JUNE 1-2, 2019 VAPING

As with anything there are pros and cons. This is no exception. Vaping is at its highest. It might be good and help people stop using nicotine found in regular cigarettes. But is it that good ?

Vaping may raise the risk of developing a heart attack or stroke because of the flavoring of the e - cig Scientists who tested the flavoring found they damage the cells Electronic cigs are a less risk than regular cigarettes but both contain nicotine( which constricts blood vessels)

Researchers found in addition to the nicotine , the flavorings cause DNA damage, cell death and then inflammation. Up until this point, we had no idea how these liquids affect endothelial function

Although once thought to be better, e cigs are not a safe alternative. More studies need to be done

Until tomorrow…

MAY 31, 2019 GOTU KOLA

This herb known as Centella asiatica is known for treatment for a variety of conditions. The class of theses herbs is known as Adaptogenic Herbs. When you think of these types herbs you limit its uses. Traditionally used for stressful conditions and managing adrenal fatigue

Studies have confirmed that oral or topical administration promotes wound healing , including surgical. It has bene used for years for venous insufficiency

The two components, oleanolic and ursolic acid have ant tumor effects in vivo. There is a component or the oleanolic acid used as a pharmaceutical anti tumor agent in Japan in treating non-lymphatic leukemia

Many of the adaptogenic agents have been used for treatment of cancer.

Until tomorrow…

MAY 30, 2019 BOSWELLIC ACID

We know boswellic acid and its components by Frankincense. Frankinscense is a gum tresin secreted by the tree Boswellia serata. It has a close relative, myrrh ( Commiphora species ) Both of these date back to more than 5000 years ago. In Chinese medicines both of these plants have used to treat pain and trauma. It also can be applied topically to promote healing of sores.

The active compound in Frankincense is boswellic acid. Many documented scientific papers document its use as an anti inflammatory agent. These studiues have been studied in rats and mice. It has been studied in humans using 600 mg of boswellic acid

In addition to the anti inflammatory effects it has been shown to anti tumor effects It has induced apoptosis in human leukemia cells, as well as inhibiting proliferation. These studies have been done in vitro. More studies need to be done in humans.

Until tomorrow…

MAY 29, 2019 PLANTS OF THE GODS

There are many plants that contain hallucogenic components. One of the most sacred mushrooms employed in divination and other ceremonies is a member of a small genus Panaeolus.

It is known is Mazatec as T-ha -na sa, Shje-to and To-shka. This means the PASTURE MUSHROOM and To-shka means Intoxicating Mushroom It is not as important as species within Psilocybe. This species Panaeolus sphincruinus is used by certain shamans

It has been shown that this mushroom contains the hallucogenic psilocybine . It grows on cow dung found in forests, fields and open fields A very delicate brown yellow mushroom with a darkish stripe and contains gills.

You must have a mushroom guide when trying to find this species. I find it interesting that the European variety of this mushroom contains no psilocybine.

Until tomorrow…

MAY 28, 2019 BEVERAGES YOU SHOULDN'T DRINK

The celery juice craze is in full motion. There was a time when I was growing up that drinking orange juice was considered a good meal replacement. And all that fruit contains sugar that can amount to a meal’s worth of calories pretty quickly. But you probably don’t — and definitely shouldn’t — chug a glass of OJ and call that a meal. Juice is devoid of the filling fiber found in fruit, protein, and fat

Another example is the difference between milk and organic milk First of all, the conventional one contains a dangerous amount of estrogen because it comes from cows treated with hormones. As research has shown, consuming this type of milk increases the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer

There is nothing good to the be said about sodas. From sport drinks to iced teas and sodas, each of these commonly encountered beverages contains chemicals, artificial colorings and sweeteners that mess with your brain and body in no time.

Then there is water. There is nothing bad to say about water except its plastic bottle. I would encourage water from glass bottles and now water from box containers

Until tomorrow…

MAY 23, 2019 MINDFULNESS

I LOVE THIS WORD - MINDFULNESS. Life is busy, Life is too short, and life is busy. For years I found it difficult to quiet my mind or the thoughts racing. I had to learn to be quiet. I started doing prayer and meditation as part of my twelve step program For the last 20 years I have meditated on a daily basis. It changed my life

The man Jon-Kabat Zinn who created the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction known as MBSR defines mindfulness as “ paying attention in a certain or particular way. He states to pay attention on purpose, in the present moment and with no judgement. I do not live in the past or dwell on it. I look at it for memories and I never live in the future I find that if I live in the future with expectations I usually—no I definitely get disappointed. I have learned to stop living on autopilot or on cruise control. This way I appreciate life more fully.

It helps me with my repetitive patterns or habitual patterns. I get into patterns which can be useful but sometimes these are not useful.

It is my opinion that everyone can benefit from mindfulness. It does matter whether you or religious or spiritual. Everyone can benefit.

Until tomorrow…

MAY 22, 2019 SUGAR ALCOHOLS

The sugar alcohols do occur naturally in some fruit and vegetables. They do not contain alcohol also known as ethanol that is found in alcoholic beverages. It has a similar structure but it is not the same. There are even some sugar alcohols in other products as gum, jelly spreads, candy and even in tooth paste

The sugar alcohols contain fewer calories than sugar and only partially digested. This means they do not affect the sugar levels.

It sounds great but there are disadvantages to sugar alcohols. If consumed in large amounts I have seen these sugar alcohols cause bloating, gas and diarrhea. Therefore a careful dietary history should be taken by your doctor. In high amounts these sugar alcohols can be a cause of your leaky gut

Until tomorrow…