Category: Natural Health

Powerful Herbs That Fight Flu

Are you still thinking about getting the flu shot this season? According to research published in The Lancet, getting the flu from a flu shot is not only possible, but probable. Over the course of 12 flu seasons, researchers analyzed studies and found that 41% of study participants contracted the flu after being given the most commonly administered flu shot. So what should you take away from these statistics? Have a plan B.

Herbs as Medicine

Herbs have been used medicinally for centuries. Even in the last century herbs were being used by physicians to treat influenza. In 1918, the flu pandemic known as the “Spanish flu” broke out across the globe and killed 20 to 60 million people. At the time, advances in modern medicine were just being discovered, and many physicians still relied on herbs and other natural therapies to treat sick individuals. According to the written material published by these herb-wielding physicians of the early 1900’s, patients suffering from the Spanish flu who were treated with herbs had above average survival and recovery rates. There is now a renewed interest in the medicinal properties of herbs and, again, there are many physicians who are using herbal protocol to prevent and treat seasonal flu symptoms. The best part is that herbs are readily available and don’t require a prescription.

Elderberry

This herb yields amazing results when it comes to fighting the flu. Israeli researchers published a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine that confirmed that elderberry extracts inhibited the growth of influenza. In fact, when study participants took 500 mg. twice a day, 90% recovered within three days.

Garlic

People in the ancient world have always held garlic and other members of the allium family in high regard because of their medicinal attributes. In more recent news, garlic is garnering some positive attention because of the antibacterial and antiviral properties of its main chemical component, allicin. Studies done at the University of Maryland Medical Center confirm that consuming garlic helped to prevent the onset of the flu and also helped hasten recovery times of those individuals who already had the flu.

Olive Leaf Extract

Another ancient remedy of note is olive leaf extract. With its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal capacity, olive leaf extract is a broad spectrum herbal medicine used to treat a number of ailments including influenza. Interestingly, some European physicians are now using olive leaf extract instead of traditional antibiotics to treat their patients. Many naturopathic practitioners recommend taking olive leaf extract for several months before flu season begins in order to strengthen the immune system.

Echinacea

Hailing from the purple coneflower native to North America, echinacea has been part of Native American herbal medicine for centuries. University of Maryland Medical Center studies confirm that echinacea does, indeed, ease flu symptoms by relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the immune system.

Ginger

Long coveted for its pungent culinary offerings, ginger has an extensively history of medicinal use by Asian, Arabic, and Indian cultures. As well as being a go-to therapy for anything related to stomach discomfort, ginger also soothes flu symptoms such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, and body aches. Ginger is best taken as a tea.

Remember that even natural medicine can interfere with both prescription and over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol. Always consult your physician before starting an herbal protocol for the flu.

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Produce Pesticide Residues – EWG’s Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen Annual Updates

The Environmental Workers Group (EWG) ranks popular produce by analyzing pesticide residue testing data from the U.S.D.A. and the F.D.A. From this information, they rank produce for their Clean 15 list and their Dirty Dozen list.

The 2016 Dirty Dozen

The Dirty Dozen list is a list of the popular produce with the highest pesticide residue. Number one on the list is the “dirtiest” or most pesticide laden. For the past 5 years, apples have topped the list. This year they have been outranked. Strawberries now top the list. One their website, the EWG states the following in regards to the Dirty Dozen:

Key findings:

  • More than 98 percent of strawberry samples, peaches, nectarines, and apples tested positive for at least one pesticide residue.
  • The average potato had more pesticides by weight than any other produce.
  • A single grape sample and a sweet bell pepper sample contained 15 pesticides.
  • Single samples of strawberries showed 17 different pesticides.

The list is a warning. If you do not want to ingest toxic food, these are the conventional fruits and vegetables to avoid. Don’t choose these fruits and vegetables unless they are organic. Washing does not remove all pesticide traces. In some cases, peeling them does not remove all pesticides. This year’s Dirty Dozen list is as follows:

  1. Strawberries
  2. Apples
  3. Nectarines
  4. Peaches
  5. Celery
  6. Grapes
  7. Cherries
  8. Spinach
  9. Tomatoes
  10. Sweet bell peppers
  11. Cherry tomatoes
  12. Cucumbers

Hot peppers and leafy greens don’t meet the criteria to be ranked on the Dirty Dozen but they are a special concern because they are often contaminated with residue of highly toxic pesticides including organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. Some of these chemicals have been banned from use on other crops because they but are still allowed for use on peppers and greens. Organophosphates are neurotoxins that have been linked to low birth weight, low IQ, and disrupted brain development. Without question these greens and hot peppers should be on the “choose organic only” list.

The 2016 Clean 15

The Clean Fifteen are the top popular produce items that are the safest choices for conventional produce. The number 1 ranked avocado is the “cleanest.” There is one thing to keep in mind, however. Organic is best. And while corn and papayas may be relatively clean as far as pesticide residue, it is still wise to choose organic to avoid GMOs. Conventionally grown corn and papaya may be GM crops. One their website, the EWG states the following in regards to the Clean 15:

Key findings:

  • Avocados were the cleanest: only 1 percent of avocado samples showed any detectable pesticides.
  • Some 89 percent of pineapples, 81 percent of papayas, 78 percent of mangoes, 73 percent of kiwi and 62 percent of cantaloupes had no residues.
  • No single fruit sample from the Clean Fifteen™ tested positive for more than 4 types of pesticides.
  • Multiple pesticide residues are extremely rare on Clean Fifteen™ vegetables. Only 5.5 percent of Clean Fifteen samples had two or more pesticides.

The Clean 15

  1. Avocados
  2. Sweet Corn
  3. Pineapples
  4. Cabbage
  5. Sweet peas frozen
  6. Onions
  7. Asparagus
  8. Mangos
  9. Papayas
  10. Kiwi
  11. Eggplant
  12. Honeydew Melon
  13. Grapefruit
  14. Cantaloupe
  15. Cauliflower

For a downloadable version of the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15, check out the EWG website.

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The Healing Power of Gemstones

Using gemstones to fight off illness or improve your mental state is believed to date back to ancient China. This practice is based on the belief that gemstones allow positive energy to flow into the body while negative energy is pushed out.

Both our bodies and gemstones are made of mineral silicon-dioxide. Because of this similarity, our bodies respond well to the vibrations that gemstones transmit as they receive energy. The strongest effect can be felt when the gemstone is placed directly on the body so the energy can transmit from the stone into the body.

What are Some Common Healing Gemstones?

Although there are dozens to choose from, here are some of the gemstones most commonly used for healing:

brazilian amethystAmethyst

This gemstone has a very high vibrancy, so it is ideal for clearing out the mind to make levelheaded decisions. Amethyst is commonly linked to a calm, tranquil mind and is believed to reduce stress and anxiety. Many people keep amethyst close by when going into a meditative state because it allows you to tap into a higher level of consciousness.

PeridotPeridot

For thousands of years, peridot has been used to elevate the mood and boost energy. This gemstone is especially helpful to those who are enduring a traumatic or emotionally exhausting situation, as it helps bring out the light in even the darkest of events.

AquamarineAquamarine

This unique and beautifully colored gemstone connects your mind, body, and spirit, allowing you to gain confidence and realize your true potential. Because of this, aquamarine is frequently associated with courage and power.

CitrineCitrine

One look at a brightly colored citrine gemstone and your mood will instantly lighten, so it’s no surprise that citrine provides light and happiness. When used for healing, citrine provides a feeling of contentment and relaxation to the user, who will now be able to look on the bright side of life.

How Can You Incorporate Gemstones into Your Life?

Gemstone healing is available in many high-end spas, doctors’ offices, and alternative medicine clinics. In these settings, the gemstones are typically placed onto the body to facilitate energy flow. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to incorporate gemstones into your life without having to shell out money for a professional treatment!

Because healing gemstones are so brilliant and beautiful, many people choose to wear them in a spectacular piece of jewelry to carry them close to the body throughout the day. This enables the wearer to feel the positive energy no matter where they may be!

Others choose to protect their home with the help of healing gemstones. It is not uncommon for people to place healing gemstones underneath their pillows or on their bedside table at night to promote positive energy as they sleep. To let your whole family in on the benefits of healing gemstones, use them as decorative pieces throughout the home, or keep your workplace stress-free with a few strategically placed gemstones.

A warm bath is a great way to relax, but it can be enhanced with healing gemstones placed around the rim of the tub or within the water to absorb negative energy.

Be sure to learn about the different gemstones available and the purpose that each of them serves. That way, you’ll know which healing gemstone to use depending on what ails you.

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Healthy Immune System Improved from Cinnamon Oil

 

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that is made from the peeled and dried bark of cinnamon trees. It has been used not only as a spice, but also as a medicine and as a trade commodity for hundreds of years.

Benefits of Cinnamon Oil

Anti-inflammatory

Cinnamon oil is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve stiff muscles and joints. It is also recommended for people suffering from arthritis and can even alleviate headaches caused by colds.

Treatment for Type II Diabetes

Cinnamon has been found to decrease blood glucose concentration and enhance insulin sensitivity.

Chemopreventive drug

Cinnamon has become one of the most common herbal medicines used for inhibiting tumor growth, particularly in cervical cancer. The reports have shown that cinnamon can cause apoptosis, or cell death, of cervical cancer cells.

Improves Blood Circulation

Cinnamon contains blood thinning properties, which makes the blood circulate in the body effectively. Good blood circulation helps transport the oxygen through all parts of the body. This will result in the proper functioning of all the body systems. It will also prevent heart attacks and stroke.

Antibacterial Properties

Cinnamon oil also has antibacterial properties, as well as anti-fungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties. It is effective in treating infections outside the body and can penetrate deeper into the body as well. Cinnamon oil has also been found to destroy staph infections and germs in the gall bladder.

Different Healthy Ways to Include Cinnamon with Food

  • Add cinnamon to cereal and rice pudding.
  • Ground cinnamon is a great spice for fruit pies such as pear, peach, apple, prune, and apricot.
  • Ground cinnamon can be added to beef or lamb marinades.
  • Cinnamon tea with honey has added health benefits.
  • Boiled milk with a cinnamon stick improves sleep.
  • Make a healthier cinnamon toast without sugar – substitute honey.

Different Types of Cinnamon

Saigon Cinnamon

Saigon cinnamon or Vietnamese cinnamon has superior flavor and odor. It is used mainly in ground form. It is often found in baked goods and processed foods.

Ceylon Cinnamon

It has a subtle and mild scent and is slightly sweeter. It is often seen rolled as a cigar and is soft and crumbly to the touch. It also appears lighter in color. Ceylon cinnamon has low coumarin levels, which are linked to liver failure. So, for those who want to take cinnamon as a daily supplement, Ceylon is the perfect choice.

Cassia Cinnamon

Cassia cinnamon, also known as Chinese cinnamon, is hard, hollow and has only one layer.

Korintje Cinnamon

An intense and spicy cinnamon it is smoother than the others, which is why it is a common choice for bakeries. It is also cheaper, but has a great flavor.

Conclusion

The flavor of cinnamon oil has always been unique. Its aroma is one of the most fragrant and addictive. A daily dose of this spice has many health benefits that will help improve your immune system. So why don’t you try some now?

EWG’s Updated Guide to Healthy Cleaning

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. They recently updated the EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning, a database of more than 2,700 cleaners that can be found on their website. It includes the following product categories :

  • 288 Air Fresheners
  • 507 All Purpose
  • 227 Bathroom
  • 368 Dishwashing
  • 166 Floor Care
  • 155 Furniture
  • 93 Kitchen
  • 817 Laundry
  • 82 Other

The recent update included more than 400 additional products from 85 companies. The EWG states the following:

  • Almost three-fourths of common cleaners contain ingredients that may have worrisome effects on respiratory health.
  • More than one-fourth received scores indicating moderate to high health concerns because they contain ingredients or possible impurities that have been linked to increased cancer risk.
  • One-fifth of products got scores indicating moderate to high health concern because they have ingredients associated with developmental, endocrine or reproductive harm.
  • Almost half of the products were rated “poor” on disclosure because their ingredients are not adequately listed on product labels and company websites.

The database has an interesting and informative layout. Products are graded (A,B,C,D, and F) and their principle ingredients are graded as well, a layout that teaches consumers which additives are dangerous to the body or the environment and why.

Surprisingly, many well-known “green” labels earned Fs. For example, Whole Foods 365 Brand Cleaners run the gamut with individual products earning As, Bs, Cs, Ds, and Fs.

The database lists 7 Trader Joe’s products. One earned a B, 3 earned a D, and 3 earned an F.

There are 35 Seventh Generation products listed. Although only one earned an F, with 12 Ds, 37% are ranked D and below.

So line up your cleaning products and look them up. You may be in for some surprises. You may decide it’s time to simplify and use all natural products like vinegar, baking soda, and lemons to clean your home. Check out the article below to learn more.

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