Thyme out for cold, flu, and other organisms Friday, October 26, 2012 by: Willow Tohi

(NaturalNews) Another member of the labiatae, or mint, family, thyme is an herb native to the Mediterranean basin and comes in many varieties. There is only one plant, thymus vulgaris, but the composition of the oil distilled from the plant shows variations in chemical components based on the location or region the plant grows in, despite being botanically identical. The microbial power of thyme is so powerful that some oils are safe to use in all situations, and some are not. Thymus vularis ct. linalol is the best oil for beginners to use and it is the safest to use on the skin, in baths, and on children and the elderly. Other chemotypes (ct) such as thymus vulgaris ct. thujanol, thymus vulgaris ct. thymol, and thymus vulgaris c.t carvacrol should be left to qualified aromatherapists. Thyme is one of the most used and most useful oils in aromatherapy, but always use thyme oil with care, in moderation. Thyme has remarkable antiviral, bactericidal, fungicidal, antibiotic, diuretic, antispasmodic, expectorant, and antiseptic properties that make it wonderful to have around during cold and flu season. In addition to killing microbes, thyme helps the body to eliminate toxins and boosts the immune system by supporting the formation of white blood cells, increasing resistance to invading organisms. Its familiar, warm, herbaceous aroma is powerful and penetrating, and the origin of its name, which comes from the Greek word 'thymos' meaning 'to perfume.' The history of thyme Thyme has a long and fascinating history. Used by all the early civilizations of the Mediterranean as a medicinal plant, both Hippocrates and Dioscorides described its uses in their writings. The ancient Egyptians used it for embalming. The ancient Greeks burned it as an incense in their temples and used it in their baths for courage. The Romans brought the herb to Europe, and used it to purify their rooms and give 'aromatic flavor' to cheese and liqueurs. In the Middle Ages, thyme was placed in bedrooms to ward off nightmares, given to knights for courage, taken into courtrooms to ward off diseases, and used at funerals to assure safe passage to the afterlife. Before modern antibiotics, thyme was used to medicate bandages. Thyme is an easy to grown perennial shrub that can tolerate hot, sunny places well. It has long been used as a culinary herb. It delays the putrefaction of meat, a very useful trait in warm climates before refrigeration. Studies in modern times have verified this use with tests that prove adding essential oil of thyme slowed the proliferation of bacteria, preserving the food for an additional three days. Ingesting thyme also stimulates the digestive system and serves as an intestinal antiseptic. Health benefits throughout thyme Other traditional uses of thyme include the treatment of respiratory infections. An excellent pulmonary disinfectant, thyme is useful against flus, colds, sore throats, asthma, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, whooping cough, and bronchitis. Inhale for nose, throat, and chest infections; for mouth and gum infections (such as thrush, gingivitis), use in toothpaste or mouthwash/gargle. As little as a .1 percent solution is effective. After a study in Germany, many researchers believe the effectiveness of cough medicines is due to the exhalation (after swallowing) of the local action of the essential oil on the respiratory tract. Extensive research has shown the effectiveness of essential oils, including thyme, as expectorants and to increase mucus secretions to relieve dry coughs. Inhalation in small amounts worked best; too strong has the opposite effect. Inhaled treatments are especially effective when treating chronic infections that linger in the sinuses. Thyme is used as a remedy for physical and psychological weakness, and still is today. Useful for regaining strength after illness, chronic fatigue, or depression it can also be used to help insomnia as its effects are balancing. It stimulates circulation, aids concentration, raises blood pressure that is too low, and has even been thought to increase intelligence and memory. It revives, strengthens, and balances both mind and body. The essential oil of thyme is antibacterial, acting on the bacteria's enzymes. As such, it has been used in soapy solutions for disinfecting hands before surgery, being a stronger antiseptic than most used in hospitals. Thyme can destroy staphylococcus at a dilution of 1,000 times. A study in France showed thyme to be among several essential oils that were found to destroy 90 percent of microbes within three hours, when used in a vaporizer. It deodorized the air and purified it from proteus, staphylococcus, streptococcus, and cryptococcal. Additional uses include: • Thyme is useful on infections of the urinary tract and bladder, and also acts as a diuretic, increasing its effectiveness • Also use for candida and vaginitis • Use to kill nail fungus • Thyme is an ingredient in natural hand sanitizers • Add thyme to a hot compress to relieve rheumatic pain, muscular aches and pains, sprains, sports injuries, sciatica, arthritis, gout • Crush the fresh herb or use diluted oil as first aid on insect bites and stings • Use on athlete's foot. For this use, you can apply the oil neat, or undiluted, but protect the skin with some fatty cream. Other neat applications include animal bites and boils. • Use a one percent solution as an antibacterial wash for fresh produce • Use in hair and skin care regimes, as a hair tonic or in a face wash and for treatment of things like acne or warts • Use thyme in a sitz bath or massage to stimulate menstruation for weak or missing periods • Use to kill parasites • Thymol, a chemical constituent in thyme essential oil, has been found to increase blood-flow to the skin, thought to speed healing • Thymol has been found to protect and increase the percentage of healthy fats found in cell membranes • Dietary consumption of thyme has been shown to increase the amount of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid) in brain, kidney, and heart cell membranes • Thyme will discourage insects from invading your home • Use thyme with rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood in a mixture of grapeseed and jojoba carrier oils to treat alopecia areata. According to the double-blind controlled clinical trial, massage the mixture into the scalp daily for several months. • Because of the risk of irritation, it is a good idea to use thyme in blends. It blends particularly well with bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lavender, rosemary and pine. Contraindications and considerations for use It is not recommended to use thyme essential oil in its pure, concentrated form directly on the skin as it can be irritating to sensitive skin. The stronger oils, used in concentrated form could cause sensitization to the immune system or stimulate the thyroid gland and lymphatic system. Do not use if pregnant, but useful during labor to move along 'failure to progress' and expel afterbirth. Avoid in the presence of high blood pressure or epilepsy. If you have cancer, liver damage, or other serious health conditions, use under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. A conservative but effective way to use essential oil of thyme is to massage it into the soles of the feet. This method is typically well tolerated, reaching the lower bronchial capillaries, then through the circulatory system, the whole body, all without being absorbed into the liver. It is also very effective to inhale thyme, using a few drops on a tissue or handkerchief, or putting in an aroma burner or vaporizer/humidifier. Sources for this article include: Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy: An A-Z. Barnes and Noble Books, New York 1995. P. 313-315. Fischer-Rizzi, Susanne. Complete Aromatherapy Handbook. Sterling Publishing Co, New York 1990. p. 212-213. Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. New World Library, San Rafael, CA, 1991. P. 21-22. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyme http://www.naturalnews.com/030814_rosemary_herbs.html

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037696_thyme_colds_flu.html#ixzz2ATC47R3C

Read More

                                                            MORE GMO NEWS    

                                                                                                            Genetically modified (GMO) foods are a major problem, but what's most concerning is we don't know just how bad they are or how big of an issue they will become, yet.

Just How Bad Are GMOs? - NaturalNews.tv

tv.naturalnews.com

Do we really know yet? Naturopath and nutritionist David Getoff says genetically modified foods are a major problem, but what's most concerning i

Read More

Depression

Alternative Depression Treatments That Really Work

Alternative Depression TreatmentsLearning what to do about depression is of the utmost importance to the hundreds of millions of people worldwide who are afflicted with it. You are desperately seeking answers for yourself or loved ones for the safest course of treatment. Knowing what the dangerous side effects of prescription medications are, you will want to take a few moments to consider some of the options when it comes to safe alternative depression treatments.
St. John's Wart. This is often considered to be one of the best therapy tools that people can use. In studies, it has shown to be far more effective than most of the medications available and has fewer health concerns.
Vitamins B and D. B Vitamins have been linked to improving the mood of a person and helping with their brain function. By increasing your B Vitamins intake, there is a strong potential for you to improve your depression symptoms and you can start to feel better quickly. Foods high in B vitamins include Leafy greens, Eggs, Beans, whole grains, fish.
Vitamin D has also been found to improve depression. According to Dr. Mercola "Optimizing your vitamin D levels through proper sun exposure, use of a safe tanning bed or vitamin D3 supplementation may be an important step to protect your mental and emotional health." (1)
Exercising. Exercising alone can help you to begin to feel better and improve your mood. Dr. Weil recommends thirty minutes of continuous aerobic exercise, at least five days a week for best results.
Massages. Studies have shown that massages do help the body to experience a reduction in stress. Over time, this can help it to heal and improve the way we feel. With that in mind, you are going to want to consider regular massages. This will reduce the hormones and cortisol in your body and this can lead to a reduction in the depression that you end up feeling.
Acupuncture. When a trained acupuncturist works on you, studies have shown that your body can reduce the severity of the depression that it experiences. Acupuncture can change your brain chemistry in a good way so that you see a different outlook on life.
Individually, these natural approaches may have a little impact, but together they can dramatically reduce or eliminate depression and they are the safest choices you will have for improving your health without side effects.
Many people don't know what to do about depression. So here come greedy and unscrupulous companies who would love for you to think that the only solution is a costly pill. It can cost you more than money. Sometimes it can cost you your life. Now you know how to naturally treat depression.
The truth is that many conditions can be improved with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. It is your body and your life at stake. Don't be afraid to do your research and ask questions in order to find the best solution.
Sources
(1) New study shows this vitamin helps prevent depression
By Dr. Mercola
N. Curtis has written dozens of health articles and is the author of the Amazingly Informative and Extremely Entertaining Free Special Health Report "It's Your Body, You Can Die If You Want To!" Check it out now at http://www.youcandieifyouwantto.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6793507

Read More

                                          INFLAMMATION                                                                                                                                I wanted to spend some more time on 2 anti-inflammatory herbs; Boswellia Serrata(from the Frankincense family), and Tumeric.                                                                                       

 What is Turmeric? (Curcuma longa)

As well as providing its distinctive flavor and color to curries and other foods, Turmeric's versatility extends this medicinal spice easily from the kitchen cabinet to the medicine chest.

Turmeric is long-recognized as one of nature’s most powerful medicines. It's no wonder that, in Indonesia, Turmeric is known as the “Queen of All Herbs,” and in the Ayurvedic tradition of India, why Turmeric has been used medicinally for over 4000 years.

According to a study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism (2006), Turmeric can significantly reduce joint inflammation in osteoarthritis. Its main mechanism of action is via COX-2 inhibition, the same pathway that many prescription anti-inflammatory and arthritis drugs target. Turmeric does this, however, without the dangerous side effects incumbent upon many pharmaceuticals.

What is Turmeric used for?

• Anti-inflammatory - arthritis, prostatitis (BPH)
• Digestive support
• Supports liver detoxification
• Powerful antioxidant

What Are the Benefits of Boswellia?

By Lamonica Epps, eHow Contributor
Boswellia is an herb that is taken from the Boswellia serrata tree in the form of a gummy resin. Boswellia has been used for thousands of years to help with and heal several medical conditions. Research has shown that the ingredients in Boswellia have many health benefits, such as improving blood flow.


Read more: What Are the Benefits of Boswellia? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5035505_benefits-boswellia.html#ixzz29KkqkfMb

History

• The Boswellia serrata tree is found in the dry hilly areas of India. For thousands of years, Indian healers have used the gummy resin to treat ringworm, diarrhea and pulmonary disease, and for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Significance

• The anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellia help to reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Boswellia also has a high level of gugglesterones, which help people to lose weight. The Boswellia can easily be found in many over-the-counter weight-loss supplements.

Read more: What Are the Benefits of Boswellia? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5035505_benefits-boswellia.html#ixzz29KneIlab

Effects

• The acid from Boswellia increases the blood flow to joint tissues and prevents the breakdown of connective tissue. Boswellia is beneficial in reducing weight because it stimulates the thyroid. Once the thyroid is stimulated, this leads to an increase in thyroid efficiency, and an increase in calories burned.

Benefits

• Boswellia can also be beneficial in improving the symptoms of asthma. People who have asthma and take Boswellia can notice a reduction in attacks.

Other Benefits

• 
  Boswellia can be a pain reliever for people who don't suffer from arthritis. The extract from Boswellia acts as a natural aspirin or ibuprofen.

  
  

  These 2 herbs are some of the best for inflammation and are often combined in many formulas

  such as our Boswellia Complex(available at our office) or Relief First

  (available @ our office or  http://greensfirst.com/1838/gf_content2_2011.asp?node=2)

Many

Read More

               SPROUTS                                                                                                                                                   A good article by a fellow Chiropractor

Sprouting seeds unlocks dormant enzymatic potential Friday, October 12, 2012 by: Dr. David Jockers

(NaturalNews) Natural plants have unique ways of protecting their offspring and guaranteeing the future of their species. Grains, nuts, seeds and legumes all contain special agents protect the precious seeds and poison predators in order to ensure the continuation of their plant. The process of soaking, fermenting and sprouting these seeds removes the poisons and unlocks the dormant nutrient potential of the plant food. Grains, seeds, nuts and legumes all contain enzyme inhibitors and phytic acids that deplete important nutrient stores when consumed. These anti-nutrients dwell in the outer fibers and protect the crop from being eaten by mammals including humans. If the mammal were to eat a large amount of these foods with anti-nutrients intact, it would be enough to cause disease and potentially death. This allows the crop to continue to survive. Nature has a natural process to remove the enzyme inhibitors, phytates and other toxic anti-nutrients while maturing the naturally present enzymes. In the wild, these seeds would encounter rainfall that would completely soak them and initiate the fermentation and sprouting process. Phytic acids are organic acids that are bound to phosphorus. These are found in the outer layer of bran. The phytates block the absorption of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper iron and zinc and sweep them out of your system. A diet high in un-soaked/sprouted nuts, seeds, grains and legumes can lead to very serious health challenges. This would include mineral deficiencies, food allergens and major digestive problems. Soaking removes phytates The soaking process neutralizes enzyme inhibitors and washes off phytic acids. This process also activates beneficial enzymes and microorganisms that break down other indigestible toxins. Most of the phytic acids are gone after soaking for a period of seven to ten hours. Lactic or acetic acid-based soaking methods work most effectively to remove phytates. This would include using liquid whey and apple cider vinegar mixed with water. The practice of soaking, fermenting and sprouting also breaks down gluten and other challenging proteins into much simpler forms that are easily metabolized by the body. Sprouted legumes, seeds and nuts are basically a pre-digested food that has unlocked its full potential of enzymes and nutrients. Sprouts are an incredibly rich, living food that is rich in enzymes and anti-oxidants. The fermentation process unlocks huge nutrient potential within the seed. Sprouted foods have five to ten times higher B vitamins, double the vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, calcium and iron content of its pre-soaked and sprouted counterpart. The enzymes will also make the protein much more bioavailable for consumption. Always choose fresh and whenever possible, organic seeds, nuts, grains or legumes to sprout. Soaking time should be between four to twelve hours depending on the size and hardness of the seed. Large beans need 12 hours while small grains like quinoa need four hours. After the soaking process, it is necessary to keep the seeds damp but not super wet. They can easily be placed in a glass jar with a non-chlorinated paper towel over the top harnessed in by a rubber band. This allows the seeds to breath as they ferment without any bugs from getting inside the jar. Smaller seeds will begin to sprout in a matter of hours while large beans and nuts often take two to three days to sprout. Be sure to look out for mold. It will appear slightly gray, white or green and will typically smell bad. Using pink salts on the seeds helps prevent mold formation but can also slow the fermentation cycle. Sources for this article include: http://www.growyouthful.com/recipes/sprouts.php http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprouting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytates About the author: Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.drjockers.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance phone consultations to help you beat disease and reach your health goals

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037518_sprouting_seeds_enzymes_phytates.html#ixzz298yEfCWM

Read More

ANTI-SENILITY REPORT

ANTI-SENILITY REPORT

EPA May Slow Cognitive Decline

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, DEPRESSION, COGNITIVE FUNCTION - Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Medial Temporal Lobe, EPA, DHA

"Plasma long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and atrophy of the medial temporal lobe," Samieri C, Maillard P, et al, Neurology, 2012 Aug 14; 79(7):642-50. (Address: Cecilia Samieri, Epidemiologie de la nutrition et des comportements alimentaires, Centre INSERM U897-Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France. E-mail: Cecilia.Samieri@isped.u-bordeaux2.fr ).

A clinical study involving 281 community dwellers aged 65 years or older found that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may be linked to lower gray matter atrophy. Subjects' plasma fatty acid levels were measured at baseline, and MRI examinations were performed at baseline and at 4 years. Results found that higher plasma EPA, but not DHA, was associated with lower gray matter atrophy of the right hippocampal/parahippocampal area and of the right amygdala. These results indicate that EPA intake may slow cognitive decline. Additional research is warranted.

Statin Drugs May Influence Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

METABOLIC SYNDROME - Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Statin, Myocardial Infarction, EPA, DHA, ALA

"Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on major cardiovascular events in statin users and non-users with a history of myocardial infarction," Eussen SR, Geleijnse JM, et al, Eur Heart J, 2012 Jul; 33(13): 1582-8. (Address: Olaf H. Klungel, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. E-mail: O.H.Klungel@uu.nl ).

A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial involving 3740 statin users and 413 statin non-users found that statins modify the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI). Subjects received daily either 400 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or 2 g alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), or both, or placebo. Results showed that statin non-users who received EPA-DHA plus ALA experienced a reduced incidence of cardiovascular events, while for statin users, omega-3 did not reduce the incidence of CV events. Results indicate that statins may modify the effect of omega-3 fatty acids, but that for patients with a history of MI who are not treated with statins, low-dose supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may reduce major cardiovascular events.

Read More

ANTI-AGING REPORT

  

Omega-3 Supplements May Slow Biological Aging

A recent study indicates that most overweight but healthy middle-aged and older adults who took omega-3 supplements for four months altered their fatty acid consumption in a way that helped preserve tiny segments of DNA in their white blood cells.

These segments, called telomeres, are known to shorten over time in many types of cells as a consequence of aging. In the study, lengthening of telomeres in immune system cells was more prevalent in people who substantially improved the ratio of omega-3s to other fatty acids in their diet.

Omega-3 supplementation also reduced oxidative stress, caused by excessive free radicals in the blood, by about 15 percent compared to effects seen in the placebo group.

“The telomere finding is provocative in that it suggests the possibility that a nutritional supplement might actually make a difference in aging” Jan Kiecolt-Glaser, professor of psychiatry and psychology

In another recent publication from this study, Kiecolt-Glaser and colleagues reported that omega-3 fatty acid supplements lowered inflammation in this group of adults. “Inflammation in particular is at the heart of so many health problems. Anything that reduces inflammation has a lot of potentially benefits among older adults,” she said.

Study participants took either 2.5 grams or 1.25 grams of active omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are associated with a variety of health benefits. The placebo group took pills containing a mix of oils representing a typical American’s daily intake.

The researchers say this combination of effects suggests that omega-3 supplements could represent a rare single nutritional intervention that has potential to lower the risk for a host of diseases associated with aging, such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Participants received either the placebo or one of the two different doses of omega-3 fatty acids. The supplements were calibrated to contain a ratio of the two cold-water fish oil fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), of seven to one. Previous research has suggested that EPA has more anti-inflammatory properties than DHA.

In the case of fatty acids, omega-3 supplementation alone doesn’t tell the whole story of how this dietary change can affect health, explained Martha Belury, professor of human nutrition at Ohio State and a coauthor of the study. Also important is the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids that are present in a person’s blood.

Omega-6 fatty acids come from vegetable oils, and since the 1960s, research has suggested that these oils, too, can help protect the cardiovascular system. However, the typical American diet tends to be heavy on omega-6 fatty acids and comparatively low in omega-3s that are naturally found in cold-water fish such as salmon and tuna. While the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids averages about 15-to-1, researchers tend to agree that for maximum benefit, this ratio should be lowered to 4-to-1, or even 2-to-1. The long chains—or bigger molecules—that make up EPA and DHA fatty acids are believed to be the secret to their effectiveness.

Both groups of participants who took omega-3 supplements showed, on average, lengthening of telomeres compared to overall telomere effects in the placebo group, but the relationship could have been attributed to chance. However, when the researchers analyzed the participants’ omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in relationship to telomere lengthening, a lower ratio was clearly associated with lengthened telomeres.

“The idea we were looking at with the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids was an increase in the denominator to make the ratio smaller. In the United States, we need to focus on the omega-3 part because we don’t get enough of those,” Belury said.

The researchers also measured levels of compounds called F2-isoprostanes to determine levels of oxidative stress, which is linked to a number of conditions that include heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Both omega-3 groups together showed an average overall 15 percent reduction in oxidative stress compared to effects seen in the placebo group.

When the scientists revisited their earlier inflammation findings, they also found that decreases in an inflammatory marker in the blood called interleukin-6 (IL-6) were associated with telomere lengthening. In their earlier paper on omega-3s and inflammation, they reported that omega-3 supplements lowered IL-6 by 10 to 12 percent, depending on the dose. By comparison, those taking a placebo saw an overall 36 percent increase in IL-6 by the end of the study.

“This finding strongly suggests that inflammation is what’s driving the changes in the telomeres,” Kiecolt-Glaser said.

Kiecolt-Glaser noted that this population was disease-free and reported very little stress. The study included 106 adults, average age 51 years, who were either overweight or obese and lived sedentary lives. The researchers excluded people taking medications to control mood, cholesterol and blood pressure as well as vegetarians, patients with diabetes, smokers, those routinely taking fish oil, people who got more than two hours of vigorous exercise each week and those whose body mass index was either below 22.5 or above 40 “People who are less healthy than this group, and especially those who experience chronic stress, may gain even more benefits from omega-3 supplementation,” she said.

This work was supported in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health.

Read More