“Natural Cures for Acne”

“Natural cures for acne” do exist. Acne is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by clogged pores, blackheads, and pimples. The oil glands, or sebaceous glands, are connected to hair follicles and release a substance known as sebum that lubricates hair and skin. Usually, sebum travels up the hair follicle and out onto your skin. But when the sebaceous glands produce too much oil that combines with dead skin cells, the follicles become blocked and inflamed. Acne most often affects the nose, forehead, cheeks, chin, back, and trunk. Between 17 - 45 million people have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the United States. While it tends to last longer in women, men are more likely to get acne and to have more severe cases. Acne is most common in teens, and it generally goes away by age 30. Although it is not a serious health threat, severe acne can be painful and may cause permanent scarring.

Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is common in teenagers and young adults. It is not serious, but it can cause scars.

No one knows exactly what causes acne. Hormone changes, such as those during the teenage years and pregnancy, probably play a role. There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn’t cause acne, but stress can make it worse.

If you have acne, first…

* Clean your skin gently
* Try not to touch your skin
* Avoid the sun

Treatments for acne include medicines and creams.

Aloe vera: there are treatments for acne mentioned in Ayurveda using herbs such as Aloe vera, Neem, Haldi (Turmeric) and Papaya. There is limited evidence from medical studies on some of these products, although others have been proven effective. Products from Rubia cordifolia, Curcuma longa (commonly known as Turmeric), Hemidesmus indicus (known as ananthamoola or anantmula), and Azadirachta indica (Neem) have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, but not aloe vera.

Azelaic acid (brand names Azelex, Finevin and Skinoren) is suitable for mild, comedonal acne.[59]

Calendula used in suspension is used as an anti-inflammatory agent

Heat: local heating may be used to kill the bacteria in a developing pimple and so speed healing. [61]

Nicotinamide, (Vitamin B3) used topically in the form of a gel, has been shown in a 1995 study to be of comparable efficacy to topical clindamycin topical antibiotic used for comparison.Topical nicotinamide is available both on prescription and over-the-counter. The property of topical nicotinamide’s benefit in treating acne seems to be its anti-inflammatory nature. It is also purported to result in increased synthesis of collagen, keratin, involucrin and flaggrin and may also according to a cosmetic company be useful for reducing skin hyperpigmentation (acne scars), increased skin moisture and reducing fine wrinkles.

Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil) dissolved in a carrier (5% strength) has been used with some success, where it is comparable to benzoyl peroxide but without excessive drying, kills P. acnes, and has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory in skin infections. [57][64][65]

Rofecoxib was shown to improve premenstrual acne vulgaris in a placebo controlled study.[66]

Zinc: Orally administered zinc gluconate has been shown to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne, although less so than tetracyclines.[67][68]
Comedo extraction

Pantothenic acid, (high dosage Vitamin B5)[69]

Detoxification is a common method used by alternative medicine practitioners for the treatment of acne, although there have been no studies to prove its success. Detoxification is the process of cleansing the body of toxins commonly caused by the environment, pharmaceutical drugs, food, and cosmetics.

Cambridge scientists develop natural cure for heart disease

A leading British physicians has lent his approval to the launch of a potentially revolutionary heart disease treatment that offers people around the world the hope of combating the killer disease.

Dr. Rob Hicks said the launch of Ateronon, the natural supplement developed by Cambridge scientists, was a huge breakthrough in the treatment of heart disease related illnesses that can cause heart attacks and stroke.

Dozens of research studies have shown that lycopene - found in the skins of ripe tomatoes - has the capacity to significantly reduce the build up of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Lycopene is the potent antioxidant isolated for its health-promoting properties from the Mediterranean diet

Until now, scientists have been unable to find a way of modifying lycopene molecules so they can be readily absorbed into the human body.


Researchers from Cambridge Theranostics Limited (CTL), a biotech spin-out company of Cambridge University, have now proved they have done it with their new Ateronon compound.

Dr Hicks said: “If you think that this can reduce the damage to the arteries, which is the damage that ends up causing heart attacks and strokes - this can potentially extend life but also saving lives on a global basis.

“The potential impact is enormous - we might see a fall in the number of people suffering heart attacks, strokes and other problems relating to arterial damage and the clogging up of the arteries. That has to be welcomed,” he added.

Results from their early trials involving 150 people with heart disease were made public for the first time at the British Cardiovascular Society annual conference in London on Monday (1st June).

The Ateronon formulation combines lycopene with milk and soy-based proteins to produce a much smaller, and more bio-available molecule. The early studies have shown that Ateronon can inhibit the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which can put people at risk of suffereing heart attacks and stroke, to almost zero within eight weeks.

An estimated 17.5 million people died from heart and circulatory diseases in 2005, representing 30% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, an estimated 7.6 million were due to coronary heart disease and 5.7 million were due to stroke[1].

More than 117,000 people die each year in the UK from coronary heart disease. It accounts for one in five deaths in men and one in six deaths in women[2].

The four million people who take statins to help lower their cholesterol and chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke could benefit from using Ateronon. The product can be taken alongside statins.

Although cholesterol does put people at risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, half of all heart attacks and three quarters of all strokes occur in people who do not have raised cholesterol.

Large scale studies of Ateronon are being undertaken at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, and at Harvard Medical School, in the expectation that they will demonstrate that the reduction of LDL oxidation is translated into improved heart and circulatory health - and improved survival rates.

The study was built on research originally carried out by the multi-national food giant Nestle, who were looking for a way to capture the therapeutic benefits of the tomato-derived compound lycopene.

After its launch to doctors this month, Ateronon will be made available direct to consumers through high street pharmacists from July onwards.

Dr Gunter Schmidt, a biologist and chief executive of CTL, said he was confident that once doctors had observed the benefits of Ateronon, they would instantly see the potential benefits.

He said: “We are extremely excited about Ateronon. We have 10 worldwide patents recognising its efficacy, but we want its capabilities to be taken very seriously by clinicians as well. We don’t want it dismissed as just another food supplement.”

For more information on Ateronon, visit http://www.ateronon.com.

St. John’s Wort Extracts May Help Treat Major Depression

Major depression is a disorder characterized by a depressed mood and/or a loss of interest in nearly all activities consistently for at least 2 weeks. People with major depression may also experience a variety of other symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, sleep disturbance, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. Extracts from the herb St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) are used in many countries, especially Germany, to treat depression. However, results from clinical trials worldwide have been contradictory, and the effectiveness of St. John's wort for depression is still questionable. Additionally, major depression is often treated with antidepressant drugs, which have only shown modest effects over placebo in clinical trials.

Could Common Indian Spice Curcumin Really Help Prevent, Even Treat Alzheimer’s Disease?

A 2004 UCLA-Veterans Affairs study involving genetically altered mice suggests that curcumin, the active ingredient in the common East Indian spice tumeric, might well inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta-amyloid in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients — and may even break up existing plaques associated with the disease.

There is also circumstantial evidence that curcumin improves mental functions: A survey of 1,010 Asian people who ate yellow curry and were between the ages of 60 and 93 showed that those who ate the sauce “once every six months” or more had higher results on standardized tests of mental functioning than those who did not.

From a scientific standpoint, though, this does not show whether the curry caused it, or people who had healthy habits also tended to eat the curry, or some completely different relationship.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that curcumin, amongst only a few other things such as high impact exercise, learning, bright light, and antidepressant usage, has a positive affect on neurogenesis in the hippocampus and concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), reductions in both of which are associated with stress, depression, and anxiety.

Little curcumin, when eaten, is absorbed : from 2 to 10 grams of curcumin eaten alone resulted in undetectable to very low serum levels. Curcumin is unstable in the gut, and the traces that pass through the GI tract rapidly degrades or is conjugated through glucuronidation. Co-supplementation with 20 mg of piperine (extracted from black pepper) significantly increased the absorption of curcumin by 2000% in a study funded by a prominent manufacturer of piperine. Further, due to its effects on drug metabolism, piperine should be taken cautiously (if at all) by individuals taking other medications. Some benefits of curcumin, such as the potential protection from colon cancer, may not require systemic absorption.

Alternatively, dissolving curcumin in hot water prior to ingestion, or in warm oily liquids, appears to increase bioavailability; however, no published studies to date have documented this. Cooking with curcumin and oil may increase absorption, however peer-reviewed scientific literature has not documented this, while the literature has documented concerns regarding the heat stability and degradation of curcumin in the gut.

In 2007, a polymeric nanoparticle encapsulated formulation of curcumin (”nanocurcumin”[20]) has been synthesized which has the potential to bypass many of the shortcomings associated with free curcumin, such as poor solubility and poor systemic bioavailability. Nanocurcumin particles have a size of less than 100 nanometers on average, and demonstrate comparable to superior efficacy compared to free curcumin in human cancer cell line models.[20] However, actual in vivo absorption has not been demonstrated with this nanoparticle.

In July 2008, researchers from the aforementioned team in UCLA’s Department of Neurology announced results on a form of “lipidated curcumin” that was noted to achieve more than 5 micromolar in the brain in vivo, 50 times that found in clinical studies.

Another method to increase the bioavailability of curcumin filed a patent in 2006 that involves a simple procedure creating a complex with soy phospholipids, however the plasma concentration of curcumin using this formulation only reached 0.033 micromolar.

Natural Cures for the Common Cold (That Actually Work!)

The aptly named common cold hits nearly every one of us on a regular basis and once a single family member has it, it can spread quickly and viciously. While the cold itself is relatively harmless it still presents almost crippling symptoms. The common misconception is that you can fight a cold, essentially getting on with your life and trying to ignore the problem. This is much more likely to prolong the agony as a pose to beating it. In preference to turning to the pharmacist there are natural ways to reduce the recovery time and relieve the nagging symptoms of a cold.

1. Rest. The misconception that exercise will help to sweat out a cold is misleading. The body needs to be able to fight the cold infection and by exercising or being excessively active you are reducing its capability to do this. Resting allows the body to fully combat the cold virus. The immune system and various immune functions within the body are strengthened or generated during sleep. It is these that will help your body beat the cold.

2. Water. When suffering from a cold the body is susceptible to becoming dehydrated. In order to prevent this it is absolutely essential that sufferers drink plenty of water. The recommended eight glasses of water a day is the absolute minimum that you should be aiming to drink when suffering from a cold. For this reason, water can help to further strengthen the immune system and subsequently beat the infection.

3. Vitamin C. It may sound something your mom or your grandmother would try to convince you but it is widely believed to be true. However, too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea and possible even kidney stones. Many proponents of vitamin C as a cold remedy would argue that 1,000mg every hour is not damaging and will help to reduce the time a person suffers from a cold. However, it has been medically proven that 250mg has the same positive effects as any larger dose with fewer and less severe side effects. The best way to obtain this level of vitamin C is through fruit juices because this also provides a good source of extra fluid.

4. Garlic. Garlic is another age old herbal remedy for colds. It helps to strengthen the immune system and is also a good antiviral. Putting garlic in meals will help to prevent colds and can also reduce the suffering time of patients. The best way to consume the garlic is freshly ground and raw. Many people would find this a struggle, especially because a lot of people eat as many as three or four cloves as soon as they show symptoms of a cold.

5. Elderberry Extracts. Elderberries may look harmless but to the cold virus they are far from it. It is a powerful antiviral as well as being a highly effective prophylactic. As an antiviral it can help to stave off the actual infection causing the cold, and its prophylactic properties strengthens and rejuvenates the immune system. Elderberry and blueberries are among the best varieties of fruit a cold sufferer can eat for these very reasons.

The Immune System’s Role

You will have probably noticed that almost all of these remedies are strongly based around the strengthening of the immune system. This is because there is essentially no cure for the common cold and we are forced to rely on our bodies to fend off the infection. In order to do this, the immune system needs to be as strong as possible and the stronger it is the less suffering will be required.

Article Source:http://www.wearticles.com

A Natural Home Remedy for Arthritis

Tart cherry juice concentrate is fast becoming the natural choice for legions of arthritis and gout pain suffers. So with all of the sources and varieties of tart cherry juice available, what should consumers look for to make a wise buying decision?

What to look for when selecting a tart cherry juice product:

There are five critical areas consumers should look for when making a tart cherry juice concentrate purchase: type of cherry, quality, taste, packaging and a sediment-free guarantee.

Type of Cherry: The majority of research you read about the joint pain fighting ability of tart cherries and cherry juice has been conducted on the Montmorency tart cherry. While several other varieties of cherries exist including black cherry, Balaton and Rainer, the type of cherry that has most amount of published research is the Montmorency tart cherry. Although the Montmorency tart cherry juice is slightly more expensive than black cherry juice, the research backs up the ability of the tart cherry to fight joint pain due to arthritis and gout.

Quality: Not all cherry juice concentrate products are the same. One very important measurement of quality for tart cherry juice concentrate is this brix level (pronounced bricks). This is a measurement of the amount of natural sugar in the product. The highest marker for tart cherry juice is 68 brix. Be sure to know the brix level in any cherry product you buy. This information is usually printed on the label or published on the website. If the brix level is lower than 68 brix, you should reconsider the overall quality of the product.

Taste: Like all consumable products, taste is very important. Cherry juice is available in plastic bottles, aluminum cans and glass bottles. Based on research funded by the cherry industry, participants in the study preferred the taste of cherry juice packaged in glass bottles over plastic and aluminum bottles. Based upon results of the study, people indicated the cherry juice packed in glass bottles offered a fresher taste. One of the reasons could be the fact that glass bottles prevent leaching. Leaching is a result of products being packed on plastic and the product itself actually absorbs plastic molecules from the plastic bottle. Leaching is not a concern for cherry juice packed on glass.

Packaging: Two types of cherry juice packaging for cherry juice products are available: cold-packed and hot packed. Here is a basic definition of each:

Cold-packed - The cherry juice concentrate is pumped from a 52 gallon drum and bottled into individual bottles. Also, the companies selling cold-packed cherry juice indicate cold-packed cherry juice must be refrigerated. That is they the majority of tart cherry juice concentrate products are only available in the refrigerated section of your local grocery stores. Cold-packing is also the less expensive way to bottle cherry juice concentrate since some companies simply fill their bottles over a utility sink.

Hot-packed - The cherry juice is pumped from a 52 gallon drum, flash pasteurized, and then packed into individual bottles. Hot-packed cherry juice concentrate is shelf-stable and doesn’t need refrigeration during shipping, storage or until the product is open. After the product is open it does need to be refrigerated. Hot-packed cherry juice can be shipped without refrigeration and is shelf stable. The hot-pack process is very similar to the canning process where all of the oxygen is removed from the bottle.

Unfortunately, some companies lead the consumer to belief that cold-packed cherry juice is never heated (pasteurized). This is simply not true. Cherry juice concentrate is packed in 52 gallon drums and prior to the cherry juice being packed in these drums the product is flash pasteurized. So if a company simply pumps the cherry juice from 52 gallon drums and fills individual the cherry juice has been heated. If a company indicates that their product is cold-packed and has not been heated, they may not be telling the whole truth.
Stability: Product stability is vital not only for shipping purposes but also storage. The majority of companies selling cherry juice are selling cold-packed in plastic bottles. This means the product should be refrigerated during shipping and storage. Yet many of these companies freely ship cold-packed cherry juice across the country in unrefrigerated cardboard boxes with statements saying the product must be refrigerated when the product is received. This simply doesn’t make since. It would be similar to shipping a gallon of milk from New Jersey to Texas in a cardboard box and asking the customer to place it in the refrigerator when it arrives. Hot-packed cherry juice can be shipped without refrigeration and stored without refrigeration.

Sediment-Free Guarantee: Sedimentation is a concern for many cherry juice drinks. Sedimentation occurs when the concentrate breaks apart and thick residue settles on the bottle of the bottle. Sedimentation may be a result of poor quality concentrate or a poor bottling process. Look for cherry juice products that offer a sediment free guarantee.

Article Source:http://www.wearticles.com

4 Effective Herbal Cures for Anxiety

Who doesn’t have at least some stress and anxiety in their life? Just living is stressful, and most of the time most people deal with normal life stress and anxiety just fine. But sometimes we all need a little help.

When life throws one of those out-of-the-blue curve balls at you, it can’t hurt to know how to help yourself manage the stress and anxiety that will be caused.

There are those who don’t deal with even normal stress in a good way, and these folks do need some help. What they don’t need is the synthetic drugs that cause more serious side effects than the stress did in the first place.

These drugs might relieve the stress and the anxiety, but they cause other problems.

There are herbs that have been proven through the centuries to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Don’t let the scientific assertions that these herbs are not effective fool you.

They wouldn’t have stayed around for all of these many centuries if they didn’t work. Here are four that absolutely DO work:

1. Kava Kava: In ancient times kava was prepared as a tea. Today it can be purchased in capsule form. Kava takes about a week to work after it is started, but it will work to reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Ginseng: Ginseng has been used for many centuries to reduce stress and anxiety. It relaxes the mind and the body and is also known for its anti-aging properties.

3. Valerian: Valerian root has been used as a sedative for centuries and has now been proven effective in reducing anxiety and stress. Valerian also promotes sleep.

4. Catnip: If you don’t believe that catnip has a calming effect, put some on the floor and watch your cat roll in it. Then see your cat take a long nap.
Catnip has been used to treat such human maladies as cancer and migraine headaches. It relieves anxiety and stress.

Article Source:http://www.wearticles.com

A Natural Cure for Gastroesophageal Reflux

In 90% of cases, curing gastroesophageal reflux can be done with a simple GERD remedy.

Imagine never having to purchase antacids to treat your acid reflux again. Imagine not having to taste your stomach acids eating away your esophagus. Imagine naturally healing GERD and never having to worry about GERD again.

Why Try a Natural Treatment?

Natural Remedies have been around for thousands of years! And just recently, some natural remedies have begun to get tested and researched to test their legitimacy. And guess what researchers found?

Some natural remedies were worthless and some were effective? In fact, some simple natural remedies are just as effective as their pharmaceutical counterpart. With this said, if you can find a natural treatment that is research-based, you might find a simple and affordable way to treat your ailment with no drugs!

In the case of GERD, acid reflux remedies which work to heal the esophagus and sphincter have been shown to be the most effective.

Four GERD Natural Remedies You Might Want to Try

1. Avoid Crunchy Foods- Crunchy foods contribute to your acid reflux because they scratch the esophagus (tube that transports food to stomach) and sphincter (muscle flap that keeps stomach acid in the stomach). By eating these foods, you literally cause more flare-ups.

To begin your natural treatment, eat soft foods for 2 days to allow your esophagus and sphincter to heal. You eventually will be able to eat what you want but you initially want to give both of these systems a time to heal.

2. A Red Apple? Though you might be saying that this GERD remedy is too simple, it might be that easy! My dad literally owes his life to a red apple. Though it is NOT realistic to carry an apple wherever you go, we do recommend you carry at least a slice of apple for an emergency. Plastic bags are helpful!

3. Honey! This remedy has even been found in the Egyptian pyramids! And as the Egyptians figured out some of the most complicated math problems; they also discovered a natural remedy for acid reflux! Honey has been shown to have natural, miraculous healing powers which will help your esophagus and sphincter heal. Take 1 teaspoons daily during a flare-up.

Why does honey work? Honey has been shown to fight bacteria, block infection, combat inflammation, reduce pain, and improve circulation. It also stimulates the regrowth of tissue which will heal the esophagus and sphincter.

4. Milk and Seven-Up! Sounds kind of gross but has been shown to work! This remedy is simply a half and half of milk and seven-up. Give this remedy a try and see if it works for you.

Throw Away the Antacids!

This is only the tip of the iceberg!

Have you ever wondered why over-the-counter treatments such as Prilosec, Zantac, Pepsid AC, and Tegamet should not be taken for more than 14 days? Are you nervous that surgery is in your near future? Are you interested in trying to heal GERD naturally before surgery?

If so, please consider a 100% guaranteed Acid Reflux Natural Remedy that is step by step and is doctor approved. Our researchers have compiled a 40+ page remedy report that will heal your GERD and make you a heartburn expert in two hours. To discover the leading researcher in natural health, please visit our GERD Remedy website today!

Article Source:http://www.wearticles.com

Today’s Latest News on Natural Cures

Pressemeldungen (Austria): Natural Treatments for Yeast Infections
Most women have suffered a yeast infection somewhere down the line. Either names for a yeast infection include thrush and Candida. Its thought that 75% of women are effected by a yeast infection at some time in their lives, unfortunately they can be very hard to get rid of and cure.

A yeast infection is a fungal problem, Candida is the fungus responsible. Candida thrives off warm dark moist body parts. The tell tale symptoms of the infection include red rashes, itching, discharge (white creamy) and sometimes a yeasty smell.

A yeast infection can also strike in men and babies too, its not just a problem for women.  More.

Natural News: Grapeseed Extract Kills 76% of Leukemia Cancer Cells in 24 Hours
A new study conducted at the University of Kentucky in the United States, and published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, found that leukemia cancer cells exposed to grapeseed extract (GSE) were rapidly killed through a process of cell suicide known as “apoptosis.”

In these laboratory studies, an astonishing 76% of leukemia cells committed suicide within 24 hours thanks to the ability of GSE to activate a protein called JNK, which regulates apoptosis. More.

Diabetes Health:  Cinnamon not a natural panacea for diabetes
The Chinese mentioned cinnamon in their written work more than 4,000 years ago. The ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in their embalming process, and the Roman writer/philosopher Pliny the Elder wrote in the first century AD that cinnamon was worth 15 times more than silver of the same weight.

In Medieval times, physicians used cinnamon for such ailments as sore throats. Later, Portugal, Holland, France and England vied for ownership of the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), where the world’s cinnamon was grown. But those rivalries ended in the early 1800s when the cinnamon monopoly dissolved after it was discovered that the spice could be grown in many other areas.

In the West today when most people think of cinnamon they immediately think about that most unhealthy, but delicious, pastry, the cinnamon roll. However, in the past few years cinnamon has been making a comeback in its old “roll” as a medication. Is cinnamon a substance with medicinal properties germane to the treatment of hyperglycemia? If so, is it safe? If it is safe and effective, how and when should it be taken? These aforementioned questions are worth answering. More.

7 Potent Natural Cures in Your Kitchen

The New Zealand Herald ran a very interesting article about natural cures in your kitchen — the incredibly potent healing compounds found in natural foods, herbs and spices.  Unlike manufactured drugs or even vitamins, these these food compounds have substantial scientific support.

Preventive medicines made from rice, berries and red wine could soon be available to help to prevent cancer and other diseases - and pills could be available by 2010. Scientists funded by Cancer Research UK hope the active compounds will be used to create the first products in a family of drugs that stop disease before it takes hold. “These agents have proved highly effective in the lab - it is extraordinary,” says Professor Will Steward, a cancer and molecular medicine expert who is involved in the research.

A single plant molecule can have a bewildering array of health-promoting effects - curcumin, for example, obtained from the spice turmeric, doesn’t only protect against cancer, it is anti-inflammatory and could help combat Alzheimer’s.

Many of the molecules scientists are getting excited about are plant pigments. In nature, these act to neutralise damaging molecules created by ultraviolet light. In the body, they do the same job - they stabilise damaging molecules on everything from cell membranes to the gut lining and blood vessels. By preventing damage, they help to prevent inflammation, cancerous changes and other ageing effects.

Other plant molecules with anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects exist to protect the plant from pathogens, but they have the same effect in the human body. Drugs companies are looking for the most powerful plant molecules to use alone or in combination with existing drugs. The only downside is that drugs companies don’t always look to see how plants were used traditionally.

In herbal medicine, whole plant extracts are used, rather than a single molecule. In these extracts, you get dozens of beneficial molecules working together in synergy. While the new drugs are likely to consist of high concentrations of natural “super-molecules”, you can access their health benefits now, in food or as supplements.

So which of today’s foods will be tomorrow’s drugs and how can you use them to stay healthy now?

1.  Broccoli and brussels sprouts
Active molecule: Diindolylmethane
Combining a potent cocktail of anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties, diindolylmethane from brassica vegetables is set to become one of the leading new phyto- chemical drugs. It’s already used for treating respiratory papillomatosis tumours, caused by the HPV virus and is in phase III clinical trials for cervical dysplasia. Meanwhile, trials sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute are investigating it as a treatment for cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon. It has also been shown to enhance the effect of the ovarian cancer drug, Taxol.
Benefit now: Eat plenty of broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage and kale to help strengthen your immune system and fight infection.

2.  Eggs and spinach
Active molecule: Lutein
Keep your eye on lutein, especially if you’re worried about your eyesight. Lutein, a yellow pigment found in green leafy vegetables and eggs, is making headlines as a potential treatment for eye diseases. Clinical trials show it directly improves human visual performance, helping to prevent the onset of macular degeneration and cataracts. One study in JAMA, the Journal of the American Optometric Association, found that in high enough doses it could even reverse some symptoms of macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in the elderly.
Benefit now: On average we eat around 2mg lutein a day. Yet research indicates we need at least 10mg to prevent or ease symptoms of eye disease. Other than eating more green leafy vegetables and eggs, your best bet is a supplement top-up.

3.  Brown rice
Active molecule: Tricin
People in countries where brown rice is a dietary staple have low rates of colon cancer, so researchers began investigating why. Among other reasons, they discovered that a substance in rice called tricin has anti-cancer effects in the lower gut.
Benefit now: Cook brown rice, in which tricin is found. Its protective effect on the bowel will increase the more you eat it. Its high-fibre levels also protect against cancers of the gut.

4.  Turmeric
Active molecule: Curcumin
Turmeric, the Indian spice that gives curry its yellow tinge, is a powerful anti-inflammatory with cancer-preventive effects. Used in Ayurvedic medicine, the rush is now on to develop the active molecule, curcumin, as a drug. The US National Institute of Health has four clinical trials underway investigating curcumin treatment for pancreatic and colorectal cancers and Alzheimer’s.
Benefit now: Powdered curcumin is not as strong as isolated curcumin, but it does contain other health-promoting molecules and can help ease mild arthritic pain, digestive irritation, bruising and swelling. For a mild effect, add a spoonful of the powdered spice to a curry. For anti-inflammatory effects, stir a teaspoon into 50ml of water and drink twice daily.

5.  Red wine
Active molecule: Resveratrol
Found in red wine, Resveratrol is set to be a leading contender in the new family of anti-ageing drugs. The drug under development gives more than 50 glasses of wine’s worth of resveratrol in a single pill. This dose has been found to double physical endurance and enhance lifespan in animal studies. Research suggests it can also offset the negative health effects of high-fat diets.
Benefit now: There’s no way you could get anything near the levels of resveratrol you’ll get in the future drug. But you can get significant cardiovascular and anti-cancer benefits from drinking one to two glasses of red wine a day.

6.  Tomatoes
Active molecule: Lycopene
Lycopene, the red pigment in tomatoes, is in clinical trials for cardiovascular diseases and prostate cancer. Studies have demonstrated that lycopene improves blood flow through the heart. Several large clinical studies indicate it holds real potential for preventing and treating prostate cancer.
Benefit now: Populations studies suggest that a diet rich in tomatoes can reduce prostate cancer risk. Processed tomato products such as tomato paste and puree tend to contain higher lycopene levels. It is better absorbed with vitamin E, so add unprocessed olive oil to your salad. Available as a supplement.

7.  Chilli
Active molecule: Capsaicin
The molecule that gives chilli peppers their fiery edge, capsaicin is the key ingredient in an experimental new painkilling drug, Adlea. It has a long-lasting effect in dulling nerve pain and Adlea, which is in phase II trials, is being given as an injection to dull pain for up to a month. Capsaicin could also prove to be another leading drug in the prevention of cancer - current trials are assessing it for effects on prostate, gut and lung cancers.
Benefit now: Thai people are famed for their hot curries and have a lower incidence of prostate and gut cancers. Add as much chilli as you dare to stews, salads and curries.

Europeans More Open to Natural Therapies Such as Homeopathy

Europeans, with the popular system of natural health spas, have long been more open to natural medicine than consumers in the U.S. Paradoxically, they also have less tolerance for heavy-handed government regulation of health care, widely seen as being an attempt by government bureaucrats to protect the billion-dollar pharmaceutical industry.

For example, the royal family of England has been a traditional supporter of the alternative medical system of homeopathy. In a recent article in an Icelandic paper, a detailed description of homeopathy was given:

Homeopathy is a system of medicine which states that an ill person can be treated using a substance that can produce, in a healthy person, symptoms similar to those of the illness. Put in an extremely simple way: If your feet get frostbitten, rub them with ice.

HOMEOPATHY is based on the so-called principle of similarity, also widespread in mainstream medicine, the most notable examples being antidotes and vaccines. Classical homeopathy is a holistic medicine; in other words it aims to treat the whole person rather than a single symptom. Instead of suppressing symptoms homeopathic remedies act to stimulate the body’s own defence mechanisms. Homeopathic remedies are made from plants, minerals and other natural substances.
The homeopathic clientele

“There are normally three kinds of people who seek homeopathic treatment,” says Vanessa Parrado Lobo, a Spanish-born homeopath working in Jyväskylä and Helsinki. “There are those who naturally take good care of themselves and believe that they can have a significant impact on their own healing. Another big group is the group of people who are not satisfied with the ‘regular’ medical care. Most of these people suffer from chronic diseases like asthma, migraine, allergy or joint problems. The third group are people sent by a relative or a friend who was helped by homeopathy.”

Parrado Lobo got seriously ill at the age of 18. She was allergic to antibiotics so she had to search for alternative ways of curing. She came across homeopathy and it was love at first sight. She moved to Holland to study homeopathy at The Hahnemann Instituut Nederland for six years.
Parrado Lobo treats people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. Their symptoms vary from flu, chicken pox and ear infections to chronic conditions like depression, genital herpes, migraines, problems of insecurity or shyness and eating disorders.

Homeopathy in Finland
“Homeopathy is not very well known in Finland,” Parrado Lobo explains. “I think the most common prejudice that people have against homeopathy is that they do not believe that you can cure chronic or severe diseases with homeopathy. They associate homeopathy with herbal teas,” she adds. “People also seem to think that you need to believe in it for it to work. My answer to that is: babies and toddlers do not know what they are given and they can still be cured beautifully. They often heal faster than adults.”

“Reading about any form of natural therapy and trying to understand the basics of health and disease can be helpful,” Parrado Lobo says. “Knowledge is power. If you know how your body works and how the dynamics of health and disease work, you can save yourself from many health problems.”

Jaana Laakkonen from Jyväskylä turned to homeopathy with her young daughter who suffered from severe aqua-phobia, or fear of the water. She had anxiety attacks before school swimming lessons and she also suffered from stage fright when having to speak in front of the class. About a year ago Laakkonen and her daughter visited Parrado-Lobo´s studio for the first time. After five appointments and homeopathic treatments her daughter´s problems disappeared. “She actually enjoys swimming nowadays and she is no longer afraid of giving presentations at school,” Laakkonen states.

Another patient of Parrado-Lobo, the seven-month-old daughter of Annalaara Hopkins-Nykänen was cured of food allergies with the help of homeopathy. “We met Vanessa three times. The last appointment was in September and my daughter’s allergy symptoms have stayed away ever since,” Hopkins-Nykänen affirms.

Did you know this?
• Although homeopathy has its roots in an ancient medical philosophy formulated by Hippocrates in the 5th century BC, “like cures like”, modern homeopathy dates back 200 years to the work of the German doctor Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843).

• Classical Homeopathy is so called when it is practiced according to the principles set down by Samuel Hahnemann. The main difference between classical and non-classical homeopathy is the way in which the remedies are prescribed. A homeopath who works classically will only prescribe one remedy at a time. By contrast, clinical or non-classical homeopathy treatments can involve more than one remedy.

• There are approximately 200 members in the Finnish Association of Homeopaths (Suomen Homeopaatit Ry), which has been a member of the ECCH (European Council for Classical Homeopathy) since 1991. Finnish legislation provides no official status for homeopathy, but the Association is working on developing professional criteria that would lead to a register of homeopaths.

Natural Cures for Sore Muscles

Our friends over at Mother Earth News have published a marvelous article on natural cures for tired, aching muscles.

Balms and ointments are also popular means of applying heat to sore muscles. And, since the main ingredient in the various commercial products (Ben-Gay, Absorbine, Tiger Balm) is wintergreen oil, homemade balms are easy to prepare . . . and will save you a bit of money, too.

To make your own rub, simply put one tablespoon each of several herbs—lavender, rosemary, calendula, chamomile, camphor, ginger, eucalyptus, and wintergreen are all good choices—in the top of a nonmetal double boiler. (Note: Never use iron, brass, copper, zinc, or aluminum containers for preparing herbal remedies, as the plant ingredients may chemically react with the metal . . . corroding the vessel and contaminating the solution.)

Check out the article!

Natural Cold and Cough Remedies May Be Safer for Children After All

Given the U.S. government’s ongoing campaign against any remedy not marketed by its friends in the pharmaceutical industry, it was surprising to see the recent warning against giving cold medicines to young children. Even the drug companies themselves, fearful of expensive lawsuits, not warn against standard cough syrups and medicines.

But as the Chicago Tribune points out in an article on natural cures for colds and flu, traditional natural cures for colds and flu have been used for centuries safely — and may not be coming back in vogue.

There are several effective natural remedies have been around for centuries: Chicken soup to fight the cold, honey for a sore throat, salt to rinse stuffy nasal passages and regular soap (skip antibacterial products containing triclosan) and water to wash your hands.

Though they’re all considered “folk remedies,” these traditional cures have stood up to scientific scrutiny, which is more than you can say for the heavily marketed drugs that may also carry some risks for children.

Here’s a list of home remedies that work from Consumer Reports on Health:

1. A saltwater bath for a stuffy nose
2. Chewing gum to relieve heartburn and speed healing from abdominal surgery
3. Chicken soup for colds
4. Yogurt for belly aches (look for those that contain live, active cultures or are labeled “probiotic”)
5. Honey for a cough (do not administer to children under 1 year of age)
6. Cranberries for a healthy bladder (look for drinks that list cranberry juice as the first or second ingredient)
7. Staying warm to prevent a cold

The yoga practice of rinsing the nasal passages with warm water also has strong advocates. Many doctors also recommend using a nebulizer and pharmaceutical-grade saline solution to literally neutralize cold and flu viruses. Apparently, some studies have shown that nebulizing (hardly a “natural” cure although it’s only salt water) somehow makes cold and flu viruses less contagious.