Honey and Cinnamon as a natural antibiotic to fight colds/flu

Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

To make a tea- 1 Teaspoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 8oz warm water

Some more amazing benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the oldest know spices. Cinnamon is a small tree that grows in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Egypt. It has innumerable benefit that has been recognized since the start of natural medicine in India. Cinnamon come in many forms from sticks that the bark has been dried and rolled into, which is also called quills as well as it can be dried and grounded into a powder. Regardless its form cinnamon is beneficial to mankind.

Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it wspecially beneficail for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

In a study published by researcher at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. Coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.

Another study found that by smelling cinnamon it boosts cognitive function and memory.

When cinnamon is added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

And, in some studies, cinamon has shown the ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.


Honey in Wound Management
Significant research is being carried out to study the benefits of honey in treating wounds. The benefits of honey in wound management. These have been given below: Honey possesses antimicrobial properties.
It helps in promoting autolytic debridement.
It deodorizes malodorous wounds.
It speeds up the healing process by stimulating wound tissues.
It helps in initiating the healing process in dormant wounds.
Honey also helps in promoting moist wound healing.

The healing powers of honey are not hyped. The Waikato Honey Research Unit provides details about the world-wide research that is being carried out on the benefits of honey in medicine. Further, BBC reported in July, 2006 that doctors at the Christie Hospital in Didsbury, Manchester are planning to use honey for faster recovery of cancer patients after surgery.

Honey contains antioxidants,powerful compounds which fight free radicals and reverse ageing.

A study conducted in 2004 by the University of California concluded that honey contains as many antioxidants as spinach, apples, oranges or strawberries.

All varieties of honey are rich in amino acids. One study has found that the level of amino acids present in honey is a reliable indicator of the honey's antioxidant capacity.

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of life, essential to our very existence. When you examine the various properties and benefits of each amino acid, you will start to form a clearer picture as to why honey is so beneficial.

Tryptophan:

A natural relaxant, it helps alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep. It reduces anxiety and depression, relieves migraine headaches, boosts immune system, reduces the risk of artery and heart spasms, and works with Lysine to reduce cholesterol levels.

Lysine:

It is one of the essential amino acids - your body cannot generate its own Lysine, meaning you must get it from your diet.

Recent studies have shown that Lysine may be effective against herpes by improving the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth. Prolonged stressful situations increase our requirements for Lysine and it is important in the formation of collagen (the protein that forms the matrix of your bone, cartilage and connective tissue).

Methionine:

Another essential sulfur amino acids. As with other essential amino acids, you do not create your own so you must ingest it for survival.

Contributes to the formation of important compounds in your body and works as a sulfur donor to aid in your body's detoxification processes.

Cysteine:

Functions as an antioxidant and protects the body against radiation and pollution.

Histidine:

Another essential amino acid and is delivered mostly from our diets.

It has anti-inflammatory properties and is the only amino acid found to be consistently low in the blood of those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Glutamine:

This essential amino acid plays a key role in the metabolism and the gastrointestinal tract. It is the primary energy source for the cells that line your intestines and is essential to keeping them healthy.

It is considered also to be a brain food by improving mental capacity. It may also help speed the healing of ulcers and reduce fatigue.

Tyrosine:

Tyrosine is a natural mood enhancer due to its ability to convert to feel-good neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It helps with depression. It also may convert to thyroid hormone and to adrenaline which is produced by your adrenal gland in response to stress.

It may come as a surprise to many people, but honey is an excellent source of vitamins.

Honey contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. The vitamin and mineral content of honey depends on the type of flowers used for agriculture. When bees are allowed free forage, the honey blend is higher in a wider variety of vitamins and minerals.

Honey is high in vitamin C, a variety of B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid, as well as, minerals such as potassium.

More honey information can be found at http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/honey-nutrition.html

Cold/Flu Check List

Photo courtesy Bettman/Corbis


It's that time, whether a Cold or Flu, swine or not here's a check list to keep you on the healthy side of life

Herbs:
Astragalus- Chinese herb-caspule-(make sure it contains 16%polysacchands & 0.2% flavones)-has been revered for more than 2,000 years in China for its beautiful yellow root and tonic effects, which include strengthening the immune and respiratory systems, and assisting recuperation from the effects of viruses. One of a class of herbs called adaptogens that build the body's resistance to stress and disease, astragalus not only seems to fight pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells, it also restores immune function in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Research suggests heart and kidney benefits, too.


Olive Leaf- (caspule or tincture)-Olive leaf dates back to around 1000 B.C. It has been known to work as a powerful antioxidant. Olive leaf works at the cellular level to measurably strengthen the body's immune response. The oleuropein in olive leaf is a natural wide-spectrum antibiotic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, it destroys only the bad bacteria and protects the good. Medical research shows that when olive leaf is taken orally, it searches out and "inactivates" bacteria. It does this by dissolving the outer lining of the infectious germs and then penetrates the infected cells, thus inhibiting the replication of the bacteria. Olive leaf is a cold and flu buster that delivers effective inhibition and prevention of infection by a wide range pathological microbes, including viruses, bacteria, retrovirus, fungi, yeasts and molds.
A great book on Olive Leaf is Olive Leaf Extract by Morton Walker, available at www.CrimsonMoon.com.

Lomatium (antiviral herbal tincture)-When the world faced the influenza pandemic of 1917-18, Americans tried remedies such as castor oil , tobacco, aspirin, and morphine. American herbalists recommended use of lomatium, and the remedy was used with reported success, especially in the Southwest.

Lomatium is currently used as an anti-viral remedy to treat colds, coughs, and infections. The herb is also known for boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.


Garlic-capsule or raw- is a broad spectrum antibiotic with powerful antibacterial properties. In general antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections of the sort that cause most colds and flu. Fortunately garlic isn't "just" an antibiotic. As well as the powerful antibacterial allicin, garlic produces a number of other potentially beneficial compounds.

7 cloves per ½ cup water blended to liquid, then 1 ½ tablespoon 4-6 times daily in tomato juice (tough on tummies, but works)

Dr.Calyton's Cold/Flu-combination of homeopathic and Chinese herbs in table form. For relief of symptoms caused by the common cold. Strengthens the immune system. Active ingredient: Echinacea 3x
Other ingredients: Bayberry Bark, Ginger Root, White Pine Bark, Cayenne, Clove available at www.CrimsonMoon.com

Homeopathic:

Osillococcinum- at first signs of any flu

***Gelsemium 30c-gradual onset with dizziness, chills, muscle aches, flushed face, sneezing, dull pain in back of head

**Ars-alb 30c for 5 days

**Bryonia-slow onset, sweats, dry obstructed nose, dry mouth, bursting frontal headache, dry hacking cough.

*Belladonna-hot, throbbing headache; red skin; glaring eyes; flushed skin; excited mental state; increased sensitivity of all senses (sometimes oversensitivity); delirium; suddenly appearing (and disappearing) neuralgic pains. For a sore throat, symptoms include: a dry, inflamed throat and difficulty swallowing

*Arnica-muscle aches from the flu
A great book to have on hand- Homeopathic Remedies by Asa Hershoff available at www.CrimsonMoon.com

Vitamins:

Vitamin C –2000 to 3000 daily-Dr Thomas Levy, he is one of the world’s experts in effects of vitamin C on viruses. Here’s what he says “I have not found any flu virus for which vitamin C does not exert a virucidal effect, as long as enough vitamin C reaches the virus, such as in any acute infection. I don’t know about Tamiflu, but the vitamin C is virtually devoid of negative side effects.” Here is the rest of the article...it is a interesting read http://www.patrickholford.com/index.php/blog/blogarticle/can_vitamin_c_kill_swine_flu/

Vitamin D –1000 units daily- very interesting article on Vit D dificiency linked to more colds & flu http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=vitamin-d-deficiency-linked-to-more-2009-02-23

Multi Vitamin-help promote your optimal health and strong immune system, providing support for defense against a growing number of health concerns

Respiratory Infections/Bronchitis – Clear Lung from Ridge Crest and QBC- (derivative of vitamin C. Do not use a cough suppressant if you have bronchitis. Coughing is essential for eliminating mucous secretions.

Increase PROBIOTICS-needed to boost the immune system (must have b.bifdum &l.acidophilus &l.bugarius)

*** Don't forget to stop all B vitamins while sick with infection as they feed the infection. Add the B's back once you have recovered.

Essential Oils for influenza:


****Star anise- Anti Viral- Tami flu is made of this

Ravensara (or Ravinsara this oil is milder-good for kids)used in treatment of respiratory conditions - Ravensara oil is said to work effectively against acute cases of the flu, both through its anti-viral effects-

Oregano-Anti Viral-Use as a powerful antiseptic, bacteria killer, and virucide. Inhale or in a 2% dilution of a base oil for respiratory problems, asthma, bronchitis, and viral and bacterial pneumonia.


Lavender-Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.

Frankincense-Anti-infectious, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-septic: helping to slow and deepen breathing, Used as a vaporizer, frankincense can help reduce the spread of disease.


Other Oils that are also beneficial
***Lemon-anti/bacterial
Cinnamon-anti/bacterial
Clove bud-anti/inflammory
Eucalyptus-anti/inflammory
Tea Tree- both
Pine-anti/bacterial

Uses for the Essential Oils
1 drop on soles of feet

Add to massage oil and rub affected areas-chest, back, sinus points, back of neck, etc...

use in bath

inhale/diffuse

room / linen mist

10% Ravensara in Aloe Vera gel= Natural Hand Sanitizer

Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Community

Stay informed
Get enough sleep
Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.

Drink sufficient fluids
Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

Boost your immune system
Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colourful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you are sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. You should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.

The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained on this blog are not intended as a substitute for consulting with you physician. All matters regarding health require medical supervision. Author shall be liable for any loss, injury, or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestions from these published writings/blogs.

Summer skin care tips and solutions for glowing summer skin

Hot weather, salt water, humidity, and chlorine take their toll on our skin during the summer months. You should drink plenty of water through the day, not merely to replenish humidity lost to the heat but also to help blush toxins out of the body and keep skin looking healthy and glowing.

Dr. Michelle Copeland recently was kind enough share her top summer skincare tips-"Your skin has different needs depending on the month. During the summer, the glands produce more oil, so switch to a product that's not so moisturizing. The zone around the nose and down towards the mouth contains a lot of glands, so you probably want to go easy on it all year round. People often wonder whether they should stop exfoliating during the summer because they think the dead skin is protecting them from the sun. While it's true that surplus surface cells offer a slight shield against rays, that benefit is outweighed by the greater gain you'll get in encouraging cell turnover. Always wear SPF to protect from the harsh UVA/UVB rays of the summer months. Apply sunscreen every day to your skin and lips. An easy way to remember your sunscreen is to use a daily moisturizer with SPF built right in! Sunblocks containing clear zinc oxide offer both UVA and UVB protection with the added benefit of the antioxidant properties of zinc." An easier way to remember sunscreen is; Wearing sunscreen everyday will significantly cut back on accumulative sun damage: It’s not about the SPF number, it’s how often and how much you re-apply your sunscreen.

Facials are equally important; an independent study at Harvard University has shown there is a strong connection between touch therapy and the overall heath of you skin and body. Having a facial is something that improves not only your skin, but also your overall health. Facials are recommended one at least every four to six weeks.
For the body as well as the face, the number one tip is exfoliation! For the body dry brushing and or body scrubs will turn over the dead skin cells and reward you with glowing skin. A gentle facial exfoliant applied 3-5 times a week or a facial will show much improvement for the health of the skin on the face.


Foods for healthy skin include: Berries, which give you a powerful punch of antioxidants that help you skin fight off free radical damage from the sun. Avocados are loaded with B-complex vitamins and essential fatty acids, which give avocados anti-inflammatory properties. Salmon is an important building block for healthy, younger skin by supplying essential fatty acids; whole grains contain selenium, which is an important mineral for maintaining healthy skin. Also, look to sweet potatoes for vitamin A (beta carotene) which does wonders to create a great complexion, green leafy veggies that are loaded with vitamins including zinc which contributes to a healthy glow to your skin, as well as citrus which contain vitamin C and bioflavonoids that help your body detoxify and support collagen in the skin, that helps keep the skin firm and young looking. We can't forget about olive oil, which provides healthy fats that are important maintaining healthy skin membranes. Your cell membranes hold water and help maintain the plump healthy look of your skin, and helps prevent wrinkles and age lines. Last but not lest antioxidants, are excellent to protect cell damage from the sun, Green Tea extracts and Grape Seed extracts, even pomegranate extracts, which is said to have more antioxidants that similar amount of green tea or even red wine.

Antiaging Secrets: Toners vs. Astringents

Why don't young people have wrinkles? Mostly because they have more facial fat, no sun damage, and gravity hasn't taken its toll. As we age, laugh lines appear around the mouth and eyes. Sometimes sleep lines, the temporary marks that appear after sleeping on a pillow, become permanent. Areas that are exposed to the sun may develop brown patches known as age spots or liver spots. Over time, the skin gradually loses its layer of subcutaneous fat, and skin can take on a gaunt appearance. This is why just cleansing your skin isn't enough.

Many people confuse toners and astringents, but they do different things. Usually toners are water based and slightly acidic in order to balance the pH of your skin. Toners are gentle and made to hydrate. They remove any leftover cleanser or dirt and help close pores. Astringents, on the other hand, are made to calm oily or inflamed skin. Teens with chronic acne can make the best use of astringents. If used on the wrong skin type, astringents can strip skin of protective oils.

Another good use of toners is as a refresher after exercise or on a hot day. If your skin type is normal, sensitive, dry, or mature, you will benefit from a toner. Toners can be made from Witch hazel, vinegar, glycerin, rose water, or distilled water. I think a good choice for an antiaging toner is glycerine because it's a vegetable-based fat.
http://face-natural.com/blog/natural-skin-care-articles/antiaging-secrets-toners-vs-astringents

Sleep...more than just for Beauty

Sleep: An Ayurvedic Perspective

by Shazia and Prana


“About 42 million sleeping pill prescriptions were filled last year, according to the research company IMS Health, up nearly 60 percent since 2000.” — The New York Times, February 7, 2006

There is a reason that millions of Americans are popping pills in their quest for rest. Studies have suggested that sleeping problems may be linked to obesity, depression, and diabetes—conditions which are epidemic in the United States. In a December 9, 2008 report published on www.medicalnewstoday.com, Professor Philippe Froguel of the Department of Genomic Medicine at Imperial College London pointed out, "we know that obese children tend to sleep badly and that people become more obese if they are not having enough sleep. Our new study demonstrates that abnormalities in the circadian rhythm may partly be causing diabetes and high blood sugar levels."
Clearly, sleep involves more than the bliss of closing your eyes at night. According to Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, getting quality sleep is one of the key ingredients of a healthy and joyful life. Sleep acts as a rejuvenator of mind and body, enabling us to have optimal functional performance during our waking hours. Even powerful medicine is of hardly any use if the fundamental ingredients of life are missing.
Sleep is important because it supports Ojas. Ojas is of the three treasures in Ayurveda (the other two being Prana (life force) and Tejas (radiant energy) that integrate body, mind, and spirit into a functioning individual. Ojas is the refined essence that is derived from the digestion and assimilation of food. It governs the growth and development processes in the body and enhances the immune system.
The state of deep sleep is achieved when our awareness is completely disconnected from our physical senses. If our awareness is only partially disconnected, then our quality of sleep may be adversely affected. Our lifestyle, eating habits and behavioral patterns create an imbalance of Vata (air), Pitta (fire) or Kapha (water) which eventually results in sleep imbalance. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the three Ayurvedic causative-patterns that govern all the different activities of the body and mind.
We all have varying amounts of Vata, Pitta and Kapha within us. If we pay attention to our resting patterns, we can discover more about our balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and make simple changes to our diet and lifestyle to enhance our experience of sleep each night.
Vata sleep imbalance is related to problems with falling asleep. A Vata pacifying diet is recommended in Ayurveda to alleviate this problem. Consider including foods that are warm, heavy and oily, and minimize foods that are cold, dry and light. Add the sweet, salty and sour tastes, and cut down on spicy, bitter and astringent foods. Develop a routine of eating meals and going to bed at the same time. Apply a little lavender oil to your hands and feet before you go to bed. Also, practice deep and slow breathing meditation to help you unwind.
Follow a Pitta pacifying diet if you tend to wake up during the night. This is generally an indication of Pitta sleep imbalance. Try incorporating foods that are cool and in liquid form. Sweet, bitter, astringent foods are good in moderation. Reduce foods that are hot, spicy, salty or sour. Apply calming oil, such as vetiver or rose, before going to bed. Practice deep and slow breathing meditation to help calm your mind.
If you wake up feeling dull and lethargic, you may be experiencing a Kapha sleep imbalance. In this case, favor foods that are light, dry and warm. Minimize or avoid foods that are heavy, oily and cold. Place an emphasis upon warm spices and tastes that are bitter and astringent. Avoid sweet and sour tasting foods. Massaging feet with warming massage oil such as rosemary or eucalyptus will help.
When appropriately chosen and practiced regularly, an Ayurvedic diet combined with a blend of essential oils and breathing meditation can create a relaxing and calming atmosphere to balance your body, mind, and spirit so that you wake up feeling rested and rejuvenated.
http://www.visionmagazine.com/archives/0901/Holistic_Living_Sleep.html