“Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been around for over 4,000 years. Astragalus is an adaptogenic, nontoxic herb and plant extract that helps the body resist the damaging effects of stress while restoring normal physiological function. Astragalus aids adrenal function, digestion, metabolism, combats fatigue and increases stamina. Astragalus is very effective in helping people with AIDS and has even proven to have an anti-tumor effect and can increase the efficacy of chemotherapy.

A native plant of China, astragalus is officially known as astragalus membranaceus: AKA Milk Vetch Root and Huang Qi. Astragalus is a perennial plant that grows up to 4 feet tall. The root of the plant has a sweet taste and contains choline, flavonoids, amino acids-gamma aminobutyric acid, canavanine, beta-sitosterol, saponins (astragalosides) and oil. The primary actions of astragalus are adaptogenic and immunomodulating. The secondary actions are anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, cardiotonic, diuretic and hepatoprotective.

Medicinal Use

Astragalus is an herb that has actions in nearly all of the body systems. It is used to treat chronic colds, Epstein Barr Virus, HIV and candida by preventing infection recurrence. Astragalus stimulates bone marrow blood cells while enhancing deep immune strength. Studies show that the polysaccharides in astragalus increase phagocytosis (the engulfing of microorganism invaders by the immune system), increase production of immunoglobulins and macrophages and modulate the pituitary-adrenal cortical activity. Astragalus protects the kidneys and lungs from damage from autoantibody complexes, regulates sweating, decreases fatigue and increases tolerance to stress.

Astragalus protects against oxidative damage by increasing mitochondrial function without increasing the mitochondrial oxygen consumption. In the liver, astragalus is a mild choleretic and also increases repairs in chronic viral hepatitis while reducing inflammation and other symptoms. Astragalus also lengthens telomeres for longevity (TA 65 is a very pricey extract made from Astragalus that is touted to reduce all the effects of aging and mimics pretty much all the benefits of the inexpensive herb form of astragalus). Astragalus even increases motility of human sperm.

Astragalus is considered to be a cardiac tonic. In the cardiovascular system, the saponins in astragalus inhibit lipid peroxidation in the myocardium and one study using patients with angina revealed that cardiac output increased after two weeks of treatment. Astragalus strengthens left ventricular function and reduces free radical damage in patients after a heart attack and increases super oxide dismutase activity in cardiac muscle.

Astragalus: the unsung cancer fighter

Studies at the University of Houston have shown that astragalus can improve immune function in cancer patients by increasing T-cell counts. Astragalus increases the ability of NK cells and T-cells to kill cancer cells while switching on the anti-tumor activity of Interleukin-2. In chemotherapy treatments astragalus provides anti-neoplastic activity and decreases immunosupression. Astragalus reduces the consequences with both chemo and radiation of fatigue, weight loss, anemia, nausea and loss of strength while increasing WBC production for leucopenia (a common side effect of immunosuppressive therapy), thereby decreasing life-threatening infections.

Even though this incredible herb is listed on the Botanical Herbs Board Exams and in the Compendium of Pharmacological Actions of Medicinal Plants and Their Constituents, naming the benefits of astragalus can bring a warning letter from both the FDA and FTC, as Dr. Andrew Weil found out when he listed the benefits of taking astragalus to prevent the swine flu. So don’t expect to see any of this information on a vitamin or herb label. Despite what modern medicine and the FDA says, healing did occur long before pharmaceuticals were invented. True health comes by good foods, minerals, herbs, fasting and cleansing. Astragalus is a good guy for natural health!”

by: Craig Stellpflug, naturalnews.com

President Dilma Rousseff has until Friday to veto the new Forest Code; a law that could lead to the deforestation of an additional 22 million hectares of rainforest. “If she does (veto the new law), she would not only become a Forest Hero, but a Brazilian hero for the rest of the world” – Paulo Adario, campaign director of Greenpeace Amazon in The Guardian: http://act.gp/KcHQEb It is immensely important that you SIGN and SHARE this petition NOW! http://act.gp/JB0ara

“Incidence of Alzheimer’s disease cases continue to explode at an unprecedented rate as processed food diets, overweight and obesity become the norm for middle and senior aged adults in the US and most western societies. By the year 2050, it’s projected that 13.2 million adults will suffer from this degenerative disease that ranks as the sixth leading cause of death, with many suffering early signs of the condition at earlier ages. Any natural compound that can be shown to prevent or even treat Alzheimer’s disease would be a potent therapeutic tool.

Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center’s Memory Disorders Program have embarked on a mission to demonstrate that resveratrol can affect memory deterioration and daily functioning in people with mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Resveratrol is a natural compound found in red grapes, red grape juice, red wine, chocolate, tomatoes and peanuts. In prior studies, the polyphenol has been shown to help prevent diabetes, act as a natural cancer fighter, ward off cardiovascular disease, and prevent memory loss.

Resveratrol study to confirm the benefits of resveratrol to thwart Alzheimer’s disease

As the risk of many chronic conditions increase with aging, resveratrol exhibits unique characteristics as it has been shown to impede telomere shortening and extend natural cell life and activity. Resveratrol has also been shown to improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, two mechanisms known to speed the aging process.

Researchers will examine the direct impact of pure resveratrol supplementation on neural aging and amyloid protein clearance. Recent research has suggested that Alzheimer’s disease may result from insulin resistance specifically in the brain, and as resveratrol is known to cross the blood-brain barrier, the compound may prevent faulty insulin signaling that promotes the degenerative condition.

This is the largest and most extensive study of its kind developed to validate the brain health benefits of resveratrol. Researchers will recruit participants from 26 U.S. academic institutions that are affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study around the country. This study is unique because it is designed to demonstrate the impact of a natural compound and not a patentable pharmaceutical drug.

Resveratrol is supplied in small amounts from dietary sources including red grapes, red wine, chocolate and tomatoes. Nutrition experts recommend supplementing with a pure extract (20 to 500 mg per day) for optimal protection against Alzheimer’s disease and a myriad of chronic conditions.”

by John Phillip, naturalnews.com

“Nearly half of the meat sold in the United States has been found to contain methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA), a strain that causes a staph infection but is resistant to antibiotic drugs. Antibiotic resistance caused by overusing antibiotics in people and animals creates superbugs, germs that cannot be killed with regular antibiotics. To combat antibiotic resistance, doctors try stronger meds. However, essential oils, garlic and vinegar can work as a natural MRSA treatment. These and other natural remedies for infections can not only combat a staph infection, but also the growing cycle of antibiotic resistance.

What is a MRSA infection?

The majority of antibiotics sold in the U.S. are given to animals in their feed to reduce spreading infections among livestock. The abundance of antibiotics in feed creates antibiotic resistance. In the case of the MRSA superbug, a staph strain went from humans into pigs where it was transformed into a germ with an antibiotic resistance, according to a study published in the mBio journal. The new antibiotic-resistant germ was then transmitted back into humans.

Around 25 percent of MRSA cases in humans are caused by this livestock-derived strain in the Netherlands. Failing to cook meat thoroughly and handling meat improperly create a greater risk of staph infection from MRSA in people, but a safer alternative is to avoid meat from conventionally raised animals. Organic farms do not use antibiotics.

What is antibiotic resistance?

People who get exposed to too many antibiotics can develop a resistance. Eating meat flesh containing antibiotics is one cause of antibiotic resistance. Doctors over-prescribing antibiotics is another. MRSA is a type of superbug called a gram-positive bacteria. The other type of superbug, gram-negative bacteria, are even more sophisticated and tougher organisms. K. pneumoniae (KPC), a germ linked to thousands of deaths, is an example of a gram-negative bacteria.

KPC is a pneumonia-causing superbug that has spread through the U.S., Hungary, Cyrpus, Austria and Italy. In early 20120, it was responsible for hundreds of deaths at a hospital in Greece. However, KPC is not the only superbug responsible for killing people. Around 25,000 people die in Europe every year because of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Natural remedies for MRSA treatment and other infections

How are doctors treating the infections caused by antibiotic resistant drugs? With more drugs. Greek doctors tried some of the strongest antibiotics available, from Merrem to Doribax, to fight KPC with little success. Instead of trying natural cures, many doctors turned to a 50-year-old medication called colistin, a drug so potent it can lead to kidney damage.

Natural infection remedies are less expensive and less damaging. They are likely more effective. An antibiotic comprises a single chemical component, usually, whereas essential oils comprise sometimes thousands of chemical components. These multiple components are challenging for bacteria to develop a resistance to and therefore a better choice for MRSA treatment and combating other superbugs.

Tea tree oil has a proven ability to fight a staph infection because it quickly kills staph bacteria. Tea tree oil is used as a topical application, going directly onto infected skin.

Another topical treatment for a staph infection is mixture of apple cider vinegar and baking soda. The two substances combine to make a paste that can be applied to a skin infection.

Garlic is another smart choice because it has a complex makeup, comprising 27 known active ingredients as well as dozens of other ingredients. Garlic is an effective MRSA treatment and helps fight other infections by boosting the body’s ability to kill off invading bacteria.”

by Sarka-Jonae Miller, naturalnews.com

“Raw honey is more than just a natural sweetener. Honey has a variety of uses in your beauty regimen and for medicinal purposes. Raw honey, which is not pasteurized or refined, can be especially useful because of its nutritional properties. Although you may have heard about the benefits of raw honey, you might be surprised at some of the creative ways it can be used:

Eight new ways to use raw honey

1. Stock up for emergency food stores. – Raw honey has a long shelf life because of its high sugar content and naturally occurring enzymes. In fact, some say raw honey can last indefinitely. This makes honey an ideal (and delicious) food to add to your emergency stockpile.
2. Sooth a sore throat and ease your cough. – Raw honey is well known for being the perfect cold remedy. A blend of raw honey and fresh lemon juice can be taken as needed to treat a sore throat or cough.

3. Boost your athletic performance. – Don’t waste your money on commercial energy gels that contain food additives and artificial coloring. Research has shown honey is effective for improving athletic performance. A spoonful of raw honey before aerobic activity can provide an energy boost plus a variety of important nutrients.

4. Treat minor cuts, scrapes and burns. – Raw honey is an ancient remedy for cuts, scrapes and burns due to its natural antibacterial properties. Simply clean the area, dab on a small amount of raw honey, and wrap as normal. Change wrapping at least once daily until the area is healed. The honey may also help to reduce scar formation.

5. Make a simple sugar scrub. – Soften your skin by exfoliating with a mixture of raw honey, sugar and sweet almond oil. Store the mixture in a glass jar and use as needed. You’ll save a fortune if you exfoliate with this instead of using those expensive department store scrubs.

6. Use as a glossing treatment for hair. – Coat your hair with raw honey and let it sit for ten minutes before washing as usual. Honey works as a clarifying and conditioning treatment, making your locks shiny and smooth.

7. Improve your sleep. – A spoonful of honey before bed (by itself or in a cup of warm herbal tea) is a natural sleep remedy that can help you relax and fall asleep faster.

8. Enjoy a honey facial. – Massage a teaspoon of raw honey into your face and let it sit for 10-30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. This simple honey mask can smooth your skin, fight wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce redness, and help with blemishes.”

by Elizabeth Walling, naturalnews.com

• With the foxes watching the chicken coop is understandable why the cornucopia Institute refers to this scandal as, the organic Watergate.
• Mark Kastel,the codirector of the organic industry watchdog, The Cornucopia Institute, reveals how those charged with reviewing and approving additives and chemicals for use in organic foods have in large part been affiliated with the same corporate agribusinesses and/or food producers lobbying for their use
• There are currently almost 300 non-organic and synthetic compounds approved for use in organic foods—many of which need to be re-reviewed in light of these findings (although too many, this compares to many thousands in conventional food production)
• “Independent” industry experts, who have been advising the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board on scientific matters, also appear to have been largely supportive of synthetics in organics
• The Cornucopia Institute are now pursuing a pressure campaign aimed at the organic program at the USDA, and at the National Organics Standards Board, to persuade them to review the manipulation and misinformation provided at the November 2011 NOSB meeting, which led to the approval of synthetic, genetically mutated DHA and ARA oils—ingredients that have been “confidently linked” to health problems in infants

To view the whole article, click here.

“If you are one of the millions of Americans that struggles daily with lack of energy or chronic fatigue, then you are likely very familiar with those constant feelings of being tired and drained. But rather than turn to coffee, so-called energy drinks, or harsh stimulants for a quick pick-me-up, you might instead try supplementing with one or more of these amazing, energy-boosting “super” herbs.

Korean ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng

Stimulants like caffeine that tend to give the body a “kick” of energy also tend to put heavy strain on the body’s adrenal cortex, which regulates stress, by causing it to work harder than normal to produce more energy. But adaptogens like Korean ginseng (Panax schinsen) actually feed the adrenal cortex the nutrients it needs to produce lasting, stress-resistant energy the way the body was meant to produce it.

Adaptogens essentially increase the body’s natural resistance to stress, which can subsequently improve energy levels by taking a large burden off the adrenal system. And this is exactly what Korean ginseng, and also other forms of ginseng, to a lesser extent, can do for you when supplemented on a regular basis. Dr. C. Leigh Broadhurst, Ph.D., from The Herb Companion recommends taking 100 milligrams (mg) of the standardized extract in capsule or liquid form four times daily (http://www.herbcompanion.com/health/Herbs-for-energy.aspx?page=2).

Eleuthero root, also known as Siberian ginseng

Though not technically a true member of the ginseng family, eleuthero root (Eleutherococcus senticosus, Acanthopanax senticosus) is also a powerful adaptogenic herb with multiple health-promoting characteristics (http://www.tasteforlife.com).

Besides containing powerful analgesic (painkilling), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, and immune-boosting compounds, eleuthero root and root bark is similar to Korean (Panax) ginseng in that it helps regulate key hormones in the body related to stress, endurance, and overall energy levels. When taken steadily over a period of time, eleuthero root can help lessen fatigue and stimulate the adrenal cortex to produce more cortisol, the key stress hormone in the body that is responsible for producing “get up and go” feelings after a normal night’s sleep.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), one of the most vital herbs in Ayurvedic healing, is another adaptogenic herb that actually works quite well when taken together with ginseng of eleuthero root. According to The Herb Companion, taking one to two teaspoons twice or three times daily of this shrub extract — or one 500 mg capsule of ashwagandha three times daily — is plenty to obtain its energy-boosting power.

The Chopra Center adds that ashwagandha can also help boost immunity; improve memory and learning capacity; reduce anxiety and depression without causing fatigue; stabilize blood sugar; lower bad cholesterol levels; protect the brain against degeneration; fight malaria; and reduce or eliminate inflammation. This group recommends taking between 600 and 1000 mg of ashwagandha twice daily (http://www.chopra.com/ashwagandha).

Yerba mate

A powerful herbal tea with 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, and 11 polyphenols and antioxidants, yerba mate, an amazing rainforest plant, is an excellent alternative to coffee for boosting energy levels naturally. Yerba mate contains low levels of caffeine, but because this is balanced out with a host of other nutrients, brewed yerba mate tea will not give you the “jitters,” and will not harm your adrenal glands.

Yerba mate tea also helps stimulate the immune system; reduce bad cholesterol levels; improve mental clarity; relieve allergies; and fight bad breath. Here are some helpful instructions for how to prepare yerba mate tea at home (http://yerbamatedrinker.com/how_to_prepare_the_mate.html).

Other energy-boosting herbs that you may wish to investigate further include licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), schisandra (Schizandra chinensis), raw cacao, and goji berries (Lycium barbarum).”

by Jonathan Benson, naturanews.com

“The cancer industry is closing in on baking soda and beginning to do research in earnest about sodium bicarbonate and how it is a primary tool in the treatment of fungus. Cancer is a fungus, can be caused by a fungus, or is accompanied by late-stage fungal infections, and now the Mayo Clinic confirms this. They are not the first to say so though. Many, even from the official world of orthodox oncology, recognize the similarities of cancer and fungal infections, the decay that ties these two together in a dance that all too often ends in miserable death.

The Mayo Clinic is saying that a fungal infection of the gastrointestinal tract mimics cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. The invasive fungus, Basidiobolus ranarum, is typically found in the soil, decaying organic matter and the gastrointestinal tracts of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and bats……

Sodium Bicarbonate is an Antifungal Agent

The current controversy over sodium bicarbonate and its use in oncology might be relatively new but baking soda has a long history of helping people get through the worst medical conditions. The Eloquent Peasant, an Egyptian literary work dated around 2000 B.C., refers to a peddler selling natron, a natural blend of sodium bicarbonate, chloride and sodium carbonate used in mummification, just one of hundreds of uses this compound has been put to. Baking soda’s first widespread use was probably as a leavening agent for bread and other baked goods. It has been used commercially since 1775, although the now-famous Arm & Hammer brand wasn’t introduced until 1867.

Sodium bicarbonate (Na2HCO3) is recognized by most as ordinary baking soda, which is found in deposits around the globe. Its backbone characteristic is to maintain balance of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and pH. Sodium bicarbonate is available and sold in every supermarket and pharmacy in the world and is widely used in emergency rooms and intensive care wards in injectable forms but is sold as a common household substance that is used for hundreds of different things.

Read my book, Sodium Bicarbonate, and see that something as inexpensive as baking soda will outperform the most expensive pharmaceuticals. Across a wide range of disorders, including cancer and diabetes, we find conclusive evidence and plenty of theoretical backing to suggest that sodium bicarbonate is a frontline universal medicine that should be employed by all practitioners of the healing and medical arts for a broad range of disorders that are afflicting contemporary man.”
by: Mark Sircus., AC, OMD, naturalnews.com

For all the references, sources and more articles, please visit Dr. Mark Sircus blog.

If you would like to see the whole article, click here.

“A recent study has shown that a potent sunscreen ingredient, oxybenzone, may be a cause of endometriosis. This condition occurs when uterine tissue grows in abnormal sites in the abdomen and causes severe pain. Women are usually diagnosed because of severe cramping during their periods. In this study of 600 women, those with the highest levels of a form of oxybenzone in their urine had a 65 percent increased risk of endometriosis. Oxybenzone, like bisphenol-A (BPA), is a chemical that mimics estrogen. And endometriosis growth is fed by estrogen.

This study should be another warning sign that oxybenzone should not be put on the skin. The highest levels of oxybenzone in the urine of women in this study occurred in the months of July and August, proof that the sunscreen ingredient is readily absorbed into the bloodstream.

Exposure to sunlight promotes good health. The more sun exposure we get, the better our bodies function. Preventing sunburn during the hottest part of the day is a good idea. Sunburn damages the skin. But with all of the evidence that sunlight is beneficial in the prevention of cancer and heart disease, maintaining a strong immune system, and building bones, no one should be using sunscreens on a routine or daily basis.

This study provides further evidence that commercial sunscreens that contain cancer-causing and estrogenic chemicals should never be used. Sunscreens with oxybenzone, methoxycinnamate, and PABA are dangerous. The only proven safe sunscreen ingredient is zinc oxide.

Kunisue T, Chen Z, Buck Louis GM, Sundaram R, Hediger ML, Sun L, Kannan K. Urinary Concentrations of Benzophenone-type UV Filters in U.S. Women and Their Association with Endometriosis. Environ Sci Technol. 2012 Apr 17;46(8):4624-32. Epub 2012 Mar 29.”

by: Randall Neustaedter OMD