Are these mushrooms a fix it for many ailments?

Ganoderma has its own genus because it has a dimitic hyphal system, causes a white rot, and has unusual brown spores with a double wall, as you can see in the picture above left  .

On the picture to the left you can see the enormous numbers of brown basidiospores that have been shed by the Ganoderma fruiting bodies. This is a common sight in the fall when the spores are dispersed by the wind to new substrates.

The species to the left is Ganoderma lucidum, which is an interesting story in itself. It is as hard as G. applanatum, but is annual rather than perennial. When not covered with spores it has a bright shiny reddish brown top surface and is rather beautiful.

It is used in Oriental herbal medicine, where it is ground up and made into a tea, which is reported to cure everything from colds to impotence to AIDS. Like much oriental medicine, it must be taken over a long period of time to have it’s desired effects–

Very different from out western concept of medicine where we think it should take just a few pills to cure a disease or malady. Western medicine is slowly but surely discovering the wonders to be found in Oriental medicines made from fungi and herbs. Of course, most of the drugs used in western medicine came originally from fungi, plants, and bacteria, so there shouldn’t be too much of a stretch in our imaginations here. But please don’t write to me and ask about what medicines you should take for your particular malady– I’m not a medical doctor.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

WHY DOES THE SYSTEM WANT TO KEEP US POISONED & UNDER CONTROL?

We are what we eat. Some of us were fortunate enough to have been brought up in an age when mothers were homemakers and prepared meals of real food that tasted like real food.

Today, we are (most of us) being slowly poisoned by the food industry. Flavour enhancers, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and a host of toxic chemicals are now packaged into just about everything we eat.

Simply look at the ingredients list on any package of processed food – disodium EDTA, BHA, propylene glycol, dimenthyl sulfate – to name but a few. Years ago people never needed to add such dangerous toxins to their pies, soups, and stews, and they tasted a whole lot better than anything today.

Even our water supplies are deliberately contaminated with harmful fluoride – Fluoride is a known rat and cockroach poison. Another dangerous toxin – aspartame – is used extensively as an artificial sweetener. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is added to just about everything in packaged food – and especially in fast-food restaurants.

Why is this happening? MONEY, pure and simple, and the all-powerful pharmaceutical industry (heavily linked with the food industry) makes more money when people are unhealthy – the greatest profit when people are ill comes from the treatment, NOT the prevention or cure.

Sourced from Natural Health by Henry Sapiecha

Acnistus arborescens. [Cancer plant]

Natives use for cancer treatments

Medium sized shrubby tree with soft cork-like bark. Small flowers are followed by little orange tomato-like fruits. Plant is used for its anti-cancer properties.

Description: Small or medium sized shrubby tree to 10-20ft. Small orange fruits are very popular with birds, but have little taste and may not be palatable for humans. Despite its name, it does not contain any nicotine compounds. The common name Wild Tobacco is a misnomer.

Hardiness: Subtropical, will survive brief frosts

Uses: Plant contains Withaferin A and Withacnistin, both having anti-tumor properties. Extracts from this plant have historically been used by natives as an herbal treatment for cancer. Can also be used as a diuretic.

Native Range: Native to Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

After drinking this tea,
THIS WOMAN IS  ASTHMA-FREE!

Hasn’t had an attack in several years!

“How on earth do you find all these remedies?” I asked them. “Actually,” they replied, “some of the best ones find us! For example…

“A woman phoned in to our radio show with a wild-sounding asthma remedy. She’d been suffering for years, but she said her life has been totally changed by…

WILD CHERRY-BARK TEA! “She swore she hasn’t had an asthma attack since she started drinking it 5 years ago. Still, we wondered…

“WILL IT WORK FOR ANYONE ELSE?”

“Does it ever! Ever since that radio show, folks with breathing problems have been telling us THANK YOU! They say it’s great for asthma, bronchitis and coughs.”

NOTE: This unusual tea can be hard to find.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

Capsaicin Can Act as Co-Carcinogen,

Study Finds; Chili Pepper Component

Linked to Skin Cancer

Science (Sep. 3, 2010) — A study in the journal Cancer Research by researchers at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, links capsaicin, a component of chili peppers, to skin cancer. While the molecular mechanisms of the cancer-promoting effects of capsaicin are not clear and remain controversial, the new research has shown a definite connection to formation of skin cancer through various laboratory studies.

Ann Bode, professor in the institute’s Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Section, led the research team on this study along with colleagues Mun Kyung Hwang and Zigang Dong.

Capsaicin, widely consumed worldwide in foods that contain chili peppers, is also used in topical creams for pain relief and its role in cancer development is controversial. Capsaicin has been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. However, research findings have also shown that it can also act as a carcinogen, especially at the tumor promotion stage.

Bode says the possibility that capsaicin induces inflammation and may affect cancer development is a critical result of the study. “Most notably, the results raise concerns that a natural compound found in hot peppers used in over-the-counter topical pain remedies might increase skin cancer risk,” Bode says.

The study’s key findings include:

• The co-carcinogenic effect of capsaicin appears to be mediated through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and not the transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1), a known pain receptor.
• Topical application of capsaicin on the dorsal skin of wildtype or TRPV1 knockout mice induced tumors in both types but more and larger skin tumors in the knockout mice.
• A known inflammatory enzyme, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was highly elevated following treatment with capsaicin.

Other researchers working with Bode on this study included Sanguine Byun, Nu Ry Song, Hyong Joo Lee and Ki Won Lee.

Funding for this research was provided by The Hormel Foundation, National Cancer Institute and the Korean Research Foundation.

Editor’s Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

Patrick O’Brien’s

Aboriginal Multi-Purpose Healing Lotion & bush remedy.

This age-old healing lotion is a hydrasol. Now, a hydrasol is usually the byproduct of distilling leaf material to obtain an essential oil. We all know of essential oils, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus etc. The usual process of obtaining essential oils assumes the essential oil is the primary product, and the hydrasol, the water, and the nutrients from the leaves, are left behind after distilling, is considered a by-product.

But what if the hydrasol itself is the primary product, rather than the by-product of distilling leaf material? That is the case with this amazing Aboriginal Multi-Purpose Healing Lotion. In most eucalyptus oil distillation processes, eucalyptus globulis, grown in plantations is used. Not so with this product. Other selected eucalypt species are collected, and distilled to provide this amazing hydrasol. The eucalyptus oil is discarded, and the hydrasol is retained.

The Aboriginal Multi-Purpose Healing Lotion retains and enhances the properties of the original leaf. Eucalyptus leaves have antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antiviral properties. The leaves contain tannins (which are believed to help reduce inflammation), flavonoids (such as quercetin, which has antioxidant properties), and volatile oils.

Herbalist Patrick O’Brien is proud to have been chosen by Jolti (a small Aboriginal family company who make the lotion) to bottle and market this age-old healing lotion. At the request of Jolti, a charitable funding component has been built into the Healing Lotion to be donated to the Bulega Childrens Foundation of Bangalore. As well, another funding component has been added to donate to the Wildlife Protection Association of Australia Inc to further their wildlife education and information projects to schools….a total of 15% of the price of the Healing Lotion goes to charity!

Aboriginal Multi-Purpose Healing Lotion is used for skincare, rubbing the lotion on the hands, arms, face, or body refreshes and tones the skin, and helps provide skin clarity and color. The Lotion also helps keep biting insects at bay, relieves the pain of sunburn, soothes bites and scratches, and relieves itching. It also has pain relief properties for aching muscles or joints. We use it ourselves regularly, and find it wonderful. Patrick O’Brien, HH(Dip)MH Herbalist.

Articles have been used from the peoples below.Get into their link and view products

For more details and postage prices go to http://www.home-herb-garden.com/ and click on the healing lotion icon in the lefthand menu. for more information!

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

Alternative Treatments for Ear Infections and Hearing Problems

Probably the best-researched alternative therapy is Ginkgo biloba extract. It has been the subject of several trials, including part of a double-blind trial with the drug pentoxifylline and 72 patients with sudden deafness. Ginkgo biloba extract proved to be more beneficial than pentoxifylline (Acta Otolaryngol, 2001; 121: 579-84). Another study of 106 patients with hearing loss found that high-dose Ginkgo could speed recovery after sudden SNHL ‘with a good chance that they will recover completely, even with little treatment’ (Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2001; 285: 213-9). Homoeopathy offers Pulsatilla as an aid against middle ear infection (J Am Inst Homeop, 1986; 79: 3-4); other remedies include Chenopodium for exposure to loud noise and Causticum for build-up of earwax. Aconite and Ferrum phos. may help in early-stage otitis media, and Salicylicum acidum, Chenopodium and Cinchona officinalis can help in the treatment of tinnitus (Alternative Medicine, Tiburon, California: Future Medicine Publishing, 1999).

Alpha-lipoic acid may also help protect against damage caused by loud noises. The agent reduces free radical formation and can lessen the nerve damage induced by antibiotics. Patients taking drugs that may cause hearing loss could reduce potential harm with 250 mg of alpha-lipoic acid twice a day. Osteopathy and chiropractic may be helpful in recurrent earache if it is caused by a mechanical problem at the top of the neck (Man Med, 1987; 25: 5-10). Another approach, sound therapy, is based on high-frequency soundwaves that stimulate the cilia – the hair-like sensory cells in the inner ear. It can also flip between channels, thereby forcing the ear muscles to tense and then relax, which may help restore muscle tone. Probably the best known of the sound therapies is based on the work and research of the French specialist Alfred Tomatis.

Herbal remedies that are also worth a try include a combination of goldenseal, mullein and hypericum in a glycerine base, which may reduce ear pain and help draw out excess fluid. Echinacea and goldenseal can also be used as antibacterials. For otitis media, some herbalists suggest Echinacea and cleavers tinctures. In traditional Chinese medicine, ear problems are associated with kidney functions, so acupuncture points related to the kidney are used, often in conjunction with herbals such as er long zuo gi wan. Ayurvedic medicine uses a combination of oils, massage, herbs and nutritional supplements. The most effective oil for treating ear infections is neem, which is both antibacterial and antifungal (Alternative Medicine, 1999).

Hearing loss that has a definite and identifiable cause can usually be treated. But nobody is sure what can be done to treat presbycusis, the type of hearing loss that seems to accompany old age. As with most conditions, prevention is better than cure. It’s almost certain that presbycusis is an environmental and life-style condition. A revised diet, which also includes plenty of the essential nutrients while excluding or reducing consumption of known allergens such as wheat and dairy, is important. And if you can combine this change with an avoidance of excessive noise, you should be well on the way to ensuring that you enjoy good hearing for the rest of your life. *

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

Honeysuckle An Ancient Healing Favorite

Honeysuckle is one of the oldest medicinal herbs in known history. Sometimes referred to as woodbine, European honeysuckle was once used widely to treat urinary complaints, asthma, and during childbirth. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, honeysuckle has been used medicinally for thousands of years. The first known reference to the honeysuckle plant as a medicinal plant is in the Tan Ben Cao that was written in A.D. 659. In traditional Chinese medicine, honeysuckle is considered one of the most important herbs for releasing poisons from the body and clearing heat from the body. There are three main parts of the honeysuckle plant that are used medicinally: the flowers, the flower buds, and the stems. The flowers are traditionally used to make syrup that has been used as an expectorant for bad coughs, asthma, and as a diuretic. The syrup from honeysuckle flowers is still used to make medicinal syrup. The flowers of the honeysuckle plant should be harvested in the summer time.

The flower buds of the honeysuckle plant are also used to make herbal remedies. In traditional Chinese medicine, the flower buds are very important. They are called jin yin hua and are used widely to treat feverish conditions. They are especially used to treat conditions that are thought to be caused by the summer heat. They are also thought to clear toxins from the body, and the “fire poisons” that may linger in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, fire poisons are thought to be responsible for many conditions, including boils and dysentery. Honeysuckle flower buds are also thought to help alleviate the symptoms of some kinds of diarrhea. In traditional Chinese medicine, the honeysuckle flower buds are warmed and slightly stir-fried to treat diarrhea. Flower buds should also be harvested in the summer.

The stems of the honeysuckle plant are also used, especially in traditional Chinese medicine. These are alternately called jin yin teng and ren dong teng (stems and branches) and they are especially used in acupuncture medicine. They are thought to be able to remove heat from certain acupuncture meridians by stimulating the flow of energy, or qi. The stems and branches are also used in Chinese medicine to treat feverish colds and dysentery. They are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, and are often combined with other herbs to create a cooling remedy.

There are several applications that are created by using the honeysuckle plant. The flowers can be infused to create a hot tea that can operate as an expectorant. Honeysuckle is often combined with other herbs, including cowslip and mulberry to create a healing tea that is used to treat coughs and mild symptoms of asthma. Again, honeysuckle flowers can be made into a syrup that can be used to treat coughs. The honeysuckle flower buds can be made into a decoction that is used to treat feverish colds and sore throats. Honeysuckle flower buds can be used to make a tincture that is used by herbalists to treat gastroenteritis and diarrhea.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

Aloe Vera

The plant Aloe (scientific name Aloe vera) is originally from tropical Africa, but it can now be found all over the world. It is a very common ingredient in many herbal remedies. It is believed that related species were traditionally used as an antidote to treat poison arrow wounds. We know that the Greeks and Romans traditionally used the Aloe vera plant, making a gel to treat battle wounds. Aloe vera was also commonly used during the Middle Ages, where it was a popular purgative. Aloe vera is also widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. In India too the Aloe Vera plant is widely used as highly regarded cooling tonic in gel form. In the 16th century, Aloe Vera reached the West Indies, where it also began to be widely cultivated. The character of Aloe Vera has been described in many ways. Its leaves are often described as hot, bitter and moist. Its gel is described as salty, bitter, cool and moist. The actions of Aloe Vera are described as purgative and healing. Aloe Vera has been known to promote bile flow, heal wounds, stop bleeding, expel worms, reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It has also been known for its rejuvenating and anti-aging properties.

The most common way to prepare the Aloe Vera plant is as a gel. The gel is thick and mucilaginous, and many herbalists recommend that it be used as a first-aid cure for wounds, burns, and sunburn. Aloe Vera gel can also help heal extremely dry skin, and it can be used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm. Gel extracts of the Aloe Vera plant have been successfully used to treat mouth ulcers. Recent research has also shown that Aloe Vera gel may be helpful in treating breast and liver cancers, as well as HIV. In traditional Indian Ayruveda medicine, Aloe Vera gel is used as a tonic for excess pitta (fire element).

The leaves of Aloe Vera, although much less commonly used, can also be helpful for several conditions. The leaves of the Aloe Vera plant are believed to be a strong purgative. They can be prepared and used to treat chronic and stubborn constipation. It is also believed that the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant leaves can be used to stimulate bile flow and to aid digestions. They can also be used to treat poor appetite. One of the best things about the Aloe Vera plant is that they can be grown easily indoors as a houseplant in most temperate climates. There are several practical applications for the Aloe Vera plant. The Aloe Vera gel can be applied directly to burns, wounds, fungal infections, insect bites, and areas of dry skin. You can simply split the Aloe Vera leaf and apply the gel directly. You can also collect the gel from several split leaves of the Aloe Vera plant to make an ointment. The gel of Aloe Vera can also be inhaled as a steam inhalation to treat bronchial congestion. A tincture can also be made from its leaves and taken as an appetite stimulant.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

BROCOLLI MARVEL FOOD FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Reality can be painful. For one, there are certain instances wherein a single disease can prevent people from leading independent and quality lives. While this is already terrible news in itself, things can get worse. Sometimes, scientists would break the news that such a disease is not only debilitating and painful, the harrowing condition does not have a definitive cure as of the present.

A good example is osteoarthritis, one of the most common arthritis and age-related disorders that debilitate its victims worldwide. Statistics show that in UK and in America, it is the leading disorder that causes disability as evident in its extensive repercussions on the millions of people that suffer from the disease.

However, reality also presents endless possibilities — one of which is hope through effective treatment. A new landmark project in the UK, which significantly exhibits that hopeful possibility, is launched. Funded by the Diet and Health Research Industry and Arthritis Research UK, the new project will delve into the possibility of warding off and slowing the onset of osteoarthritis through a powerful compound of broccoli.

Landmark project: Protective effects of broccoli against Osteoarthritis

For those who suffer from the disease, and at the same time, are avid fans of incorporating broccoli into their diet– possible good news awaits.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia will conduct a 3-year pioneering project that will probe the possible preventive and protective effects of broccoli against osteoarthritis. Initial research conducted at the same university has already shown that a broccoli compound, sulforaphane, blocks the enzymes that cause the debilitating disease; and the new project aims to further flesh out how beneficial broccoli is, or can be.

The bioactive compound can be acquired through consuming cruciferous vegetables, with broccoli as a notably rich resource. Broccoli consumption enables the blood to contain high levels of sulforaphane. However, whether the bioactive compound substantially and effectively gets into, or affects the joints in ample amounts or not remains unclear. The project will include investigations in relation to this.

During the 3-year study, the team of researchers from UEA will also examine other compounds that can be incorporated into one’s daily diet, in relation to how these can contribute to the fight against and prevention of osteoarthritis. The dietary compounds will include diallyl disulphide, which is acquired through high levels of garlic consumption, and which possibly slows down cartilage destruction.

A pioneering research

Former studies have already shown the potent healthy benefits of broccoli against cancer and other severe health conditions, but the new project is reportedly the first of its kind—through concentrating on the health of joints.

It will also initiate patient trials, which will enable the study to yield more accurate human-related results and assessments. Furthermore, the findings will likely provide a basis for developing new broccoli-related methods in osteoarthritis treatment and prevention.

The project offers benefits not only to the victims of disease, but also on a societal level. According to the study’s lead researcher, Professor Ian Clark: Because of UK’s aging population, it is crucial to formulate effective strategies that fight against age-related health conditions. He furthered that such measures will enhance the victims’ quality of life while simultaneously cutting down on society’s economic concerns.

The healthy benefits of broccoli

There are several cruciferous vegetables that are regularly consumed, but among these, broccoli reportedly proves to be the most concentrated or richest source of vitamin C—a key antioxidant. It also provides high amounts of flavonoids and carotenoids, vitamin E, minerals, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and several other healthy components that aid in preventing the development of severe conditions.

Heart ailments

The high content of fiber found in broccoli, along with beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids, significantly aid in reducing bad cholesterols. As such, these have potent contributions in heart health and function through its regulatory effects on blood pressure.

Cancer

There are several studies that have already established the strong links between cancer development and its risk factors such as chronic inflammation, insufficient detoxification, and oxidative stress.

Given these factors, a wide range of cancer types can be prevented through broccoli. Its antioxidant, pro-detoxification, and anti-inflammatory effects enhance its potent capacity for preventing and reducing risk of developing cancer. Risks are most notably reduced for the following types–  prostate cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer. These findings show the excellent remedies that broccoli can provide in battling both fatal and debilitating diseases.

Stomach problems

Broccoli’s rich fiber content also enables it to treat a wide array of stomach disorders. Fiber’s key favourable effects include constipation treatment, water retention, and bowel formation. Other favourable contents of broccoli include magnesium and vitamins, which facilitate proper food digestion and enhance the body’s capacity of absorbing and optimizing food nutrients. It also provides anti-acidity benefits.

Detoxification enhancement

Detoxification is vital to eliminating toxins and dangerous substances that put cells at risk, and fortunately, broccoli is capable of altering certain activities in an effort to strengthen and regulate the 2-step detoxification process. Made from broccoli’s glucosinolate contents, isothiocyanates are active modifiers that can hamper the production of enzymes in the first phase; it can also modify enzyme activities in the second phase. Reportedly, optimal concentrations and combinations of glucosinolates are best acquired through broccolis among other sources.

Other sources of arthritis relief

All-natural approaches are potent measures for arthritis relief. As seen in the benefits of broccoli: One effective and fun, natural remedy is eating foods that are rich in anti-inflammatory and overall anti-arthritis compounds.

Copper

Copper has the capacity for pain and swelling reduction in relation to rheumatoid arthritis, another commonly debilitating arthritis disorder. The favourable effects result from the mineral’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory roles. It also enhances the activity of a particular enzyme called lysyl oxidase, which is necessary for collagen and elastin cross-linking— substances that provide and enhance elasticity, strength and structure in joints. A good source of this beneficial mineral can be found in sesame seeds.

Ginger

Gingerols found in ginger are potently active in their anti-inflammatory effects. These contents, through regular ginger consumption, strongly show why pain is reduced in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Based on the findings of two clinical studies, 75% of patients with arthritis experienced a significant reduction in arthritis-related swelling and pain. Simultaneously, all participants that suffer from muscular discomfort yielded improvements in pain reduction and mobility through regular consumption of ginger.

Cinnamon

Findings from a study conducted at Copenhagen University reportedly revealed that the combination of honey and cinnamon powder led to substantial arthritis pain reduction. Links point to the anti-inflammatory components of cinnamon, which aid in reducing muscle and joint stiffness. As such, the combination of honey and cinnamon powder is one of the potent measures for arthritis relief.

Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids— healthy and multi-beneficial polyunsaturated fats that have very potent anti-inflammatory effects. The benefits are made possible through omega-3 fatty acids’ role in hampering cytokine and enzyme production, which are substances that severely affect the cartilage. Simultaneously, these beneficial fatty acids enhance both the immune and circulatory system of the body.

Spinach

Spinach enjoys a noble reputation of combating heart ailments and a wide range of cancer types. In addition to this, its nutrients are also capable of decreasing inflammatory activities that cause and worsen joint health and arthritis symptoms. Such beneficial nutrients contained in spinach include vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha