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Way of the Herbal Ninja: Using 17 Herbs You Already Have in the Kitchen

Animal By-products to be aware of!

As we move into all natural ways of being and become more conscious of how the individual effects the whole we begin to accept the Whole Truth. Humans are not made to eat meat! Meat eating is a form of cannibalism and are bodies naturally reject it. Here are a few reasons you may want to consider before you order that next side of cow:

1. Meat is high in saturated fats: we do not need saturated fats to survive and research shows that it is the second worst fat after trans fat. Consuming these fats leads to clogged arteries, high blood pressure and of course excessive weight gain.

2. Meat consumption increases chances of autoimmune diseases due to the fact that some animal proteins are closely related to ours; our body looks at them as foreign objects and begins to attack them. After doing this for some time the body turns on itself resulting in auto-immune disorders like arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and others…

3. Meat production is heavily responsible for climate change; Animals produce natural gas, mainly methane. Methane is a very important greenhouse gas in that it traps heat more readily and abundantly than carbon dioxide. In fact animal production is responsible for 18% of the world’s climate change… that is more than all of the worlds transportation.

It is a fact that consuming meat is doing far more harm than good…. the research is out there do the work and seek the truth and facts.

Now a list of commonly used animal by-products and definitions:
(this is the short list with more to be added)
Albumin: egg/blood
Bone Phosphate: animal bone
Calcium Stearate: animal fatty acid
Collagen: animal tendon and cartilage
Cystelne.L: animal hair (in pizza and pie dough)
Disodium: fish
Emulsifires: animal fats
Glycerine: animal fat
Gelatin: animal skin/bone
Kosher Gelatin: animal skin
Lecithin: egg yolks/animal liver
L-Cysteine: duck and chicken feathers
Lard: pork fat
Lipids: animal fats
Lanolin: animal grease and fat
Lactalbumin: egg whites and blood
Lysine L. or DL: fibrin/blood (in bread and cereal)
Magnesium-Stearate: pork and beef fat
Mono and Dyglycerides: animal fat
Magnesium Clearate: animal
Monostearates: animal organ
Oleic Acid: animal fats
Pepsin: enzyme from hog stomaches
Pesinous Glaze: insect secretions (candy)
Repsin: animal organ
Sodium Nitrate: animal waste
Stearic Acis: animal oil
Stabilizers: animal fat
Stearyl Lactate: animal fats
Triacetin: animal fat
Xanthophylis: egg yolk
Yolk: egg

Yes, this is truth and there is more…

Take the time to do the research and discern for yourself, I share this information with love…!

In Truth, Love and Light,
Nyah…..

African Black Soap- The Benefits

Black soap is also known as African Black Soap and is simply referred to as ABS. It is an excellent cleanser that is composed of numerous soothing and beneficial ingredients that are abundantly found in nature. Although these ingredients are found throughout the world, ABS is traditionally made by hand in Africa. Research has revealed that black soaps might contain many natural ingredients like coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, shea butter and cocoa butter. ABS mainly consists of roasted plantain skins, which are natures highest source of vitamin A&E, varied bark, roots and plants along with water used as the base.

The Many Uses of African Black Soap:

1. Helps to remove scars and blemishes caused by acne
2. Helps to heal skin diseases, irritations and rashes like eczema or psoriasis
3. Removes the dirt and grime left by harsh make ups and un-natural topical products which also induce skin irritation, rapid aging and tiring of the skin.
4. Softens fine lines and wrinkles
5. African Black Soap can be used as a shampoo bar and toothpaste too! It is a true panacea…!

African Black Soap is suitable for All skin types.

ABS is a natural product and should be kept in an airtight container when not in use to avoid spoiling.

Although there are several variations of fake “Black Soap” on the market, buyer beware: Fake Black Soap is hard, is artificially dyed black and is not made up of the proper traditional ingredients! You will find that they are loaded with low-grade ingredients that do more to harm your skin than to heal it…

Let’s return to our roots for True Health, Beauty and Whole Wellness…

After all

Everything African Is The Best!

Brought to you by: Jahlivecustoms.net and gullyland1love
Also, find jahlivecustoms on facebook, worldofjah.com & Blackplanet.com

In Truth, Love and Light,
Nyah

B is for Burdock Root

Burdock is a root that is found in Europe in Asia. It has many medicinal qualities and has been used in many herbal remedies. The root is sweet to the taste and has a gummy consistency. Traditionally, burdock has been used as a remedy for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, viruses like colds, throat pain, and as a diuretic. In modern times, burdock is also used in oncology and to treat many other serious health problems.

Historical Uses of Burdock Root

Burdock root has often been used to purify the blood by removing toxins that can build up in blood. It can be taken orally or used topically as a remedy for skin disorders. Also, burdock root can be a diuretic or soothe aching joints. Traditional Chinese healers used burdock root in combination with other plants to make cures for colds, measles, throat pain, and tonsillitis. Burdock root was also popular in Japan as a source of vitamins and other nutrients. In modern times, burdock root has been employed in the treatment of certain cancers. However, this use of burdock root still needs to be systematically tested.

Historically, the seeds of the burdock plants were compressed to make a mixture that was effective in cleansing the bloodstream, easing pain from arthritis, and treating gout, rheumatism, ulcers, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Its cancer-curing properties were also utilized in Russia and India. The Chinese used it as an aphrodisiac, and found it effective in treating barrenness and impotence.

Burdock’s active ingredients are arcigen, calcium, chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, iron, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol. The seeds of the plant contain beneficial fatty acids. The oil from the seeds can be used as a diaphoretic, which leads to increased perspiration, which is essential in cleansing the body of toxins or harmful elements. According to traditional healers, diaphoretics are integral to treating influenza, gallbladder or liver disorders, and to aid the kidneys which purify the blood.

Burdock root is eaten as a vegetable in many places. It has many nutrients like iron, inulin (a carbohydrate), and beneficial oils. Also, burdock can be used as a gentle laxative and help eradicate uric acid. Some of the active ingredients of burdock are polyacetylenes, which are known to be effective antibacterials and antifungals. Burdock enhances the performance of many of the organs which purify the body and eliminate toxins or waste (like the kidneys, liver, colon, etc). This enhances overall health and helps correct disorders.

Burdock is easily obtainable as an ingredient in teas, ointments, or pills. It is a powerful diuretic, and is safe to be taken internally, externally, or as food. However, it is important to make sure that the herb is pure. Some reports have indicated that burdock could have toxic properties, since cases of illness were reported that involved burdock tea. However, further analysis showed that the negative effects were the result of impure burdock root. Some belladonna, which contains atropine, had contaminated the burdock root. It is important to look at the source and purity of burdock root before obtaining it.

Aloe Vera…

Aloe vera is one of the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12, and it contains many minerals vital to the growth process and healthy function of all the body’s systems. Numerous studies worldwide indicate that aloe vera is a general tonic for the immune system, helping it to fight illness of all kinds. Various research studies are underway to explore the potential of aloe vera components to boost immunity and combat the HIV virus, and to treat certain types of cancer (particularly leukemia). It may even have a role to play in managing diabetes.

Over 200 worldwide scientific research papers have been published on the effects of Aloe vera. The three main categories of research include anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, and anti-viral actions of Aloe vera. The juice is said to soothe digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Aloe’s ability to encourage the release of pepsin (a gastric juice enzyme necessary for digestion) when the stomach is full is a possible reason for its ulcer-healing effects (Journal of the American Osteopathic Society, 1963, vol.62). In one study, oral use of Aloe for six months helped mitigate asthma symptoms in almost half of the participants. Eleven of twenty-seven patients studied who drank Aloe reported feeling better at the end of the study. Researchers think that results might be due to stimulation of the immune system, as well as naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents in Aloe vera.

In 1994, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Aloe vera for the treatment of HIV. On-going studies worldwide show that Aloe taken in highly concentrated doses can stimulate the production of white blood cells that may help fight viruses and also tumours.

Aloe vera contains protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B12 and E, essential fatty acids and is naturally rich in:

Vitamin C which helps maintain tone of blood vessels and promotes good circulation and is essential to the health of the adrenal gland which supports our body in times of stress.

Amino acids which are chains of atoms constructing protein in our body.

Enzymes, which are the life-principle in every live, organic atom and molecule of natural raw food, rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin.

Germanium which is a mineral that some health authorities claim therapeutic benefits for: immunodeficiency, pain, cardiac disorders, circulatory disturbances and eye problems.

Aloe vera juice is said to be one of the finest body cleansers, cleaning morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and is considered the finest, known colon cleanser. Studies have shown that it is healing and soothing in the relief of indigestion, stomach distress and ulcers. People claim relief from arthritis, bladder and kidney infections; leg cramps, constipation, hemorrhoids, insomnia, and for vaginitis, it is said to be an excellent vaginal douche. An excellent internal tonic for energy and well being Aloe juice may add greatly to the strength of the food fed, digestive tract, skin, and overall good health and happiness.

It is also used to ease heartburn, ulcers, diverticular disorders, and other types of digestive upset. It is used as an anti-inflammatory and may be taken internally as a remedy for certain digestive complaints. European folk medicine calls for using Aloe vera juice to relieve heartburn and ulcers. Preliminary research has shown promising results. Clinical trials in Japan indicate that certain compounds in Aloe vera reduce the secretion of stomach juices and the formation of lesions.

Animal studies and anecdotal reports claim that drinking Aloe vera juice or taking it as a tablet or capsule can reduce swelling and inflammation in arthritic joints. Drinking Aloe vera juice may also help those asthmatic patients who are not dependent on cortico-steroids.

In 1997, University of San Antonio researcher Jeremiah Herlihy, Ph.D., conducted a study to observe any negative effects of drinking Aloe daily. Rather than exhibiting negative effects, however, test animals receiving daily Aloe showed a remarkable reduction in leukemia, heart disease, and kidney disease. Dr. Herlihy concluded, “We found no indication of harm done to the rats even at high levels.” In fact, the Aloe-drinking animals actually lived 25 percent longer than those in the control group (IASC Conference, Texas, 1997).

There is no single ingredient that makes Aloe vera potent and healthful. Researcher Robert Davis, Ph.D., an endocrinologist-biologist, explains that fifteen different compound groups of nutrients work together to make the plant effective. This means that Aloe vera’s effects cannot be synthesized easily in a laboratory. On the upside, this makes the plant useful across a wide spectrum of circumstances. And because the various elements that make Aloe effective are nutrients rather than drugs, Aloe juice may complement medical treatments. In fact some cancer patients state that Aloe vera seems to reduce nausea, increase energy, and may help to minimize low blood counts caused by chemotherapy or radiation.

Aloe vera may help adults, children, and even pets receive more value from daily foods and supplements.

Notes:

If you are using oral corticosteroids, such as beclomethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, it is important not to overuse or misuse Aloe vera juice. A potassium deficiency can develop, and you may experience toxic effects from the medication.

Although it is removed, in practice Aloe vera juice may sometimes still contain tiny quantities of the laxative compound found in aloe latex. Should you begin to have cramps or diarrhea do not ingest any more of the juice.

Allergies to aloe vera are very rare. Yet any food can be a potential allergen. Test a small amount on the inner arm to see if any reaction takes place. If no irritation on the skin is observed then it is generally tolerated. If ingestion causes diarrhea, then reduce the amount you ingest, increasing use slowly over several days until the desired amount is tolerated.

Is your dish towel full of bacteria?

You know a sponge can harbor nasty germs, but a recent study of hundreds of homes across the United States found that about 7 percent of kitchen towels were contaminated with MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), the difficult-to-treat staph bacteria that can cause life-threatening skin infections. Dish towels also rated tops for dangerous strains of E. coli and other bacteria. We often use towels to wipe up spills, says Reynolds, then reuse before washing them, which spreads germs.

Keep it clean: Stick to paper towels to clean countertops, and save the dishrag to dry just-washed pots and plates. Change towels or launder at least twice a week in hot water and bleach.

How long can left overs be kept and safely eaten?

Question
Food poisoning: How long can you safely keep leftovers?How long can you safely keep leftovers in the refrigerator?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
According to the Department of Agriculture, you should eat refrigerated leftovers within four days to reduce the risk of food poisoning. If you don’t anticipate being able to eat the leftovers within this period of time, freeze them immediately.

Food poisoning — also called food-borne illness — causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Food poisoning is caused by harmful organisms such as bacteria in contaminated food. Because bacteria typically don’t change the taste, smell or appearance of food, you can’t tell whether a food is dangerous to eat. So if you’re in doubt about a food’s safety, it’s best to throw it out.

Fortunately, most cases of food poisoning can be prevented with proper food handling. To practice food safety, quickly refrigerate perishable foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy and eggs — don’t let them sit more than two hours at typical room temperature or more than one hour at temperatures above 90 F (32 C). Uncooked foods, such as cold salads or sandwiches, also should be eaten or refrigerated promptly. Your goal is to minimize the time a food is in the “danger zone” — between 40 F (4 C) and 140 F (60 C) — when bacteria can multiply.

Before eating leftovers, reheat them thoroughly. Reheat leftover sauces, soups and gravies to boiling. If you’re using the oven to reheat leftovers, set the temperature no lower than 325 F (163 C) to ensure they’re reheated quickly. Because they may not get hot enough, slow cookers and chafing dishes aren’t recommended for reheating leftovers. To safely reheat cooked food in a microwave oven:

■Cover foods with a lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap to hold in moisture and provide safe, even heating. Turn back a corner for the steam to vent.
■After reheating foods in the microwave oven, allow standing time. Then, use a clean food thermometer to check that food has reached 165 F (74 C).

Howard Zinn “A Peoples History of the United States”

Noted author and social activist Howard Zinn died of a heart attack Wednesday while traveling, his daughter, Myla Kabat-Zinn, said.

Zinn, author of “A People’s History of the United States,” was 89. Kabat-Zinn said her father, who lived in Auburndale, Massachusetts,” died while traveling in Santa Monica, California.

“A People’s History of the United States,” first published in 1980, tells a history not often in seen in other books — from the perspective of those not in a seat of power.

The book was the inspiration for a 2009 documentary, narrated by Zinn, called “The People Speak.” The film highlighted people who spoke up for social change, according to the Web site of the History Channel, which aired the program.

Zinn was a shipyard worker and Air Force bombardier before he went to college under the GI Bill and received a Ph.D. from Columbia University, according to his Web site. He taught at numerous universities, including Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Kabat-Zinn said of her father that he lived a “very full and exciting life” and that there were many social issues that were very important to him. Above all, she said, her father believed that there is no “just war.”

Zinn’s death on the day of President Obama’s first State of the Union address was underscored by his contribution to a recently released special from The Nation magazine called “Obama at One.”

“I’ve been searching hard for a highlight,” he wrote. “The only thing that comes close is some of Obama’s rhetoric; I don’t see any kind of a highlight in his actions and policies.”

Zinn said he was not “terribly disappointed because I didn’t expect that much,” noting that he has been “a traditional Democratic president” on foreign policy — “hardly any different from a Republican” — and has been cautious in domestic policy.

“On health care, for example, he starts out with a compromise, and when you start out with a compromise, you end with a compromise of a compromise, which is where we are now,” Zinn said.

Zinn also cautioned “that Obama is going to be a mediocre president — which means, in our time, a dangerous president — unless there is some national movement to push him in a better direction.”

Camellia Sinensis

I have to admit, that Camellia Sinensis, is one of my favorite herbs… and it blends well with many other great herbs, medicinal blending components and of course it stands well alone!

Some, may not know, that Camellia Sinensis is responsible for producing all of your favorite true teas: Black Tea, Oolong Tea, Green Tea, White Tea, Yellow Tea, Pureh Tea…It’s usually the Natural Processes of aging and oxidation that make the subtle to signficant differences.

Beginning in February we will be offering Tea Tastings in Addison, TX… Learn all about tea and its many benefits during a 1 hour session to include a traditional tasting ceremony, tea lessons and notes on teas many uses and a gift of tea to take home. Group and Corporate rates are available. Private tastings are available for showers and special events (Children’s Teas are available for parties of 8 or less), feel free to email us for a quote.
Contact tea@cafematelibros.com to make your reservations the cost is 25.00 per person or 40.00 per couple.

The Healing Powers of Soup!

Soup Therapy: Detoxify, Lose Weight, and Boost ImmunityBy Dr. Maoshing Ni – Posted on Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 5:59 pm PST Dr. Mao’s Secrets of Longevity
by Dr. Maoshing Ni a Yahoo! Health Expert for Alternative Medicine

Soup Therapy: Detoxify, Lose Weight, and Boost Immunity

The healing power of soup: something that both scientists and grandmothers can agree on. From helping you lose weight to warming you up from the inside out to boosting your immunity, soup is a winter staple that you shouldn’t be without. Maybe that is one reason that it is celebrated this month with its very own National Soup Month. Here’s a closer look at what you can do to benefit from soup’s amazing healing powers.

The healing power of soup
An ancient Chinese proverb states that a good doctor uses food first, then resorts to medicine. A healing soup can be your first step in maintaining your health and preventing illness. The therapeutic value of soup comes from the ease with which your body can assimilate the nutrients from the ingredients, which have been broken down by simmering.

Here are some healing soup tips that will preserve your wellness and longevity:

1. Lose weight with soup
Obesity is on the rise throughout the industrialized world, resulting in a startling increase in the rates of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. You can count yourself out of the statistics if you eat a bowl of soup at least once a day. Nutritious low-salt soups will nourish you as they flush excess wastes from your body. It has been found that people who eat one serving of soup per day lose more weight than those who eat the same amount of calories, but don’t eat soup. Homemade soup is your best bet, because canned soups tend to be loaded with salt and chemicals. My advice is to use organic vegetables whenever possible. The herbicides and pesticides that can be present in conventional produce can assault the immune system and overload it with toxins.

2. Build your immunity
Your immune system needs a lot of minerals to function properly and the typical Western diet does not always hit the mark. When you slowly simmer foods over low heat, you gently leach out the energetic and therapeutic properties of the foods, preserving the nutritional value of the foods. Keep in mind that boiling can destroy half of the vitamins found in vegetables, so cook soup over a low heat.

Immune-Boosting Soup
Simmer these ingredients for 30 minutes: cabbage, carrots, fresh ginger, onion, oregano, shiitake mushrooms (if dried, they must be soaked first), the seaweed of your choice, and any type of squash in chicken or vegetable stock. Cabbage can increase your body’s ability to fight infection, ginger supports healthy digestion, and seaweed cleanses the body. Shiitake mushrooms contain coumarin, polysaccharides, and sterols, as well as vitamins and minerals that increase your immune function, and the remaining ingredients promote general health and well-being. Eat this soup every other day to build a strong and healthy immune system.

3. Detoxify your body
As a liquid, soup is already helping you flush waste from your body. When you choose detoxifying ingredients, such as the ones featured in the recipe below, you are really treating your body to an internal cleanse. The broth below boasts many benefits: it supports the liver in detoxification, increases circulation, reduces inflammation, and replenishes your body with essential minerals.

Super Detoxifying Broth
Simmer the following for 1–2 hours over a low flame: anise, brussels sprouts, cabbage, Swiss chard, cilantro, collards, dandelion, fennel, garlic, ginger, kale, leeks, shiitake mushrooms, mustard greens, daikon radish, seaweed, turmeric, and watercress. Drink 8 to 12 ounces twice a day. You can keep this broth in your fridge for up to one week; however, it is always best to serve soups when fresh because each day, the therapeutic value decreases.

In addition to using cleansing herbs in soups, you can take cleansing herbs in supplements. For a gentle but powerful cleanse using Chinese herbs, Internal Cleanse increases the ability of the liver to cleanse the body of internal and environmental toxins.

4. Warm up with a hearty soup
You always want to eat for the season. Soups provide something the body craves in cold weather. When you cook foods into a soup, you are adding a lot of what Chinese nutrition would call “warming energy” into the food. Warming foods to feature in your soups include: leeks, onions, turnips, spinach, kale, broccoli, quinoa, yams, squash, garlic, scallions, and parsley. As a spice, turmeric aids with circulation, a great boost against the cold weather.

5. Get well faster
As you mother may have instinctively known, when you are sick, there is no better healing food than soup. The reason for this is that soups and stews don’t require as much energy to digest, freeing your body up to fight the infection.

It would be impossible to talk about soup’s healing abilities without putting the spotlight on homemade chicken noodle soup. Studies have found that chicken noodle soup does seem to relieve the common cold by inhibiting inflammation — helping to break up congestion and ease the flow of nasal secretions.

While chicken soup may not cure a cold outright, it does help alleviate some of the symptoms and can help as a preventative measure. Many of my patient’s keep the herbal formula Cold & Flu in their medicine cabinets so its there to support recovery when a cold strikes.

In Chinese medicine, you would traditionally be given a tonic soup specifically tailored to your needs, and for that level of personal care, it is a good idea to consult a health practitioner knowledgeable in Chinese nutrition.

I hope you have gotten a taste of the healing power of soup! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

—Dr. Mao

This blog is meant to educate, but it should not be used as a substitute for personal medical advice. The reader should consult his or her physician or clinician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.

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