Sit, listen to the wind, birds and trees. Allow the beauty and chaos that is nature to enter and propel you through this time we call life. Breath in the smells of an open fire place and a camp fire. Know the difference they have on you and your surroundings. Give with an open heart and mind. Know that there are richer and poorer. But never measure those two thoughts by the amount of money one has. For richness is how you live and give of yourself, not what you have.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
50 Ways To Use Essential Oils
I came across this some years back. It is a quick herbal lesson for the beginner who wants to learn quickly
1. For Scent-Sational smelling towels, sheets, clothes, etc. Place a
Few drops of your favorite essential oil onto a small piece of terry
Cloth and toss into the clothes dryer while drying. Add 5 drops
Essential oil to 1/4 cup fabric softener or water and place in the
Center cup of the wash.
2. Potpourri which has lost its scent can be revived by adding a few
Drops of essential oil.
3. Add a few drops of oil to water in a spray bottle and use as an air
Freshener.
4. Add a few drops essential oil to a pan of water and simmer on stove
Or in potpourri pot.
5. To enjoy a scented candle, place a drop or two of oil into the hot
Melted wax as the candle burns.
6. To dispel household cooking odors, add a few drops of Clove oil to
A simmering pan.
7. For tired aching muscles or arthritis aches, mix 1 part Cajeput,
Sage, and Basil oil to 4 parts Jojoba or other vegetable oil and use
As a massage oil.
8. Ease headache pain by rubbing a drop of Rosemary/Lavender oil onto
The back of your neck.
9. To blend your own massage oil, add 3-5 drops of your favorite
Essential oil to 1 oz. Jojoba or other skin-nourishing vegetable oil.
Don't make too much
10. Add 10 drops of essential oil to a box of cornstarch or baking
Soda, mix very well, let set for a day or two and then sprinkle over
The carpets in your home. Let set for an hour or more, then vacuum.
11. To make a natural flea collar, saturate a short piece of cord or
Soft rope with Pennyroyal or Tea Tree oil, roll up in a handkerchief
And tie loosely around the animal's neck.
12. Smelly feet or shoes can be remedied by either dropping a few
Drops of Geranium essential oil directly into the shoes or by placing
A cotton ball dabbed with a few drops of Lemon oil into the shoes.
Athlete's foot? Tea tree is great!
13. Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball
And place it in your vacuum cleaner bag. Lemon and Pine are nice. Rose
Geranium helps with doggy odor.
14. To fragrance your kitchen cabinets and drawers, place a food scent
Dabbed on a cotton ball in an Inc.onspicuous corner.
15. Are mice a problem? Place several drops of Peppermint oil on
Cotton balls and place them at problem locations.
16. The bathroom is easily scented by placing oil-scented cotton balls
In Inc.onspicuous places or sprinkle oils directly onto silk or dried
Flower arrangements or wreaths.
17. Apply true Lavender oil and Tea tree oil directly to cuts,
Scrapes, or scratches. 1 or 2 drops will promote healing.
18. Homemade soaps are pleasant and offer therapeutic effects when
Scented with essential oils.
19. Home-made sachets are more fragrant when essential oils are
Blended with the flowers and herbs.
20. An essential oil dropped on a radiator, scent ring, or light bulb
Will not only fill the room with a wonderful fragrance, but also will
Set a mood such as calming or uplifting. Don't put essential oil in
The socket.
21. A few drops of your favorite oil or blend in the rinse water of
Your handwashables makes for pleasant results.
22. Anise oil has been used by fishermen for years. Use a drop or two
The finger tips and hands before baiting up. Anise covers up the human
Scent that scares the fish away.
23. Essential oils or blends make wonderful perfumes. Create your own
Personal essence! 25 drops to 1 oz of perfume alcohol. Let age two
Weeks before using.
24. To dispel mosquitoes and other picnic or Bar-B-Q pests, drop a few
Drops of Citronella oil in the melted wax of candle or place a few
Drops on the Bar-B-Q hot coals.
25. 1 drop of Lemon essential oil applied directly to a wart is an
Effective means of elimination. Apply the essential oil daily until
The wart is gone.
26. Rosemary promotes alertness and stimulates memory. Inhale
Occasionally during long car trips and while reading or studying.
27. Selling your home? Fragrance sells! Fill the kitchen area with the
Aroma of spices such as Clove, Cinnamon, and Vanilla. Simmer a few
Drops of the essential oils of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and other spices,
Geranium oil sprinkled throughout the home creates a warm, cheerful,
And inviting mood. Add Cinnamon oil to furniture polish and wipe down
The wood.
28. Add essential oils to paper mache, the result is the creation of a
Lovely aromatic art piece.
29. Infuse bookmarks and stationary with essential oils. Place drops
of oil on paper and put them in a plastic bag. Seal.it and leave
overnight to infuse the aroma. Send only good news in perfumed letters.
30. Neck pillows, padded and decorative hangers make more memorable
gifts simply by putting a couple of drops of essential oil on them
before giving.
31. Overindulge last night? Essential oils of Juniper, Cedarwood,
Grapefruit, Lavender, Carrot, Fennel, Rosemary, and Lemon help soften
the effects of a hangover. Make your own blend of these oils and use a
total of 6-8 drops in a bath.
32. Essential oils of Vetivert, Cypress, Atlas Cedarwood,
FrankInc.ense. and Myrrh all make wonderful firewood oils. Drop
approximately 2-3 drops of oil or blend of your choice on a dried log
and allow time for the oil to soak in before putting the log on the fire.
33. Flies and moths dislike Lavandin oil. Sprinkle it on the outside
of your window frames.
34. Place 1 or 2 drops of sleep enhancing oils such as Chamomile,
Lavender, Neroli, Marjoram, or Hops, on your pillow before retiring
for restful sleep.
35. When moving into a new home, first use a water spray containing
your favorite essential oils and change the odorous environment to
your own. Do this for several days until it begins to feel like your
space.
36. Ideal scents for the bedroom are Roman Chamomile, Geranium,
Lavender, or Lemon.
37. 1 drop of Lemon essential oil on a soft cloth will polish copper
with gentle buffing.
38. When washing out the fridge, freezer, or oven, add 1 drop of
Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Mandarin, or Orange essential oil
to the final rinse water.
39. For burns or scalds, drop Tea Tree oil directly onto the affected
area.
40. Place 1 drop of Peppermint oil in 1/2 glass of water, sip slowly
to aid digestion and relieve upset stomach.
41. Use 1 drop Chamomile oil on a washcloth wrapped ice cube to
relieve teething pain in children.
42. 6-8 drops of Eucalyptus oil in the bath cools the body in summer
and protects it in winter.
43. Add 1 drop Geranium oil to your facial moisturizer to bring out a
radiant glow in your skin.
44. Place 1 or 2 drops of Rosemary on your hair brush before brushing
to promote growth and thickness.
45. When the flu is going around add a few drops of Thyme to your
diffusor or simmer in a pan on the stove.
46. To bring fever down, sponge the body with cool water to which 1
drop each of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Lavender oils have been added.
47. The blend of lavender and Grapefruit oil is good for the office.
Lavender creates a calm tranquil atmosphere while Grapefruit
stimulates the senses and clears up stale air.
48. A blend of Geranium, Lavender, and Bergamot alleviate anxiety and
depression. Use ia a room diffusor or 6-8 drops of this blend in the bath.
49. A wonderful massage blend for babies is 1 drop Roman Chamomile, 1
drop Lavender, 1 drop Geranium diluted in 2 Tablespoons Sweet Almond oil.
50. 1 drop Peppermint oil diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil rubbed
on the back of the neck helps to relieve headaches.
Winter Wonderland Spells
Snowy Health Spell
Feeling out of sorts? Try this easy spell for fast relief.
On the evening of a NEW or FULL MOON gather some freshly fallen SNOW and place it into a CLEAR GLASS. Put the GLASS in the windowsill and allow the snow to melt.
Once melted - add 1 to 2 tablespoons of LEMON JUICE.
Repeat as needed!
****
A Snowball Purification Spell
Snow is nature's purifier. The next time it snows, use this spell to rid your home of negativity.
Ideally, perform this ritual at night during a waning Moon. Turn off all your lights and walk outside, leaving your front door open. Make a snowball, and as you hold it visualize all negative energy as a
Brilliant blue light, streaming out of every window and door, and collecting in the snowball.
Then say
Snow light, crystal light,
Cleansing blue light of winter-
As this snowball melts into the ground
Take with it all negativity.
Place the snowball on the ground where it won't be disturbed. Let it melt naturally taking with it all bad vibrations.
By Ellen Dugan
****
Snowman Spell
Mix magick with pleasure if you decide to go out in the snow (kids optional).
What you need:
What to do:
Go out into a large open space where there's enough snow to make a snowman (or woman).
Make a snowman which represents a person close to you who could benefit from healing. It doesn't have to be a snow sculpture nor does it have to be very big. Keep your focus as you make it and consider the issues both physical and mental that are affecting that person right now..
Now make 21 snow balls and line them up in front of you about 10 feet away from your snow creation.
Throw each snowball in turn at your snow man whilst chanting the following:
"As I throw this ball of snow, troubles and worries go"
Try and visualise the snowball blasting away any ailments or issues.
When you've finishing throwing the snowballs knock over your snowman and break it up.
By Lyn of "witch and wizard"
****
Snowman Wishing Spell
Use this spell with the entire family or alone to achieve goals and make wishes come true.
Build a snowman right after or during a snowstorm, so the snow is fresh and pure. You can either write your wishes on pieces of paper and place them inside the snowman while building it or focus as hard as you can on your wish coming true as your snowman takes form. (This method can be a bit harder for children.)
Everyone involved should participate. Have fun. Give him eyes, a nose, a hat, and scarf. Continue to concentrate on your wish/goal until you are done.
Add extra touches to enhance the spell's power, e.g. tie a green scarf around him if you wished for money. Make sure to complete the task. Anything worthwhile in this life takes work, just like building the snowman.
Once you are done, help the spell along. If you wished for a promotion at work, do not call in sick a lot, etc. Explain this to your children as well.
Winter's Magick can be very powerful. While the snowman stands, your wishes will continue to gain power until they are ready to manifest.
Once the snowman melts, so will any barriers in the way of your wishes coming true.
by Lady of the Shadows
****
FOR PROTECTION IN THE SNOW SPELL
You will need:
One peppercorn
A pinch of salt
Pinch of powdered ginger
Pinch of powdered cloves
A small pinch of red cotton cloth
Place the peppercorn in your bowl saying and visualizing:
I charge you with protection
Place the salt in saying: I charge you with stability
Place the cayenne pepper in saying: I charge you with warmth.
Place the ginger in saying: I charge you with protection
Place the cloves in saying: I charge you with protection.
Mix the assembled spices and salt with your fingers, visualize yourselfnhaving a safe health, guarded time. Now transfer the hers to the center of the cloth squares. Fold in half and in half again and sew up the ends. Carry this with you.Make a new charm ever snowy season
****
Feeling out of sorts? Try this easy spell for fast relief.
On the evening of a NEW or FULL MOON gather some freshly fallen SNOW and place it into a CLEAR GLASS. Put the GLASS in the windowsill and allow the snow to melt.
Once melted - add 1 to 2 tablespoons of LEMON JUICE.
Repeat as needed!
****
A Snowball Purification Spell
Snow is nature's purifier. The next time it snows, use this spell to rid your home of negativity.
Ideally, perform this ritual at night during a waning Moon. Turn off all your lights and walk outside, leaving your front door open. Make a snowball, and as you hold it visualize all negative energy as a
Brilliant blue light, streaming out of every window and door, and collecting in the snowball.
Then say
Snow light, crystal light,
Cleansing blue light of winter-
As this snowball melts into the ground
Take with it all negativity.
Place the snowball on the ground where it won't be disturbed. Let it melt naturally taking with it all bad vibrations.
By Ellen Dugan
****
Snowman Spell
Mix magick with pleasure if you decide to go out in the snow (kids optional).
What you need:
- Snow
What to do:
Go out into a large open space where there's enough snow to make a snowman (or woman).
Make a snowman which represents a person close to you who could benefit from healing. It doesn't have to be a snow sculpture nor does it have to be very big. Keep your focus as you make it and consider the issues both physical and mental that are affecting that person right now..
Now make 21 snow balls and line them up in front of you about 10 feet away from your snow creation.
Throw each snowball in turn at your snow man whilst chanting the following:
"As I throw this ball of snow, troubles and worries go"
Try and visualise the snowball blasting away any ailments or issues.
When you've finishing throwing the snowballs knock over your snowman and break it up.
By Lyn of "witch and wizard"
****
Snowman Wishing Spell
Use this spell with the entire family or alone to achieve goals and make wishes come true.
Build a snowman right after or during a snowstorm, so the snow is fresh and pure. You can either write your wishes on pieces of paper and place them inside the snowman while building it or focus as hard as you can on your wish coming true as your snowman takes form. (This method can be a bit harder for children.)
Everyone involved should participate. Have fun. Give him eyes, a nose, a hat, and scarf. Continue to concentrate on your wish/goal until you are done.
Add extra touches to enhance the spell's power, e.g. tie a green scarf around him if you wished for money. Make sure to complete the task. Anything worthwhile in this life takes work, just like building the snowman.
Once you are done, help the spell along. If you wished for a promotion at work, do not call in sick a lot, etc. Explain this to your children as well.
Winter's Magick can be very powerful. While the snowman stands, your wishes will continue to gain power until they are ready to manifest.
Once the snowman melts, so will any barriers in the way of your wishes coming true.
by Lady of the Shadows
****
FOR PROTECTION IN THE SNOW SPELL
You will need:
One peppercorn
A pinch of salt
Pinch of powdered ginger
Pinch of powdered cloves
A small pinch of red cotton cloth
Place the peppercorn in your bowl saying and visualizing:
I charge you with protection
Place the salt in saying: I charge you with stability
Place the cayenne pepper in saying: I charge you with warmth.
Place the ginger in saying: I charge you with protection
Place the cloves in saying: I charge you with protection.
Mix the assembled spices and salt with your fingers, visualize yourselfnhaving a safe health, guarded time. Now transfer the hers to the center of the cloth squares. Fold in half and in half again and sew up the ends. Carry this with you.Make a new charm ever snowy season
****
Snowman Making Spell
Color: Maroon Incense: Evergreen
Making a snowman can be much more than just child’s play.
The snowman can also be a guardian And protector for your household during this season of colds And flus. If you have snow where you Live, use it. If not, a small snowman made of Styrofoam balls Will be just as effective. Use bits of charcoal for The eyes, and old buttons for the nose and mouth. Be creative, And be sure to give him personality as you Sculpt the face. Add evergreen boughs for the arms, and a Small evergreen wreath for his hat. Wrap a scarf around his neck, and enchant him by saying
Man of snow,
While cold winds blow, Protect our home from care and woe. Health and comfort come to me, And our home will blessed be. By Paniteowl | ||
****
Let it snow spell Cold and crisp outside? Or is your skiing weekend in danger of being canceled due to lack of the white stuff? A spell to make it snow may be in order. This spell is best done in the evening. Put shaved ice in a blue bowl. Light a blue candle and place it in the bowl, adding more ice if needed to stabilize it. Then say: Goddess of the northern cold, Goddess of the snowy fields, Bring me snow From your clouds on high, Upon the Earth, May it be revealed. Let it snow and let it stay, So in your honor, We can play! Leave the candle to burn out, then place the water outside on the ground. Go to bed and dream of soft white snow. by..... Nancy Bennett ****
Snow Magick
--To melt hard feelings against you, gather snow that has fallen in a gentle storm. Write the name of a person who is giving you a hard time on a piece of paper. Put it in the middle of a glass plate. Take the snow and pile it on top. Add a dash of sugar. As the snow melts, the person in question will loosen their grip on you. --To banish someone or something that has given you a lot of pain, take snow from a wild storm and follow the same procedure as above. Be sure to ask the goddess' blessing and that the spell not be reversed or place upon you any curse. --Snow poppets are fun to make. If a friend is sick, fashion a tiny snow person, add something of the persons, such as a lock of hair. As the snow melts your friend will get better. --Instead of using your athame in ritual, use and icicle! --Make snow wishes. With your staff, wand or athame, carve a wish into the snow. Ask the goddess to grant your wishes. Trace a pentagram next to the wish to seal it. --Write a wish on a piece of paper and pack snow around it. Place it in a jar. As the snow melts, your wish will be granted. original author unknown |
Keeping Balance Spells
Balance Spell
Daylight Saving Time has begun; now Spring is truly here. To achieve balance and prepare yourself for the active months ahead this spell may help.
To start, light a gray candle, and place before it the Chariot card from the tarot. Take a good look at the card. The charioteer is strong, determined, but above all he is balanced. Now write a list of the things you wish to improve in your life so you may achieve balance—a better diet, financial control, better relationships, and so on. Each time you read your list say the words of power below, and soon you'll gain control over your life:
West, east, south and north,
As the Chariot I go forth;
Careful in thought, word, and deed,
I have the strength to succeed. .
.....James Kambos
*****
Ring of Balance Spell
It can be difficult finding balance today. Being able to come home to a
nurturing environment is a necessary luxury, vital to good mental
health. To do so, try following these helpful magical herbal tips.
Honeysuckle has a calming energy, making it perfect for what we most
need in our daily lives.
For this spell, form vines of honeysuckle into
a small wreath, focusing on having a balanced home. Decorate the wreath
with objects, herbs, or flowers representing things you need to bring
into your home in order for the energy to feel more balanced. Hang the
wreath in your home for a week, and afterward leave it as an offering
outside where you think its energy is needed.
By Laurel Reufner
*****
Task balancing Spell
We are all in a constant state of flux and disequilibrium. The Libra
Moon can help teach us how to flow in the midst of an ever-changing
world. We need to learn how not to get stuck and to go with the stream.
For this spell, draw a large circle on a piece of paper. Then make
segments of various sizes to indicate all the activities you are
currently involved in. Perhaps work will get a big segment, and your
personal relationships will get another fairly large segment.
Continue to divide up the page into segments representing eating,
sleeping, alone time, creative Projects, and so on.
When you are done, see if there are any areas of your life that are not getting enough
attention, and if other areas are taking too much attention.
Then take a new piece of paper, redraw the circle, and reapportion the segments to
the fit your vision of the way you would like to live your life. You can
then choose to bring balance to your life with a prayer of intention:
Goddess, help bring balance into all areas of my life.
So be it.
By: Jonathan Keyes
*****
Holiday bliss spell
For a bit of extra holiday bliss at this time of year, you will need
at least four large vanilla-scented candles.
The holidays are a good time to become frazzled and then just stay that way.
This simple spell relies on both the scent of the candles and the ambience they create.
Place candles in the living room, kitchen, your bedroom, and the
bathroom. Feel free to put them in other rooms as well.
Make sure your candles are in areas that are safe for burning— that they won't scorch
the surface they are resting on and they won't set alight anything that is hanging nearby.
Each evening, burn your candle for a half hour or so, take a few deep breaths, and let the stress melt away.
By: Laurel Reufner
****
Cauldron of Care Spell
When you hear of friends or loved ones in need, write their name on a slip of paper along with a brief note about their troubles, or what you wish for them. This may be "better health, ease of mind, prosperity," and so on. Put the slips of paper in a small cauldron. Each day, take time to look
through the slips of paper to remind you of the people in need. On the night of the Full Moon, sprinkle a pinch of rosemary, Echinacea, and mugwort over the papers, and set them afire. Speak this petition as the papers burn:
"To mother Moon I send this plea,
May those in need be trouble-free.
Through the power of these herbs,
And my will,
So mote it be."
(~Paniteowl)
*****
Witches ball new years spell
To promote prosperity and harmony in the coming year, pass one dozen small
Yule tree balls of various colors, some orange peel, cinnamon, and nutmeg,
and some prosperity oil through your favorite cleansing incense.
Grind the herbs and orange peel in a mortar and pestle, saying:
"New Year blooms in winter light,
Bringing joy and love each night.
With the dawn comes strength and more.
Prosperity enters through my door."
Add three drops of Jupiter oil to the herbal mixture, and stir seven times. Fill each ornament with a little of the herbal combination. Hang the ornaments on a tree outside,
asking the winds of change to bring prosperity and harmony into your life.
****
3x3 spell
To get rid of physical, emotional, or spiritual negativity, and to
bring forth balance in your life, try the Three Times Three spell.
This spell is best performed outdoors during the 3rd quarter of the
moon.
You will need one black candle, a small spool of cotton twine, a
small amount of lamp oil, a deep dish to contain the candle, sand to
fill the dish, and a sharp knife or Witch's athame.
Using the knife/athame, inscribe the name of the person, or word
symbolizing the negative situation you are experiencing, near the
bottom of the candle.
Place the candle between your palms and breathe on the candle three
times. With each breath, imagine you are exhaling the negativity you
have received onto the candle.
Take the cotton twine, and tie it around the base of the candle so
that at least two feet of twine hangs from the knot. Begin tightly
coiling the twine around the candle in a counter-clockwise direction.
While doing so visualize a giant, protective, mirrored egg
surrounding you and repeatedly chant:
"Three time three, as ye have sown
Is thine to reap, thy harvest grown.
For best, for worst, for praise or chide,
The Gods alone your fate decide!"
Continue wrapping the candle with the twine until you have spiraled
to the top, covering every bit of candle. Loop the twine, trying it
in a knot to one of the coils at the top near the wick.
Next, take the oil and liberally smear the twine and candle with it--
cover every inch of the entwined candle.
Pour the sand into the dish and then wedge the candle into the sand
so that it stands erect, then light it on fire.
Watch as the candle melts away, knowing that the magical attack has
been deflected.
~author unknown
Make my food a beauty aid
Apple astringent
1/4 c. apple juice
2 tbl. vodka
2 tbl. witch hazel
Mix together and apply to skin with cotton ball, rinse with cool water.
*****
Banana face mask
This fabulous recipe reflects a wealth of age-old wisdom, and will leave any type of skin feeling refreshed and pampered. There's just nothing like giving yourself this easy-to-make facial using ingredients that are likely to be in your kitchen year-round. The ingredients will nourish, soothe, and gently exfoliate your skin. And they sound good enough to eat!
1 banana, just ripe
1 tablespoon honey
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
1 tablespoon finely powdered oats
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, if mask will not be used immediately)
1 drop each rose and Melissa essential oils (optional)
1. Peel and mash banana. Add honey, egg yolk, wheat germ oil, oats, and
lemon juice, if used, and mash further to form a smooth, creamy paste.
2. If mask is too thick, add a bit of distilled water, and stir until
smooth.
3. Add essential oils last, and stir to mix well.
4. To use, apply to clean face and neck, avoiding eye and mouth areas. Rest
for 10 minutes, or longer if your skin is very dry. Rinse with warm water,
and follow with toner and moisturizer, if desired. Use mask within a few hours of making.
*****
Avocado honey face mask
1 ripe avocado
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon clear honey
Mash avocado in a medium bowl.Stir in yogurt, lemon juice and honey; mix well. Chill for 30 minutes, apply to face and relzx for 10-15 minutes. Splash off with cool water. Feels wonderful!
****
Skin softening bath
Oatmeal softens your skin and helps you hold moisture
1/4 cup minced ginger root
1/4 cup dried parsley
1/2 cup grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons oatmeal
mix together and put in mesh bag and place under running water
***
Cat's Claw: Rainforest Plant Kills Cancer Cells and Provides Hope for Arthritis Relief
Cat's Claw: Rainforest Plant Kills Cancer Cells and Provides Hope for Arthritis Relief
by Melanie Grimes, citizen journalist
(NaturalNews) Cat's claw, also know as Uncaria tomentosa and una de gato, is a vine from the Peruvian jungle. This plant has been used as medicine for over two thousand years by the Peruvian tribe, the Ashaninka. It is known by them as the "Sacred Herb of the Rain Forest." Cat's claw contains compounds called pentcyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) that have been shown to support the immune system, prevent cancers, and possibly treat AIDS. In Europe, the bark is combined with the AIDS drug AZT in some clinical trials.
Cat's claw is sold as an herbal tonic in various forms: leaves, bark, and twigs. But the part of the cat's claw plant that contains the most medicine is the roots, even though the plant is named for thorns at the base of the leaves that resemble cat claws. Because of these thorns, the plant can grow as tall as 100 feet, vining around the trunk of large trees.
Homeopathically, Cat's Claw is used to treat gastric disturbances, such as ulcers, parasites diverticulitis, leaky gut syndrome, and Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's. In herbal medicine, Cat's Claw has been used to treat hormonal problems, such as PMS, CFS and prostate problems, and there has been some success in treating diabetes as well.
The POAs in Cat's Claw work by supporting the white blood cells (WBC). These are the cells that help with immunity. One of the functions of the WBC is to gobble up, and eliminate bacteria and viruses. POA does this by increasing the production of interleukin by the WBC. POAs also help a type of cell called B cells. B cells create antibodies against one type of virus or bacteria. After taking Cat's claw, research discovered an increase in the number of B cells. This is an important function, especially with new viruses mutating, such as Swine Flu H1N1.
Cat's Claw also helps the body create more T cells. T cells attack cancer cells and also AIDS viruses found in the blood stream.
Some Cat's claw plants do not contain POAs, but instead contain an alkaloid called tetracyclic oxindole (TOAs). This substance does not have the beneficial health effects of the POAs, so it is important to read the labels on supplements to make sure the product has the requisite amount of active substance.
Studies are underway at the National Institute on Aging that are investigating the role of Cat's Claw on the brain and in treating Alzheimer's disease.
Some of the compounds in the Cat's Claw plant are able to block inflammation and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Scientists are therefore hopeful that this will lead to a cure for arthritis.
Side effects for Cat's Claw are few, but do include dizziness, vomiting and headaches. It can cause abortion, so pregnant women, or those hoping to become pregnant, should avoid it.
http://nccam. nih.gov/health/ catclaw/
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Uncari...
http://altmedicine. about.com/ od/her...
About the author
Melanie Grimes is a writer, screenwriter, journal editor, and adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University.She has written an eBook on natural treatments for the flu, available at her blog.
A trained homeopath, she also raises alpacas and is an avid spinner. She is the editor of the homeopathic journal, Simillimum, has been a medical editor for 15 years, won awards as a screenwriter, taught creative writing, founded the first Birkenstock store in the USA (www.mjfeet. com) and authored medical textbooks.
Her ebook on Natural Remedies for the Flu is available at:
http://melanie- grimes.blogspot. com/...
Follow her blog at
http://melanie- grimes.blogspot. com/.
by Melanie Grimes, citizen journalist
(NaturalNews) Cat's claw, also know as Uncaria tomentosa and una de gato, is a vine from the Peruvian jungle. This plant has been used as medicine for over two thousand years by the Peruvian tribe, the Ashaninka. It is known by them as the "Sacred Herb of the Rain Forest." Cat's claw contains compounds called pentcyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) that have been shown to support the immune system, prevent cancers, and possibly treat AIDS. In Europe, the bark is combined with the AIDS drug AZT in some clinical trials.
Cat's claw is sold as an herbal tonic in various forms: leaves, bark, and twigs. But the part of the cat's claw plant that contains the most medicine is the roots, even though the plant is named for thorns at the base of the leaves that resemble cat claws. Because of these thorns, the plant can grow as tall as 100 feet, vining around the trunk of large trees.
Homeopathically, Cat's Claw is used to treat gastric disturbances, such as ulcers, parasites diverticulitis, leaky gut syndrome, and Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's. In herbal medicine, Cat's Claw has been used to treat hormonal problems, such as PMS, CFS and prostate problems, and there has been some success in treating diabetes as well.
The POAs in Cat's Claw work by supporting the white blood cells (WBC). These are the cells that help with immunity. One of the functions of the WBC is to gobble up, and eliminate bacteria and viruses. POA does this by increasing the production of interleukin by the WBC. POAs also help a type of cell called B cells. B cells create antibodies against one type of virus or bacteria. After taking Cat's claw, research discovered an increase in the number of B cells. This is an important function, especially with new viruses mutating, such as Swine Flu H1N1.
Cat's Claw also helps the body create more T cells. T cells attack cancer cells and also AIDS viruses found in the blood stream.
Some Cat's claw plants do not contain POAs, but instead contain an alkaloid called tetracyclic oxindole (TOAs). This substance does not have the beneficial health effects of the POAs, so it is important to read the labels on supplements to make sure the product has the requisite amount of active substance.
Studies are underway at the National Institute on Aging that are investigating the role of Cat's Claw on the brain and in treating Alzheimer's disease.
Some of the compounds in the Cat's Claw plant are able to block inflammation and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Scientists are therefore hopeful that this will lead to a cure for arthritis.
Side effects for Cat's Claw are few, but do include dizziness, vomiting and headaches. It can cause abortion, so pregnant women, or those hoping to become pregnant, should avoid it.
http://nccam. nih.gov/health/ catclaw/
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Uncari...
http://altmedicine. about.com/ od/her...
About the author
Melanie Grimes is a writer, screenwriter, journal editor, and adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University.She has written an eBook on natural treatments for the flu, available at her blog.
A trained homeopath, she also raises alpacas and is an avid spinner. She is the editor of the homeopathic journal, Simillimum, has been a medical editor for 15 years, won awards as a screenwriter, taught creative writing, founded the first Birkenstock store in the USA (www.mjfeet. com) and authored medical textbooks.
Her ebook on Natural Remedies for the Flu is available at:
http://melanie- grimes.blogspot. com/...
Follow her blog at
http://melanie- grimes.blogspot. com/.
Blueberry Leaves May Heal Hepatitis C
Blueberry Leaves May Heal Hepatitis C
by Sherry Baker, Health Sciences Editor
(NaturalNews) Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease resulting from infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although the infection can be mild and not even produce noticeable symptoms, once established in the body chronic hepatitis C infection can progress to fibrosis (when the liver is scarred), cirrhosis, liver failure and even liver cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the virus becomes persistent and chronically infects the liver in about 85 percent of those who contract HCV. Persistent infection is treated by western medicine with medications like peginterferon and ribavirin. And while it's true these drugs can wipe out the infection, they are only effective about half the time and they can produce very severe, debilitating side effects. So people who aren't cured by the drugs and who go on to develop cirrhosis or liver cancer may face death from the infection or require a liver transplant.
But now there's another avenue of hope for the 270 to 300 million people who are infected with hepatitis C worldwide. Research just published in the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's Journal of Biochemistry (JVC) concludes a chemical found in blueberry leaves actually blocks the replication of the hepatitis C virus, shutting it down. This finding could open up a new and natural avenue for treating chronic HCV infections, according to scientist Hiroaki Kataoka and colleagues at the University of Miyazaki in Japan.
Because HCV is localized in the liver and can take two decades or more to develop into significant disease, Kataoka and colleagues reasoned a dietary supplement might help slow or stop disease progression over the years. They decided to screen around 300 different agricultural products for potential compounds that might be effective at suppressing HCV replication. The results? They uncovered a strong candidate for a natural HCV fighter -- the leaves of the rabbit-eye blueberry, a plant native to the southeastern US.
They purified the specific compound in the leaves that is active against HCV and an analysis showed it is a proanthocyandin (a polyphenol much like the beneficial natural chemicals found in grapes and wine). While large doses of proanthocyandin can be toxic, Kataoka and his research team found the plant's effective concentration against HCV was 100 times less than the toxic threshold. What's more, similar chemicals are found in many edible plants, so the scientists believe it should be safe as a dietary supplement. The researchers are now planning to study exactly how this chemical blocks replication of the hepatitis C virus.
Reference:
"Proanthocyanidin from Blueberry Leaves Suppresses Expression of Subgenomic Hepatitis C Virus RNA" by Masahiko Takeshita, Yo-ichi Ishida, Ena Akamatsu, Yusuke Ohmori, Masayuki Sudoh, Hirofumi Uto, Hirohito Tsubouchi, and Hiroaki Kataoka.
For more information:
http://www.jbc. org/cgi/content/ abst...
http://www.cdc. gov/hepatitis/ Hepati...
by Sherry Baker, Health Sciences Editor
(NaturalNews) Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease resulting from infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although the infection can be mild and not even produce noticeable symptoms, once established in the body chronic hepatitis C infection can progress to fibrosis (when the liver is scarred), cirrhosis, liver failure and even liver cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the virus becomes persistent and chronically infects the liver in about 85 percent of those who contract HCV. Persistent infection is treated by western medicine with medications like peginterferon and ribavirin. And while it's true these drugs can wipe out the infection, they are only effective about half the time and they can produce very severe, debilitating side effects. So people who aren't cured by the drugs and who go on to develop cirrhosis or liver cancer may face death from the infection or require a liver transplant.
But now there's another avenue of hope for the 270 to 300 million people who are infected with hepatitis C worldwide. Research just published in the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's Journal of Biochemistry (JVC) concludes a chemical found in blueberry leaves actually blocks the replication of the hepatitis C virus, shutting it down. This finding could open up a new and natural avenue for treating chronic HCV infections, according to scientist Hiroaki Kataoka and colleagues at the University of Miyazaki in Japan.
Because HCV is localized in the liver and can take two decades or more to develop into significant disease, Kataoka and colleagues reasoned a dietary supplement might help slow or stop disease progression over the years. They decided to screen around 300 different agricultural products for potential compounds that might be effective at suppressing HCV replication. The results? They uncovered a strong candidate for a natural HCV fighter -- the leaves of the rabbit-eye blueberry, a plant native to the southeastern US.
They purified the specific compound in the leaves that is active against HCV and an analysis showed it is a proanthocyandin (a polyphenol much like the beneficial natural chemicals found in grapes and wine). While large doses of proanthocyandin can be toxic, Kataoka and his research team found the plant's effective concentration against HCV was 100 times less than the toxic threshold. What's more, similar chemicals are found in many edible plants, so the scientists believe it should be safe as a dietary supplement. The researchers are now planning to study exactly how this chemical blocks replication of the hepatitis C virus.
Reference:
"Proanthocyanidin from Blueberry Leaves Suppresses Expression of Subgenomic Hepatitis C Virus RNA" by Masahiko Takeshita, Yo-ichi Ishida, Ena Akamatsu, Yusuke Ohmori, Masayuki Sudoh, Hirofumi Uto, Hirohito Tsubouchi, and Hiroaki Kataoka.
For more information:
http://www.jbc. org/cgi/content/ abst...
http://www.cdc. gov/hepatitis/ Hepati...
Sinus Headache Pillows
Cut 2 pieces of material 10"x4" and sew them together, making a square pillow. Leave one end open so that you can stuff your pillow with the following:
1/2 part flax seeds
1 part spearmint leaves, crushed
1 part peppermint leaves, crushed
1 part lavender buds, whole
1 part eucalyptus leaves, crushed
1 part rosemary leaves, crushed.
Stuff your pillow with the above mixture. Sew up the open end. These are great for a sinus headache. They also make great gifts.
Food chart
HEALTH CHART
Apples
|
Protects your heart
|
prevents constipation
|
Blocks diarrhea
|
Improves lung capacity
|
Cushions joints
|
Apricots
|
Combats cancer
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Saves your eyesight
|
Shields against Alzheimer's
|
Slows aging process
|
Artichokes
|
Aids digestion
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Protects your heart
|
Stabilizes blood sugar
|
Guards against liver disease
|
Avocados
|
Battles diabetes
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Helps stops strokes
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Smoothes skin
|
Bananas
|
Protects your heart
|
Quiets a cough
|
Strengthens bones
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Blocks diarrhea
|
Beans
|
Prevents constipation
|
Helps hemorrhoids
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Combats cancer
|
Stabilizes blood sugar
|
Beets
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Combats cancer
|
Strengthens bones
|
Protects your heart
|
Aids weight loss
|
Blueberries
|
Combats cancer
|
Protects your heart
|
Stabilizes blood sugar
|
Boosts memory
|
Prevents constipation
|
Broccoli
|
Strengthens bones
|
Saves eyesight
|
Combats cancer
|
Protects your heart
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Cabbage
|
Combats cancer
|
Prevents constipation
|
Promotes weight loss
|
Protects your heart
|
Helps hemorrhoids
|
Cantaloupe
|
Saves eyesight
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Combats cancer
|
Supports immune system
|
Carrots
|
Saves eyesight
|
Protects your heart
|
Prevents constipation
|
Combats cancer
|
Promotes weight loss
|
Cauliflower
|
Protects against Prostate Cancer
|
Combats Breast Cancer
|
Strengthens bones
|
Banishes bruises
|
Guards against heart disease
|
Cherries
|
Protects your heart
|
Combats Cancer
|
Ends insomnia
|
Slows aging process
|
Shields against Alzheimer's
|
Chestnuts
|
Promotes weight loss
|
Protects your heart
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Combats Cancer
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Chili peppers
|
Aids digestion
|
Soothes sore throat
|
Clears sinuses
|
Combats Cancer
|
Boosts immune system
|
Figs
|
Promotes weight loss
|
Helps stops strokes
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Combats Cancer
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Fish
|
Protects your heart
|
Boosts memory
|
Protects your heart
|
Combats Cancer
|
Supports immune system
|
Flax
|
Aids digestion
|
Battles diabetes
|
Protects your heart
|
Improves mental health
|
Boosts immune system
|
Garlic
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Combats cancer
|
kills bacteria
|
Fights fungus
|
Grapefruit
|
Protects against heart attacks
|
Promotes Weight loss
|
Helps stops strokes
|
Combats Prostate Cancer
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Grapes
|
saves eyesight
|
Conquers kidney stones
|
Combats cancer
|
Enhances blood flow
|
Protects your heart
|
Green tea
|
Combats cancer
|
Protects your heart
|
Helps stops strokes
|
Promotes Weight loss
|
Kills bacteria
|
Honey
|
Heals wounds
|
Aids digestion
|
Guards against ulcers
|
Increases energy
|
Fights allergies
|
Lemons
|
Combats cancer
|
Protects your heart
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Smoothes skin
|
Stops scurvy
|
Limes
|
Combats cancer
|
Protects your heart
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Smoothes skin
|
Stops scurvy
|
Mangoes
|
Combats cancer
|
Boosts memory
|
Regulates thyroid
|
aids digestion
|
Shields against Alzheimer's
|
Mushrooms
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Kills bacteria
|
Combats cancer
|
Strengthens bones
|
Oats
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Combats cancer
|
Battles diabetes
|
prevents constipation
|
Smoothes skin
|
Olive oil
|
Protects your heart
|
Promotes Weight loss
|
Combats cancer
|
Battles diabetes
|
Smoothes skin
|
Onions
|
Reduce risk of heart attack
|
Combats cancer
|
Kills bacteria
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Fights fungus
|
Oranges
|
Supports immune systems
|
Combats cancer
|
Protects your heart
|
Straightens respiration
| |
Peaches
|
prevents constipation
|
Combats cancer
|
Helps stops strokes
|
aids digestion
|
Helps hemorrhoids
|
Peanuts
|
Protects against heart disease
|
Promotes Weight loss
|
Combats Prostate Cancer
|
Lowers cholesterol
| |
Pineapple
|
Strengthens bones
|
Relieves colds
|
Aids digestion
|
Dissolves warts
|
Blocks diarrhea
|
Prunes
|
Slows aging process
|
prevents constipation
|
boosts memory
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Protects against heart disease
|
Rice
|
Protects your heart
|
Battles diabetes
|
Conquers kidney stones
|
Combats cancer
|
Helps stops strokes
|
Strawberries
|
Combats cancer
|
Protects your heart
|
boosts memory
|
Calms stress
| |
Sweet potatoes
|
Saves your eyesight
|
Lifts mood
|
Combats cancer
|
Strengthens bones
| |
Tomatoes
|
Protects prostate
|
Combats cancer
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Protects your heart
| |
Walnuts
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Combats cancer
|
boosts memory
|
Lifts mood
|
Protects against heart disease
|
Water
|
Promotes Weight loss
|
Combats cancer
|
Conquers kidney stones
|
Smoothes skin
| |
Watermelon
|
Protects prostate
|
Promotes Weight loss
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Helps stops strokes
|
Controls blood pressure
|
Wheat germ
|
Combats Colon Cancer
|
prevents constipation
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Helps stops strokes
|
improves digestion
|
Wheat bran
|
Combats Colon Cancer
|
prevents constipation
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Helps stops strokes
|
improves digestion
|
Yogurt
|
Guards against ulcers
|
Strengthens bones
|
Lowers cholesterol
|
Supports immune systems
|
Aids digestion
|
Lemon yogurt is the only one that is a natural anti-biotic with NO side effects.