Today's Natural Cure: Ginger

This article is from  naturalnews.com

Ultimate brain food - Increase memory, reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and protect against multiple sclerosis with ginger

(NaturalNews) Ginger root is a well-recognized health marvel, mending everything from inflammation to cancer to diabetes. But did you know that it can also improve brain function? In our demanding world, acute cognitive ability is essential. Fortunately, ginger is an outstanding ally in the quest for enhanced memory and clarity. Moreover, it plays a substantial role in guarding against brain oxidative stress and neurological disease.

Wonder remedy

As a functional food, ginger is hard to beat. Used throughout the world as a delicious culinary ingredient, it also has a long track record of healing benefits. Ginger has been shown to:

- Reduce pain

- Prevent diabetes

- Defeat cancer

- Heal bacterial and fungal infections

- Tame inflammation

- Soothe nausea

- Lessen the effect of toxic chemicals

- Treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

- Protect against radiation

- Improve cardiovascular health

- Defend against the risk of stroke

- Curb migraine headaches

And there's more. Current research has shown ginger can help make you smarter and protect against neurological afflictions too.

Brain boosting properties

Research published in Evidence Based Complementary Medicine found that the consumption of ginger by middle-aged women improved cognitive ability. Sixty healthy participants were randomly given either a placebo or standardized ginger extract (400 and 800 mg once per day) for two months. The volunteers were then evaluated at the one and two month mark for memory and cognitive function. Those who received the extract demonstrated a considerable increase in memory, while brain oxidative stress was reduced.

Another study discovered ginger root helped minimize monosodium glutamate (MSG) neurotoxicity. After male albino rats were given a daily dose (4 mg/per kilogram) of pure MSG for thirty days, a significant decrease in the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine along with the brain neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin was observed. However, when an injection of ginger root extract (100 mg/per kilogram) was given for the same length of time, the hormones and neurotransmitters significantly increased. Researchers then found that when both were administered simultaneously, the extract mitigated the damaging effects of MSG - leading the team to conclude that ginger acts as a potent protective agent.

As an excitotoxin, MSG is linked with Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, autism and attention deficit disorder.

Whether contending with age-related cognitive decline or toxic food additives, ginger is an exceptional protective root. Including it in your daily diet is a powerful health affirming habit. Use it as a flavorful spice in cooking, freshly brewed as a tea or in extract form to help preserve brain and nerve health now and in the future.

Sources:

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

http://gaia-health.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://www.botanicchoice.com

http://www.whfoods.com

http://www.cbn.com

Today's Natural Cure: Reducing High Blood Pressure

This article is from  naturalsociety.com

7 Herbs and Foods for Reducing High Blood Pressure (Chart)

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a huge problem in our modern world, but many people don’t even know they have it. This is why high blood pressure is often referred to as the silent disease. It is considered a high risk factor for cardiac arrest and symptomatic of clogging arteries. But even with it’s silent presence, you shouldn’t be too worried – you can utilize numerous herbs and foods for high blood pressure for treating the issue naturally.

The CDC estimates that approximately 1 in 3 Americans have high blood pressure (HBP), so you can understand why discovering ways to lower blood pressure naturally is important – especially since prescription drugs are expensive and have numerous side effects.

Recognizable symptoms of high blood pressure include heart palpitations, feeling overheated easily, and experiencing dizzy spells. The most likely populations to have high blood pressure are the overweight, pre-diabetics, and full blown diabetics.

These are the measurement indexes for anyone wondering about high blood pressure:

• Systolic is the first number of a blood pressure reading and is generally the higher number. Systolic measures blood pressure as the heart pumps. Above 140 is considered HBP.

• Diastolic is the second and generally lower number. Diastolic measures blood pressure during the heart’s resting points, and over 90 is considered high.

You can use blood pressure reading devices located in pharmacies and health food stores, but realize that your readings may vary. Chronic high readings wave a red flag, though. Try to average them out. Here is an info-graphic to help you understand your specific readings.

It’s important to know that mainstream HBP dietary concerns with high sodium intake are misleading; we need sodium. Processed and fast foods are too high in sodium from toxic processed salts. Even worse and unrecognized by mainstream medicine are refined carbs, especially corn syrup (HFCS) used in processed fake foods. Avoid those and eat organic whole foods using real unprocessed sea salt and natural sweeteners.

Natural Supplements, Foods, and Herbs for Reducing Blood Pressure

• 1. Renowned for increasing cellular energy and promoting heart health, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is naturally produced in the body, but levels drop off as we age. It is vitally important for anyone taking statin drugs to supplement CoQ10 liberally, as statin drugs inhibit CoQ10. Two studies have demonstrated significant reductions with systolic and diastolic readings in three months or less from taking CoQ10. Holistic cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra, MD, recommends using 50 to 100 milligrams of CoQ10 daily if you have any cardiovascular disease risk factors.

• 2. L-Arginine is an inexpensive supplement co-factor for creating nitric oxide (NO), a chemical also  also stimulated with exercise. It’s a gas molecule that helps keep blood vessel walls flexible, which is an important property for lowering blood pressure.

• 3. Vitamin C and Lysine in high doses is part of two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling’s recommendation for creating strong and flexible blood vessels. Ascorbic acid  is recommended to achieve sufficiently high doses of vitamin C.

• 4. Hawthorn berry is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine tonic for the heart and cardiovascular system. Hawthorn can be best consumed as a tea or tincture. Several studies have agreed that Hawthorn is as effective without side effects as pharmaceuticals for HBP.

• 5. Ginger has demonstrated blood thinning properties as well as calcium channel blocking, which keeps calcium from entering the heart and adhering to inner artery walls to create blockages. Some pharmaceuticals for high blood pressure are calcium channel blockers with side-effects. Ginger taken in capsules or made into teas with thin ginger root slices is quite safe as long as you’re not taking other blood thinners, including aspirin.

• 6. An enzyme extracted from natto, a Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, Nattokinase clears artery blockages. Avoid this if you have a bleeding problem and takes medications for it. Otherwise, nattokinase supplements are safe and effective. When choosing a nattokinase supplement, be sure it has retained vitamin natto’s vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 transports calcium out of blood vessels and into bones where it belongs, which helps prevent calcification in the arteries and heart.

• 7. Stress is a high blood pressure factor. Improve your stress levels by meditating, practicing yoga, and moderately exercising. Relaxation and ridding your life of stress are keys to not only normalizing blood pressure, but improving overall happiness and well-being.

For more natural remedies, be sure to check out our home remedies for high blood pressure page.

Additional Sources:

ScienceDaily

Today's Natural Cure: Herbs

This article is from  naturalnews.com

Five must-have herbs for healing your body and mind

(NaturalNews) Mental health and physical health are so closely intertwined that properly addressing the ailments identified in one often requires also addressing potentially unidentified ailments in the other. In many cases, the most effective way to restore optimal health to both body and mind is to supplement with adaptogenic and other herbs that help balance both systems simultaneously and naturally, without causing harmful side-effects. Here are five must-have herbs that may be exactly what your body needs to achieve optimal mental and physical health:

1) Turmeric. Turmeric, the primary active component of which is curcumin, is one of the most clinically studied herbs today that contains powerful mind-body healing capacities. A common healing herb in both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric possesses a unique ability to ease and even cure systemic inflammation, which is a common cause of many chronic health conditions and autoimmune disorders that plague people today.

Because of its natural ability to normalize various bodily processes commonly aggravated by stress and other life factors, turmeric is considered to be one of the most powerful adaptogenic herbs that helps promote systemic balance and facilitate the healthy metabolism and assimilation of nutrients. By counteracting these disease-causing physical, chemical, and biological stressors, turmeric can effectively heal and protect against illnesses that affect both mind and body. (http://www.naturalnews.com/turmeric.html)

2) Ginger. Often under-appreciated because of its relative commonality as a food, ginger is another powerful healing herb that has been used the world over to prevent and heal diseases of all kinds. Some of ginger's many benefits include its ability to settle a nervous or upset stomach, which for some people can lead to persistent mental anguish and disruption of other bodily functions. Raw ginger has long been consumed for its general calming effect, which can help promote general healing while staving off disease.

Ginger helps specifically improve digestion by aiding in the breakdown of proteins and fats, which in turn helps prevent gas, food buildup, and other negative conditions that can decrease immune function and trigger disease. Supplementing with ginger can also help lower blood pressure, ease morning sickness, and lower bad cholesterol levels. (http://www.naturalnews.com/ginger.html)

3) Aloe vera. Like ginger, aloe vera possesses an incredible ability to ease nausea, improve digestion, cleanse the colon and digestive tract, and maintain healthy elimination and bowel function. Consuming aloe vera can also help ease inflammation and improve the oxygenation of blood, two benefits that for many people can make all the difference in promoting lasting health.

There are so many benefits to consuming aloe vera, in fact, that simply adding the gel or juice of this powerful, succulent plant into your daily dietary regimen can effectively remedy a whole host of physical and mental illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, kidney stones, ulcers, high blood pressure, nutrient deficiencies, constipation, diabetes, candida and other yeast infections, skin disorders, and cancer. (http://www.naturalnews.com/aloe_vera.html)

4) Tea tree oil. Typically used topically to heal various skin conditions and infections, tea tree oil is considered by many to be "nature's miracle healer." A highly-versatile, all-purpose healing oil, tea tree oil, which comes from the Melaleuca tree, is an exceptionally powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, curative, bactericidal, fungicidal, insecticidal, stimulating, and sudorific herb capable of treating many different physical and mental ailments.

Drinking Melaleuca tea, for instance, especially when blended with other beneficial herbs like rosemary, passion flower, hibiscus, and ginseng, can help calm and soothe the nerves while providing sustained energy and motivation. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a diffuser by itself or with other essential oils can also help clear the lungs and airways of harmful buildup, promote alertness, and boost general feelings of health and well-being. (http://www.naturalnews.com/tea_tree_oil.html)

5) Holy basil. Another powerful adaptogenic herb, holy basil is known to help elevate mood and spirit while calming the mind. Like ginseng and licorice, holy basil is said to enhance the mind-body-spirit connection by addressing the underlying health conditions afflicting each of these important human systems. Besides generally relieving stress and boosting immunity, holy basil helps fight chronic inflammation, boost energy levels, promote clarity of mind and thought, and improve digestion. (http://www.healthbooksummaries.com)

Known more commonly as tulsi, holy basil is also recognized for its ability to fight various allergies and allergy symptoms, which often lead to feelings of "brain fog" and mental incapacity. Individuals that supplement with holy basil, particularly in conjunction with other adaptogenic herbs, have found that they are able to breathe better, digest food better, think better, and generally feel better, regardless of their particular health conditions. (http://www.naturalnews.com/Holy_Basil.html)

Sources for this article include:

http://organicindiausa.com/article-adaptogens-the-best-overall-herbs/

http://lifespa.com/2008/12/ayurvedic-adaptogenic-herbs/

Today's Natural Cure: How To Get Rid Of Migraines

This article is from  foodmatters.tv

SIX SAFE, NATURAL SOLUTIONS TO GET RID OF MIGRAINE HEADACHE PAIN

Migraines can be debilitating and sufferers are often only too anxious to rid themselves of the terrible pain characterizing this condition. 

Many migraine sufferers don't realize the effects certain foods and chemicals may have on their systems, contributing to the development of migraines, or to their resolution.

The good news is that dietary changes, herbs and supplements can all work to provide natural relief to some migraine patients.

1. Avoid Food Additives and Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, preservatives and flavor enhancers such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), are known to create severe reactions in some people, triggering migraine headaches. 

Despite numerous reported side effects and symptoms of aspartame toxicity, the FDA has allowed the product back on the market where it continues to cause numerous problems for consumers.

Sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin and Splenda can be replaced with stevia, a naturally sweet herb with no known side effects and no calories. 

2. Avoid Foods that Trigger Migraines

Chocolate, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, sodas, refined sugars, genetically modified foods, gluten-containing grains, aged cheeses and peanuts are some of the more common food culprits that may cause migraines.

Reintroduce potential problem foods one at a time over a period of weeks to find out which one is causing the problem. Taking these foods out of your diet may feel like a sacrifice; however, if your headaches are eliminated or greatly reduced, then it may be worth it.

3. Add Tryptophan to Your Diet

Tryptophan, one of the 10 essential amino acids, stimulates the production of the brain transmitter dopamine, which in turn contributes to the release of serotonin. Migraine relief often results from the flow of serotonin, which elevates moods, relieves anxiety and tension, and relaxes tiny muscles around capillaries in the scalp. 

Add tryptophan to your diet either in supplement form or by eating foods like turkey, red meat, legumes, nuts and seeds.

4. Lavender - the Natural Analgesic

Lavender is used by herbalists to soothe jangled nerves and has an analgesic effect on migraine sufferers. Lavender reduces the inflammation that occurs in blood vessels during a migraine, and relieves spasms in the muscles of the neck, around the eyes and in the scalp. 
Place dried lavender flowers in sachets or herbal hot packs to use when headaches start. Alternatively, make a tea by steeping one teaspoon of the dried flowers in one cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Sip slowly throughout the day and sweeten if desired.

5. Ginger, Peppermint and Cayenne - the Natural Pain Relieving Herbs

Use common household herbs like ginger, peppermint and cayenne pepper to treat a migraine. Ginger or peppermint can also be helpful in reducing the nausea accompanying many migraine headaches. 

To make a herbal tea, mix the three herbs together. Place a pinch of cayenne pepper, a one inch piece of fresh ginger and a teaspoonful of dried peppermint in two cups boiling water and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Remove the herbs and sweeten with honey to taste. 

Natural pain relievers in each of these herbs can help ease away your migraine headache.

6. Butterbur - a Natural beta-blocker

Butterbur, a herb native to Europe and Northern Asia, was found to reduce the intensity of migraine headaches by lessening inflammation and stabilizing blood flow to the brain. It acts as a beta-blocker, helping to control blood pressure and preventing spasms in the capillaries. 

Only use butterbur that is labeled PA-Free, ensuring that any harmful toxins have been thoroughly removed from the supplement, making the herb safe for use. Butterbur is also known to relieve numerous allergies, especially those that may contribute to causing headaches.

Source Link: 
http://www.naturalnews.com/037419_migraines_headaches_pain_relief.html#ixzz28kyIQMHL

Cancer Treatment Tip: Ginger

This article is from  naturalsociety.com

Ginger Destroys Cancer More Effectively than Death-Linked Cancer Drugs

Ginger, a cousin spice of super anti-cancer substance turmeric, is known for its ability to shrink tumors. Astoundingly, it is even more effective than many cancer drugs, which have been shown to be completely ineffective and actually accelerate the death of cancer patients. Commonly consumed across the world in small doses among food and beverage products, the medicinal properties of ginger far surpass even advanced pharmaceutical inventions.

The subject of one study based out of Georgia State University, whole ginger extract was revealed to shrink prostate tumor size by a whopping 56% in mice. The anticancer properties were observed in addition to ginger’s role in reducing inflammation as well as being a rich source of life-enhancing antioxidants. But what about cancer drugs? Could this simple spice really topple the advanced pharmaceuticals that are often touted as the ‘only option’ for cancer patients by medical doctors?

It turns out that cancer drugs are not only severely ineffective at permanently shrinking tumors, but they actually make tumors larger and kill the patient more quickly. More specifically, the tumors have been found to ‘metasize’, meaning they come back bigger and more stronger than their original size. What’s more, the ‘metasizing’ was found to be very aggressive. According to scientists Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, the premium priced drugs were little more than death sentences for many patients.

“Whatever manipulations we’re doing to tumors can inadvertently do something to increase the tumor numbers to become more metastatic, which is what kills patients at the end of the day,” said study author Dr. Raghu Kalluri.

These are the very drugs considered to be the scientifically proven solution by mainstream health officials.

Meanwhile, ginger presents virtually no side effects and has been used as a food product by many cultures for countless centuries. Instead of creating super tumors, whole ginger extract was shown to exert significant growth-inhibiting and death-inductory effects in a spectrum of prostate cancer cells. Over 17 other studies have also reached similar conclusions on ginger’s anticancer benefits, with the spice beingshown by peer-reviewed research to positively impact beyond 101 diseases.