Can Coconut Oil Boost Thyroid Health?

Dr. Bruce Fife explains how coconut oil is beneficial to keeping your thyroid in check.



From wellnessmama.com:

Thyroid problems and thyroid cancer run in my family so I want to be as proactive as possible in protecting my thyroid. Thankfully, I love coconut oil and use it for everything already, but I’ve made a special effort to use it in high amounts daily to nourish the thyroid. This is what I do:

-Add up to 1/4 cup a day to hot teas and coffee (Here’s my favorite recipe) 

-Use up to 1/4 cup a day in cooking

-Up to 1/4 cup a day added to smoothies

With all that saturated fat, have I gained a ton of weight? Quite the opposite, as this seems to help me lose weight and maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. It seems others have had similar experiences too. 

At the very least, this regimen has helped me have enough energy to meet the daily demands of raising five little ones without the afternoon slump I used to get. It has also helped my skin stay clear and improved my sun tolerance, so I’m not complaining! 

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of coconut oil and how it helps the thyroid, I recommend the book Virgin Coconut Oil that is distributed by Tropical Traditions. I also order Tropical Traditions gold label Coconut Oil as it is the highest quality coconut oil I’ve found. 

Have you used coconut oil for health reasons? How did it help?

Sources: wellnessmama.com & ihealthtube.com

8 Best Foods to Eat For Healthy Teeth

by John Summerly

Image: wellnessmama.com

There are far more than eight foods for healthy teeth, but I've found these to work especially well to prevent and even reverse tooth decay and gum disease in the long-term.

1. Butter Oil
Butter Oil, is a key ingredient to re-enameling teeth because it contains certain fats and activating substances that help bond the nutrients in the body to the bones. The butter must be organic from cows or goats eating rapidly growing green grasses.

2. Raisins
Naturally sweet, raisins don’t contain sucrose, or table sugar. Sugar helps bacteria stick to the tooth surface, letting them produce plaque. Raisins are also a source of phytochemicals, which may kill cavity-causing plaque bacteria. Some compounds in raisins also affect the growth of bacteria associated with gum disease.

3. High Vitamin Cod Liver Oil
This marvelous golden oil contains large amounts of elongated omega-3 fatty acids, preformed vitamin A and the sunlight vitamin D, essential nutrients that are hard to obtain in sufficient amounts in the modern diet. Samples may also naturally contain small amounts of the important bone- and blood-maintainer vitamin K. In numerous studies, the elongated omega-3 fats found in cod liver oil have been shown to improve brain function, memory, stress response, immune response, allergies, asthma, learning and behavioral disorders, including bipolar syndrome and manic-depression.

4. Tea
Compounds called polyphenols, found in black and green teas, slow the growth of bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that people who rinsed their mouths with black tea for one minute, 10 times a day, had less plaque buildup on their teeth than people who rinsed their mouths with water. What’s more, the size and stickness of their plaque was reduced. Tea undermines the ability of some bacteria to clump together with other bacteria, the researchers said.

5. Coconut Oil
The human body converts the lauric acid found in coconut oil into an amazing monoglyceride called monolaurin which is only found in abundance in one other liquid–breast milk. It has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties. Lauric acid is a powerful virus and gram-negative bacteria destroyer, and coconut oil contains the most lauric acid of any substance on earth. It is able to attack the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

6. Crunchy Veggies
It takes serious chewing to break down foods such as carrots, apples and cucumbers. But all that crunching isn’t in vain. Chewing disturbs dental plaque, and serve as a cleansing mechanism. So instead of remaining in your mouth and settling on teeth, bacteria get cleared away.

7. Vitamin-rich Foods
Foods containing calcium such raw (unpasteurized) organic hard cheese, almonds and leafy greens — and foods high in phosphorous — such as eggs and wild fish — can help keep tooth enamel strong and healthy, according to the American Dental Association. Acidic foods and beverages may cause tiny lesions on tooth enamel and calcium or phosphate help redeposit minerals back into those lesions.

8. Cranberries
Cranberries contain polyphenols (just as tea does), which may keep plaque from sticking to teeth, thus lowering the risk of cavities, according to a study published in the journal Caries Research. A caveat: Because the fruit is so tart, many cranberry products have added sugar, which may affect any potential benefits for teeth, so make eat raw unsweetened cranberries or even blend frozen unsweetened cranberries into a smoothie.

John Summerly is nutritionist, herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner. He is a leader in the natural health community and consults athletes, executives and most of all parents of children on the benefits of complementary therapies for health and prevention.

Source: realfarmacy.com via Prevent Disease

How Coconut Oil May Rescue The Brain From Alzheimer's Disease

by Sayer Ji | Green Med Info

Image: greenmedinfo.com

A promising new study soon to be published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease titled, "Coconut Oil Attenuates the Effects of Amyloid-β on Cortical Neurons In Vitro."[i]  The study lends fresh experimental support to an accumulating body of anecdotal reports that coconut oil may alleviate and/or regress cognitive deficits associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's.

Medical researchers from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada, undertook a pilot study to investigate the effects of coconut oil supplementation directly on cortical neurons treated with amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in vitro.  Aβ peptide is the main component of certain deposits found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease believed to contribute to the disease.

The researchers noted that a recent clinical trial, which we reported on in our article MCT Fats Found in Coconut Oil Boost Brain Function in Only One Dose, reported significant improvements in Alzheimer's disease patients after 45 and 90 days of treatment with medium chain triglycerides from coconut oil.  They pointed out that this trial led to the marketing of the FDA-approved 'medical food' caprylidene (trade name Axona), but that the public has shown greater interest in coconut oil itself as a potential therapy, owing to its far greater affordability and availability.

The researchers sought to test the hypothesis that coconut oil is beneficial for neurodegenerative conditions using a cell model.  Live rat neurons were exposed to various combinations of Aβ peptide and coconut oil, with the result that Aβ peptide reduced survival of neurons and coconut protected against this Aβ-induced reduction in survival time.  The researchers noted that coconut treated Aβ cultured neurons appeared "healthier," and that coconut oil "rescued" Aβ-treated neurons from mitochondrial damage caused by their toxicity.  The researchers observed coconut oil preventing Aβ-induced changes in mitochondrial size and circularity. These findings have great significance, as mitochondria function is often compromised in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients.

According to the researchers, "The rationale for using coconut oil as a potential AD [Alzheimer's Disease] therapy is related to the possibility that it could be metabolized to ketone bodies that would provide an alternative energy source for neurons, and thus compensate for mitochondrial dysfunction."  The researchers proposed that ketone bodies formed as a byproduct of coconut oil metabolism may offset Aβ-induced impairment of mitochondrial function and thus energy metabolism.  Considering that the medium chain triglyceride found in coconut known as caprylic acid does cross the blood-brain barrier, and has recently been found to have anti-convulsant, in addition to, ketogenic effects, coconut oil likely does have a neuroprotective effect.[ii]

Continue reading at greenmedinfo.com

How to Naturally Protect your Teeth from Cavities

by Derek Henry | Natural News

Image: wellnessmama.com

The world is slowly waking up to the fact that, when you give the body what it needs, it can heal things we previously thought were impossible. A fine example of what is often deemed as an incurable health problem is dental cavities, but extensive research is now becoming more public about the true nature of tooth decay and the fact that there are proven remedies that can remedy it.

The lies perpetrated about tooth decay

According to the American Dental Association, the reason we have tooth decay is as follows:

“[Tooth decay] occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.”

There are a few problems with this theory, including:

• Groups of indigenous people who had fermentable carbohydrates stuck on their teeth all the time that did not brush or floss were mostly or completely free of tooth decay.
• Bacteria do not consume processed sugar or flour because of the lack of nutrients in them.
• Foods that bacteria like to eat, such as milk, vegetables, meat, fish and fruit, are not commonly implicated in causes of tooth decay.

So if the modern explanation of tooth decay is not accurate, what is actually the cause of tooth decay?

What actually causes tooth decay

Tooth decay, as researched by Dr. Weston Price and other dental pioneers, boiled down to three factors:

• Not enough minerals in the diet.
• Not enough fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) in the diet.
• Nutrients not being readily bioavailable, and your intestinal system not properly absorbing them. The presence of phytic acid largely influences this factor.

Over a period of time, if your diet lacks vitamins and minerals from a poor diet and/or contains high levels of phytates (from grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes), the blood chemistry and the ratio of calcium and phosphorous become out of balance, which results in minerals being pulled from bones, causing tooth and bone loss.

So, the long-standing belief that sugar causes tooth decay is true, but as a result of it depleting nutrients from the body, not because bacteria eat it and produce acid that ruins your teeth.

The food remedies that can heal cavities and tooth decay

In order to restore the ratio of calcium and phosphorus in our blood, and to enable minerals to bond to our teeth, it is not enough to just avoid eating too many sweet or processed foods. We must also eat health-building foods, containing copious amounts of minerals and vitamins that will build a glassy hard tooth structure.

Foods to focus on are:

• Coconut oil, grass-fed organic dairy (especially butter), grass-fed meats, seafood and bone broths.
• Organic cooked vegetables (soups with bone broth are ideal).
• Organ and gland meats, like liver.

Limit foods that are high in phytic acid, like grains, beans, nuts and seeds, as well as limiting processed food intake full of processed flours and sugars that upset blood sugar balance.

Supplements to consider are:

• Fermented cod liver oil – very high in fat soluble vitamins A, D and K.
• Magnesium – required to use calcium and phosphorous effectively.
• Gelatin – if you don’t have time to make bone broth, this is a good alternative and is great for gums and digestion.

Source: naturalnews.com

5 Protective Natural Sunscreens

Carrier Oils are a great natural alternative to the regular sunscreens that contain ingredients that have been deemed toxic to skin.

Here is our pick of the top 5: 

Coconut Oil is such a versatile oil. As well as the many health benefits that come with coconut oil, it also boasts a natural SPF of  4. 

Almond Oil contains a natural SPF of 5. As well as the natural sun protection, it contains vitamin E which keeps skin supple and looking young. 

Avocado Oil contains monosaturated fats providing a SPF of 15. It is also boasts sterolins which have been known to reduce age spots associated with sun damage, can help reduce scars and ease sunburn.

Raspberry Seed Oil also has a wonderful SPF of 30. It is rich in Omega 3 and 6 which have been associated with stretch mark reduction.

Carrot Seed Oil provides a high SPF of 40. It is also rich in antioxidants and antiseptic properties. It is worth noting that it usually comes in the form of an essential oil. For optimum and safe use it is recommended to dilute with a carrier oil. 

photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/people/60169539@N00

Some tips for using natural oils as sun protection: 

It is worth considering the following when using natural oils as a means of sun protection;

• Whatever oil you use, remember to reapply it frequently. SPF ratings are test that are undertaken in laboratories and whilst they can give near accurate ratings, they do not always factor in climate, body temperature, exposure to water or moisture.
• Always choose oils from a trusted organic brand, to ensure that it is not a diluted version that could put your skin at risk of sunburn.
• It is advisable to opt for an oil that is appropriate for your skin type.
• Always carry out a skin sensitivity test a few days prior sun exposure.
• Before considering using homemade products on children’s skin or where the skin is compromised in some way, it is worth seeking professional advise.

Oil Pulling To Prevent And Treat Damage To Teeth

by Jonathan Benson – Natural News

If health authorities are going to remain insistent upon lacing the water supply with additives to thwart tooth decay, then they really should be using all-natural coconut oil rather than fluoride chemicals, based on the findings of a new study. Researchers from the Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) in Ireland have found that coconut oil effectively inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause cavities and mouth infections, without causing any harmful side-effects.

Image: Healthy-Homemakers.com

For their study, a team of researchers from the school added enzymes to coconut and several other oils to mimic how these oils would normally be processed during digestion. The team then applied the digested form of each of the oils to several strains of bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, a common acid-producing bacteria often found inside the mouth, and Candida albicans, a highly problematic yeast strain that can cause oral thrush infection.

What they discovered was that only the coconut oil exhibited clear antibacterial and yeast-fighting properties when exposed to the different bacterial strains. In fact, enzyme-modified coconut oil was found to fight all sorts of bacterial strains without triggering any negative side-effects, or promoting the development of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” like antibiotic drugs do.

“Incorporating enzyme-modified coconut oil into dental hygiene products would be an attractive alternative to chemical additives (like fluoride), particularly as it works at relatively low concentrations,” said Dr. Damien Brady, lead researcher from AIT, about coconut oil’s amazing antibacterial power. “Also, with increasing antibiotic resistance, it is important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat microbial infection.”

Adding to this sentiment, Dr. Brady also noted that the human digestive system naturally exhibits antimicrobial activity, at least when it is given the proper foods and nutrients. Consuming more coconut oil, in this case, can effectively boost immunity and thwart the onset of harmful, disease-causing pathogens in the mouth and elsewhere throughout the body.


Coconut oil is far more effective at fighting, preventing tooth decay than toxic fluoride

What is particularly interesting about these dramatic findings is that coconut oil was demonstrably shown in a credible study to fight harmful bacteria and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride, on the other hand, which is pumped into water supplies nationwide that hydrate millions of people, has never been legitimately shown to fight or prevent tooth decay when ingested.

What this new study on coconut oil actually helps unearth is the fact that water fluoridation is a complete scientific fraud. Not only has fluoride never been proven to prevent tooth decay when ingested, but recent studies have actually shown that fluoride harms teeth. Ingesting fluoride, it turns out, can cause dental fluorosis, as well as some other very serious health problems in the long term.

“Once ingested, fluoride compounds attack the structural integrity of our insides,” says Shane Ellison, author, chemist, and founder of ThePeoplesChemist.com. “Collagen, a web-like network connecting our skeletal system to muscles, is torn apart by fluoride. We feel it as joint stiffness, ligament damage, and aching bones. This same mechanism leads to browning of teeth, an outcome known as fluorosis.”

Coconut oil, on the other hand, will not only help protect your teeth against bacterial rot, but it will also help improve digestion and metabolism, promote heart health, boost energy levels, and strengthen immunity. Since ingesting coconut oil converts it into a powerful bacteria-fighter, as illustrated by the study, “swishing” coconut oil can also promote improved oral health via the enzymatic activity of its mixing with saliva.

Source: naturalnews.com

Man Reverses Alzheimers Symptoms Using Coconut Oil

Some of Steve Newport’s symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease reversed, thanks to the unlikely treatment prescribed by his wife, Dr. Mary Newport, a physician who runs a neonatology ward at a Tampa, Fla., hospital.

Did you know coconut oil can also be used to kill Candida?

photo from www.undergroundhealthreporter.com

Dr. Newport added coconut oil to her husband Steve’s diet. Just two weeks later, he took the Alzheimer’s clock test again and demonstrated stunning improvement.

“I thought at the time, was it just good luck? Was it a lot of prayer? Was it the coconut oil?” she said. “And I thought, well, we’re going to keep the coconut oil going.”

Sources:  Raw For Beauty

http://tv.greenmedinfo.com

6 Tips On Healing Scars Naturally

Natural Cures Not Medicine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturalcuresnotmedicine

Try some of these 6 natural remedies which will visibly improve the appearance of scars over time.

Source: Dave Sommers

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Source : Grow Food Not Lawns

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Top 10 Foods to Eat Daily for a Healthy Immune Response

Natural Cures Not Medicine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturalcuresnotmedicine

Staying well while those around you sniffle and sneeze requires that you extract as much nutrition from your diet as you can, loading up on the foods that pack the biggest nutritional punch.

Avoiding processed foods, grains and sugar will go a long way toward strengthening your immune system. However, you can do even more by selecting foods that are loaded with the specific immune boosting nutrients.

1. Fermented Foods
If you are serious about boosting your immunity, then adding traditionally fermented foods is essential.

One of the most healthful fermented foods is kefir. Kefir is an ancient cultured, enzyme-rich food full of friendly microorganisms that balance your “inner ecosystem” and strengthen immunity. Besides kefir, other good fermented foods include natto, kimchi, miso, tempeh, pickles, sauerkraut, yogurt (watch for sugar), and olives.

Friendly bacteria have a powerful, beneficial effect on your gut’s immune system, your first line defense against pathogens, and aid in the production of antibodies.

2. Raw Organic Eggs From Free-Range ChickensBefore you wrinkle up your nose, raw eggs are an inexpensive and amazing source of high-quality nutrients that many people are deficient in, especially high-quality protein and fat. I am a proponent of raw eggs because they have been so helpful to my own health.

As long as you have a good source for fresh, organic raw eggs, you need not worry about salmonella. To find free-range pasture farms, try your local health food store, or go to http://www.eatwild.com orhttp://www.localharvest.com.

3. Coconuts and Coconut Oil
Besides being excellent for your thyroid and your metabolism, coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which converts in your body to monolaurin. Monolaurin is the actual compound found in breast milk that strengthens a baby’s immunity.

A great deal of research has been done establishing the ability of lauric acid to enhance immunity. This medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) actually disrupts the lipid membranes of offending organisms.

When selecting coconuts and coconut oil, make sure you choose organic ones that are unrefined, unbleached, made without heat processing or chemicals, and non-GMO.

4. Locally Grown Organic Vegetables
When it comes to fighting off pathogens, you simply can’t do any better than eating a variety of fresh, organic and preferably raw vegetables for the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes they contain. However, the amount and type of vegetables you should eat daily will depend on your nutritional type.

Make sure the veggies you choose are fresh. The nutrient value drops to practically zero once a fruit or vegetable is canned. For example, take a look at the ORAC value of peaches.

ORAC Values
ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, and an ORAC unit or ORAC “score” is a standardized method of measuring the antioxidant capacity of different foods and supplements. The higher the ORAC score, the more effective a food is at neutralizing free radicals. The less free radicals you have, the healthier you will be.

Back to Peaches
A raw, fresh peach has an ORAC score of 1,814. A can of peaches in heavy syrup has an ORAC score of 436, meaning that more than 75 percent of the antioxidants are lost in the canning process.

You can check the ORAC score for many different things at www.oracvalues.com. The higher the score, the better. Please be aware, though, that the total antioxidant capacity of a food alone does not determine its health benefit, which depends on how it is absorbed and utilized by your body. ORAC score is a useful guide, but it is only part of the picture.

5. Blueberries and Raspberries
Blueberries and raspberries rate very high in antioxidant capacity (ORAC of 6,520), compared to other fruits and vegetables. Wild blueberries in particular are potent immune boosters. They contain powerful phytochemicals, such as anthocyanin, which is the pigment that gives blueberries their color. And they are lower in sugar than many other fruits.

Blueberry juice contains tons of fiber, and is also very high in Vitamin C. One of the qualities of antioxidants is that they can lower inflammation, and so there’s some indication that blueberries may have some effect on age-related cognitive abilities. And don’t forget that blueberries are very low in calories.

6. Mushrooms
Mushrooms strengthen your immune system because they are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium and other minerals, and even vitamin D – one of the only foods that can provide you with this essential immune strengthener.

Mushrooms make up a large part of the fabric of the earth. According to Paul Stamets, one of the world’s leading authorities on the health benefits of mushrooms, one cubic inch of soil can contain eight miles of mycelium.

Mushrooms also contain powerful compounds called beta glucans, which have been long known for their immune enhancing properties. The beta glucans in medicinal mushrooms (especially Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake) are notable for their ability to activate/modulate the immune system.

Beta glucan enhances immunity through a variety of mechanisms, many of which are similar to those of echinacea or astragalus root. For example, it binds to macrophages and other scavenger white blood cells, activating their anti-infection activities.[iv] Numerous studies support this.

7. Chlorella
As foods go, chlorella is nearly perfect.

Chlorella is a single-cell freshwater algae that acts as an efficient detoxification agent by binding to toxins, such as mercury, and carries them out of your system. It is the chlorophyll in chlorella that makes it so powerful. Chlorophyll helps you process more oxygen, cleanses your blood and promotes the growth and repair of your tissues.

8. Propolis
Propolis is a bee resin and one of the most broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds in the world, if not the broadest spectrum, according to master herbalist Donnie Yance. Propolis is also the richest source of caffeic acid and apigenin, two very important phenolic compounds that aid in immune response.

9. Teas

Green Tea and Matcha
Matcha is the most nutrient-rich green tea and comes in the form of a stone-ground powder, completely unfermented. The best Matcha comes from Japan and has up to seventeen times the antioxidants of wild blueberries, and seven times more than dark chocolate.

Green teas are rich in polyphenols, in the form of natural chemicals called catechins. The most powerful catechin in tea is epigallocatechin (EGCG), which was found in one study to be 25 to 100 times more potent than antioxidant vitamins C and E. And Matcha is more than 100 times as potent in EGCG as regular brewed green tea.

Tulsi
Tulsi tea, coming from the holy basil herb, has been used for thousands of years in the Ayurvedic medicine of India. Not only is this tea loaded with antioxidants, but it has multiple positive health benefits, including supporting your immune health, memory, heart health and vision.

White Tea
The anti-bacterial and anti-viral effect of white tea has been found to be even greater than that of green tea. White tea extract may help inactivate bacteria, viruses and fungi that affect humans.

10. Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices are at the top of the list of high ORAC value foods on planet Earth. There are simply too many good ones to summarize here! So I will simply highlight a few that deserve special mention.

Garlic
Although not at the top of the ORAC chart (5,346), garlic is incredibly beneficial to your immune system because it offers a triple-whammy: it’s antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. You should be eating garlic every day. One of the best things about garlic is that bacteria, viruses, and yeast build up no resistance to it, unlike with synthetic antibiotics.

For optimal benefits, garlic should be fresh since the active ingredient is destroyed within one hour of smashing the garlic cloves. In other words, garlic capsules are basically useless.

Garlic contains allicin, a chemical that is anticarcinogenic. It also has been shown to lower LDL, lower total cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of blood clots and stroke, lower homocysteine, and even prevent insect bites — including mosquitoes and ticks.

Herbs and Spice and Everything Nice
Immunity from common infections involves not only preventing pathogens from taking hold, but also moderating the immune response to invading pathogens.

Complications arise when you experience an over-response to the infection, which is why H1N1 is taking its toll on healthy young adults. Their bodies are over responding — something called a “cytokine storm.” It’s basically a severe inflammatory response.[vi]

One wonderful thing about plants (and herbs especially) is that they don’t all stimulate the immune system—some modulate it, or act as a buffer.

Here are some of the best herbs and spices for building a strong immune system that functions correctly:

* Honeysuckle and chrysanthemum: good antivirals

* Artemisia: antimalarial

* Andrographis, aka “King of Bitters”: antiviral, and helps modulate inflammatory response

* Licorice: buffers the inflammatory response by increasing steroid output by the adrenal glands; a good buffer if your immune system is over responding to the flu.

* Turmeric: ORAC score of 159,277; general immune system booster due to its high antioxidant capacity, and an anticancer agent as well; turneric is 5 to 8 times stronger than vitamins C and E, and even strong enough to scavenge the hydroxyl radical, which is considered by some to be the most reactive of all oxidants

* Black Pepper: Increases the bioavailability of just about all other foods–herbs and other things

* Oregano: ORAC 13,970; active agent is rosmarinic acid, a strong antioxidant; one tablespoon of oregano has the antioxidant capacity of one medium apple

* Cinnamon: ORAC 267,536; powerful antimicrobial agent—found to kill E. coli and many other bacteria; also has antiinflammatory compounds

* Cloves: THE BIG ORAC GRAND PRIZE WINNER AT 314,446, highest of all foods tested! Contains eugenol; its mild anaesthetic benefits are useful for toothaches and sore throats; good antiinflammatory

Dr. Joseph Mercola cited an interview with herbalist Donnie Yance, who shared his basic remedy for flu, should you come down with one.

Make this special tea from a combination of herbs that synergistically cause your body to sweat – which is very desirable if you want to eradicate a virus from your system. And then drink it hot and often:

1. Elderflower (used for hundreds of years for flu) 2. Boneset (eupatorium) 3. Yarrow 4. Linden 5. Peppermint 6. Ginger

By incorporating some of these fantastic foods, you’ll not only evade the circulating viruses but improve your overall health and longevity at the same time.

Source: Real Farmacy, Prevent Disease

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How To Heal Sunburn Overnight

Sunburn Remedy: Instant Relief and Overnight Healing - Sunburn healing supplies: Clean washcloth, I love these organic cotton cloths, Raw apple cider vinegar, Organic coconut oil. >Heal your sunburn overnight in just 2 steps:

First, wet the washcloth with cold water, then splash on the apple cider vinegar. Dab the wet cloth onto your sunburn, soaking the skin. You should notice instant relief from any stinging! It feels sooo good on a sunburn. 

After a few minutes, your skin should be dry.

Now, liberally rub on some coconut oil to the sunburned area. By the next day, your skin should be significantly healed. I recommend continuing with the coconut oil for several days to promote healing and to help ease the skin peeling that is usually inevitable after a burn. Exfoliate and lubricate with more coconut oil!

This worked like a charm for my most recent sunburn. Immediate relief from the stinging, and literally the next day, it wasn’t red anymore. Maybe the slightest bit pink. But the sting never came back. Just to be sure, though, I dabbed on another round of the apple cider vinegar, let it dry, then followed with more coconut oil. The following day, it was just tanned skin!

Give this remedy a try next time you get a little too crispy from the sun, and say goodbye to that burn!

Source: www.butterbeliever.com, Dave Sommers

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How to make your own SPF30 sunscreen

Natural Cures Not Medicine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturalcuresnotmedicine

This is safe and chemical-free, SPF 30 sunscreen....yet first... the question, do we need sunscreen? Most of the time, I would say no. I don't believe it is generally helpful or even wise to use frequently. 

So what is a "safer" sunscreen?
The safest sunscreens are those with the same types of natural ingredients that you would want in any other type of skincare product. Nourishing oils like coconut, shea butter, jojoba, almond, etc. and potentially other ingredients like green tea extract or other antioxidants to protect the skin. Minerals (zinc oxide is the most common) provide the actual barrier between the sun and your skin.

According to an article on Badger Balmʼs website, zinc oxide, the active ingredient that makes this sunscreen work, is 20% of the formula in order to get an SPF30.

INGREDIENTS:
1/8 cup beeswax granules/pastilles (1/2 oz)
1/4 cup shea butter (2 oz.)
1/4 cup coconut oil (2 oz.)
2 Tbsp. zinc oxide powder (1 oz.)

ACTION:
Add the two oils and beeswax to a glass bowl.
For a makeshift double boiler, use a glass bowl sitting on top of a pot with boiling water turned to a low simmer.

Once the oils are melted, remove the bowl and dump in the zinc oxide powder.

The book recommends a stick blender, but I used a regular hand mixer and it did the job just fine. The goal is to thoroughly blend in the zinc oxide until there were no clumps, and to whip the oils just a bit. Once it was smooth, we poured it into glass mason jars.

After it initially cools, it has a thinner consistency. But it gets thick when completely cooled down.

Source : Dave Sommers, www.keeperofthehome.com

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Natural Cures Not Medicine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturalcuresnotmedicine

Many moisturizers on the market contain harmful chemicals that get absorbed into the skin and enter the bloodstream. About one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals which include carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors. When you think that your skin is the largest organ in your body, and you spread these products on your skin day by day, you can start to imagine the harm that you are putting your body through, as well as the environment. Some products may also include plasticizers, degreasers and surfactants, things that are found in concrete, auto shops and paint tubs.

What I want you to do right now is grab any one of your moisturizers and read through the ingredients. If it contains any of the following, I would suggest you throw it out immediately:

1. BHA & BHT: Used in makeup and moisturizers as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disruptor and may cause cancer.

2. Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine and colours listed as “CI” followed by a five digit number: May also be listed as FD&C Blue No. 1 or Blue 1. Potential to cause cancer and heavy metal toxicity to the brain.

3. DEA-related ingredients: Used in moisturizers and shampoo. Can react to form nitrosamines which cause cancer.

4. Dibutyl phthalate: Suspected endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant.

5. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quarternium-15. Slowly releases small amounts of formaldehyde which cause cancer.

6. Parabens: Suspected endocrine disruptors and interferes with male reproductive functions.

7. Parfum (a.k.a fragrance): Can trigger allergies and asthma. Some are linked to cancer and neurotoxicity.

8. PEG compounds: Used in many cream bases. Can cause cancer.

9. Petrolatum: Petroleum product that can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.

10. Siloxanes: Suspected endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant.

11. Sodium laureth sulfate: May cause cancer. Also called SLS. Related chemicals called sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients ending with letters “eth”.

12. Triclosan: Suspected endocrine disruptor and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Instead, opt for nature-made oils that will help repair your skin, and make it glow! Below is a list of 10 natural oils that are wonderful for all types of skin care such as moisturizing, helping get rid of wrinkles and fine lines, clearing up acne and blemishes, treating dry and/or oily skin. I personally love to use jojoba oil mixed with some rose hip seed oil on my face, as well as hemp oil on my face. For my body I typically use jojoba and grapeseed oil.

10 Natural Skin Care Oils:

1. Coconut Oil: has high moisture retaining capacity so it acts as an excellent moisturizer for your skin. It melts into your skin and increases the levels of skin surface lipids which helps soften it. Small wounds (caused by acne or pimples) also soften and heal quickly. Also has added benefits of protecting your skin from microbes, and treating various skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and many other skin infections. Do you suffer from acne? Coconut oil has the ability to cure acne by killing the bacteria that cause the problem (acne vulgaris).

2. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is technically not an oil but a wax ester. In fact, the jojoba wax ester is most similar to human skin oil (sebum). Applying jojoba oil to the skin will actually make the skin think it is producing enough oil and thus balances oil production. Jojoba oil helps to moisturize the skin all day long – it does not evaporate like commercial moisturizers (which are water based), and can be used for the face and body (only need a couple drops – it spreads well!). This oil is also a good make-up remover (doesn’t irritate the eyes), and can act as a wonderful lip balm and hair conditioner (add a few drops to your hair after shampooing – helps combat dandruff).

3. Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil contains linoleic acid which helps strengthen cell membranes and improve skin health. There are also many antioxidants in this oil type, which can help prevent pores from clogging (clogged pores normally trigger acne breakouts, so regular application of this oil can help prevent problems associated with acne). Grapeseed oil is medically useful for reducing swelling because of its wonderful anti-inflammatory properties and can help tighten and tone the skin. This oil is very light, and thus it is easily absorbed by the skin and will not leave any oil residue. It also helps stimulate skin tissue regeneration, and can quicken the healing process of wounds.

4. Macadamia Nut Oil: This oil contains the highest amount of palmitoleic acid (omega 7 fatty acid) of any plant. Palmitoleic acid is plentiful in our skin when we are young, but decreases with aging. This acid helps mature skin retain suppleness and replaces naturally occurring skin on the lips, allowing the skin to remain looking younger. This oil reduces wrinkles and dryness and is light and non-greasy. It also contains proteins and plenty of vitamin E which contributes to healthy, supple looking skin.

5. Hempseed Oil: Contains agents (linoleic and linolenic acids) that give it anti-inflammatory properties, as well as natural antioxidant properties. It helps to clean and detoxify your skin and to even out skin tone. This oil does not stick to your skin and clog your pores, so it is a wonderful way to moisturize without feeling overly greasy. Hempseed oil is also beneficial for healing skin lesions and balancing dry skin and fighting skin inflammations. It has antioxidants in the form of vitamin E and carotene, as well as phytosterols, phospholipids, as well as a variety of skin beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, and phosphorous.

6. Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides strong antioxidants like vitamins A and E that help repair and renew skin that have been damaged from overexposure to sun, air pollution and other modern-day environmental hazards. These antioxidants naturally keep the skin firm, smooth and healthy. Olive oil deeply penetrates the skin and provides a long-lasting shield of moisture to keep skin smooth and supple.

7. Argan Oil: Argan oil has been claimed as “liquid gold” for the skin. It is credited with helping repair damaged hair, reducing wrinkles and acne, diminishing the appearance of age spots and healing dry scalp and diaper rash. Argan oil is naturally rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, ferulic acid, sterols, polyphenols, vitamin E and squalene, which help heal the skin, reduce inflammation and fight off free radicals.

8. Almond Oil: Almonds oil is more of an emollient because it softens skin rather than hydrates it. However, it acts as a humectant to help prevent the loss of moisture. Almond oil is great for relieving dry, flaking, and itchy skin due to eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. It can also be applied to the scalp to relieve dryness and to condition hair roots. It is readily absorbed into the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue. Apply one to two drops of almond oil on each side of your skin and with clean warm hands, massage the oil on your face in upward strokes. Be sure to include the area around your eyes, gently patting. This oil also has anti-aging properties, like reducing fine lines and crow’s feet, as well as reducing dark circles and puffy eyes.

9. Avocado Oil: This oil is very rich in nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as healthy amino acids and lecithin. It has strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties and mono-unsaturated fatty acids which help revitalize dry and dull skin. It is one of the most effective natural skin care remedies around and penetrates the skin much more deeply than oils like jojoba. It is great for people suffering from dark circles, crow’s feet and sagging skin, and can help firm up the skin, leaving it youthful and toned. The sugars found in avocado also boost collagen production in the skin, making the skin wrinkle free, and helping to fade any scars or other skin blemishes.

10. Rosehip Oil: Contains vitamin C to help boost tissue repair, as well as vitamin A (otherwise known as Retinol) which is a staple in most skin products. Rosehip oil helps to rehydrate the skin because of the high content of essential fatty acids, and can help the skin hold moisture and reduce dryness. It can also be used to bring a shine to the skin which resembles a lively glow. This oil is very well known for helping reduce the appearance of scars from stretch marks or acne. Over time, this oil can help shrink, and in some cases even eliminate stretch marks completely. Scars caused from chicken pox are also excellent candidates for pure rosehip oil treatment. Rosehip oil is a wonderful toner too! It can help with problems of premature aging.

Source : Live Love Fruit

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