Herbs and Spices to strengthen the Immune System

Of the many systems working within the human body, the immune system is an excellent example of complex efficiency. A network of participating cells and organs, it synchronizes its responses when defending the body from infection and disease. In its element, it has the capacity to remember diseases it has encountered and produce secretions and cells that can effectively defend the body from another recurrence. Moreover, it has an advanced communication system that can trigger an immediate response to an emergency and act according to the severity of the infection. Activated immune cells start producing substances that allow it to recruit other immune cells and guide it to the site of attack while at the same time allowing it to control behavior and growth. However, when the system malfunctions by causing an inappropriate response to substances or cells that are native to the body, it causes autoimmune diseases that will require the intervention of medication that will suppress the system’s response. What causes the system to malfunction, however, is still unclear. It is believed that exposure to some drugs or bacteria by people with susceptible genes cause this phenomenon. When totally compromised the body is left defenseless, thus leaving it vulnerable to disease.

The body’s defense system is only as dependable as the support it gets. Some people are just blessed with a good set of genes that ensure a strong immune system. For others who are not as lucky, they must work for immunity by observing proper nutrition, sufficient rest, a healthy active lifestyle, plenty of sun and reduced stress. Recent studies have shown that getting enough of these while cutting down on unhealthy habits and avoiding processed foods restores the immune system to peak performance. Observing proper sanitation also plays a vital role in keeping the immune system working. It is recognized as the best preventive medicine and its actual practice can reduce outbreaks and diseases, translating to significant economic, environmental as well as social benefits. Antibiotics and vaccination as remedies to assist the body’s defenses against disease have now been debunked by recent findings. Of late, antibiotics have been shown to attack beneficial bacteria in the stomach and suppress immune functions.

Foods that boost the body’s immune system can offer a lot of healthy options for those who wish to be more conscious in what they take in. To be sustained, the immune system heavily depends on the stomach for support. Malnourished individuals are more susceptible to disease as opposed to those who observe a healthy nutritious diet. Below are some of these examples:

1. Echinacea - Echinacea is a popular herb that has been identified to boost immunity. Combined with goldenseal, another herb, or enjoyed alone as tea, this member of the daisy family has been found to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections as well as the common cold.

2. Ginseng - This herb has many varieties. The most commonly studied variety is Panax ginseng, also known as Korean ginseng. Its main active component, ginsenosides, has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Clinical research studies have demonstrated that it may improve immune and psychological functions as well as conditions related to diabetes.

3. Garlic - This spice has had a long history of medicinal value. In a recent study conducted by Dr. Ellen Tattelman, an assistant professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, New York, it was reconfirmed that garlic indeed has cardiovascular, anti-microbial and antineoplastic properties. It’s also a perfect spice to use when doing sauteed dishes.

4. Bell peppers- This pepper variety does not contain capsaicin, unlike its other feisty cousins. On the contrary, it is sweet and crunchy and contains the carotenoid lycopene which lowers the risk of cancer; beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A; and Zeaxanthin, known to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.

5. Ginger - This herb has been shown to reduce inflammation, cardiovascular conditions, blood clots and cholesterol. In a study, researchers found that animal subjects given ginger extracts had a significant reduction in cholesterol and blood clotting qualities. Moreover, it has been observed to inhibit the behavior of genes connected with inflammation.

6. Turmeric- This spice contains curcumin, which has notable antioxidant properties. It also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and stomach soothing benefits. It reduces inflammation by stimulating the adrenal glands to increase the hormone that lessens inflammation. Animal studies on this herb have revealed that turmeric protects the liver from the adverse effects of alcohol and certain toxins. Turmeric also helps in digestive problems by stimulating bile flow.

7. Gingko Biloba- Gingko biloba’s leaves contain antioxidant compounds called bilobalides and ginkgolides that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Moreover, it has also been found to protect against radiation. In a study using animal subjects, ginkgo was demonstrated to have protected the test subjects against radiation poisoning. The latest research also suggests that extracts of this herb can neutralize oxidizing agents and free radicals caused in the cells due to radiation, thus preventing cell death. In fact, NaturalNews recently reported that ginkgo extracts reduce brain damage by up to 50 percent.

8. Ganoderma- This is a bitter mushroom also known as reishi. It has long been a popular herb in Chinese medicine attributed to assisting in longevity and health. Further studies on this oriental herb reveal that it strengthens immunity and combats cancer. Moreover, it has antioxidant properties and provides relief from urinary tract infections.

9. Astralagus - Also from China, this herb stimulates the immune system and aids in digestion and adrenal gland functions. It is also a diuretic. The effectiveness of this herb is due to polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids. It has also been taken to combat the common cold and flu. Its digestive health benefits demonstrate the lowering of stomach acidity, resulting to an increase in the body’s metabolic rates and the promotion of waste elimination.

10. Cat’s claw - This herb from Peru is commonly used for stomach problems. Recently, however, it is becoming known as an exceptional immune response stimulator that helps the body to fight off infections and degenerative diseases. It contains oxindole alkaloids enhancing the immune system’s capacity to engulf and destroy pathogens.

From a practical perspective, taking in food which boosts the immune system while enjoying it at the same time can be a cost effective way to maintain health. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle, sufficient rest and a positive outlook in life, staying healthy does not have to cost an arm and a leg.

SOURCE: NATURALNEWS.COM

David Avocado Wolfe on the quality of water

Spring water at the source with a low TDS (total dissolved solids) count is the best water ever. Watch this video by nutrition expert David Avocado Wolfe.

Medicine & Spirit with Hallgrím Magnússon from Iceland

I recently interviewed Dr. Hallgrím Magnússon from Iceland who is not only a medical practicing physician for many years but also studied alternative medicine and came to the conclusion that spirit, soul and body have to be considered as a whole to achieve a successful healing. He also speaks about the importance of meditation and prayer, gives some key advice for correct nutrition and looks into the coming changes on Earth and the birth of the Golden Age.

Dr. Burzynski succesfully fights cancer since 35 years

Of course, there have been other substances going back even farther that have been claimed to cure cancer, such as Dr. Wilhelm Reich’s orgone energy. However, Dr. Burzynski’s treatment has been scrutinized scientifically for decades and, from this video, seems to be quite effective. According to Burzynski’s proponents, an apparent cure for many forms of cancer – peptides called “antineoplastons” – has been known for some 35 years but allegedly has been battled against and suppressed by governmental agencies and medical authorities since that time. The Wikipedia article about Dr. Burzynski’s work asserts, “The clinical efficacy of these treatments has been established in Phase II clinical trials, and is now in Phase III trials.” (Based on a press release from Burzynski’s research institute.) This documentary film is available for free until June 20th 2011, after which time it will be for sale, with the proceeds used to help get FDA approval of his treatment. (This video has broken all viewer records on vimeo.com; it has been watched by 282,000 people in 5 days! – Blog Editor’s Note)

David Wolfe gives advice on natural radiation defense

The US West coast just had its first – not dramatic – radiation fallout in the air and as David Wolfe, health and nutrition expert from Hawaii, states, every radiation fallout – even small – is bad for our health. In a brand new audio interview realeased today David explains the situation in Japan, reveals details about another nuclear casualty at Lake Ontario in Canada (which has been oppressed by the Media worldwide) and gives especially advice for natural products that can help fight against radiation fallout, such as Kelp, Ashwaganda, Astragalus, Brazil Nuts, Rishi extract, Ginseng, natural vitamin C, good himalayan salt, a lot of clean spring water, Aloe Vera, Noni etc. Here is the link to watch the interview: http://tiny.cc/adviceradiation

Keep young with Blueberries and Grape Seed extract

Cognitive decline is unnatural. Millions of aging adults consider an impaired capacity to think, reason and form new memories as the inevitable course of declining health. By accepting brain aging as normal, we condemn our senior years and live in constant fear of whether we will remember our family and friends or retain our personal identity. Loss of cognition as we age is not normal. There is no programmed switch that diminishes our ability to reason and remember events, names and faces. The brain is susceptible to many of the damaging effects of inflammation, free radicals and insulin resistance that lead to chronic illness. Blueberries and grape seed extract show great potential in the fight against brain aging and cognitive decline. The human brain performs millions of electrical and chemically mediated actions every second and generates a large number of free radicals in the process that can damage normal neuronal function. Any natural agent that can neutralize the effect of free radicals will provide necessary protection and prevent brain aging. Anthocyanins and flavanols are natural protective compounds found in high concentration in blueberries and are known to be able to cross the critical blood-brain barrier and influence brain function. The result of research published in the journal Nutrition shows that dietary supplementation with blueberries for as little as 30 days can slow and even reverse the decline in mental function associated with age. The study authors concluded “this illustrates a surprisingly prompt and powerful effect of an antioxidant dietary intervention.”

Researchers know that blueberries and other members of the purple berry family are linked with lowered incidence of age-related dementia and Alzheimer`s disease. While the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, prior studies have shown that the active compounds in berries exert their effects on learning and memory by enhancing existing neuronal connections, thus improving cellular communications and stimulating neuronal regeneration. Grape seed extract is a significant source of naturally occurring phenolic compounds that are known to bolster the structural integrity of brain cells and brain cell networks. The results of a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research documents the ability of grape seed extract to stimulate the production of new brain cells. Researchers were able to show that compounds in grape seed extract activated genes that controlled cellular rejuvenation. Additionally, grape seed extract strengthened existing brain cell connections in the memory control center of (hippocampus).the brain Loss of memory and the ability to learn and form thoughts are functions that should not be lost as we age. Cognitive decline can be prevented by eating a diet void of processed foods, sugars and damaging hydrogenated fats. Eat a cup of wild blueberries each day and supplement with grape seed extract to provide critical antioxidant support and prevent the assault from free radical damage. (Credit: John Phillip/NaturalNews.com)

On the benefits of Pine Pollen

Pollen pini. Pine trees provide us with an adaptogenic miracle every Spring season, when the male catkins on the end of the pine’s branches drop their pollen, and blanket the grounds with their yellow powder. You may be familiar with these yellow particles that tend to magnetize themselves to your car every spring. Welcome, Pine Pollen. One may have never guessed, that these fertile microscopic dustings given off by our population of Pine trees all around the world would be so nutritionally dense. We have been on the earth as a human species for a million-or -some-odd years, in one form or another. Humans have been using the pine trees and their Pollen as medicine since the beginning.

Pine Pollen is a tonic medicine, meaning that it can be used over a course of time, without it having toxic effects on your body. It is also adaptogenic so it will cater to exactly what your body needs and treat any areas of distress. As a nutritive, Pine Pollen can be consumed in large amounts to derive any of the wide range of vitamins and minerals it contains, such as Vitamins A B-Carotene, B1, B2, B3, B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E. Its host of minerals include Calcium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Phosphorous, Potassium, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium, and Zinc. Oh, and another plus: Pine Pollen contains over twenty amino acids and all eight essential amino acids! Do you know what this means? It is a complete protein! Not only is Pine Pollen ultra-rich in vitamins and minerals, while also being a medicine you can take on an on-going basis, but Pine Pollen enhances an array of bodily functions while assisting in preventing degenerative conditions as well. Pine Pollen has the potential to increase immune and endocrine function, reduce sensitivity to pain, lower cholesterol, stimulate liver regeneration; it is an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and anti-tumor.

Pine Pollen can also be used externally, to successfully treat skin conditions of all kinds. It can be made into a cream to apply directly to the skin when battling eczema, acne, impetigo, and diaper rash. The arginine in Pine Pollen also caters to the improvement of skin challenges. More info here: blog.surthrival.com.

Olive oil protects liver from oxidative stress

One of hottest areas of current scientific research involves one of the tastiest ingredients of Mediterranean-style dishes — olive oil. Evidence has been steadily mounting that olive oil protects and builds health in a variety of ways. Not only does it help prevent depression and fight inflammation, but phytonutrients in olive oil have been found to be effective against breast cancer cells, too. Could the news about olive oil get any better? It just did. Now scientists have discovered extra virgin olive oil can protect the liver from oxidative stress – the physiological stress on the body caused by free radical damage. Oxidative stress is linked to a host of health problems as well as aging. Mohamed Hammami from the University of Monastir in Tunisia and King Saudi University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, worked with a team of researchers to carry out experiments on 80 lab rats. The animals were separated into groups that were exposed to the moderately toxic herbicide 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid which is known to cause oxidative stress because it deplete antioxidants. The animals in various groups received either their regular diet or food supplemented with whole olive oil or one of two olive oil extracts – the hydrophilic fraction or the lipophilic fraction. Although all the rats given the herbicide showed signs of significant liver damage, the animals who had a diet enriched with extra virgin olive oil or the hydrophilic fraction were found to have a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity. What’s more, they had a dramatic decrease in markers of liver damage.

Dr. Hammami noted in a press statement that the hydrophilic fraction of olive oil seemed to be the most effective supplement in controlling toxin-induced oxidative stress. And that strongly indicates hydrophilic extract from olive oil may exert a direct protective, antioxidant effect on liver cells. “Olive oil is an integral ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. There is growing evidence that it may have great health benefits including the reduction in coronary heart disease risk, the prevention of some cancers and the modification of immune and inflammatory responses,” Dr. Hammami said in a statement to the media. “Here, we’ve shown that extra virgin olive oil and its extracts protect against oxidative damage of hepatic tissue.” (Source: NaturalNews.com)

Prayers can heal

Praying for patients improves their condition significantly more than hypnosis or the power of suggestion could account for, according to a study conducted by researchers from Indiana University-Bloomington and published in the Southern Medical Journal. Researchers studied Pentecostal Christian faith healing groups in Mozambique and Brazil, where such groups are renowned for their ability to heal impairments of sight and hearing. Although such groups believe that prayer is helpful even from a distance, they emphasize praying while in physical contact with the patient. “We chose to investigate ‘proximal’ prayer because that is how a lot of prayer for healing is actually practiced by Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians around the world,” researcher Candy Gunther Brown said. Researchers used objective tests to measure the sight or hearing of patients both before and after the intercessionary prayer. On average, patients improved significantly after being prayed for. Two participants improved their hearing thresholds by 50 decibels, while three improved their vision to 20/80 or better from 20/400 or worse. These changes far surpass those observed in hypnotic or suggestive treatments. More evidence that the power of prayer surpasses that of suggestion has come from studies where patients improved even though they were completely unaware that they were being prayed for. “One remarkable study of prayer was performed by Randolph Byrd, M.D., who studied 393 coronary-care patients over a ten-month period,” writes Dharma Singh Khalsa in Brain Longevity. “In Dr. Byrd’s Study, half of the 393 patients were prayed for by an outside prayer group,” Khalsa writes. “The prayer group was given the first names of the patients, their diagnoses, and a brief description of each patient. None of the doctors or nurses treating any of the patients knew who was being prayed for. The prayer group prayed for the patients each day.” The patients being prayed for improved more than the patients who were not being prayed for! (Source: NaturalNews.com)

How important is good salt?



Salt is one of the most basic and ubiquitous food seasonings. Historically, salt has been an extraordinarily valuable food preservative for most cultures in the world. Natural salt contains a vast array of essential minerals and continues to be incredibly valuable for our health. Today, modern refineries unfortunately have chemically altered most salt making it hazardous for human consumption. Typical “normal” table salt is composed of 97.5% sodium chloride and 2.5% chemicals such as anti-flow and anti-caking agents. Table salt is bleached and processed with excessive heat that alters the natural chemical structure and destroys essential trace minerals. Hazardous molecules such as iodine and fluoride are added along with toxic substances like aluminum hydroxide (used as an anti-moisture additive). This processing takes the “life” out of the salt making the unnatural sodium chloride and chemical fillers more challenging to metabolize. The body must sacrifice tremendous amounts of energy and up to 23 times the cell water to neutralize the damaging effects of the salt. The inability of the body to effectively neutralize these toxic substances can result in: Unsightly cellulite, Rheumatism, arthritis, & gout, Kidney & Gall Bladder stones as well as High Blood Pressure.

In the last couple dozens pf years, many people have turned to sea salts for their regular salt usage. Unfortunately, many of our lakes and oceans are loaded with toxic poisons like mercury, PCBs and dioxin. Oil spills can toxify a lake or ocean’s salt stores for decades after the incident. Over 85% of all sea salt producers are using a refining process for their salt production. Based on this understanding it is wise to assume that sea salt can no longer be trusted as a pure source of essential salts.

Himalayan crystal salts are one of the very few varieties of salts that have remained pure and stable in nature. These salts are known for their essential trace minerals and their ability to regulate cellular fluid balance. These salts take on their  pink color due to the presence of iron oxide and their abundance of essential trace minerals. These minerals are in a very small colloidal form and inter-connected in structure allowing for easy absorption and a nutrient synergy that exponentially enhances their effect in the body. Pink salt is often labeled based on its geography. The most reputable type of pink salt is Himalayan Salt. Contrary to popular belief these salts do not elevate blood pressure. Their ability to regulate fluid balance allows them to naturally stabilize blood pressure at a healthy and supportive level for the body. Some of the other benefits of pink salts include: Promoting blood sugar health, energy production (hydro-electrical), absorption of food particles, supports vascular & respiratory health, promoting sinus health, prevention of muscle cramps, promoting bone strength, regulating your sleep & moods, supporting your libido, enhances immune function, stabilizes heart rate & blood pressure and extracts excess acidity. Pink salts also provide a great remedy for asthma and allergy symptoms as well. The salts have a unique ability to unplug the thick mucus secretions in the lungs & stop overflow of nasal secretions when water is plentiful. Taking it as a natural anti-histamine, one can drink 2-3 cups of purified water with a pinch of healthy salts. Remember to listen to your body when it comes to the use of these powerhouse salts. Certain body types depend on more salts than others. If you crave salts, you are typically in need of trace minerals. Follow your instincts and use a bit more Himalayan  salt on your foods. If you have no craving for salts then only use small amounts. (Source:  Mike Adams, NaturalNews.com)

In Switzerland a reliable source for getting informations and the best Himalayan crystal salt products, you can contact the Madal Bal wholesale company.