be a reasonably high source of isoflavones, providing very beneficial phytoestrogens that tend to mimic women's estrogens by helping to minimize the unpleasant effects caused by menstruation and most importantly menopause.

The red clover has long been used internally just as much as externally to treat ailments. It can often be found packaged into various balms in order to topically treat skin conditions such as eczema psoriasis, sores and burns. It does have very potent anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and even blood purifying or thinning properties, thanks to its active substances such as eugenol, myricetin, biochanin-A, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumarin, formononetin, genistein and isorhamnetin.

Tests show that red clover can also improve bone density

Prior uses of the herb in the past had already established red clover's ability to provide a better blood flow, mainly by thinning the blood which therefore diminishes the chances of ever developing thrombosis in veins or arteries.

The real surprise came from results obtained in a research project that had the intention of finding out how red clover coped with changes induced by menopause. Back in 2009, scientists from the University of Singapore tested the effects of red clover after surgically inducing menopause on a group of rabbits. They immediately noted that the herb's isoflavones contributed to major improvements in not only blood flow and tissue integrity, but most importantly bone density. The belief now is that isoflavones could very well be a favorable alternative to replace synthetic estrogens when aiming for similar results.

The red clover's isoflavones are believed to be responsible for relieving women of estrogen-related symptoms such as breast pain that for instance occurs with PMS. It is also the belief that isoflavones can help limit the possibility of developing a cancer around the lining of the uterus. Tests conducted on approximately 1000 women demonstrated that red clover can interfere with the actions of a specific enzyme known to encourage further development of endometrial cancer.

Similar effects seem to take place with men's prostates as red clover has also shown to somewhat limit the enlargement of the gland. The BPH symptoms, considered by the medical establishment as a normal part of aging, can sometimes be quite disturbing for men. Red clover brings new hope but definitely needs to be investigated further.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.naturalnews.com/033896_menopausal_symptoms_red_clover.html

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://www.foxnews.com

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-red-clover.html

Suzanne

Herbal Medicine Helps Heal the Nervous System

by Jonathan Landsman

(NaturalNews) Why are mental health issues like anxiety and depression on the rise? Conventional wisdom would suggest factors such as, the financial crisis, an aging population, or - when all other options are ruled out for the individual - the rising stress of living in the 21st century. But, there is a real health solution - largely ignored by western medicine.

Herbalism has the power to cure! In order to prevent, even reverse disease - one must address the underlying mental, emotional and spiritual issues. Although a bit surprising, to those never taught this concept, all diseases stem from nervous system imbalances caused by poor diet, environmental toxins and lifestyle habits. On the next NaturalNews Talk Hour, Jonathan Landsman and Llynn' Newman, MS, CN will talk about how to reverse disease with herbal medicine.

Visit: http://www.naturalhealth365.com and enter your email address for show details.

The unpopular truth about herbal medicine

The pharmaceutical industry makes it nearly impossible for the average physician to understand herbal medicine. I'm not making excuses for the complacency of individual doctors - but the fact remains that medical students are poorly educated about herbs. Yet, most pharmaceutical drugs are derived from plants.

In reality, there are plenty of herbs designed to protect the heart; lower cancer risk; minimize the threat of radiation exposure; reduce stress; improve sleep patterns - the list goes on and on. For example, raw garlic is great at boosting the immune system. Ginkgo can improve cerebral circulation and ginseng is a great adaptogenic herb to help us cope with stress.

If you're looking for a more natural way to sleep better, lower stress levels and enhance your spirituality (or connection with nature) - don't miss the next NaturalNews Talk Hour with Jonathan Landsman.

Visit: http://www.naturalhealth365.com and enter your email address for show details.

Living proof that herbs boost physical and mental powers

Rhodiola has been used in Russia and Scandinavia to cope with the cold Siberian climate and the stressful life that comes from living in harsh conditions. In recent times, athletes have been known to use adaptogenic herbs to boost aerobic endurance and performance. For example, rhodiola minimizes oxidative stress-induced muscle damage in athletes for 24 hours after strenuous activity.

Rhodiola has been used by populations living high in the Himalayas to enhance their resistance to the effects of oxygen deprivation. This herb can actually help to increase oxygen to working muscles - which boost exercise capacity and overall conditioning.

Would you like to improve brain function? Brahmi is a wise choice to help rejuvenate the brain and nervous system. While supporting our intelligence, this powerful herb can improve our capacity to focus and withstand emotional stress. Gotu kola can improve brain function by improving blood flow and memory. Naturally, essential oils and other lifestyle habits like meditation can dramatically improve the quality of your life.

This week's guest: Llynn' Newman, MS, CN - Herbalist and Professor of Nutrition for over 30 years

Learn how to eliminate fatigue and improve the immune system naturally.

Llynn' Newman is a certified nutritionist, herbalist and corporate consultant to the health industry. As a professor of nutrition, with over 30 years of experience, Llynn' is dedicated to teaching the world about the power of herbalism to heal the body. Incorporating orthomolecular nutrition and psychoneuroimmunology, Llynn' makes it easy to incorporate herbalism into any lifestyle.

"No stress allowed" is her motto and with an extensive cultural experience with Native American teachings - Llynn' offers a unique approach toward achieving holistic health and balance. Drawing on her years of experience as a Certified Reiki practitioner and Iridologist, Llynn' reveals how to use herbs to eliminate chronic fatigue, reduce stress and strengthen immunity.

Heal faster with herbal medicine. On the next NaturalNews Talk Hour, Jonathan Landsman and Llynn' Newman talk about how to eliminate stress and reverse disease using herbal remedies. Find out how to avoid the negative effects of toxic drugs. Join us for an inspiring, educational health experience.

Suzanne

Hawthorn Berries Are Very Helpful For Many Heart Related Conditions

by P. Simard

(NaturalNews) The hawthorn plant comes from the Northern hemisphere, more precisely from Europe, North America and certain parts of Asia. The tree produces berries that are filled with important flavonoids known to be vital antioxidants that are capable of effectively removing damaging free radicals. The hawthorn berries certainly help to maintain healthy cardiovascular functions by protecting veins and arteries while contributing to better blood circulation.

Doctors have apparently started taking advantage of their amazing health benefits all the way back in the first century. In America, the early 1800s is when hawthorn berries were introduced in order to treat circulatory and respiratory problems. They can certainly have a strong impact when faced with cardiovascular conditions such as an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pains and arteriosclerosis.

Hawthorn's ability to improve blood flow was demonstrated in a study that involved sixty individuals suffering from angina. For a period of three weeks, some of these people were only given a placebo while the others took a daily 180 mg dose of hawthorn berry leaf extract. By the end of the three weeks, the extract group was capable of exercising for much longer periods of time without reporting any chest pains. A very noticeable increase in overall blood flow was thought to be the main reason for this positive outcome.

Hawthorn extracts can treat chronic heart failure

The New York Heart Association reported several trials that came up with compelling results proving hawthorn extracts can control and improve all symptoms related to chronic heart failure. Data was analyzed and gathered from more than 850 individuals involved in the studies. Scientists revealed that the hawthorn extracts not only outperformed the placebo factor, but they were directly responsible for major improvements such as an increased tolerance to exercises and generally speaking less shortness of breath or fatigue.

Back in 2002, a few dozen participants suffering from mild hypertension got involved in a 10- eek study in order to evaluate hawthorn's ability to control its symptoms. Besides placebos, hawthorn and magnesium supplements were given to the selected individuals. Although it may be hard to assess if hawthorn had a much bigger impact than magnesium, it was evident that the extracts played a vital role in drastically diminishing diastolic blood pressure and anxiety in comparison with placebo extracts.

In another study, 1200 mg hawthorn extracts were administered daily to type 2 diabetes patients for a period of 16 weeks. Final results convincingly showed that blood pressure was lowered in the hawthorn group rather than the placebo one.

Past tests did show conclusive evidence that regularly taking up to 900 mg daily doses of hawthorn extracts can be as effective as taking low doses of a prescriptive heart medication such as Captopril.

Sources for this article include:

https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/hawthorn

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/completeazindex/a/hawthorn_heart.htm

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

Suzanne

The Many Health Benefits of Milk Thistle Even Herbalists May Not Know

by Reuben Chow

(NaturalNews) Milk thistle is most well-known and widely-studied for its benefits on liver health. However, milk thistle also has numerous other proven health benefits not many know about.

Milk thistle boosts overall liver function and health, protecting the liver from damaging toxins, detoxifying it, regenerating its cells, and giving it a glutathione boost.

Research has also shown milk thistle helps with various liver conditions, including cirrhosis, poisoning, hepatitis (viral or alcoholic, B or C), sluggish liver, liver congestion, fatty liver, jaundice, and other liver issues related to drug use and alcoholism.

Boosting the liver results in other benefits

Milk thistle's positive effects on liver health have a direct impact on a number of bodily functions and health conditions.

• It helps those attempting to recover from substance addiction, including drugs and alcohol.

• By boosting the liver's ability to deal with environmental triggers, milk thistle can help those suffering from chronic allergies, especially multiple-chemical sensitivity.

• Milk thistle increases bile production by the liver, which then helps the body to remove via bowel movements the testosterone by-products that cause acne. Further, by boosting liver function, milk thistle helps to remove harmful toxins in the blood which can cause skin flare-ups. Along the same vein, this makes milk thistle also helpful for other skin conditions like chronic rashes, eczema and psoriasis.

• Increased bile production helps to relieve constipation.

• The additional bile helps to protect the intestinal lining, which then aids in alleviating Crohn's disease symptoms.

• Milk thistle also helps to relieve intestinal inflammation, and it has been used for inflammatory bowel disorders.

• By protecting the liver, milk thistle protects the body against the potential harmful effects of long-term prescription medication use and harmful toxins in the workplace.

• This herb has been successfully used against deathcap mushroom poisoning.

• Traditionally, naturopathic physicians and herbalists have used milk thistle to help deal with hemorrhoids and varicose veins. A clogged or sluggish liver does not process blood very well, and that tends to cause blood to back up in the leg veins and rectum. Thus, with a healthier liver, these conditions can be improved.

• A cleaner and better functioning liver is better able to process and deal with various hormones in the body, promoting better hormonal balance.

• This makes milk thistle helpful for premenstrual syndrome and prostate enlargement.

• Some healing modalities, eg. Traditional Chinese Medicine and French folk medicine, see the liver as closely tied to emotional well being. This makes sense because the liver metabolizes neurotransmitters and hormones and thus has great influence on the overall biochemistry of the human body. A toxic or unhealthy liver can cause emotional discomfort, frustration, anger and even depression. By detoxifying and improving the health of the liver, milk thistle can thus help with emotional issues.

Other benefits

Silymarin in milk thistle is a potent antioxidant, while milk thistle can also increase the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione, other strong antioxidants. Other health benefits of milk thistle include helping to:

• stabilize blood cholesterol levels, reducing total cholesterol levels and helping to convert LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol.

• stabilize blood sugar levels; used to help with type 2 diabetes.

• improve appetite and digestion, including fat digestion.

• improve gallbladder disorders, including dealing with gallstones.

• boost immunity.

• alleviate some symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including heartburn and constipation; increased glutathione levels also help slow the disease's progress.

• improve adrenal disorders.

• prevent altitude sickness.

• prevent and/or fight against certain types of cancer.

• slow atherosclerosis development by preventing plaque formation on artery walls.

Sources for this article include:

Stengler, Mark, ND. The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies: Proven Remedies Medical Doctors Don't Know. New York, NY: Prentice Hall Press, 2010. Print.

Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-to-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies. New York, NY: Avery, 2002. Print.

Bratman, Steve, Dr. Complementary & Alternative Health: The Scientific Verdict on What Really Works. London, UK: Collins, 2007. Print.

Gaby, Alan R., MD. The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press, 2006. Print.

Murray, Michael, ND. The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines: Vitamins, Minerals, Nutritional Supplements, Herbs, And Other Natural Products. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 2002. Print.

http://www.insights-on-health.com

Suzanne

The Amazing Benefits of Fennel Seeds

by J. Anderson

(NaturalNews) Fennel is a flavorful, aromatic herb indigenous to the Mediterranean region. The seeds of this herb have many powerful digestive benefits and incredible benefits for infants with colic, with the most widely used species being the sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Let's take look at some of the amazing benefits of this plant.

Improve digestion and reduce gas

One of the biggest benefits of fennel seeds are their ability to improve your digestion and release trapped gas in your intestines. The seeds' high volatile oil content (anethole, fenchone and estragole) are the main substances that effectively clear intestinal gas. By improving digestion, the seeds cause food to move faster through you body; therefore, there is less of a chance of gas building up.

One way the seeds and their volatile oils have been found to be responsible for improving digestion is by stimulating bile production. The digestive benefits of fennel seeds are so well known that, in India, fennel seeds are commonly chewed after a meal. For the added digestive benefits of fennel, chew a pinch (1/2 teaspoon) of organic fennel seeds after a meal and swallow them! Chewing the seeds also helps freshen your breath! Another alternative is to make and drink fennel seed tea by allowing seeds to soak for 5 minutes in hot water.

Decreasing colic in babies

One natural way to reduce the intensity of colic in infants is by administering fennel seed oil orally! According to a 2003 study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, compared to a placebo, administering fennel seed oil emulsion orally to infants with colic could significantly reduce their symptoms and improve their condition. This provides a great natural alternative to the normally pharmaceutically recommended treatment of dicyclomine hydrochloride.

(One note about fennel is that nursing or pregnant women are not recommended to consume it. It can also produce some narcotic effects in large doses.)

Fennel seeds have some amazing benefits! From improving the symptoms of colic in infants to reducing your flatulence, fennel seeds provide a natural alternative that is worth a try! So if you feel like your digestion is acting up and there may be a gas buildup occurring, grab a pinch of fennel seeds! The people in the same room as you will thank you for it!

Sources for this article include:

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.aromamd.net

http://science.naturalnews.com

Suzanne

Marjoram Can Prevent Gastric Ulcers While Showing Promise In Fighting Breast Cancer

by P. Simard

(NaturalNews) Marjoram is a member of the mint species and it was originally found in the Mediterranean. This sweet-flavored and mildly spicy herb is often mistaken to be oregano. Apparently in ancient Greece people would use this plant to make wreaths and garlands as it was used to basically express peace, harmony and happiness.

As with most other herbs marjoram contains a wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals, but it's most notably a remarkable source of vitamins C and K. For every 100 gram of fresh marjoram leaves, you can get approximately 86 percent of the recommended daily intake. As for vitamin K, it will provide up 518 percent of the recommended daily intake. Although vitamin K often goes unnoticed, it does encourage osteotrophic activity in the bones and can play a vital role in the brain by diminishing possible neuronal damages suffered through afflictions such as Alzheimer's disease.

Many of its chemical compounds are also known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Marjoram not only works wonders for the digestive system but it can also help with the cardiovascular system and as the latest research shows, possibly even get rid of breast cancer.

Marjoram extracts seem to protect the intestinal walls

In 2009 the American Journal of Chinese Medicine reported the results of a study in which the effects of marjoram extracts were analyzed after being administered to rats displaying gastric ulcers. It's at doses ranging between 250 and 500mg per kilogram of body weight that the marjoram extracts were guaranteeing the best possible effects. Not only were they capable of reducing the number of ulcers but they also helped nourish the depleted intestinal walls, while also diminishing the concentration of malondialdehyde. Researchers also believed it had the innate ability to prevent ulcers from occurring in the first place without producing any toxicity by the same token.

A study originating from the Middle East certainly has scientists intrigued after noticing marjoram's ability to stop tumors from growing and expanding. Researchers from the United Arab Emirates University tested marjoram extracts on breast cancer cells in mice. It seems that by even using minimal amounts of the extracts, they were able stop cancer cells from dividing and therefore spreading. The moment that they increased the doses, practically all the cancerous cells were seen dying repeatedly. As usual more research will be done in order to further validate these findings but the early results are incredible as millions of women are anxiously waiting for safer and non invasive treatments.

On a lesser level but nonetheless worthy of mention, marjoram may also be beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Some health practitioners say it has the potential to lower blood pressure and also reduce the possibility of a cholesterol build up or to end up with hardened arteries.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-marjoram.html

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/sweet-marjoram.html

http://science.naturalnews.com

Suzanne

Breakthrough as Cleveland Clinic Begins Using Chinese Herbal Medicine

by Ethan A. Huff, staff writer

(NaturalNews) One of the leading academic and research hospitals in the country has just opened its first Chinese herbal therapy center, a breakthrough in the mainstream advancement of what is commonly referred to as "alternative," or natural, medicine. The Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, according to new reports, will now treat patients for pain, indigestion, inflammation and many other chronic health issues using traditional Chinese remedies, affirming the legacy of this holistic approach to healing.

Much to the chagrin of America's pill-pushing "skeptics," the new center will rely on herbs and combinations of herbs rather than pharmaceuticals to provide long-term healing and relief. Patients who have found little success in Western medicine's drugs and surgery approach will now have access to remedies that have been safely and effectively used for thousands of years in the Far East, but that are only just now catching on here in the West.

Having first opened its doors back in January, the center currently has one herbalist on staff who sees patients every Thursday. In order to access the center, patients have to be referred by their doctors and agree to be continually monitored for any interactions or complications that may arise, particularly if these patients are also taking pharmaceuticals in conjunction with the herbs.

"Western medicine does acute care phenomenally.... but we're still struggling a bit with our chronic-care patients and this fills in that gap and can be used concurrently," stated Melissa Young, an integrative medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic, to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Integrative medicine making huge inroads into Western medicine

The new center is part of the Cleveland Clinic's larger Center for Integrative Medicine (CIM), which also offers acupuncture, holistic psychotherapy and massage therapy. These unconventional approaches to medicine, though slighted in the past, are becoming increasingly popular even within the mainstream medical community. Many conventional doctors who have been unable to figure out what's wrong with their patients are sending them over to places like CIM for integrative therapy.

"I'm getting more and more physician referrals [for herbal treatments], which to me is a sign of greater acceptance," stated Leslie Mendoza Temple, medical director of the Integrative Medicine Program at NorthShore University HealthSystem. This hospital is one of just a few others in the country that has a Chinese herbal medicine clinic.

"When I first started here we were pounding on doors to prove we're not crazy and we're legitimate and safe."

Synergistic herbalism breaking the restrictive confines of allopathic medicine

Still, Western medicine has a long way to go in fully accepting Chinese herbs as legitimate medicine. While some studies do exist showing their efficacy, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies involving many individual herbs are lacking. Besides the fact that funding for such studies is minimal, as Chinese herbs cannot be patented, the Chinese herbal protocol is built on the idea that herbs work synergistically with one another, an elusive concept in Western thinking.

"Traditional Chinese medicine is an experience-based medicine, which has existed for millennia," explains a 2007 study on the synergistic effects of Chinese herbal remedies that was published in the Asian Journal of Chemistry. "[S]ome, particularly in the West, doubt the effect and synergy of traditional Chinese medicine as its mechanisms are less definitive than western-style scientific medicine."

But the system works because it approaches health from a holistic perspective that addresses physical, emotional, mental and spiritual elements. The goal of Chinese herbal medicine, in fact, is to restore balance within each of these unique states of being rather than just treat individual symptoms, something in which an increasing number of patients are eager to take part.

Sources for this article include:

http://online.wsj.com

http://www.asianjournalofchemistry.co.in

http://science.naturalnews.com

Suzanne

Garlic: One of Nature's Greatest Disease Fighters

by Michael Ravensthorpe

(NaturalNews) The pungent and aromatic herb, garlic, has a well-documented history of human use for over 5,000 years. The ancient Egyptians, for instance, would regularly incorporate garlic into their meals or utilize it as a medicine. Today, garlic remains a staple in the Mediterranean diet and it is frequently used as a seasoning in its native central Asia. The ancient healing systems of India and China also utilize garlic and often recommend it to people suffering from sickness and disease.

The average garlic bulb contains very few vitamins, minerals, protein or fiber compared to other plant foods. It is, however, packed with some truly special bioactive compounds -- and these compounds are almost single-handedly responsible for garlic's significant medicinal properties.

List of health benefits

Rich in allicin -- Most of garlic's greatest health benefits stem from its allicin content. Allicin, which is the origin of garlic's strong odor, is a sulfur compound that was discovered in 1944 by an Italian chemist named C.J. Cavallito. Countless studies have shown that this compound is a potent antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant, which is why it's so good at preventing and treating disease. A study published in Nutrition and Cancer in 2010, for example, found that allicin, derived from fresh garlic cloves, could kill colon cancer cells. Moreover, a review published in Leukemia Research found that garlic-derived allicin can treat breast, bladder, colorectal, hepatic, prostate cancer, lymphoma and skin tumor cell lines.

Additional disease prevention -- Allicin is also known to prevent countless other diseases. A classic example is the common cold, which remains the world's most widespread viral infection. Researchers at the Garlic Centre in the United Kingdom found that volunteers who took an allicin supplement daily for 90 days were almost three times less likely to catch a cold in the wintertime when compared to those participants who took a placebo.

Moreover, a review published in Natural Product Communications in 2004 noted that allicin has been "employed to treat infections, wounds, diarrhea, rheumatism, heart disease, diabetes, and many other disorders" and that it has been "evaluated for a number of conditions, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, intermittent claudication, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, common cold, as an insect repellent, and for the prevention of arteriosclerosis and cancer." The paper admitted, however, that the clinical evidence is "far from compelling."

Cardiovascular benefits -- The sulfur compounds in garlic have been proven to be effective at boosting heart health. For example, a review published in Current Pharmaceutical Design in 2010, which evaluated the findings of 53 clinical trials that investigated the effects of herbal remedies on hyperlipidemia, noted that garlic was one of the 22 remedies that worked against the condition. Hyperlipidemia, which usually indicates high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, is a major contributor to heart disease and strokes. Therefore, eating more garlic is a great way to protect one's heart from these serious vascular conditions.

The best way to consume garlic

Since excessive heat can damage the sulfur compounds responsible for garlic's main benefits, it's important that the herb isn't overcooked. The World's Healthiest Foods website recommends that garlic be eaten raw when possible, but, if that's not possible or desirable, avoid heating it for longer than five to 15 minutes. Moreover, chopping or crushing the garlic cloves stimulates their allicin production. Some people love to mix crushed garlic with apple cider vinegar, since the vinegar reduces its sharpness without compromising its beneficial qualities.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20924970
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15158086
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20120123
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20858178
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foo...
http://science.naturalnews.com/garlic.html

Suzanne

Amazing Uses For Garlic - Nature's Antibiotic

by Jeanette Padilla

(NaturalNews) Garlic is one of the most essential foods everyone should have in their home. It's been used in medicine for thousands of years, and for good reason. Garlic fights disease. It has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal and antifungal properties. It's many beneficial properties can help you lead a healthier life.

Nature's antibiotic

Specifically, it's the allicin in garlic that makes it function as an antibiotic. Garlic has been proven to kill a broad spectrum of bacteria while keeping the friendly bacteria in your intestines intact. Viruses susceptible to allicin include herpes simplex type 1 and 2, human rhinovirus type 2 and parainfluenza virus type 3, among others.

Another notable use for garlic is its effectiveness in removing parasites. While there are many kinds of pharmaceutical drugs used to remove parasites, they are not always 100% effective. Additionally, they have harmful side effects, and each drug is specific to the type of parasite being treated for. Garlic, however, can be used to treat many types of parasite infections. It helps boosts the immune system, helps cleanse the lymphatic system, has no harmful side effects and is very inexpensive.

More common uses for garlic are for treating bug bites, scrapes, cuts, acne, colds, athlete's foot and cold sores. Garlic can even be used as a bug repellant. If you don't mind the scent, make your own bug repellant by pressing some garlic. Add the garlic oil and juice to a spray bottle and fill with water. This mixture can be used as a bug repellant for you as well as in your garden. The garlic concoction will be gentle on your plants but will keep plant-eating bugs away.

All the benefits, no side effects

And additional benefit of using garlic as a natural remedy is there are no damaging side effects. You may experience mild effects such as bloating, abdominal pain and bad breath, but these simply indicate that the garlic is working. These "side effects" are not harmful; they're just a little annoying. Beware of garlic marketed as "odorless." Allicin gives garlic it's potent scent and is also its active ingredient. Manufacturing odorless garlic greatly reduces the amount of allicin, making the garlic of little to no use.

Garlic can be consumed in many forms. It's best to incorporate it into your lifestyle; this way you'll reap the health benefits of garlic for a lifetime. Chopped garlic sprinkled over a salad is a great way to consume it raw while adding major flavor your food. Get creative with it and challenge yourself to find ways of eating it raw, so you can experience all the health benefits.

Click here to read about more benefits of garlic written by the author, Jeanette Padilla.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.rd.com

http://macedoniaonline.eu

http://science.naturalnews.com

Suzanne

The Plant Of Immortality And How To Use It

by Jeanette Padilla

(NaturalNews) Ancient Egyptians dubbed aloe vera the "plant of immortality". You may have used aloe vera already if you've ever experienced a bad sunburn; it's the clear green goop that is commonly found in nearly every pharmacy aisle. The earliest recorded use of aloe vera by humans goes back to 16th century B.C. While it's great for healing sunburned skin, there are so many more uses you should know about.

Healing from the inside out

Aloe vera can be a powerful healing agent when taken internally. It can soothe and repair intestinal tissue that is damaged. Stomach ulcers can also be soothed and repaired with aloe. An aloe remedy should also be considered if there are inflammation issues in the digestive and/or intestinal system.

Here are some internal ailments that aloe can help remedy:

IBS
Constipation
Indegestion
Stomach ulcers
Intestinal ulcers
Ulcerative colitis
Gingevitis
Kidney stones
Diabetes
Cancer

Juicing with aloe

Prepare raw aloe vera leaves by using a knife to cut off the hard outer layer of skin and discarding it. Take the gel and translucent flesh of the aloe vera leaf and blend it with a fresh squeezed juice of your choice such as orange or pineapple. Drink this first thing in the morning before breakfast. This is a great way to introduce kids to aloe because it doesn't really have a taste to it. The rind of the aloe leaf does contain laxative properties so be sure to use with caution should you decide to incorporate it into your morning juice.

Fresh aloe gel

Slicing an aloe vera leaf open lets out a clear to yellowish gel. This gel can be saved when preparing the aloe for consumption. Save it in a small tupperware container by itself. This gel has a runny consistency to it and has a plethora of positive health benefits. Keep the gel refrigerated to extend it's life. Also, remember to use a clean cosmetic spatula instead of dipping your fingers in the container to avoid contamination.

Aloe skin benefits

Use it as a moisturizing face gel every morning to help smooth wrinkles. It can also help erase dark spots and even out your skin tone. This gel is especially helpful for small trouble spots such as pimples and other small blemishes. Just dab a bit on the troubled area three times a day until the blemish disappears.

This clear gel works wonders for acne sufferers. The gel can be used as a moisturizer. The aloe vera flesh, when used as a remedy, has the ability to draw out toxins from the skin, such as those from an insect bite or from acne. For severe acne, use the entire flesh of the aloe as opposed to just the gel. Place a slab of aloe, with the exposed side down, on the affected area and leave for at least one hour up to overnight. This technique works best for treating most skin conditions with aloe.

Aloe can help remedy the following skin conditions:

Wounds
Cuts
Burns
Sunburns
Cold sores
Rashes
Diaper rash
Blemishes
Bug bites
Scabies
Dry skin
Dandruff
Psoriasis
Herpes
Eczema

Click here for more on aloe vera and aloe vera natural remedies written by the author, Jeanette Padilla.

Sources for this article include:

www.medicalnewstoday.com

http://www.rxlist.com

http://www.realnatural.org

http://health.howstuffworks.com

Suzanne

Four Herbs With Natural Painkilling Properties

by Michael Ravensthorpe

(NaturalNews) Tens of millions of people around the world live with acute or chronic pain, and their desperate attempts to alleviate it has made prescription painkillers a billion dollar industry for Big Pharma. Unfortunately, prescription painkillers often contribute to more problems than they cure. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, painkillers such as oxycodone and methadone are the leading causes of overdose deaths in the United States today.(1)

Fortunately, nature has provided us with numerous herbs and spices that contain significant analgesic properties. While not all of these foods are as aggressive as prescription painkillers, they are much safer to consume and lack their unpleasant side effects.

White willow
White willow is the most famous of the 300 willow species, and its bark enjoys a time-honored reputation as a natural analgesic. Indeed, the Chinese were known to use white willow bark for pain relief as far back as 500 B.C. In the West, American Indians often used it to treat inflammation.(2)

White willow works as a painkiller because it contains a glucoside called salicin, which possesses proven anti-inflammatory and anti-neuralgic properties. For example, a study published in The American Journal of Medicine in 2000 found that white willow-derived salicin was more effective at easing lower back pain than the placebo.(3)

White pillow bark can be consumed in powdered or tincture form. It is a much more natural painkiller than Aspirin, whose principal ingredient is actually salicin.

Turmeric
Turmeric has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat sprains, bruises and inflammation in the joints and stomach, and scientists now understand how it works. This warm, bitter plant owes its distinctive yellow hues to its rich concentrations of curcumin, a compound with proven anti-cancer, antioxidant and analgesic properties. One study featured in The Korean Journal of Pain, for instance, discovered that curcumin could decrease inflammatory pain in rats.(4) Another study, published in Surgical Endoscopy, concluded that curcumin could improve postoperative pain and fatigue.(5)

Turmeric powder is usually added to curries and other rice dishes, but it can also be taken as a health supplement. Remember to purchase non-irradiated powder when possible for maximum benefits.

Corydalis
Corydalis is another herb with a long history of use for pain relief. Chinese medicine is particularly fond of it, and often prescribes it for headaches, migraines and menstrual pain. Corydalis was even recommended to individuals who suffered from back pain caused by muscle spasms and nerve problems.

Though studies into corydalis' analgesic properties are limited, we know that it is rich in a compound called dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB). A study published in Current Biology in January 2014 found that DHCB was effective against "inflammatory pain and injury-induced neuropathic pain," leading the researchers to conclude that DHCB is a "promising lead in pain management."(6)

Corydalis is commonly found in Chinese herbal stores. It can be purchased as granules, which should be dissolved in hot water and sipped throughout the day, or in capsule form.

Devil's claw
Devil's claw is a herb native to southern Africa that gets its name from the small hooks that cover its fruit. Though it was mostly consumed as a medicine to treat conditions ranging from pain to malaria, natives also used it as an ointment to heal boils, sores and other skin ailments.

Devil's claw contains three active ingredients -- harpagoside, harpagide and procumbine -- that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Harpagoside seems to be especially effective in this regard and, according to a study published in Farmaco in 1996, had a "small but significant" anti-inflammatory effect on rat paw edema.(7) Furthermore, a study published in Schmerz in 2001 found that devil's claw could reduce muscle stiffness.(8)

Devil's claw is easy to find online or in health food stores. It is usually taken in powdered or tincture form, though it can also be drunk as a tea if you can tolerate its bitter taste.

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://www.workers.org

(2) http://www.hchs.edu/literature/Aspirin%20Alternatives.pdf [PDF]

(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10936472

(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3259131/

(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21671126

(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24388848

(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8766229

(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11810324

Suzanne

6 Herbs That Enhance Digestive Health

by Sandeep Godiyal

(NaturalNews) Digestion problems are never a pleasant situation to have to deal with. Not only are they often painful, such problems can lead to embarrassment as well. Fortunately, there are a number of herbs that are often used in everyday cooking that are also prized for their ability to calm the digestion system.

Sage
A powerful antiviral herb, sage also helps aid in keeping the digestive system running smoothly. In addition to helping the stomach digest protein, sage also helps to dispel gas. A calming and soothing herb, sage is perfect for helping to calm the nerves and keep anxiety at bay. Ground sage can have a flavor that is bitter and fresh sage tends to mold quickly. Rubbed sage is a versatile form of the herb.

Oregano
One tablespoon of oregano contains more antioxidant power than an entire cup of blueberries, making this popular herb also one of the most powerful when it comes to easing digestive woes. Oregano is a highly alkaline herb, making it the ideal choice for fighting inflammation as well as acidity.In addition, oregano can also stimulate the digestive system and prevent constipation.

Rosemary
Rosemary is a popular herb due to its delicious aroma. A yeast overgrowth in the stomach and intestines can lead to a host of problems and rosemary can fight those. It is a good remedy for indigestion, bloating, gas, pain and constipation. Though there are supplements available, eating fresh or dried versions of the herb is much more effective.

Lavender
Lavender is well known the world over for its calming properties. Indeed, when a person becomes tense and anxious, their digestion begins to slow. This sluggishness can result in some discomfort. Using lavender in foods can help calm the intestines and keep them moving as they should. As an alkaline food, lavender also helps reduce acidity and inflammation.

Peppermint
Peppermint is known to be one of the top herbs when it comes to stimulating the digestive system. It calms the acid that is present in the stomach while also taming its overall reactions. While fresh peppermint is the number one choice when it comes to treating constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas and indigestion, its tea form is highly useful as well.

Thyme
This herb has natural calming properties that make it the ideal additive to foods when an upset stomach strikes. Because it also has antiviral compounds, adding thyme to foods can help a tummy weather a virus. Thyme is also great at fighting yeast overgrowth as well as the bad bacteria that can make the stomach uncomfortable.

Before reaching for those over-the-counter medications or the prescription medication that has awful side effects, try adding one of the above herbs to foods to aid in a healthy digestive system.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com

http://health.allwomenstalk.com

http://www.motherearthliving.com

Suzanne

Saw palmetto Can Treat Hair Loss, Enlarged Prostates And Urinary Tract Infections

by Michael Ravensthorpe

(NaturalNews) Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small palm native to the southeastern United States and is characterized by its sprawling trunk and large, spear-like leaves. The plant bears dark red, olive-sized berries that have a long history of use as both a food and medicine. American Indians particularly revered saw palmetto berries for their significant healing properties. (1)

Though saw palmetto has been used throughout history to treat coughs and colds, asthma, migraines, bronchitis and pelvic pain syndrome, it is best-known for treating hair loss, enlarged prostates and urinary tract infections.

Hair loss
There's a good reason why so many hair products contain saw palmetto extracts: these humble round fruits really do benefit our hair, and seem to be especially effective at treating androgenic alopecia, or male- and female-pattern baldness. For example, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in April 2002 found that 60 percent of the male subjects dosed with an active formulation, containing saw palmetto as a main ingredient, exhibited improved hair growth. (2)

Although researchers don't at present entirely understand how saw palmetto works in this regard, some research -- such as that contained in the Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy in 2005 -- suggests that saw palmetto functions as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. 5-alpha-reductase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, which is the molecule responsible for hair loss. (3)

Enlarged prostates
Numerous studies show that saw palmetto is effective at treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is commonly known as an enlarged prostate. For example, a study published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that saw palmetto "produced similar improvement in urinary symptoms and flow compared to finasteride [a synthetic drug used to treat BPH] and is associated with fewer adverse treatment events." (4) Additionally, a review featured in Drugs & Aging concluded that saw palmetto "is well tolerated and has greater efficacy than placebo and similar efficacy to finasteride in improving symptoms in men with BPH." (5)

Urinary tract infections
Since saw palmetto is a strong diuretic, it shouldn't be a surprise that it can also help treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). For example, a six-month study published in Urology, discovered that saw palmetto could improve symptoms for men with UTIs compared to placebo. However, the researchers also noted that saw palmetto did not have a significant impact on urinary flow rates or sexual function. (6)

Saw palmetto is non-toxic and can be purchased as dried berries, powdered capsules, liquid tinctures and tablets. While it can be consumed in tea form, its active ingredients (fatty acids) are not water soluble, so the tea might not be effective at treating the conditions listed above.

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://umm.edu

(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(6) http://www.sciencedaily.com

http://science.naturalnews.com/saw_palmetto.html

Suzanne

Studies show the health benefits of frankincense and myrrh

by Raw Michelle

(NaturalNews) Frankincense and myrrh have long been touted for their healing abilities and protective powers. For example, both have ties to Christianity, where they were gifts brought to Bethlehem by the Wise Men. They were also used across a variety of cultures in ancient times; in Egypt, frankincense was used as an eyeliner, thought to not only enhance beauty but bring about vision-protecting abilities. Greek physician Hippocrates wrote extensively about myrrh, and both frankincense and myrrh were heavily traded for thousands of years.(1)

Today, the benefits of both continue to prove effective, including the ability to heal certain cancers.

Frankincense as a cancer fighter

In fact, researchers from Leicester University say the gum resin frankincense contains a chemical compound that has the potential to kill cancer cells and that it may be a viable treatment of cancers such as breast, prostate, ovarian and colon. The particular compound is acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) and was studied at length by university experts and has been said to have the ability to fight off ovarian cancer cells even as they are in the last stage.(2)

"After a year of studying the AKBA compound with ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro, we have been able to show it is effective at killing the cancer cells," said Kamla Al-Salmani, a PhD student from the University's Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine. "Frankincense is taken by many people with no known side-effects." Even more promising is their finding that the Frankincense compound is effective even among cancer cells that have been resistant to chemotherapy, something which Dr. Mark Evans, Kamla's PhD Supervisor and University lecturer, says "may indeed be able to help overcome drug resistance, and lead to an improved survival rate for patients with late-stage ovarian cancer."(2)

Myrhh, frankincense and other combinations can help with healing

Myrrh, too, has been found to be effective for improving health. Used as an essential oil, it's been shown to have the ability to heal skin conditions such as athlete's foot and eczema, aid in wound healing, strengthen gums and ease respiratory problems.(3,4) More notably, a study published in the Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health found that myrrh had cholesterol-reducing abilities.(5)

A combination of frankincense and myrrh is also helpful for health; the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy suggests that along with cardamom and cinnamon, the two can stave off stomach aches, fight bad breath, loosen phlegm and provide toothache relief.(5)

Another combination involves that of myrrh and turmeric, which was discovered to have a protective, cell-detoxifying effect that reduced lead toxicity. That particular study was published in the journal Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology and conducted by researchers at Alexandria University Research Development in Egypt.(6)

While the benefits of frankincense and myrrh are plenty, it should be noted that their oils (all essential oils) are potent, and as such, careful consideration to diluting for ingestion and applying topically should be given. Ideally, only therapeutic-grade essential oils should be used, and discussion with a naturopath prior to use can help ensure utmost safety.

Using such oils in a diffuser is a common way to reap the benefits of such oils safely.

Sources:

(1) http://www.history.com

(2) http://www.universityherald.com

(3) http://www.thealternativedaily.com

(4) http://www.livestrong.com

(5) http://www.telegraph.co.uk

(6) http://www.naturalnews.com

Suzanne

Grow The Ultimate Survival Garden By Investing In These Healing Herbs That Function As Natural Medicine

by Jennifer Lea Reynolds

(NaturalNews) With everything from the dwindling honeybee population to the continued use of chemicals throughout our food supply, it's obvious that a SHTF scenario is looming when it comes to our access to healthy foods. Thanks to GMOs, toxic water, pesticides, herbicides and other food and environment-destroying problems, the planet is in need of a Food Revolution so people can have access to the healthy foods they deserve.

After all, food is indeed medicine; it's been shown to help with a range of health conditions from diabetes to cancer.

Health through food

For example, when Janette Murray-Wakelin was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in the early 2000s, she decided against radiation and chemo treatments and instead turned to a diet comprised mainly of green apples, carrots and Brussels sprouts. As a result, she's a breast cancer survivor who now participates in numerous marathons.

Another believer in the "food is medicine" concept is Dr. Ronald Weiss, who sold his medical practice to open up a "farmacy" in Long Valley, New Jersey. "Human health is directly related to the health of the environment, the production of food and how it is grown," he says.

Still, such a beneficial food supply remains threatened with every chemical that's sprayed and every GMO food that's created.

So, how can you ensure that you have access to healthy, healing plants and herbs? Consider creating a survival garden that's filled with the following items.

Essential healing plants and herbs for your survival garden

1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, which can be grown in the ground or in pots, is an ideal way to remedy a range of skin conditions. Simply apply the clear pulp that's inside the leaves to burns, eczema or minor cuts to treat such problems. The pulp can also be eaten to remedy constipation and other digestive disorders. A poultice of mature leaves can be applied to minor cuts and burns and to dry, inflamed or damaged skin due to eczema or other skin conditions.

2. Peppermint
A natural breath freshener, peppermint also helps relive gas, improves stomach discomfort and prevent symptoms associated with motion sickness.

3. Thyme
Thyme has over 50 percent thymol content, an antiseptic phenolic compound with powerful healing properties. A thyme infusion can help heal mouth sores and improve bad breath while also providing laryngitis and tonsillitis relief.

4. Rosemary
This herb has been said to improve cognitive function, reduce brain damage and brain aging, and has been shown to act cancer fighter.

5. Chamomile
Feeling restless, anxious or experiencing difficulty falling asleep? Simply pour hot water over chamomile's fresh flower heads, let steep for about 15 minutes, drain and sip. Chamomile is known for its ability to help people relax.

6. Pot marigolds
Crush the yellow and orange leaves of marigolds to remedy a host of skin problems. From bruises and sunburns to skin nicks and acne blemishes, the leaves offer relief.

7. Sage
Say goodbye to embarrassing flatulence; sage has the ability to keep gas at bay! Additionally, it improves appetite, reduces excessive sweating and can even help those with respiratory issues breathe easier. For women, it's a good choice for fighting PMS symptoms.

8. Lavender
Lavender's fragrance has been used to combat depression and offer headache relief. It also contains antiseptic properties that help speed up the rate at which wounds heal.

9. Echinacea
A purple coneflower, echinacea is a great option if you want to give your immune system a boost. Echinacea helps fight both viral and bacterial infections.

10. Comfrey
Topical use – the application for which comfrey is recommended – helps soothe and repair skin, much like we've seen with the other plants and herbs in this article. Gargling with a comfrey infusion has also been found to ease gum disease and improve a sore throat.

11. Broadleaf plantain
Although considered a weed, it has several healing properties worth exploring. Pain relief from skin sores, wounds and insect bites can be soothed by crushing its fresh leaves and applying to the skin as a poultice. Additionally, a tea brewed with its leaves controls diarrhea, and it's been found that people who eat the leaves may also experience relief from gout.

12. Great mullein
Not only does this plant help heal warts and athlete's foot, but it is a great expectorant. For those suffering from excessive coughing likely brought about by bronchitis, rolling up and smoking the leaves has been found to be helpful. Its leaves contain properties that loosen phlegm and reduce chest congestion.

Join the Food Revolution

To learn more about growing your own garden and becoming fully self-reliant, sign up for the FREE Food Revolution Summit, featuring Ocean Robbins, Vandana Shiva, PhD, Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, and 21 more of the top food experts from around the world!

Sources for this article include:

Blogs.NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com

SHTFAmerica.com

Science.NaturalNews.com

-Suzanne-

Dandelion Root Far More Effective In Fighting Cancer Cells Than Chemotherapy

by J. D. Heyes

(NaturalNews) A so-called "weed" growing right in your front and back yards could hold the key to being the most effective cancer-fighting compound in the world.

Previous research, as well as recent research from the University of Windsor in Canada, has found that dandelion root may be especially effective in treating and defeating cancer, and much more so than immune system-destroying chemotherapy.

As noted by the university in a press release, researchers are so sure that they have finally developed the correct dosage of the extract, that they are preparing clinical trials using a specially formulated dandelion tea.

Research director and biochemist Dr. Siyaram Pandey, Ph.D., of the University of Windsor, along with his fellow researchers, have shown successfully in the lab how the dandelion root extract causes cancer cells to go through apoptosis, or cell suicide, while leaving healthy cells intact.

"This is fantastic news," Pandey said. "We've been waiting for this announcement for a long time and now it is real."

The February 2015 announcement has special meaning for a project that was dedicated to the memory of Kevin Couvillon, who lost a three-year battle with acute myeloid leukemia in November 2010, the university said.

Destroying cancer cells within two days

The following year, his parents, Dave and Donna Couvillon, made a large contribution to Dr. Pandey's research on natural extracts and potential cancer treatments.

"We strongly feel that Kevin would want us to continue to fight against cancer so that others would be spared such a cruel fate," said Donna Couvillon. "Natural medicine allows one's own immune system to be part of healing process and we wholeheartedly support this endeavour and the excellent research done by this team."

The university press release stated further:

The dandelion root formula in use in the Pandey lab is about five times more concentrated than the extract that can be purchased over the counter and has been proven to kill leukemia, melanoma and pancreatic cancer cells in lab mice.

Caroline Hamm, an oncologist at the Windsor Regional Cancer Center, made an application to Health Canada in 2012 to proceed to human clinical trials.

"This is huge, such a big accomplishment," says Dave Couvillon. "To see it happening is the first step and now we need to keep our fingers crossed that they get the right kind of results and we're confident they will."

The website Healthy Solutions reported last month that the trials found that cancer cells were destroyed within 48 hours.

From the University of Windsor's Dandelion Root Project website:

Since the commencement of this project, we have been able to successfully assess the effect of a simple water extract of dandelion root in various human cancer cell types, in the lab and we have observed its effectiveness against human T cell leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, pancreatic and colon cancers, with no toxicity to non-cancer cells. Furthermore, these efficacy studies have been confirmed in animal models (mice) that have been transplanted with human colon cancer cells.

Additional health benefits

Clinical trials were opened to 30 patients, all of whom had already exhausted all other cancer treatment options.

As we have reported, dandelions have other health benefits as well:

The dandelion greens contain extremely important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium, folate, magnesium and manganese. They may contribute up to 535% of the suggested daily intake of vitamin K, not to mention over 110% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. It is believed that some of its flavonoids such as zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin have specific healing properties. Zeaxanthin seems to provide protection for the retina when confronted by the sun's UV rays, while cryptoxanthin can potentially defend the body against the development of mouth and lung cancer cells.

If you're interested in making your own dandelion tea, here is a great recipe from Natural News Blogs.

Sources:

UWindsor.ca

Blogs.NaturalNews.com

HealthySolutionsMagazine.com

UWindsor.ca

Science.NaturalNews.com

-Suzanne-

Thanks again Suzanne. I really appreciate your efforts. I re-read and summarized this thread for future reference in my own Word file.