A fi sau a nu fi...liber

Personal growth ,life-coaching,positive and transpersonal psychology , education for all,INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE. HAPPINESS, WELL-BEING,WISDOM, HARMONY, COMMITMENT TO LIFE MISSION AND VALUES

29/06/2010

Safely remove your moles

(NaturalNews) Moles are one of the most common conditions in the world; everyone has at least one mole while some have up to forty. In the 1950s, a dark regular mole on the cheek was considered to be very attractive and girls would pencil in their own facial mole. These were called beauty spots. Cindy Crawford brought back the fashion with her signature mole on the face close to her mouth. Most moles are harmless and do not have to be removed but many people who have moles on the face feel they are unattractive and so for cosmetic reasons, they look for a safe method of removal.

You might like to try out your own mole removal home remedy. Some of these have been used for hundreds of years.

Apple cider vinegar remedy - wash the mole with warm water for 15 to 20 minutes so the skin around the mole becomes supple. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and leave it on the mole for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash off with clean water and dry the area completely. Repeat this procedure 4 times a day.

Milkweed herb remedy - apply extract of the milkweed herb made into a tea, and leave it on overnight. After a week's treatment, the mole will whiten and gradually disappear.

Baking soda and caster oil - make a paste with a pinch of baking soda and couple of drops of caster oil and apply to the mole overnight. Repeat every night until the moles disappear.

Garlic - cut a single clove into 2 halves and place a slice on the mole so that the cut side is in contact. Leave overnight tied with a cloth bandage. Within 2 to 3 days, the sulphur-rich juices of the garlic will start to remove the mole.

Tincture of Iodine - a nightly application of this tincture over 2 to 3 days will see the gradual disappearance of your mole.

Roasted pomegranate fruit and lime juice - mix equal amounts of these 2 ingredients into a paste and apply to your moles for several nights running.

Aloe Vera gel - use by applying to a mole with a cotton bandage and leave for 3 hours so that it is completely absorbed. Then apply more using a fresh bandage. After several weeks, the moles will have gone.

If you want to remove moles using a more conventional method, there are various ways:

- Laser mole removal is a fairly new procedure which is effective for small facial moles. There is slight discomfort with about a 70% success rate and scarring is possible. It is not the method of choice for deep facial moles because the laser light does not penetrate deeply enough.

- Surgery is another method to remove moles either by excision followed by stitches or by excision with cauterization to burn away the mole. There is some pain involved and the procedure may result in a scar.

- One of the best home remedies for mole removal is the use of natural oils. This is an effective, gentle and safe way to remove moles. Only a few drops are needed per application to start the removal process.

Most moles are benign and normal and do not give any cause for concern. However, sometimes suspicious moles rear their ugly heads and these are the moles that have the potential to turn into melanoma or at worst have already done so. If you have suspicious moles anywhere on your body, get an urgent diagnosis to rule out the possibility of cancerous moles.

Sources:

http://www.skinsite.com/info_melano...

http://www.amoils.com/mole-removal.html

http://www.lasermoleremovaltips.org/

26/06/2010

Black sesame

Basic Botanical Data of Black Sesame.

Black Sesame

Semen Sesami Nigrum
Botanical Source: Dry Seed of Sesamum indicum L
Pharmaceutical Latin: Semen Sesami Indici
Family: Pedaliaceae Genus: Sesamum Species: S. indicum
Pinyin:Hei Zhi Ma
Synonyms:Benne Seed.
Black Sesame is the dried ripe seed of Sesamum indicum L. (Fam. Pedaliaceae).
Action: To tonify the liver and the kidney, t replenish vital essence and blood, and to relax the bowels.
Indications: Dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, impaired hearing, premature greying of the hair and beard; loss of hair after a serious diseadse; constipation.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum. The precise natural origin of the species is unknown, although numerous wild relatives occur in Africa and a smaller number in India. It is widely naturalised in tropical regions around the world and is cultivated for its edible seeds.

It is an annual plant growing to 50 to 100 cm (2-3 feet) tall, with opposite leaves 4 to 14 cm (5.5 in) long with an entire margin; they are broad lanceolate, to 5 cm (2 in) broad, at the base of the plant, narrowing to just 1 cm (half an inch) broad on the flowering stem. The flowers are white to purple, tubular, 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) long, with a four-lobed mouth.

Sesame Seed Description.

Sesame Seeds burst forth from the ripe seed-pods of the sesame plant with a shattering explosion, hence the term "open sesame"! Black and Golden Sesame Seeds are the un-hulled seeds which may be either black or golden brown. White Sesame Seeds are hulled seeds and are the most popular type to use in cooking. When baked or toasted, Sesame Seeds acquire a delicious nutty, crunchy taste, which makes them popular on biscuits and breads and even sprinkled over ice cream instead of chopped nuts. Black Sesame seeds are used in Chinese recipes and Golden Sesame Seeds garnish and flavour the traditional Turkish bread called simit that is sold by street-side vendors.

Roasted or unroasted, sesame seeds can be used for a variety of culinary dishes. Their sweet, nutty flavor suits rolls, meats, pastas, and vegetables well. Many countries use the seeds to make pastes and sauces for coating and dipping. The oil from the seeds can be used to make sesame oil.


Sesame is an annual herb yielding small, flat, teardrop-shaped seeds, ranging from cream to black in colour. Unhulled 'white' sesame seeds are beige rather than white and extremely high in calcium. Except for some Chinese dishes, it is invariably white, hulled sesame seeds which are used in Asia. Indian vegetarian cookery uses sesame seeds in combination with lentils, milk and rice to maximise protein content. Hulled, toasted sesame seeds are indispensable in certain Chinese sauces and marinades.

In Sri Lanka, one of the most popular confections is a sticky mixture of hulled white sesame seeds and palm sugar pounded together, shaped into bite-sized balls and wrapped in either cellophane or greaseproof paper. These are sold by roadside vendors and known as thala-guli (sesame pills).


Toasting hulled white sesame seeds gives them a wonderful nutty flavour and attractive deep golden colour. It is from toasted seeds that we get oriental sesame oil - rich golden brown and strongly flavoured. See OILS.

Black sesame seeds have an earthy taste in their raw state and are notsuitable for toasting as they become bitter. They are indispensable when making the famous showpiece Chinese dessert, toffee bananas - battered and deep-fried fruit dipped in clear caramel with black sesame seeds stirred through. The caramel-coated pieces of fried fruit are dropped into a bowl of ice and water to harden the caramel, then quickly transferred to a lightly oiled serving dish and eaten without delay. Slices of apple or sweet yam may be used instead of bananas. See recipe for Chinese Toffee Bananas.

Constituents and Phytochemicals of Black Sesame.

Black sesame seed is a very good tonic herb. It builds Yin Jing, and therefore it is a longevity herb. In addition to its essence-building capacity, Black Sesame also builds blood. It acts in much the same way as Polygonum. Black sesame seed is moistening to the intestines and helps move the bowels. It prevents and relieves constipation due to dryness of the intestines. Black sesame seed is extremely rich in calcium, containing 85 milligrams per gram of seeds. It is also high in protein, phosphorous, iron and magnesium.

Not only are sesame seeds a very good source of manganese and copper, but they are also a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition to these important nutrients, sesame seeds contain two unique substances: sesamin and sesamolin. Both of these substances belong to a group of special beneficial fibers called lignans, and have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in humans, and to prevent high blood pressure and increase vitamin E supplies in animals. Sesamin has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage.

sesamin. Formula:C20H18O6;0.18%~0.21%.
Oleic acid: 21.60%~28.80%

Other content: fatty oil (45%~60%): including oleic acid (45%); linoleic acid (37%); palmitic acid; stearic acid; arachidic acid;

sesamolin; sesamol; Vitamin E; lecithin (0.65%); planteose; sesamose; cytochrome C; nicotinic acid (0.48mg%); folic acid(18.45mg%); sucrose (0.64%);

Protein (22%): including alpha-glubolin; beta-glubolin; 13s-glubolin; albumin; glutelin; pedaliin; phytosterol; many kinds of amino acid; linolenic acid; sinapic acid; sesame lectin.


Sesamin:

Molecular Formula:C20H18O6; Molecular Weight:354.36; CAS Registry Number: 607-80-7. Melting Point: 122 - 123 degree C.
Pharmacology: Antioxidant,Bactericide,Insecticide,Non-competitive D5-desaturase inhibitor.

Sesamolin:


Molecular Formula:C20H18O7; Molecular Weight:354.36; CAS Registry Number:526-07-8
IUPAC: 1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl (1R,3aR,4S,6aR)-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)perhydrofuro[3,4-c]furan-1-yl ether;(1S,3aR,4R,6aR)-5-[4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yloxy)tetrahydro-1H,3H-furo[3,4-c]furan-1-yl]-1,3-benzodioxole

Sesamol:


Synonyms:3,4-(Methylenedioxy)phenol; 1,3-Benzodioxol-5-ol; 5-Benzodioxolol;1, 3-Benzodioxol-5-ol;1,3-Benzodioxol-5-ol;1/C7H6O3/c8-5-1-2-6-7(3-5)10-4-9-6/h1-3,8H,4H;3,4-(Methylenedioxy)phenol; 3,4-Methylenedioxyphenol;5-19-02-00532 (Beilstein Handbook Reference);5-Hydroxy-1, 3-benzodioxole;5-Hydroxy-1,3-benzodioxole;533-31-3;AI3-17298;BRN 0127405; C10832;CCRIS 1386;EINECS 208-561-5;Methylene ether of oxyhydroquinone;NSC 59256;NSC59256;Phenol, 3,4- (methylenedioxy)-;Phenol, 3,4-(methylenedioxy)-;SDCCGMLS-0066221.P001;Sesamol;ZINC00164504.
Molecular Formula C7H6O3; Molecular Weight:138.12; CAS Registry Number:533-31-3; EINECS 208-561-5; IUPAC Name:benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-ol; Melting point:63-65 Deg C; Water solubility:slightly soluble.

Rich In Beneficial Minerals:

Sesame seeds are a very good source of copper, and calcium. Just a quarter-cup of sesame seeds supplies 74.0% of the daily value for copper, 31.6% of the DV for magnesium, and 35.1% of the DV for calcium.Black sesame seed is extremely rich in calcium, containing 85 milligrams per gram of seeds. It is also high in protein, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. This rich assortment of minerals translates into the following health benefits:


Copper Provides Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Copper is known for its use in reducing some of the pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis. Copper's effectiveness is due to the fact that this trace mineral is important in a number of antiinflammatory and antioxidant enzyme systems. In addition, copper plays an important role in the activity of lysyl oxidase, an enzyme needed for the cross-linking of collagen and elastin--the ground substances that provide structure, strength and elasticity in blood vessels, bones and joints.

Magnesium Supports Vascular and Respiratory Health:Studies have supported magnesium's usefulness in:

Preventing the airway spasm in asthma;
Lowering high blood pressure, a contributing factor in heart attack, stroke, and diabetic heart disease;
Preventing the trigeminal blood vessel spasm that triggers migraine attacks;
Restoring normal sleep patterns in women who are experiencing unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause.


Calcium Helps Prevent Colon Cancer, Osteoporosis, Migraine and PMS:In recent studies, calcium has been shown to:

Help protect colon cells from cancer-causing chemicals
Help prevent the bone loss that can occur as a result of menopause or certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Help prevent migraine headaches in those who suffer from them
Reduce PMS symptoms during the luteal phase (the second half) of the menstrual cycle

There is a little bit of controversy about sesame seeds and calcium, because there is a substantial difference between the calcium content of hulled versus unhulled sesame seeds. When the hulls remain on the seeds, one tablespoon of sesame seeds will contains about 88 milligrams of calcium. When the hulls are removed, this same tablespoon will contain about 37 milligrams (about 60% less). Tahini:a spreadable paste made from ground sesame seeds is usually made from hulled seeds (seeds with the hulls removed, called kernels), and so it will usually contain this lower amount of calcium.

The term "sesame butter" can sometimes refer to tahini made from sesame seed kernels, or it can also be used to mean a seed paste made from whole sesame seeds:hull included.

Although the seed hulls provide an additional 51 milligrams of calcium per tablespoon of seeds, the calcium found in the hulls appears in large part to be found in the form of calcium oxalate. This form of calcium is different than the form found in the kernels, and it is a less absorbable form of calcium. So even though a person would be likely to get more calcium from sesame seeds or sesame seed butter that contained the hulls, there is a question about how much more calcium would be involved. It would defintely be less than the 51 additional milligrams found in the seed hulls. And there would also, of course, be a question about the place of hull-containing sesame seeds on an oxalate-restricted diet.


Zinc for Bone Health:

Another reason for older men to make zinc-rich foods such as sesame seeds a regular part of their healthy way of eating is bone mineral density. Although osteoporosis is often thought to be a disease for which postmenopausal women are at highest risk, it is also a potential problem for older men. Almost 30% of hip fractures occur in men, and 1 in 8 men over age 50 will have an osteoporotic fracture. A study of 396 men ranging in age from 45-92 that was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a clear correlation between low dietary intake of zinc, low blood levels of the trace mineral, and osteoporosis at the hip and spine.

Sesame Seeds' Phytosterols Lower Cholesterol:

Phytosterols are compounds found in plants that have a chemical structure very similar to cholesterol, and when present in the diet in sufficient amounts, are believed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance the immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers.

Phytosterols beneficial effects are so dramatic that they have been extracted from soybean, corn, and pine tree oil and added to processed foods, such as "butter"-replacement spreads, which are then touted as cholesterol-lowering "foods." But why settle for an imitation "butter" when Mother Nature's nuts and seeds are a naturally rich source of phytosterols and cardio-protective fiber, minerals and healthy fats as well?

In a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers published the amounts of phytosterols present in nuts and seeds commonly eaten in the United States.

Sesame seeds had the highest total phytosterol content (400-413 mg per 100 grams), and English walnuts and Brazil nuts the lowest (113 mg/100grams and 95 mg/100 grams). (100 grams is equivalent to 3.5 ounces.) Of the nuts and seeds typically consumed as snack foods, pistachios and sunflower seeds were richest in phytosterols (270-289 mg/100 g), followed by pumpkin seeds (265 mg/100 g).


Nutrition Note:

Sesame seeds are 25 percent protein and are especially rich in methionine and tryptophan, often lacking in adequate quantities in many plant proteins. One ounce of decorticated or hulled seeds contains 6 grams of protein, 3.7 grams of fiber, and 14 grams of total fat. When toasted they lose nutrients, scoring 4.8 grams of protein, gaining a little fiber at 4.8 grams, and packing 13.6 grams of total fat.

The fat in sesame seeds is 38% monounsaturated, and 44% polyunsaturated which equals 82% unsaturated fatty acids.Natural sesame seeds (unhulled) contain 5 grams of protein per ounce, 3.1 grams fiber, and 14 grams of total fat. When toasted they offer 4.8 grams of protein, 4.0 grams fiber, and 13.8 grams of total fat. Because sesame seeds are a plant food, there's no need to worry about cholesterol. There simply isn't any to be found within the seeds or the oil.

Tahini or sesame seed paste, contains 2.9 grams of protein per tablespoon, .9 grams of fiber, and 8.1 grams of total fat. Tahini also contains the B vitamins, including16 mcg of folic acid. That same tablespoon contains 153.6 mg calcium and 3.07 mg iron. Additional minerals include 57.9 mg magnesium and 93.12 mg potassium.

There is often concern that vegans do not get a sufficient amount of zinc in their diet. Include sesame tahini in your diet often and reap the benefit of plenty of zinc with one tablespoon supplying 1.17 mg.

Sesame oils, whether refined or unrefined, all contain about 14 grams of total fat per tablespoon. Sesame seeds are 44 to 60 % oil. The seeds are prone to rancidity, but the oil is resistant to oxidation, meaning that it is not prone to rancidity because of sesamol, a natural preservative within the oil. Sesame oil is polyunsaturated and high in oleic and linoleic fatty acids that are rich in omega 6.


Natural sesame seeds, those that are unhulled, are high in calcium. One tablespoon provides 87.8 mg while the hulled variety offers only 10.5 mg for that same tablespoon. Comparing sesame seeds to milk turned up some surprising figures in the calcium count. One cup of natural sesame seeds had 1404.0 mg of calcium, while one cup of non-fat milk provided 316.3 mg. and one cup of whole milk contained 291 mg of calcium.

Both natural and hulled sesame seeds contain healthy amounts of the B vitamins riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin. With natural seeds scoring 8.7 mcg of folic acid for 1 tablespoon and plenty of vitamin B6, you can count on sesame seeds for excellent nourishment.

Let's look at some of the mineral values of the sesame seed. One tablespoon of hulled seeds contains .62 mg of iron, 27.73 mg of magnesium, 32.53 mg potassium, and .82 mg of zinc. Figures for the natural, unhulled, are slightly higher. Sesame seeds also contain healthy amounts of phosphorous. If you're lacking iron, turn to the sesame seed. Its iron content is equal to that of liver.

Like all seeds, natural unhulled sesame seeds are living foods capable of producing generation after generation through the process of sprouting. They are nutrient dense in order to trigger the germination process and provide nourishment to the tiny plants as they grow from sprout to maturity.

Nutrients from the sesame seed are best absorbed in the form of sesame oil, tahini or sesame butter. The whole seeds do not break down readily and release all their nutrients.

Sesame Seeds Nutritional analysis:

Sesame seeds 0.25 cup 36.00 grams 206.28 calories
Nutrient Amount DV
(%) Nutrient
Density World's Healthiest
Foods Rating
copper 1.48 mg 74.0 6.5 very good
manganese 0.88 mg 44.0 3.8 very good
tryptophan 0.12 g 37.5 3.3 good
calcium 351.00 mg 35.1 3.1 good
magnesium 126.36 mg 31.6 2.8 good
iron 5.24 mg 29.1 2.5 good
phosphorus 226.44 mg 22.6 2.0 good
zinc 2.80 mg 18.7 1.6 good
vitamin B1 (thiamin) 0.28 mg 18.7 1.6 good
dietary fiber 4.24 g 17.0 1.5 good
World's Healthiest
Foods Rating Rule

excellent DV NLT 75% OR Density NLT 7.6 AND DV NLT 10%
very good DV NLT 50% OR Density NLT 3.4 AND DV NLT 5%
good DV NLT 25% OR Density NLT 1.5 AND DV NLT 2.5%




Origin of Sesame.

Sesame is an erect, annual plant Sesamum indicum L., or Sesamum orientale, of numerous types and varieties belonging to the family Pedaliaceae, cultivated since antiquity for its seeds, which are used as food and flavoring and from which a prized oil is extracted. The name goes back to Greek seesamon, which in turn was probably loaned from an Afro-Asiatic language (cf. Arabic saasim). There are two kinds of sesame, black and white.

Probably originating in Asia, the Chinese used it 5,000 years ago, and for centuries they have burned the oil to make soot for the finest Chinese ink blocks. Records show it has been cultivated in parts of India around 1600 BC. From there it was brought to Europe, grown in Egypt, and its value both medicinally and for cooking gradually spread throughout Europe. The Romans ground sesame seeds with cumin to make a pasty spread for bread. Once it was thought to have mystical powers, and sesame still retains a magical quality, as shown in the expression "open sesame," from the Arabian Nights tale of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves." In Africa the seeds, called benne, were eaten as food as well as being used for oil and the seeds were taken by the slaves to America where it has been a cultivated food crop ever since.

The whole seed is used extensively in the cuisines of the Middle East and Asia. Halvah is a confection made of crushed and sweetened sesame seeds. In Europe and North America the seeds are used to flavor and garnish various foods, particularly breads and other baked goods. The aroma and taste of sesame seed are mild and nutlike.

Sesame oil is used as a salad or cooking oil, in shortening and margarine, and in the manufacture of soaps, pharmaceuticals, and lubricants. It is used as an ingredient in cosmetics. The press cake remaining after the oil is expressed is highly nutritious.


Sesame is now found in most of the tropical, subtropical, and southern temperate areas of the world. Although a major world oilseed crop, sesame is primarily grown by small farmers in developing countries in the southern latitudes.

The plants grow best in tropical climates, from spring to fall. Depending on conditions, varieties grow from about 0.5 to 2.5 m tall. The annual, erect plants, some have branches, others do not. The ovate leaves are opposite, grow alternately up the stem and are deeply veined. The flowers are white and shaped like a trumpet, on short peduncles in axils of leaves. One to three flowers appear in the leaf axils.

The fruit, about 2.5 cm long, is an oblong capsule with small seeds. Each plant may grow 15-20 fruits, which contain 70-100 seeds each. Plants and fruits will reach maturity in 80-100 days after sowing. When the seeds are ripe the capsule bursts open suddenly and scatters its seeds. The hulled seeds are creamy or pearly white and about 3 mm long and have a flattened pear shape. In the Orient, the matured whole plants are harvested and set in the field for 5-10 days under sun, resulting the capsule tips to dry and crack, and then remove the seed capsule for collecting seeds inside. The tiny seeds are flat, shiny and egg-shaped and according to the variety, are either greyish-white, red, brown or black.

Total world production of sesame in 1986 was 2.4 million metric tons, 65% of which was produced in Asia. The U.S. is the largest importer of sesame, importing about 40,000 metric tons per year, mostly from Mexico. Almost all sesame consumed in the U.S. is as a spice for food products such as hamburger buns and other bakery goods. Minor uses of sesame oil include pharmaceutical and skin care products and as a synergist for insecticides.

Sesame grows best in sandy well-drained soil and a hot climate with moderate rainfall. It is propagated by seed sown in Spring and it takes about four months for the seeds to ripen fully. The crop is then cut, tied in bundles and threshed. After threshing the seeds are cleaned and dried and usually hulled.


History:Sesame Seed

Sesame is one of the oldest seeds known to man. Thought to have originated in India or Africa, the first written record of sesame dates back to 3,000 BC. According to Assyrian mythology, sesame's origins go back even farther - there is a charming myth about the Gods imbibing sesame seed wine the night before they created the earth. References can be found to Babylonians using sesame oil, and to Egyptians growing their own sesame to make flour. Of course, Persia, birthplace of the 1001 Arabian Nights, has long been savvy to sesame's benefits. Ancient Persians relied on it both as a food and for its medicinal qualities.

Farther east, it's unclear when sesame first found its way to China. Some sources claim the Chinese were using sesame oil in their lamps as far back as 5,000 years ago, while others state sesame seeds were introduced into China about 2,000 years ago. It's probably true that the ancients first relied on the sesame plant to provide oil, and only later discovered its value as a food source. In the Oxford Companion to Food, Alan Davidson concludes that sesame "...was probably introduced into China early in the Christian era, but the first firm evidence of it in China dates from the end of the 5th century AD."

While the exact circumstances surrounding sesame's arrival in China may be lost to history, there's no doubt that today it is a mainstay of Chinese cuisine. Toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled on salads, sesame paste is added to sauces, and delightfully aromatic sesame oil is used to flavor everything from dips to marinades.

Sesame seeds may be the oldest condiment known to man dating back to as early as 1600 BC. They are highly valued for their oil which is exceptionally resistant to rancidity. "Open sesame," the famous phrase from the Arabian Nights, reflects the distinguishing feature of the sesame seed pod, which bursts open when it reaches maturity. The scientific name for sesame seeds is Sesamun indicum.


The sesame plant (Sesamum indicum) is a lovely annual shrub with white bell-shaped flowers tinged with a hint of blue, red or yellow. It is grown worldwide, particularly in India, China, South America and Africa. Its present popularity is nothing new, for it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years in Mesopotamia and was found in Tutankhamun?s tomb. The seeds were ground for flour and today they are still used to make tahini, a delicious paste that has a long reputation for increasing longevity. Apparently the women of ancient Babylon would eat halva, a mixture of honey and sesame seeds, to prolong their youth and beauty, while Roman soldiers ate sesame seeds and honey to give them strength and energy.

While sesame seeds have been grown in tropical regions throughout the world since prehistoric times, traditional myths hold that their origins go back even further. According to Assyrian legend, when the gods met to create the world, they drank wine made from sesame seeds.

These seeds were thought to have first originated in India and were mentioned in early Hindu legends. In these legends, tales are told in which sesame seeds represent a symbol of immortality. From India, sesame seeds were introduced throughout the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Sesame seeds were one of the first crops processed for oil as well as one of the earliest condiments. The addition of sesame seeds to baked goods can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times from an ancient tomb painting that depicts a baker adding the seeds to bread dough.

Sesame seeds were brought to the United States from Africa during the late 17th century. Currently, the largest commercial producers of sesame seeds include India, China and Mexico.


Naming Sesame:

Sesame . . . that engaging, mellifluous word evolved from the Arabic simsim, the Coptic semsem, and the Egyptian semsent. A German Egyptologist, named Ebers, discovered a papyrus scroll 65 feet long that contained a listing of ancient herbs and spices, among them was semsent. Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome, by Apicius, cookbook author of the Roman era, refers to semsent in his book. The Romans enjoyed ground sesame seeds that they mixed with cumin to make a tasty spread for their bread

Benniseeds or benne seeds, as sesame seeds were called in the Bantu dialect, arrived in the United States with the West African slaves who brought only a few precious possessions with them. During the 17th and 18th centuries slave traders were running slave ships to the Southern States and the Caribbean. In Charleston, South Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana, benniseeds were considered good luck and incorporated into many dishes that are still used in Southern cooking.

During the 1930s, the major vegetable oil used by Americans was sesame oil. At that time the United States was importing 58,000,000 pounds of sesame seeds a year mostly for producing oil. Two events combined to shift the importing of these huge quantities of sesame seeds to a diminished 12 million pounds by the early 1950s: World War II and the development of inexpensive soybean and cottonseed oils.

A 1956 Pillsbury Bake-off contest winner changed the course of the downward spiraling sesame seed. The Washington, D.C. homemaker created an Open Sesame Pie and started a frenzy with commercial bakers sprinkling the tasty little seeds on all sorts of breads and crackers. It was the hamburger bun, however, that put sesame seeds back into the spotlight. Today, it's difficult to find hamburger buns without sesame seeds.


Traditional Uses:

"The butter of the Middle East," tahini, a smooth, creamy paste made of toasted, ground hulled sesame seeds, is a centuries-old traditional ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking. Hummos, a Middle Eastern appetizer that has become a universal favorite is made of ground chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and tahini. Baba ghanoush, another favorite appetizer known throughout the Middle East, has a base of roasted eggplant seasoned with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. These sesame-based dishes have been handed down from generation to generation for centuries.

In the ancient Arab world, preparations for a caravan trip meant preparing provisions that would not only sustain them through the hot, dry desert but would offer nourishment that pleasured them as well. Open sesame! They began with a pound of dry breadcrumbs, kneaded them into three-quarters of a pound each of pitted dates, almonds, and pistachios, and added a few spoonsful of sesame oil to moisten the mixture. Then they formed the mixture into balls and rolled them in a coating of sesame seeds. This handy old recipe makes ideal present-day backpacking food as well.

In addition to its popular use as oil for salads or cooking, sesame oil is used in producing margarine, soap making, pharmaceuticals, paints, and lubricants. In the cosmetic field, sesame oil is used as a base in developing perfumes.

After the sesame oil is pressed out of the seed, the resulting residue is referred to as a seed cake that is very high in protein. A portion of this nutritious seed cake is used as animal feed, while the remainder is ground into sesame flour and added to health foods.

Southern Indian cuisine depends on sesame oil for cooking, while in China it was the only cooking oil until quite recently. Today sesame oil is often combined with bland, less expensive oils.

Used liberally in Chinese cooking, sesame oil is added to many dishes as a seasoning just before serving to benefit fully from its unique fragrance. Chinese confectioners have long favored the use of sesame seeds as a coating on their deep-fried sweets, still available in Oriental bakeries today. Korean cuisine combines sesame, garlic, and pimiento as a triad in many of their traditional dishes.

Mythological background:

According to Assyrian legend, when the gods met to create the world, they drank wine made from sesame seeds. In early Hindu legends, tales are told in which sesame seeds represent a symbol of immortality. "Open sesame," the famous phrase from the Arabian Nights, reflects the distinguishing feature of the sesame seed pod, which bursts open when it reaches maturity.

Black Sesame Varieties and Grading,Qualities.

Like any oily seed, sesame ages by becoming rancid. Select sesame that looks, smells and tastes fresh and sweet.

Black sesame seed is a very good tonic herb. It builds Yin Jing, and therefore it is a longevity herb. In fact, Polygonum, when it is dug up from the ground, is boiled in Black sesame seed soup, which is why Polygonum is dark brown. Raw Polygonum is nearly white underneath its thin, dark skin. To build essence (Yin Jing), Sesame may be combined with Lycium, Polygonum, Ligustrum, Steamed Rehmannia, Eucommia, Placenta or any other combination of Jing tonics.

In addition to its essence-building capacity, Black Sesame also builds blood. It acts in much the same way as Polygonum. As a component of a blood tonic formula, it may be combined with Longan, Dang Gui, Polygonum and / or Lycium. However, since it is generally used in food, it is most often combined with Longan fruit

Black sesame seed is moistening to the intestines and helps move the bowels. It prevents and relieves constipation due to dryness of the intestines. It is combined with Dang Gui, Cistanche, Polygonum and Biota to achieve the best result.

Black sesame seed is extremely rich in calcium, containing 85 milligrams per gram of seeds. It is also high in protein, phosphorous, iron and magnesium.

Sesame Seed in Commercial Class:

Manufacture Suppliers normally classify Sesame into following grade: Natural Sesame Seed,Hulled Sesame Seed,Toasted Natural Sesame Seed,Toasted Hulled Sesame Seed,Roasted Sesame Powder.

Properties,Functions and Applications of Black Sesame.

Functions: Sweet in flavor, mild in nature, it is related to the liver, kidney and large intestine channels. Nourishes the liver, kidney, and all internal viscera, benefits qi and blood, produces yin (body fluid) and lubricates the intestines, promotes lactation.

Applications: Seseme seed benefits the body as a whole, especially the liver, kidney, spleen and stomach. Its high oil content lubricates the intestines and nourishes all the internal viscera. It also blackens one's hair, especially the black sesame. Hence, it is applied to white hair, habitual constipation, and insufficient lactation. Sesame oil is also helpful in treating intestinal worms like ascaris, tapeworm, etc.

Cosmetic properties:Anti-free radical, Moisturises, Nourishes, Regenerates

Sesame is an African plant, well-known for its oil-rich seeds. It was one of the earliest oil-producing plants to be cultivated and was of considerable importance to ancient civilisations. The oil has remarkable cosmetic properties, being very rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E.

1.For general weakness and infirmity:

Use 30 g black sesame seeds and boil with 100 g sweet rice to make porridge. Add appropriate sugar after well done.

2.For dizziness due to deficient liver and kidney, and premature white hair:

Decoct black sesame seeds, Chinese wolfberry fruit and tuber of multiflower knotweed, each 15 g, and 9 g chrysanthemum in water for 15 minutes under slow fire. Drink the decoction once daily for a long period of 1-2 months.

3. For constipation due to drying intestines of the blood and yin (body fluid) insufficiency type, vertigo (an illusion of movement, a sensation as if the external world were revolving around the patient--objective vertigo--or as if he himself were revolving in space--subjective vertigo) and dizziness due to deficient liver and kidney:

a) Crush some walnut, and pulverize dry mulberry together with equal amount of black sesame seeds. Mix all ingredients with bee honey. Administer 2-3 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily.

B) Used with Chinese angelica root, desert living cistanche, hemp seed, etc.

4.For chronic rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose) with running nose:

Heat 20 ml. sesame oil. Drop few drops of cooled boiled oil to each nostril, thrice daily.

5.For toothache:

Boil 50 g sesame seeds in 500 ml water. Use the solution for gargling.

6.For promoting lactation:

Bake sesame seeds to brown and grind into powder. Eat as one likes.

7.For poor eye-sight and early greying of hair due to insufficiency of liver and kidney blood:

Sesame seed could be used alone, or it could be used with mulberry leaves, prepared Rehmannia root, glossy privet fruit, eclipta, etc.

8.For Baldness or Hairloss:Black Sesame and Foti

Black sesame seed is a very good tonic herb. It builds Yin Jing, and therefore it is a longevity herb. In addition to its essence-building capacity, Black Sesame also builds blood. It acts in much the same way as Polygonum. Black sesame seed is moistening to the intestines and helps move the bowels. It prevents and relieves constipation due to dryness of the intestines. Black sesame seed is extremely rich in calcium, containing 85 milligrams per gram of seeds. It is also high in protein, phosphorous, iron and magnesium.Combined Black Sesame with Polygonum to keep the hair youthful and dark

9.Longevity herb Black Sesame:

Black sesame seed is a very good tonic herb. It builds Yin Jing, and therefore it is a longevity herb. In fact, Polygonum, when it is dug up from the ground, is boiled in Black sesame seed soup, which is why Polygonum is dark brown. Raw Polygonum is nearly white underneath its thin, dark skin. To build essence (Yin Jing), Sesame may be combined with Lycium, Polygonum, Ligustrum, Steamed Rehmannia, Eucommia, Placenta or any other combination of Jing tonics.

10.Intestines and move the bowels:

Black sesame seed is moistening to the intestines and helps move the bowels. It prevents and relieves constipation due to dryness of the intestines. It is combined with Dang Gui, Cistanche, Polygonum and Biota to achieve the best result.Combine with Hemp seed and Dang Gui to tonify the yin of the intestines and to promote healthy bowel movements.

11.Peanut and Black Sesame:Boost Breast size

Peanut and Black sesame rich in Vitamin E,prompt the mature growth of ovary,increase amount of mature oocyte,stimulate the secretion of estrogen,thus enlarge the galactophore canal growth and enlarge breast size.Antioxidant from sesame release strong anti aging effects and plays as good remedy for women.

Black Sesame Dosage and Administration.

10-30 g.Decoction, or made into porridge along with rice, or used as an ingredient of boluses. Or fried and grinded into powder form, and taken with salt. They can also be eaten by chewing the raw seeds.
Sesame seeds can also be decocted for bathing or pounded for external application.

Add sesame seeds into the batter the next time you make homemade bread, muffins or cookies.

Use the traditional macrobiotic seasoning, gomasio, to enliven your food. You can either purchase gomasio at a health food store or make your own by using a mortar and pestle. Simply mix together one part dry roasted sea salt with twelve parts dry roasted sesame seeds.
Sesame seeds add a great touch to steamed broccoli that has been sprinkled with lemon juice.
Spread tahini (sesame paste) on toasted bread and either drizzle with honey for a sweet treat or combine with miso for a savory snack.
Combine toasted sesame seeds with rice vinegar, tamari and crushed garlic and use as a dressing for salads, vegetables and noodles.
Healthy saut?chicken with sesame seeds, tamari, garlic, ginger and your favorite vegetables for a healthy, but quick, Asian-inspired dinner.

Cautions on Use:

It should be avoided by those who suffer from loose stools due to insufficiency of the spleen.

Safety:

Sesame seeds are not a commonly allergenic food and are not known to contain measurable amounts of goitrogen or purines. However, the hulls of sesame seeds do contain oxalates. In fact, most of the calcium found in the seed hull comes in the form of calcium oxalate. The sesame seed paste (tahini) found in grocery stores is most often made with seed kernels:the part of the sesame seed that remains after the hull has been removed. These products would generally be safe in moderate amounts on an oxalate-restricted diet. However, products containing the seed hulls might have more oxalates than desired on a low oxalate meal plan. Product labels do not always indicate whether the hulls have been removed or not. For this reason, check the color of the tahini carefully and also inquire as to its taste. Most sesame seed butters made from whole, non-hulled seeds are fairly dark in color and have a much more bitter taste than butters made from hulled sesame kernels. For more on the subject of oxalates, please see "Can you tell me what oxalates are and in which foods they can be found?"

Primary Combinations:

1. Polygonum to keep the hair youthful and dark
2. Hemp seed and Dang Gui to tonify the yin of the intestines and to promote healthy bowel movements

Toxicity Study of Sesamol:

RTECS:SM0890000 Chemical Name:Phenol,3,4-(methylenedioxy)-; Beilstein Reference No:0127450.Referene:5-19-02-00532(Beilstein Handbook Reference); Note:Tumorigen,Natural product.
Synonyms:1,3-Benzodioxol-5-ol;3,4-Methylenedioxyphenol;Methylene ether of oxyhydroquinone;Sesamol.

Tumorigenic Data:

TDLo-Lowest published toxic dose.Oral.Rodent-rat.dose/period:874 gm/kg/2Y-C.Toxic Effects:Tumorigenic-Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria.Gastrointestinal-tumors.Reference:JJCREP.(Elsevier Science Pub.BV,POB 211,1000AE Amsterdam,Netherlands)V.76-1985-Volume(issue)/page/year:83,1279,1992.

TDLo-Lowest published toxic dose.Oral.Rodent-mouse.dose/period:1092 gm/kg/2Y-C.Toxic Effects:Tumorigenic-Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria.Gastrointestinal-tumors.Reference:JJCREP.(Elsevier Science Pub.BV,POB 211,1000AE Amsterdam,Netherlands)V.76-1985-Volume(issue)/page/year:83,1279,1992.

TD-Toxic dose(other than lowest).Oral.Rodent-mouse.dose/period:1612 gm/kg/96W-C.Toxic Effects:Tumorigenic-Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria.Gastrointestinal-tumor.Reference:JJCREP.(Elsevier Science Pub.BV,POB 211,1000AE Amsterdam,Netherlands)V.76-1985-Volume(issue)/page/year:81,207,1990.

TD-Toxic dose(other than lowest).Oral.Rodent-rat.dose/period:1092 gm/kg/2Y-C.Toxic Effects:Tumorigenic-Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria.Gastrointestinal-tumor.Reference:JJCREP.(Elsevier Science Pub.BV,POB 211,1000AE Amsterdam,Netherlands)V.76-1985-Volume(issue)/page/year:81,207,1990.

Data of USA: EPA TSCA Section 8(B) Chemical Inventory.

Modern Researches of Black Sesame.

The chief constituent of the sesame seed is its fatty oil, which usually amounts to about 44 to 60 percent. Noted for its stability, the oil resists oxidative rancidity. The excellent stability is due to the presence of natural antioxidants such as sesamolin, sesamine and sesamol. The fatty acid composition of sesame oil varies considerably among the different cultivars worldwide. It also contains much fat, mainly glyceride loneleic acid, sucrose, lecithin, protein, etc. Also vitamins A, D and E.

Sesame oil is mostly composed of triglycerides of the singly unsaturated oleic acid (40%) and the doubly unsaturated linoleic acid (45%), besides approximately 10% saturated fats (iodine index 110). Because of its powerful antioxidant and because triply unsaturated fatty acids are missing, sesame oil has an excellent shelf life.

Oriental sesame oil owes its characteristic flavor to several compounds which form only during the toasting procedure. Most prominent are 2-furylmethanthiol, which also plays an important part in the flavor of coffee and baked meat, guajacol (2-methoxyphenol), phenylethanthiol and furaneol (4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3 (2H) furanone); furthermore, vinylguacol, 2-pentylpyridine and other N-containing heterocycles are reported.

After oil extraction, the remaining meal contains 35-50% protein, and is rich in tryptophan and methionine. Seeds with hulls are rich in calcium (1.3%) and provide a valuable source of minerals. The addition of sesame to the high lysine meal of soybean produces a well balanced animal feed.

Sesame oil is used in the preparation of Iodinol and Brominol, which are employed for external internal or subcutaneous use. The best qualities of the oil are largely used in the manufacture of margarine. Sesame oil may be used as a substitute for olive oil in making the official liniments, ointments and plasters in India and Africa. The leaves which abound in gummy matter when mixed with water form a rich bland mucilage used in infantile cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, catarrh and bladder troubles, acute cystitis and strangury. The oil is said to be laxative and to promote menstruation.

Antioxidant properties of sesame (Sesamum indicum) fractions:

Foods of plant origin are known to provide a complex mixture of natural substances with antioxidative effects. Such antioxidant activity appears to be closely related to the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis and the process of aging, among others.

This purpose of the study was to determine total phenolic content, total antioxidant status (TAS), free radical scavenging capacity and inhibition of low density lipoprotein (LDL) by whole black (WB) and whole white (WW) sesame seeds and their respective hull fractions (BH and WH).

Phenolic constituents of sesame were extracted into 80% ethanol. Total phenolic content was determined according to Folin-Ciocalteu procedure and calculated as catechin equivalents. Free radical scavenging capacity of sesame extracts (5-40mg/mL) was measured using 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Total antioxidant activity was determined by trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay and expressed as trolox equivalents (TE). Inhibition of LDL oxidation was measured by incubating crude extracts with LDL and CuSO4 at 37C. Formation of conjugated dienes was determined at 25-100ppm levels of phenolics.

Total phenolic contents of whole seed and hull of black sesame were 29.9+-0.6 and 146.6+-0.6 mg catechin equivalents/1g crude extract, respectively. The corresponding values for white sesame were 29.7+-0.9 and 10.6+-1.6 mg catechin equivalents/1g crude extract. TAS was highest with black sesame hulls {65.9+-1.7TE} while white whole seed showed the lowest {4.4+-0.6TE}. DPPH radical scavenging capacity at 40mg/mL was 94.9+-0.8, 25.1+-0.4, 14.4+-0.9 and 2.5+-0.4 for BH, BW, WH and WW, respectively. Inhibition of LDL oxidation at 100ppm level was highest for BH ((96.7) followed by 84.6, 78.4 and 57.3% for WH, BW and WW, respectively.

Results demonstrate considerable antioxidant activity of sesame fractions especially black sesame hulls and their potential health benefits. Thus, sesame and its components may serve as viable natural sources of antioxidants for food and non-food applications.(C. M. LIYANA-PATHIRANA1, D. S. Wall, and F. Shahidi. (1) Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NF A1B 3X9, Canada.)

Applications and Properties:
Applications:

Beneficial Nutritions:good source of copper,manganese,calcium,tryptophan,
magnesium,iron,phosphorus,zinc,vitamin B1 (thiamin),dietary fiber.
a quarter-cup of sesame seeds supplies 74.0% of the daily value for copper, 31.6% of the DV for magnesium, and 35.1% of the DV for calcium.extremely rich in calcium, containing 85 milligrams per gram of seeds. It is also high in protein, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. This rich assortment of minerals translates into the following health benefits:
Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Supports Vascular and Respiratory Health.
Calcium Helps Prevent Colon Cancer, Osteoporosis,migraine headaches and PMS.
Zinc for Bone Health and prevent osteoporosis.
Phytosterols Lower Cholesterol.
General weakness and infirmity: a combination detailed in literature.
Dizziness due to deficient liver and kidney, and premature white hair:a combination detailed in literature.
Constipation,vertigo.Toothache.
Chronic rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose) with running nose.
Poor eye-sight and early greying of hair due to insufficiency of liver and kidney blood.
Antioxidant.Baldness or Hairloss.Longevity.
Intestines and move the bowels.
Promoting lactation and Boost Breast size.
Properties:

Seseme seed benefits the body as a whole, especially the liver, kidney, spleen and stomach. Its high oil content lubricates the intestines and nourishes all the internal viscera. It also blackens one's hair, especially the black sesame. Hence, it is applied to white hair, habitual constipation, and insufficient lactation. Sesame oil is also helpful in treating intestinal worms like ascaris, tapeworm, etc.
Dosage: 10-30 g.
Safety and Toxicity:

Sesame seeds are not a commonly allergenic food and are not known to contain measurable amounts of goitrogen or purines. However, the hulls of sesame seeds do contain oxalates.

21/06/2010

Cell phone use intensively and brain tumors

(NaturalNews) A growing body of evidence, dating back to the 1960s, suggests that brain tumors may be only one of the many health problems produced by our new wireless society will produce.

Cell-phone technology "could lead to a health crisis similar to those caused by asbestos, smoking, and lead in petrol," warned the European Union's environmental watchdog agency in 2007.

The most ambitious attempt to catalogue the health risks of cell phones to date is the industry-funded Interphone study, carried out by researchers from 13 different countries (not including the United States). Although the study has been criticized for selecting data in a way designed to play down the risks of cell phone use, it continues to turn up alarming findings nonetheless. Among the findings so far are a 40 percent increase in brain tumor risk among adults who use a cell phone for 10 years (especially on the side of the head where the phone is held); a 300 percent increased risk of acoustic nerve tumors; and an increased risk of tumors of the parotid gland. The risk of a brain tumor increases by 400 percent in people who start using a cell phone before the age of 20.

Other studies, mostly out of Europe, have linked mobile phone and personal digital assistant (PDA) use to DNA damage, sperm death, and brain damage including early-onset dementia. These findings regularly make big news in the international press, but are by and large played down in U.S. media.

The United States has a long history of hostility toward the claim that the microwave radiation used by microwave ovens, cell phones, cell phone towers and wireless internet (Wi-Fi) can be harmful to human health. U.S. law prohibits challenging the placement of cell phone towers on health grounds, and an industry group (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) is highly influential in setting exposure standards.

The first research on the risks of microwave radiation was actually uncovered by a U.S. researcher, Allan Frey, in the 1960s. Frey discovered that "nonionizing" electromagnetic radiation -- previously thought to be harmless -- could still produce biological effects. For example, radar waves can produce "sound" even in the absence of actual sound waves by interfering with the brain's own electromagnetic signals. Frey found that microwaves could damage the organs of lab animals, even stopping their hearts completely.

Yet when Frey published a paper showing that microwave radiation could disrupt the functioning of the blood-brain barrier, the Office of Naval Research ordered him to conceal the work or lose funding. Pentagon-funded scientists claimed they had refuted his work, but refused to share any information on their data or methods.

Frey found that while the primary (or "carrier") wave of microwave radiation can cause health problems, the secondary wave that carries the actual data -- whether sound, text, pictures or other information transmitted via cell phones or Wi-Fi connections -- is far more dangerous. The more data streams carried, the higher the danger.

Modern research supports these early findings, with 75 percent of independently funded studies showing health risks from cell phone radiation (in contrast with only 25 percent of industry funded studies). Researchers have also documented dramatic rises in the rate of numerous health problems immediately following the introduction of widespread Wi-Fi and cell phone networks across Europe.

Such concerns have led European governments to consider banning Wi-Fi in government facilities, and to the Austrian Medical Association's call for a ban on Wi-Fi in schools. The national library of France has already removed all Wi-Fi connections due to health concerns.

In certain segments of the U.S. population, awareness is also growing. According to an anonymous investment banker speaking to a GQ reporter, rates of brain tumors among financial executives are shockingly high, a fact more and more people are attributing to constant cell phone use.

"I knew four or five people just at my firm who got tumors," the banker said. "Each time, people ask the question. I hear it in the hallways."

Sources for this story include: www.gq.com/cars-gear/gear-and-gadge....

20/06/2010

Boost your immune system !

(NaturalNews) A strong immune system is at the heart of our very wellbeing so we can fight off most diseases and conditions that come our way. But if our immune system is weakened for whatever reason, we become very vulnerable. Holistic medicine recognizes that illness is not caused by viruses and bacteria but by weakened immune systems.

Fortunately, there are many natural immune system boosters and most of these are based on common sense and a balanced lifestyle.

- Lemon is an easy way to start. Add lemon juice to a glass of water or your cup of tea daily to help maintain your body's internal "climate" at a pH that supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses and harmful bacteria which thrive in more acidic environments.

- An herbal boost from the large selection of medicinal herbs, well known for their immune strengthening properties that are even safe for children too, will give your body additional support during the winter months.

- Essential oils are a particularly effective natural immune system booster. When treating conditions such as acne, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, shingles, eczema, arthritis, Candida, athlete's foot and nail fungus with products formulated from essential oils, part of the healing process is to ensure the formula is absorbed into the blood stream. This is achieved by massaging a drop of the treatment under each foot. This boosts the immune system and acts as a preventative.

- Eat raw fruits and vegetables rather than the cooked version whenever you can. Their nutritional content is unparallel, with many antioxidants to protect those cells in your immune system from damage by toxins in the environment. Eat as many different colors of fruit and vegetables as possible. Dark colored produce such as berries, kale and broccoli are especially good as well as nuts, seeds, garlic and kelp.

- The foods that boost immunity contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Carotenoids, Bioflavonoids, Zinc, Selenium and Omega-fatty acids. Spirulina is good as a naturally digestible food because it supplies so many of the nutrients you need.

- Remind yourself to drink lots of water. Your urine should be the very palest of yellow otherwise you are just not drinking enough.

- Make sure you are getting enough sleep. You know how much you need as an individual and it most likely means you have to go to bed earlier every night to achieve the hours of sleep you require.

- Whatever the weather, spend more time outdoors and take the opportunity to exercise while you are there. Encourage the whole family to do the same.

- And have a good laugh. Laughter significantly increases the activity of T cells and other markers of healthy immune function. If we can laugh, we will automatically relieve our stress levels.

Remember too that if you have taken antibiotics recently, you will need to restore the healthy flora balance in your body by taking a probiotic containing acidophilus. Unfortunately, antibiotics can harm the good bacteria in your system, and therefore your immune system, while they are fighting an infection in your body.

Now that you know what you should be doing to boost your immune system in a natural way, here are some of the things that you should be avoiding: coffee; sugar and artificial sweeteners; smoking; alcohol and drugs; processed food and saturated fat.

If you can boost your immune system by following many of these suggestions, you are much less likely to become sick. You have a good chance of avoiding those other conditions that can rear their ugly heads when your immune system is compromised.

Sources

http://www.holisticonline.com/cance...

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T0...

http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/b...

Narural support to slow down and prevent Alzheimer

(NaturalNews) It is estimated that over 5 million people in the US have Alzheimer's disease and many experts believe that number may triple by 2050. Though there is presently no known cure, many recent year studies and anecdotal evidence indicates that proper diet, lifestyle and supplementation can prevent, slow and even reverse the Alzheimer's.

In a rodent study conducted in 2008 at the University of California, Irvine, mice with the rodent equivalent of Alzheimer's were given high doses of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and it was 100% effective at restoring cognitive function. A current human study is underway.

Supplements of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) improved memory in animals with age-related cognitive decline in a recent study from Japan and Korea. Proanthocyanidins are found in many plants including apples, pine bark, cinnamon, cocoa, grape seed, grape skin, red wines, bilberry, cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea, and other plants. The berries of black chokeberry have the highest OPC concentrations found to date.

Other research has shown that a compound in curry not only prevents changes in the brain that lead to Alzheimer's disease, but it also actually reverses some of the existing damage. People over 65 in certain rural areas of India, where curry consumption is high, have a less than 1 percent (0.84%) chance of developing the disease. In the larger cities and other areas of India, the risk is just 2.4 percent. By comparison the chances of getting Alzheimer's for people over 65 in the United States range from just under 5 percent to an astonishing 17 percent.

Holy Basil (a close relative of the herb basil) has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to rejuvenate mental and physical health. Now, researchers in India have found that holy basil extract protects against free radical damage by actively seeking out and eliminating harmful molecules.

Many studies support the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids. According to epidemiological data in the Framingham Heart Study, people who eat an average of 180 mg or more a day of DHA, found in fish oils, have a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego provided ground-breaking proof that a natural protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) can prevent and even reverse Alzheimer's.

In other studies:

*Compounds in black currants have been found to slow the progression of Alzheimer's and are currently being studied in multiple Scottish studies.
*A compound in extra virgin olive oil could deter proteins from disrupting nerve cell function that causes the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease.
*Exposure to sunlight in the morning followed by melatonin supplementation at night helps restore healthy sleeping patterns.
*Blueberries are especially helpful for optimum cognitive function.

Other natural items which may help:

*The antioxidants Vitamin E and lipoic acid could help reduce the severity of Alzheimer's.

*Antioxidants such as Acetyl-L-carnitine protect against amyloid-beta neurotoxicity.

*Vegetable and fruit juices have plentiful antioxidants.

*B vitamins, such as B6, folic acid, and B12 lower homocysteine levels. It is believed that high brain levels of homocysteine cause neuronal damage leading to progression of Alzheimer's.

*Curcumin, the yellow compound found in turmeric, is getting increasing attention and may be a good preventive.

*Natural supplementation with huperzine may help by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine into cholinesterase. Acetylcholine precursors such as choline may also help, as may blue green algae which inhibit cholinesterase.

*Herbal teas can provide important nutrients and enhance mood.

*Silica appears to protect against Alzheimer's disease.

In addition to the above items, taking steps to keep a sharp and active mind can be essential. See:

"Ten Easy and Natural Ways to Keep Your Brain in Top Shape"
(http://www.naturalnews.com/028146_m...)

Sources included:

http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i...
http://www.tbyil.com/anti-aging.htm
http://www.raysahelian.com/alzheime...

13/06/2010

Essential oils with healing properties

(NaturalNews) The healing properties of essential oils are many, varied and extremely effective. The list of plants providing these healing essential oils is almost endless. Here is just a small handful:

- Clove bud or lemongrass for numbing pain
- Chamomile or geranium for anti-inflammatory action
- Cinnamon or ginger for relieving pain by producing heat
- Lemon eucalyptus or lemon verbena for relieving pain through relaxation
- Sandalwood or tangerine for inducing sleep
- Peppermint or basil to inhale for headaches
- Marjoram or neroli to relieve stress
- Angelica or bergamot for depression
- Cardamom or jasmine to stimulate and make you alert
- Ylang ylang or rose to lower high blood pressure
- Thyme or garlic for powerful antibacterial agents
- Bay rum or geranium lavender for more gentle antibacterial oils
- Juniper or Melissa for treating viral infections

Lavender is the most popular of plants for its healing properties. It is a natural analgesic, anti depressant and anti inflammatory agent. Lavender originated in the Mediterranean basin but because of its fragrance and medicinal benefits, it has moved with migrating people and is now found worldwide. Lavender oil is the most important medical component of the plant and contains several distinct chemicals with healing properties that complement one another. It is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin undiluted but should never be taken internally.

The most common way in which essential oils enter the body is through the nose and the skin. Oils absorbed through skin pores and hair follicles enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. Because you smell the fragrances as the oil is rubbed on your skin, you can often benefit from both inhalation and the topical administration.

Smells are very important in our lives - they so often trigger memories of events in the past that we had almost forgotten. In addition, smells can initiate different physiological responses that can go so far as to affect our entire body and mental outlook and those healing properties in essential oils include the different smells produced.

The cost of making essentials oils is high, so most commercial product fragrances do not use the genuine article but rather those that are chemically synthesized. They might smell like the real thing but they will not have the healing properties - quite the reverse as many of the chemicals used may even be harmful by causing an allergic reaction.

Two treatment therapies that use essential oils for their healing properties are:

- Psycho Aromatherapy where essential oils are used to either stimulate or relax the brain. Some oils can have calming and tranquilizing effects while others are energizing. These oils can relieve depression, stress and anxiety and promote a general feeling of well being.

- Therapeutic Aromatherapy where essential oils treat medical conditions.

Whatever condition you might be suffering from, there may well be a healing natural oil product to treat it. These products are made from essential oils with all the healing properties that they bring. Such products are specially formulated to target a specific condition so there is no hit and miss. Essential oils are highly complex mixtures of often hundreds of individual aroma compounds so research, knowledge and experience are needed to get the perfect mix.

Importantly, the healing properties of essential oils have tremendous potential to reduce our reliance on pharmaceuticals with their synthetic ingredients and adverse side effects.

Sources:

http://www.healingtherapies.info/Ar....

http://www.amoils.com/health-blog

http://www.autoimmunediseas.suite10....

Common brain poisons

(NaturalNews) The brain and neurological tissue are extremely sensitive regions of the body that are highly susceptible to environmental damage. To make matters worse, our culture is loaded with brain poison. Some of the most damaging brain poisons include protein gluten, unfermented soy, blood sugar imbalances, poor posture, & a sedentary lifestyle.

One of the most common nutritional/toxicity issues in our society today deals with gluten. Gluten is the common protein found in wheat, barley, rye, oats, kamut, & spelt. According to gluten researcher Kenneth Fine, up to 81% of our society has a gluten allergy. When they are exposed to gluten their bodies have differing degrees of inflammatory responses. Some individuals have mild inflammatory reactions while others have severe reactions.

The most vulnerable tissue to the inflammatory cascade in response to gluten is the brain & nervous system. The immune molecules that are secreted (cytokines) destroy brain tissue and cause massive neurological damage. The most common symptoms associated with this reaction are "brain fog," memory problems, and mental fatigue.

Unfermented soy contains many molecules that can be detrimental to cognitive function. One of soy's primary isoflavones, genistein, has been shown to inhibit the enzyme tyrosine kinase in the brain. The highest amounts of tyrosine kinases are found in the hippocampus, a brain region that is essential to learning & memory. High soy consumption actually blocks this mechanism of memory formation.

Several studies have associated high intakes of tofu and other unfermented soy products to increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairments. On the flip side, fermented soy products such as tempeh are associated with greater cognitive abilities. Researchers hypothesize that this is due to the deep fermentation process that removes enzyme inhibitors and phytoestrogens. In addition, this process increases folate, which is a critical nutrient for brain and nervous system function.

The brain depends on a continual supply of glucose for energy and any imbalance can cause major problems. A 2003 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people's memory is harmed by poor blood sugar metabolism. The slower the sugar metabolism in the body, the less fuel is available for the brain to store memories. Stable blood sugar levels are critical for healthy brain and neuronal cells that fire quickly and efficiently.

Abnormal blood sugar levels also cause neuronal damage and weaken the protective blood-brain barrier. This makes for easy passage of different toxins and other particles that will disrupt brain function.
A mechanism for Alzheimer's disease is that of poor blood sugar metabolism. This pre-diabetic disorder opens the door in the blood brain barrier for toxic aluminum particles to cross-over and accumulate in the sensitive regions of the temporal lobe.

The brain depends on oxygen and activation from muscle and joint receptors on a continual basis. A lack of motion equals a lack of oxygen generating energy getting up into the brain. Poor posture and subluxated spinal vertebrae cause spinal joint receptors to fire abnormal feedback patterns into the brain. This causes further brain-body feedback problems and disrupted movement patterns in the body. Chronically poor posture is one of the most detrimental factors for brain function.

http://www.brainharmonycenter.com/b...

http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs...

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/a...

12/06/2010

Take care of using car air conditioning

Danger Of Benzene & Car Air Conditioning

6-10-10
Snopes.com confirms it is reasonably true
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/benzene.asp


No wonder more folks are dying from cancer than ever before. We wonder where this stuff comes from but here is an example that explains a lot of the cancer causing incidents. Hmmm. Many people are in their cars first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, 7 days a week. As I read this, it makes me feel guilty and ill.

Car A/C (Air Conditioning) MUST READ!!!

Please do NOT turn on A/C as soon as you enter the car.

Open the windows after you enter your car and turn ON the AC after a couple of minutes.

Here's Why

According to a research, the car dashboard, sofa, air freshener emit Benzene, a Cancer causing toxin
(carcinogen - take time to observe the smell of heated plastic in your car).

In addition to causing cancer, Benzene poisons your bones, causes anemia and reduces white blood cells.

Prolonged exposure will cause Leukemia, increasing the risk of cancer.

Can also cause miscarriage.

Acceptable Benzene level indoors is 50mg per sq.ft. A car parked indoors with windows closed will contain 400-800 mg of Benzene.

If parked outdoors under the sun at a temperature above 60 degrees F, the Benzene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times the acceptable level.

People who get into the car, keeping windows closed will inevitably inhale, in quick succession, excessive amounts of the toxin.

Benzene is a toxin that affects your kidney and liver.. What's worse, it is extremely difficult for your body to expel this toxic stuff.

So, friends, please open the windows and door of your car - give time for interior to air out -dispel the deadly stuff - before you enter.

10/06/2010

Electropollution causes type-3 diabetes

(NaturalNews) Most people are familiar with type-1 diabetes and type-2 diabetes, but did you know researchers have discovered a third type of diabetes? Type-3 diabetes, as they are calling it, affects people who are extra sensitive to electrical devices that emit "dirty" electricity.

Type-3 diabetics actually experience spikes in blood sugar and an increased heart rate when exposed to electrical pollution ("electropollution") from things like computers, televisions, cordless and mobile phones, and even compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Dr. Magda Havas, a PhD from Trent University in Canada, recently published the results of a study she conducted on the relationship between electromagnetic fields and diabetes in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine. In it, she explains how she and her team came to discover this about why electropollution is so dangerous for many people.

Blood sugar goes haywire
One of the most interesting finding in her study was that electro-sensitive people whose blood sugar decreases when they go for a walk outdoors actually experience an increase in blood sugar when walking on a treadmill.

Treadmills, you see, are electrical devices that emit electrical pollution. But interestingly, even the physical exertion of walking on the treadmill did not make up for the blood sugar spiking effect of the EMFs emitted by the treadmills. Despite the exercise, in other words, type-3 diabetics experienced significant spikes in blood sugar when walking on the treadmill.

Dirty electricity is bad for everyone, but it is especially bad for people who are type-3 diabetics. And Dr. Havas explains in her study that even having an electrical device plugged into the wall near someone who is type-3 diabetic can cause them problems.

We have to rethink environmental influences of modern living
I find this research fascinating, not only because it proves that electromagnetic waves impact blood sugar and heart rate, but because there could be thousands, if not millions, of diabetics who may be suffering from a diabetes misdiagnosis right now.

The reason I'm bringing this up is because a 54 year-old pre-diabetic man who participated in the study was found to experience serious blood sugar spikes only when he was working in an urban environment around power lines or on his computer. When he was out camping away from the city, his blood sugar was just fine.

The man tested his blood sugar every morning in different situations and his levels were always higher when electrical fields were nearby. On one of the mornings, he forgot to test himself prior to beginning work on the computer. His blood sugar levels were higher than normal, registering around 205 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). But after stepping away from the computer for only ten minutes, his levels dropped nearly 20 mg/dL.

The degree to which electromagnetic pollution affects the body is clearly quite astonishing, and this study illustrates that. But it makes you wonder how many people have diabetes simply because of EMF pollution (and not solely due to their diet or lack of exercise, as we have been taught).

High EMFs gave this woman diabetes

Take the case of the 80 year-old woman whose house tested high for EMF pollution. Prior to installing a system of filters around her house designed to reduce "electro-smog" levels, her blood sugar was high and she was using insulin each day in order to balance her blood sugar levels. After installing the filters (which reduced EMF pollution by roughly 98 percent), the woman's blood sugar levels dropped by 33 percent and her insulin requirements plunged a whopping 75 percent!

This idea that reducing the electropollution of your house could drastically reduce a patient's need for insulin has never even registered in conventional (mainstream) medicine. Yet it could be a crucial understanding for tens of millions of diabetics around the world.

The study mentioned here classifies the type of diabetes caused by electromagnetic pollution as type-3 diabetes. While those with type-1 or type-2 diabetes can also have type-3, the data seems to indicate that a person can also exclusively have type-3 without any overlay of the other two types. In other words, their diabetes may be solely due to electromagnetic pollution.

And since pre-diabetics can be pushed over the edge by EMF pollution, there is no telling how many people actually have type-3 rather than type-2 diabetes.

If you ask most mainstream medical "professionals", they will deny that type-3 diabetes even exists. According to most of them, the idea that electromagnetic pollution contributes to disease is some sort of whacked out conspiracy theory. But there's more to the study that you need to know...

Wireless signals interfere with the heart
For one portion of the study, Dr. Havas had patients lie down on a bed with a cordless phone placed two feet away from their heads. The phone was plugged into the wall, but for each testing session, the electricity was either on or off.

Neither the patient nor the doctor administering the test was aware of whether or not the phone was live or dead during each session. (This is what is known as a double-blind study, the type most respected in clinical trials).

At the completion of that part of the study, researchers observed that EMF-sensitive patients experienced significant increases in their heart rates during the sessions when the phone was being powered and emitting radio signals. When it was turned off, these same patients returned back to their normal heart rates almost instantaneously.

Why is this important? First of all, a double-blind study is the litmus test used in the medical profession to verify that a study is legitimate. Since nobody involved knew when the power was on or off, the results are completely unbiased and hold a lot more sway than if it had been conducted a different way.

Secondly, it illustrates that EMF pollution really does speed up the heart rates of certain people. And since a rapid pulse is one of the many symptoms of diabetes, it seems reasonable to suspect that EMF pollution could be a fundamental cause of diabetic symptoms for a significant portion of the diabetic population.

This makes you wonder about the harm caused by mammograms, CT scans and other medical scanning technologies that blast the body with electromagnetic radiation, doesn't it?

Electromagnetic radiation leads to many diseases, including cancer
Our bodies are constantly barraged by electromagnetic radiation from numerous electronic sources, and most people don't think twice about this high level of exposure (probably because many don't even realize it's there), but the truth is that all this EMF pollution is leading to widespread illness.

Most of the recent research on EMF pollution has focused on cell phones, which makes sense because people take their cell phones with them everywhere they go and when they use them, they often hold them right next to their skulls. Cell phone radiation is probably one of the most dangerous EMF polluters because the devices remain in very close contact with the body for long periods of time.

A 2008 study published in New Scientist revealed that cell phone radiation causes human cell proteins to improperly express themselves. Similar studies also found that the radiation damages living DNA, creates leakages in the blood-brain barrier, and increases estrogen and adrenaline levels, disrupting hormone balance.

According to one statistic from a 2008 study, adults who use a cell phone over the course of a decade increase their chances of developing brain cancer by 40 percent. Even worse, a Swedish study found that people who start using a cell phone before the age of 20 increase their risk of developing a brain tumor by 500 percent!

Mainstream science holds conflicting views (as usual)
Of course, many in the medical establishment simply deny that electro-smog has anything to do with health or disease. And it doesn't matter how many studies are conducted on the matter; many continue to insist that there is not enough evidence that EMFs cause any harm.

Not everyone feels this way, of course, but sadly most of today's experts seem unable (or unwilling) to put two and two together and make the connection between electromagnetic pollution and disease.

There are many contributors to disease in our environment. EMFs represent just one. But to deny that electromagnetic pollution is harmful is quite narrow minded. Dr. Havas' study provides more than enough evidence that at least some people are suffering because of the electrical devices that surround them.

Our world, of course, is full of electromagnetic devices -- and some of them may surprise you. A typical hair dryer, for example, emits an explosion of electromagnetic radiation that's usually aimed right at the skull. Typical office environments shower employees with electropollution from fluorescent lighting, and even exercise gyms can subject visitors to a dense field of electromagnetic pollution (from all the electronic exercise machines).

It all gives credence to the idea of getting into nature more often, doesn't it? If you're sensitive to electropollution, the farther away you get from the city, the better you'll feel. No wonder most people innately gravitate to such natural environments like forests, lakes and ocean beaches.

So, does all this research mean we should all get rid of our phones and computers and return to the pre-information age? You could always join an Amish community. They're remarkably healthy, and part of that may be due to their lack of electropollution.

But for mainstream people, a more practical solution is to install some EMF filters around your home.

Some solutions for electromagnetic pollution
As mentioned in the study, home EMF filters are one of the best ways to reduce or eliminate the stray electrical signals that plague your house. These filters will capture electrical "noise" from things like televisions, computers and phones, and return it back into the line or into the ground. These can be connected to the outlets where these devices are plugged in.

Keeping Wi-Fi devices like cell phones and wireless routers away from your body as much as possible is another good idea. If you have a wireless router at home, place it away from areas where people sleep or spend a lot of time. Even having it just a few feet farther away can make a big difference in a reduction of the electropollution exposure from it.

When charging your cell phone, plug it in across the room from you. Especially at night when you are sleeping, it is best to turn off as many electrical devices as possible and to keep them away from your bed when sleeping. And beware of electric blankets: They produce a very strong electromagnetic field.

Try to use the speakerphone as much as possible when talking on the phone, or use an "air-tube" device that stops the signal short before it reaches your head. Never walk around with an idle bluetooth attached to your head, because these devices deliver a steady stream of EMF radiation directly into your head. I would recommend not using one at all, but if you do use one, take it off when not in use.

It's also a good idea to keep your phone in your pocket or purse only when necessary, and to keep it away from your body at all other times. Cell phones are intermittently communicating with network towers, so the closer they are to our bodies, the more radiation we are exposed to. So if you're not going to be using it for a while, just turn it off.

Finally, it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of outdoor exercise. Eating lots of nutrient-rich foods, drinking plenty of clean water, and minimizing intake of toxic preservatives, food additives, and refined sugars will do wonders to build a strong and vibrant neurological system that will resist some of the impact of electromagnetic pollution.

The reason I mention outdoor exercise is because, just like in the study, certain indoor exercise equipment like treadmills can actually cause more harm than good (for certain people). So go outside and take a walk or a jog. The sunshine will boost your vitamin D levels and the fresh air will help rejuvenate your system. (Just be sure to stay away from the power lines.)

09/06/2010

Ten reasons to use Cayenne for health

(NaturalNews) There's a vastly underrated herb that is commonly used as a spice for hot foods. Its powder is derived from ground up dried shells of chili peppers. Famed herbalist Dr. John Christopher was so involved with this herb that he was nicknamed Dr. Cayenne. And Dr. Richard Shultze recommends putting cayenne at the top of the ten most important herbs to have in a home "... because it will make the other nine work better".

Cayenne powder is an instant blood flow stimulant, enabling it to promote blood circulation and carry other nutrients to cells more efficiently. But additionally, cayenne has its own set of virtues, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health.

Ten Reasons To Use Cayenne

1. Strengthens the heart, even stops heart attacks in progress
2. Increases blood flow and cleans arterial wall plaque while rebuilding red blood cells
3. Aids digestion, even helps eliminate ulcers (surprise!)
4. Stimulates the liver and helps heal the gall bladder
5. Kills prostate cancer cells and shrinks tumors
6. Anti inflammatory eases arthritis
7. Shrinks hemorrhoids
8. Topical application on open wounds stops bleeding
9. Emulsifies triglycerides
10. Anti fungal, promotes waste elimination

All inexpensive and without side effects, cayenne is unlike Big Pharma heart meds that run up a large monthly bill with side effects that demand other meds, unless death becomes the first side effect!

Choosing and Using the Right Cayenne

These days, commercial chili peppers are getting irradiated more and more. So it's best to get organic cayenne powder from a reliable source. Cayenne powders are rated according to their heat potential with Scofield Heat Units (SCUs), usually at 40,000, 60,000, and 90,000 SCUs. If you're new to this, start at 40,000 SCUs. For maximum effectiveness, less than 40,000 SCUs should be avoided.

The SCU level determines the level of capsaicin, which is the essential ingredient of cayenne. There are even capsaicin capsules, which are not considered as effective as taking the powder in solution. The solution's heat kicks the nervous system into high gear through the nerve endings of the mouth and throat. Most users prefer mixing a teaspoonful of cayenne pepper with a glass of lemon and water.

Start with a quarter or half teaspoonful to get used to it while building up to a full teaspoonful up to three times daily.

But this author, who is not a fan of hot, spicy foods, uses it differently. One teaspoonful of cayenne powder can be mixed into a small amount of plain water in a lidded jar, enabling you to shake it for optimum mixing. Use just enough water to take it all into the mouth with one big gulp. Then hold it in the mouth very briefly before swallowing it completely.

Follow up by sipping a glass of cold beverage, especially one that also is also good for the cardiovascular system, such as Jamaica (huh-my-ka) or hibiscus tea, or maybe even some cold Hawthorne tea. These help cool down your mouth and throat while adding to the heart health benefits.

Dr. Schulze explains: "Cayenne pepper contains many wonderful phytochemicals, vitamins [extremely bioavailable C & E], and minerals [including magnesium]. It cleans the blood allowing hormonal signals to make their way unimpeded through your system, thus the enhanced immune response." (Phrases in brackets from Dr. Christopher).

As stated earlier, start small and build up to a full teaspoonful two to three times a day each day. It does get easier, and it doesn't get any cheaper or safer for maintaining or creating cardiovascular health as well as adding all the other health benefits mentioned above. Bottoms up!

Sources for more information include:

Cayenne Pepper: The King of Medicinal Herbs http://www.cayennepepper.info/

Support Heart Health Inexpensively
http://www.naturalnews.com/026285_h...

Report: Cayenne for Heart Health by Dr. John Christopher
http://www.herballegacy.com/Cayenne...

Cayenne Pepper for Improved Blood Flow
http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxif...


About the author

Paul Fassa has managed to survive the Standard American Diet (SAD) and his youthful folly by deprogramming gradually from mainstream health ideology and studying holistic health matters informally with his wife while incorporating them into his lifestyle as a vegetarian.
He also practices Chi-Lel Chi Gong, and he is trained as a polarity therapy practitioner. He is dedicated to warning others of the corruption of food and medicine in our time, and guiding others toward a better direction for health. You can visit his blog at http://healthmaven.blogspot.com

Why CT scans and X-rays cause cancer ?

(NaturalNews) It's well-established that exposure to ionizing radiation can trigger mutations and other genetic damage and cause normal cells to become malignant. So it seems amazing how mainstream medicine frequently dismisses the idea that medical imaging tests from mammograms to CT scans could play much of a role in causing breast cancer. Take this example from the web site for Cornell University's Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors:

In answer to the question "Is ionizing radiation a cause of breast cancer?", the Cornell experts say "Yes" and note ".. female breast tissue is highly susceptible to radiation effects." But then they pooh-pooh the possible hazard from mammography x-rays saying the risk …"should not be a factor in individual decisions to undergo this procedure. The same is true for most diagnostic x-ray procedures."

If that's not confusing enough, they turn around and state: "Nonetheless, unnecessary radiation exposures should be avoided and continued vigilance is required to ensure that the benefits associated with specific procedures outweigh the future risks."

Common sense suggests there is plenty of reason to be worried about radiation causing breast cancer. And now there's a new reason to be concerned. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have discovered that radiation exposure can alter cells' microenvironment (the environment surrounding cells). And that greatly raises the odds future cells will become cancerous.

The reason is that signals from a cell's microenvironment, altered by radiation exposure, can cause a cell's phenotype (made up of all its biochemical and physical characteristics) to change by regulating or de-regulating the way a cell uses its genes. The result can be a cell that not only becomes pre-cancerous but that passes this pre-malignant condition on to future cells.

"Our work shows that radiation can change the microenvironment of breast cells, and this in turn can allow the growth of abnormal cells with a long-lived phenotype that have a much greater potential to be cancerous," Paul Yaswen, a cell biologist and breast cancer research specialist with Berkeley Lab's Life Sciences Division, said in a statement to the press.

"Many in the cancer research community, especially radiobiologists, have been slow to acknowledge and incorporate in their work the idea that cells in human tissues are not independent entities, but are highly communicative with each other and with their microenvironment," he added.

For their study, Yaswen and his research teams used human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs), the cells that line breast ducts, where most breast cancers start. When placed in a culture dish, the vast majority of HMECs display a phenotype that allows them to divide between five and 20 times until they become what is known as senescent, or unable to divide. However, there are also some variants of these cells which have a phenotype that allows them to continue dividing for many weeks in culture. Known as a vHMEC phenotype, this type of breast cell arises spontaneously and is more susceptible to malignancy because it lacks a tumor-suppressing protein dubbed p16.

To find out what radiation exposure does to the cellular environment and how it could impact the future of cell behavior, the Berkeley Lab scientists grew sets of HMECs from normal breast tissue in culture dishes for about a week. Then they zapped each set with a single treatment of a low-to-moderate dose of radiation and compared the irradiated cells to sets of breast cells that had not been irradiated.

The results, just published in the on-line journal Breast Cancer Research, showed that four to six weeks after the radiation exposure, the normal breast cancer cells had stopped dividing far earlier than they would have normally -- and this premature cell senescence had accelerated the outgrowth of vHMECS.

"However, by getting normal cells to prematurely age and stop dividing, the radiation exposure created space for epigenetically altered cells that would otherwise have been filled by normal cells. In other words, the radiation promoted the growth of pre-cancerous cells by making the environment that surrounded the cells more hospitable to their continued growth," Yaswen explained in the press statement.

The researchers pointed out that the levels of radiation used in their experiments were not as much as a woman would be exposed to during a single routine mammogram but were comparable to those a woman could receive during a CT scans or radiotherapy "and could represent sources of concern."

Of course, women are often pushed to get annual mammograms, raising their overall radiation exposure through the years. And, as NaturalNews has reported, previous research has already provided compelling evidence linking mammography to breast cancer.

For example, a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association's Archives of Internal Medicine found that the start of screening mammography programs throughout Europe has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer (http://www.naturalnews.com/024901.html). And a Johns Hopkins study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute concluded radiation exposure from mammograms could trigger malignancies in women at risk for genetic breast cancer (http://www.naturalnews.com/025560_c...).

For more information:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...
http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/fac...

Tea tips

WHAT IS PU-ERH TEA?


Pu-erh tea (also written as Pu'er or Puer) is finally becoming better known in the West.

Originating from the Pu-erh region of China, it comes from old wild tea trees in Yunnan that produce large leaves. Some Pu-erh tea trees still in existence today are said to be ancient – the oldest is over 2000 years old.

Pu-erh tea was discovered by accident when tea that was sold onold trade routes (called the Ancient Tea Horse Roads) aged a lot whilst in transit. The routes were long, often taking many months to negotiate, and lay between Yunnan and the destinations of Tibet, Burma, and Laos. The climates the tea came into contact with en route were very hot and humid and as the tea was only carried it baskets it was found to absorb the moisture from the air, which had a huge effect on the taste and character. The traders soon realised however that the tea actually tasted better when it was aged for such a long time and so

Pu-ehr as we know it was born.

It's a full tea thanks to the long periods of fermentation. In fact, the longer the better: its value is directly related to the length of fermentation. Some Pu-erh tea has been fermented for hundreds of years! One pound of genuine and hard to find aged Pu-her, for example, can cost anything up to $25,000. This makes Pu-erh tea much like wine in that it is often referred to and classified by year and region it was produced in.

There are two kind of Pu-erh tea: cooked and raw.

Raw Pu-erh is made from leaves that are picked gentle to avoid any bruising and therefore unwanted oxidation. The leaves are then usually, though not always, left to wilt and start drying out in the sun, before being fried in a large wok to kill the enzymes and stop any further oxidation. It's then compressed into bricks or cakes and left to age.

Cooked, or ripened, Pu-erh tea seeks to imitate the flavour and colour of aged, raw Pu-erh for those who cannot wait 20 years for it! It's produced through a process that uses controlled conditions to manipulate the tea and create almost a false aging. A technique called wet piling, which is a little like composting, sees the tea leaves stacked in damp piles and then occasionally mixed and turned. This ensures the tea ferments evenly. The whole process can take up to one year.

Pu-erh is known as a medicinal tea. According to the Chinese system of medicine, Pu-erh teas are seen as being hot, which makes them good at warming the body and reducing any excessive coldness. They're also very good at aiding digestion and alleviating period pains.



BENEFITS OF PU-ERH TEA

In China, where it is often referred to as a "wonder tonic", Pu-erh tea widely known for its health giving properties which have been well documented in various historical texts throughout Chinese history. Pu-erh is traditionally made from old, wild tea trees which, according to the Chinese system of medicine, have strong Qi (energy, or "life force"). Which may go towards explaining why the Chinese believe that Pu-erh boasts greater benefits than any other tea.

In recent years, this wonderful, unique tea has crept into our consciousness in the West thanks mainly to the significant way it can aid in weight loss. It's even said to be used by various celebrities to help keep them looking trim on the red carpet (unfortunately it can't do anything to stop them wearing such daft shoes).

The Chinese often drink Pu-erh tea alongside their meals, which are often very oily and high in fat. It's very good at breaking down fats, aiding in digestion and speeding metabolism. Its soothing properties help clean the intestines and stomach, and it's even known to counteract the effects of alcohol consumption and help you sober up. Which clearly makes Pu-erh ideal after an evening in the pub with a stop-off for Chinese take-away on the way home.

Pu-erh tea has remarkable blood cleansing and cholesterol lowering properties and, like green tea, it can help prevent heart disease and cancer due largely to its antioxidant content.

Other Pu-erh tea benefits include:


-Reducing high blood pressure
-Anti-aging effects
-Improving eyesight
-Reducing inflammation
-Improving circulation
-Helping you walk through walls.




HOW TO MAKE PU-ERH TEA

First make sure that all your tea utensils are clean. Any old residue can taint the flavour.

Using a knife, cut off some Pu'ehr off from the tea brick.

Place 3-4 grams per serving of Pu'ehr to your pot.

Add boiling water. This is one of only two types of tea where you can, and should, use fully boiling water. The best type of water to use is bottled, or filtered water from of chlorine and other chemicals.

Drain the water immediately to wash the leaves.

Refill with boiling water and steep for 2-3 minutes.

Stir and then pour into cups.

Tea can be brewed2-4 times - each time steeping it for 60 seconds longer than the last infusion.

TCM Take on Fat: Vent Your Spleen

http://www.china.org.cn/english/health/220996.htm

If you want to fight fat the TCM way, you should eat foods to promote a healthy spleen — like Chinese pearl barley, known as Job's tears — and drink lots of Pu'er tea. Both are also diuretics.

A sun top, miniskirt and high-heel sandals - that's the outfit that catches men's attention and other girls' envy on the streets in summer. In order to show off their figures in skimpy clothes, girls started their weight-loss battles months ago, but it's never too late to lose weight.

Drinking slimming tea (a laxative), staying on a diet, and going to the gym frequently are widely used weight-loss methods. But eating certain foods or being pierced by fine silver needles may also help you to get rid of excessive weight.

Most people believe that obesity results from eating too much, which is certainly true in most cases. But it fails to explain why some people gain weight even though they eat little and drink lots of water while others keep slim though they eat a big dinner every day.

"It is not simply the case that the more you eat, the more weight you gain," says Dr Zhang Zhongyi, deputy director of the Acupuncture Department of Yueyang Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. "Whether your stomach and spleen work well plays a much more important role."

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the spleen, together with the stomach, digest and absorb nutrients (the spleen function in TCM differs from that in Western medicine). TCM holds that the spleen is responsible for sending the nutrients from the stomach to all the organs, and also for expelling excessive body fluid. If the spleen doesn't function well, excessive body fluid will collect and turn into fat.

Fat not only collects on muscles, destroying a nice figure, but also on organs and in the blood, which can cause health problems.

Fatty liver is common among fat people and can lead to cirrhosis if patients fail to correct their diet. Links are also found between obesity and the "three highs" (hypertension, high blood cholesterol and high blood sugar), which may contribute to cerebral vascular disease.

"The function of the organs, including the spleen, declines with aging. That's why most middle-aged and old people find themselves gaining weight easily," says Dr Zhang. "As for young people, unhealthy eating habits may cause malfunction of the stomach and spleen and leads to fat collection."

Not eating regular meals, but having continuous between-meal nibbles, according to Dr Zhang, is a bad diet habit that causes a weight problem among many young ladies. Besides, sitting all day long and not getting regular physical exercise can also lead to body fluid accumulation, which is typical among office ladies.

Dr Zhang suggests taking a five- to 10-minute break every hour, relaxing, doing some exercises and eating foods that are good for the spleen and are diuretics as well, such as Pu'er tea.

If these methods can't help you reach your ideal figure, you may try acupuncture therapy. It will help improve the function of stomach and spleen, and reduce the appetite by piercing fine needles into certain acupoints.

"Acupuncture works well in reducing excessive weight, yet doesn't seem so effective when girls of normal weight insist on losing more," says Dr Zhang, "especially when some girls only want their legs slimmer."

Dr Zhang says that generally the normal weight for a man is his height minus 100, while that for a woman is her height minus 105. People weighing five kilograms more or less are all within the normal range.

The ingredients listed in the recipes below are available at major supermarkets, such as Carrefour, City Market, Hualian Supermarket and Lianhua.

One of the dishes should be eaten once a day.

Pu-erh Tea is a Chinese Cholesterol Remedy and Overall Health Tonic

Saturday, August 01, 2009 by: Zephyr Faegen
http://www.naturalnews.com/026747_Pu-erh_blood_health.html


For over 2000 years, a special tea that originates from the Yunnan Province of China has been coveted for its preventative and curative properties. This tea is known as Pu-erh or Yunnan Tuocha. The tea`s cultivation can be traced as far back as the Han Dynasty (202 BCE-220 CE) and was made from the leaves of da ye or broad leaf tea. The leaves of this variety of old wild tea tree when picked, are taken and put through a process of delicate maturation that ends in the creation of what is called maocha.

This maocha, meaning "rough tea", is then taken and put through one of two processes. Either it is immediately pressed into tea cakes where it is then classified as "raw/green pu-erh" or it is put through an artificial aging process for 30 to 40 days where daily the leaves are turned, splashed with water, covered with cloth, and then left to ferment. After this fermenting stage, the tea is then dried and pressed into tea cakes and classified as "cooked/black pu-erh". Traditionally, the tea was always pressed raw and then vaulted for up to 100 years to gain this fermented status, but this modern process of fermentation was developed by the Kunming Tea Factory in 1975 for economic reasons.

Pu-erh Tea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for generations to inhibit "internal dampness" (a term used in Chinese medicine to describe a build up of internal energy due to the spleen`s inability to transform energy that it receives from the stomach) and to invigorate the activity of the spleen and stomach. Other traditional uses include the removal of toxins from the body, curing dysentery, weight loss, improving eyesight, promoting blood circulation and reviving those who have over indulged in alcohol.

More recently, researchers have taken interest in Pu-erh tea for its ability to reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, protect connective tissue, and its ability to attack free radicals within the body. In multiple studies done in several countries, pu-erh tea has shown significant success in reducing blood cholesterol. One study done at the Wun-Shan Branch Tea Research and Extension Station in Taipei, Taiwan compared the effects of green, black, oolong, and cooked/black pu-erh teas on cholesterol in rats. The study showed the rats fed the cooked pu-erh tea leaves had an increase of HDL-C (good cholesterol) and a decrease in LDL-C (bad cholesterol) where the rats given the other teas had varying decreases in both types. This means that with pu-erh tea you get the best of both worlds, an increase in the cholesterol that you do want and a decrease of the cholesterol that you don`t.

At China`s Kunming Medical College, another study that consisted of 86 patients with unusually high levels of blood cholesterol examined the differences in the treatment of patients with Pu-erh tea verses conventional cholesterol medication. 55 of the patients were given a regimented dose of pu-erh tea three times a day; the other 31 were given a cholesterol lowering drug called PCIB in doses of 1/2 a gram 3 times a day. At the end of a two month period, the patients drinking the Pu-erh tea showed a 64.29% reduction in blood cholesterol levels in comparison to 66.67% for the group taking PCIB. Cholesterol is not the only benefit that pu-erh tea has to offer though. In 2006, a study found that it has anti-aging and anti-cancerous properties by attacking free radicals within the body as well as actively protecting human fibroblast cells (connective tissue) from damage and deterioration

Pu-erh Tea is truly a wonder tonic but one must be careful when shopping for this sought-after tea. There are many knock-offs and fake pu-erh teas out there, and the older the tea, the more expensive it is. Sometimes tea cakes can sell for thousands of dollars. Another concern is for the quality of the tea leaf itself. Many of the cheaper teas can contain fluorine which, when ingested over a period of time, can lead to fluorosis or fluoride poisoning. When you are looking for a good pu-erh tea make sure that you are dealing with a reputable tea house or seller, make sure that the tea is from the Yunnan province of China, and make sure that the packaging states that the Tea was cultivated from wild da ye or broad leaf tea trees. This may be a difficult task because most pu-erh teas today are cultivated from multiple trees and from different areas. In the end it`s really the fermentation process that gives pu-erh its distinctive taste and curative properties but if you`re a tea purist, good luck hunting down a true aged Pu-erh tea; it`s difficult and you might just pay an arm and a leg.

Today we are constantly battling the toxicity of our everyday environment and our potentially toxin laden food. Drinking pu-erh tea is a great way to eliminate free radicals within the body, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, fight cancer, and possibly look a little younger one cup at a time.