Intestinal barrier damage in multiple sclerosis - Lund University

Intestinal barrier damage in multiple sclerosis - Lund University

Spice it up with Cultured Hot Sauce, boost your immunity

Powerful Food, Cultured Hot sauce

Hot peppers, garlic, onions. This cultured hot sauce is a probiotic, anti viral, anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti-oxidant immune boosting food. 



You need just 3 thing chilies, salt and time, then you can think about the addition of garlic, and /or onions to provide a depth to the sauce.  It's optional to add unrefined cane sugar to provide a sweetness, I didn't.  
Lacto-Fermented hot chili sauce is explosive with heat and packed full with food enzymes, beneficial bacteria, vitamin C and carotene. 
Fermented foods are foods that have been through a process of lactofermentation in which natural bacteria feed on the sugar and starch in the food creating lactic acid. This process preserves the food, and creates beneficial enzymes, b-vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids and various strains of probiotics.

Natural fermentation of foods has also been shown to preserve nutrients in food and break the food down to a more digestible form. This, along with the bevy of probiotics created during the fermentation process could explain the link between consumption of fermented foods and improved digestion.

Ingredients

 3 pounds fresh chili peppers
4 to 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

3 onions
2 tablespoons unrefined cane sugar, optional
2 teaspoons unrefined sea salt
vegetable starter culture dissolved in 1/4 cup water, or 1/4 cup fresh whey (optional)

Method

Snip the stems from the chilies, but leave their green tops intact.

Combine all all ingredients in a food processor, or mince by hand, until chopped to a fine pasty texture.

Spoon the chili paste into a glass mason jar and allow it to fermented, covered, at room temperature for five to seven days.

After the chili paste has bubbled and brewed for about a week, set a fine-mesh sieve over a mixing bowl and spoon the fermented chili paste into the sieve. With a wooden spoon, press the chili paste into the sides of the sieve so that the sauce drips from the sieve into the waiting mixing bowl.

Once you’ve pressed and pushed the chili sauce through the sieve, pour the sauce from the bowl into jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep for several months.

source

blog.siffordsojournal.com

ybertaud9.wordpress.com/

Raw chocolate,coconut cannabis oil brownies

Todays quick finish for a sweet moment with health benefits... Cashew, hazelnuts walnuts, hemp seeds (peeled), dates, raisins, raw honey, raw chocolate powder, vanilla, salt, cannabis coconut oil, blend it and place in a baking dish, leave in the fridge for 1-2 hours and its brownie time!

Natural Medicine: Can you cure yourself with Cannabis Infused Coconut Oil

Oh Yes I did.  I made my own cannabis coconut oil.  You can too, and this is how and why you should......

According to philstar.com medical researchers have proven that coconut oil makes you less hungry, contains ketones that reduce seizures, improves blood cholesterol, burns fat, and boosts brain function in Alzheimer’s patients. 

But more importantly, scientists have uncovered the potential of coconut oil to aid cannabis (marijuana) in the fight against cancer. 

Former US Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders wrote in a a report on March 26, 2004 titled “Myths about Medical Marijuana” and published in the Providence Journal:  “The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer, and AIDS — or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them. And it can do so with remarkable safety. Indeed, marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day.”

But relieving pain and symptoms is just the tip of the iceberg.  Medical marijuana is said to slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and moderate autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists believe that, coupled with coconut oil, the healing potential of medical marijuana is amplified even more. 

Medical marijuana capsules, infused in coconut oil, are an alternative way to therapeutically use cannabis without having to inhale it through smoking. Infusing cannabis into coconut oil also allows for easy entry into the liver where it can be rapidly processed. 

The Alternative Daily reports that coconut oil is used because of its high amount of essential fatty acids, which makes it a good binding agent for the cannabinoids.  Half of the fat in coconut oil is comprised of lauric acid.  Lauric acid is called a miracle ingredient because in the body it is converted to monolaurin, which is a potent antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-protozoal substance.  Monolaurin can destroy lipid-coated viruses including measles, flu, HIV, herpes, and a number of pathogenic bacteria. 

More and more medical researchers are intrigued by this powerful combination of cannabis and coconut oil.

Ingredients

cannabis leaves trim and some buds

coconut oil

Method

If you are using fresh weed you really should decarboylate it first. 

" When you smoke weed, the THCA molecule loses its carboxylic group (COOH) in the form of water vapor and carbon dioxide and becomes THC. Long story short, THCA becomes THC and your cannabis becomes psychoactive. This process is called decarboxylation or decarbing.When you smoke or vaporize marijuana, the cannabis is decarbed by the heat. If you ingest cannabis and want the full psychoactive effect, you need to first decarb your cannabis before you cook with it." according to thestonerscookbook.com

How to Decarboxylate 

The goal of cannabis decarbing is to activate the cannabinoids with minimal vaporization of cannabinoids or terpenes (cannabinoids responsible for how cannabis smells). The lower the temperature, the longer the decarb time required, but less loss of terpenes due to vaporization. Heating your cannabis in a closed container will also help reduce the loss of cannabinoids and terpenes by trapping any vapor and allowing it to be reabsorbed into the cannabis material as it slowly cools down after being decarbed. In a covered oven dish heat up you cannabis (leave,stems,buds if using) in the oven at abut 115 Celsius or 245 Fahrenheit for about 30-60min. 

The Infusion

You can infuse your coconut oil using a stove top and a double broiler, at a very low heat, the water should just be below boiling and the coconut oil should not smoke. Once you have warmed your liquid coconut oil, add your ground up plant matter. There is no need to add seeds, but stems are welcome! The strength and ratio of oil to cannabis is variable and up to your discretion. I used a 1:1 ratio, with enough coconut oil to cover the amount of cannabis in the bowl.

THC activates as low as 160 degrees F, and it starts breaking down at 350 degrees F, which is also the smoking point of coconut oil. Once the THC begins breaking down you are receiving less benefits.The goal is to keep the oil just below a simmer with occasional stirring

coconut oil

After about an hour, (or 5 if you have the time) you should notice the oil has turned green – this let’s you know it is done. .

When you are ready to jar the oil, prepare a large mason jar with a secure cheesecloth around the lid – a tight rubber band will do the trick. Then pour the green oil slowly into the jar, let it cool down and keep in the fridge.

This oil can be used in all kinds of recipes especially the raw food desserts work very well.

source: 

www.medicaljane.com

greenstyleconsulting.us

Organic Raw Orange Chocolate Balls

Don't toss out those organic orange peels make these great fast snack balls. Use organic ingredients.....toss it in the food processor......

Orange zest, raw chocolate powder, oats, cashews, dates, raisins, vanilla, coconut oil or (cannabis coconut oil). Place everything in the food processor until doughy then make some balls. 

Try not to eat them all in one go....

How to combine herbs to make your own tinctures

Tinctures are amazing little gems for maintaining a healthy robust body (both chronic and acute situations), and they’re easy to make. Think of tinctures as basically herbal tea on steroids. You get a strong dose of the healing powers of plants in a tiny (convenient) amount (some say that two droppersful of tincture equals an 8 ounce cup of herbal tea). Tinctures are highly assimilable especially if you can stand to put them, straight, under your tongue for a few moments. Tinctures made using alcohol preserve active plant constituents. Another big selling point is that alcohol based tinctures last for years (pretty much indefinitely so long as they’re stored in a cool dark place. No refrigeration is necessary for alcohol based tinctures).

Tinctures and Ailments

DIGESTIVE: comfrey, marshmallow, mint(s), ginger, basil, fennel, dill, catnip, chamomile, cardamom, yellow dock, meadowsweet, orange peel, rosemary, calendula, cayenne, lemon balm, licorice root.

ENERGY: mint(s), rosemary, ashwaganda, rhodiola, licorice root, nettles, oats, yellow dock.

CALM / SLEEP: California poppy, catnip, chamomile, betony, hawthorn, hops, cowslip, lavender, lemon balm, lime blossoms, kava kava, passion flower, skullcap, valerian.

JOINTS / INFLAMMATION: ginger, garlic, turmeric, cayenne, red clover, celery seed, nettle, oats.

PREGNANCY / LABOR: raspberry leaf, squaw vine, cramp bark, false unicorn, blue cohosh. Seek the help from your midwife for proper usage, if at all, of these herbs. Some might be appropriate during certain trimesters.

ADRENALS: licorice root, lingstrum, borage, dandelion, nettle.

SKIN: comfrey, dandelion, calendula, aloe, burdock, echinacea, chickweed, goldenseal, schizandra, honeysuckle.

PARASITES: oregano, pumpkin seeds, wormwood (not for use during pregnancy), cucumber seeds

LONGEVITY: rhodiola, bilberry, damiana, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, ashwaganda, astragalus root, nettle, schizandra.

LYMPH: cleavers, echinacea, poke root.

KIDS: California poppy, catnip, chamomile, lemon balm, mint(s). Many more are fine for kids, I’m simply listing some popular ones.

FEVER: catnip, yarrow, boneset.

EXTERNAL TRAUMA (see also “skin” above): comfrey, yarrow, calendula.

COLDS / VIRUSES / IMMUNITY: cinnamon, hibiscus, ashwaganda, astragalus root, rose hips, myrrh, lemon balm, garlic, oregano, thyme, mint(s), echinacea, elder, lingstrum, red clover, self heal, boneset, yarrow (good for fever), mullein, turmeric, licorice root.

COUGH: elecampane root, comfrey, coltsfoot, white horehound (comfrey + coltsfoot + white horehound particularly good for bronchial issues), red clover, fennel, thyme, licorice root, cowslip, bittersweet, squill, mullein, marshmallow, wild cherry bark, balm of Gilead, black cohosh, and the following are helpful for whooping cough: mouse ear + mullein + white horehound + wild cherry bark + coltsfoot.

FEMALE (SEX, HORMONES, REPRODUCTION): vitex (turns out this isn’t a fit for me), ashwaganda, nettle, red clover, raspberry leaf, rosemary, hops (increases milk production), damiana, schizandra, yellow dock, licorice root, yarrow, ginger, dong quay, black cohosh.

MEN HORMONE HEALTH:  saw palmetto, ginseng(s), damiana

HEADACHE: skullcap, basil, horseradish (sinus headaches), lavender, mint(s), cowslip (sinuses).

BRAIN: ashwaganda, rosemary, rhodiola, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, bilberry.

CIRCULATORY / HEART: cayenne, hawthorn, ginger, rosemary, cinnamon, garlic, ginkgo biloba, dandelion, burdock

ACUTE PAIN: valerian, turmeric

Another way to see this list is by the various ways even one herb can help. See which herbs give you the biggest bang for your buck. 

Tinctures

COMFREY: digestion, skin, cough

MINT(S): digestion, energy, headaches, kids

GINGER: digestion, inflammation, circulatory

ASHWAGANDA: brain, longevity, hormones, colds / immunity, energy

SKULLCAP: headaches, sleep

LICORICE ROOT: female hormones, cough, digestive, energy, adrenals

RED CLOVER: inflammation, immunity, cough, female hormones

Rosemary Gladstar’s good tincture taking advice is the following, and I will repeat that I am not a medical professional… please do your own research or speak with a professional:

• Acute health problems: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture taken every hour for a maximum of 6 teaspoons daily. Reminder that this dosage is for acute problems and short term.
• Chronic health problems: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture taken 2-3 times daily for a maximum of 3 teaspoons daily. This recommendation also comes with a note to cycle the usage. Perhaps 5 days on and 2 days off or 2 to 3 weeks on and 1 week off. You’ll have to experiment yourself and seek professional guidance as needed.
• Treating children: if the dose for an adult is one teaspoon of tincture, then a child of less than one year old (2 to 5 drops), a child of 1 to 2 years (5 to 8 drops), child of 2 to 6 years (10-15 drops), and a child of 6 to 12 years (15 to 30 drops).

source http://kristensraw.com/

Are you feeling tired and stressed? Enhance your Health with these Top 10 Superfoods

1. Reishi Mushroom
Reishi is Queen of the Medicinal Mushrooms. Reishi is the most well-studied herb in the history of the world. She has been the most revered herbal mushroom in Asia for over 2,000 years. The Daoists consider Reishi an “elixir of immortality” that is celebrated for its ability to significantly improve the functioning of the immune system by protecting us from the onslaught of viruses, bacteria, unwanted guests, pollution, chemicals, molds, and the toxicity that we are often subjected to in our world. Reishi helps build up our “stress defense shield” creating feelings of well-being within in spite of outer stresses.

2. Chaga Mushroom
Chaga is the King of the Medicinal Mushrooms. It contains the highest amounts of anti-tumor compounds of any herb. These compounds are in the form of betulin, betulinic acid and lupeol, which are powerful anti-mutagenic compounds naturally present in the white part of the birch tree’s bark (in which the chaga typically grows). Chaga is also extremely high in nourishing phytochemicals, nutrients, and free-radical scavenging antioxidants, especially melanin. Chaga is second only to cacao in antioxidant content. Chaga is the most powerful cancer-fighting herb known.

3. Gynostemma
According to the scientific herbal research being conducted in the People’s Republic of China, gynostemma has been identified as the most medicinal of all the Chinese herbs. It contains 120 saponins (immune modulating molecules that are fat soluble on one side of the molecule and water soluble on the other side) — all of which possess unique and specific health-giving properties. Gynostemma is a true tonic — you can take it or make tea out of it nearly every day with benefits that accrue the more you consume it. Gypenoside 49 (49th of the 120 saponins) has been identified as a telomerase activator that youthens us genetically.

4. Ginseng
Known throughout the world for its amazing energy-restoring and strength-building properties, ginseng is an adaptogen that helps our bodies “adapt” to stressful environmental conditions. Ginseng root can boost energy, induce mental alertness and increase endurance. Ginseng also helps fight pain and alleviate radiation damage to healthy tissues.

5. Chlorella
Chlorella is a natural green micro-algae, and a superfood detoxifier. It contains high levels of complete protein with properties that bond with heavy metals and chemical toxins, helping to eliminate them from the brain and nervous system. Chlorella is the highest chlorophyll-containing plant in the world with 40 times the chlorophyll content of the best wheatgrass juice known.

6. Zeolites
Zeolites are a form of unique, volcanic mineral compounds with crystalline structures that form a sort of “cage.” This “cage” works like a magnet to attract heavy metals, chemicals and other pollutants (e.g. radioactive isotopes), capturing them and allowing their easy removal (without being re-absorbed) from the body. Zeolites have been shown to have anti-viral and cancer-fighting effects.

7. Shilajit
Contains 80+ minerals and fulvic acid which assists in the removal of toxins, improves nutrition to cells and helps restore electricity to the blood. Shilajit promotes the movement of minerals into muscle, tissue and bone. It is an Ayurvedic mineral-herb which translates as the “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.”

8. Astragalus Root
One of the most potent immune tonics used to improve the lungs, strengthen muscles, increase metabolism, reduce stress and strengthen the genetics. The first telomerase activator product to make it into the market is TA-65, an extract of astragalus.

9. Camu Camu Berry
This plant-derived Vitamin C source will super-boost your immune system and help repair connective tissue. Camu Camu is one of the most concentrated supplies of Vitamin C in the world, and a powerful antioxidant.

10. Probiotics
Consuming a combination of good quality probiotics (these include friendly bacteria such as: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidus infantis, B. longum, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. plantarum, L. salivarius, Enterococcus faecium, etc.) and cultured and fermented foods like coconut kefir will lead to enhanced immunity as the beneficial probiotic bacteria are symbiotic allies to your body that help: fight viruses, candida and other infections; produce B vitamins; and assist in detoxification. Probiotics help build up that “stress defense shield.”

When you start investigating and utilizing these substances consistently and regularly, you will notice that your immunity will step-by-step be enhanced. Your thoughts will have more clarity. Your overall energy will increase. You will also likely sleep better and perform better in athletic activities. Your overall productivity will improve. Digestive distress decreases. Feelings of well-being begin to dominate your life.

Superfoods and tonic superherbs can be added into anyone’s diet. Simply begin with the first one or few that you’re drawn to and go from there. Get out a blender and have fun. Make different teas with the superherbs or smoothies with the superfoods. Better yet, take your superherb tea and blend it with your superfoods to make the best elixirs ever. Getting healthier and healthier is fun!

 source http://blog.bodymindinstitute.com/

Lyme Activists to Speak Out at New York Times with Silence Against Silence

Lyme Activists to Speak Out at New York Times with Silence Against Silence

Honey + Apple Cider Vinegar + herbs = medicine

 According to Hippocrates – the father of modern medicine, the combination of vinegar and honey called Oxymel created the foundation for many medicinal herbal formulas as well. 

Oxymels! Oxymel – from the Latin oxymeli meaning “acid and honey” has been made and used in many ways throughout the ages and it’s a recipe that can be adapted to suit your health and herbal needs.

Traditionally, an Oxymel recipe would be used to administer herbs that might not be so pleasant to taste and the more pleasant tasting herbs can become even more tasty after sitting in honey and vinegar. Making your own medicine can be fun and delicious.

 After you try making an Oxymel syrup,  you can try it  in some bubbly water on a warm day, on top of freshly-made pancakes, on  a bed of fresh greens from your garden, by itself, or with some warm water to help keep your spirits and throat happy during times of stress. 

Use the combination of herbs to aid whatever issues you may be suffering from. Apple cider vinegar and honey alone are a soothing treat to your throat, when you throw in some of your favorite herbs for supporting a healthy functioning immune system  you have made Oxymel! 

An herbal historical combination was created by Rosemary Gladstar, including; ginger, garlic, cayenne, and horseradish and called it fire cider.

What you will need:

• organic apple cider vinegar
• raw local honey
• organic medicinal herbs of your choice (see below)
• pint jar
• pan to decoct
• jar for storage

Notes:

Raw apple cider vinegar is a great way to make an alcohol free extract.

Organic herb possibilities for a throat soothing immune boost:

• Elderberries
• Elecampane
• Fennel
• Garlic
• Mullien
• Lemon
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Hyssop

Generally speaking, you want a ratio of 1:3 – 1:4 .   
1 part dried herb to 3 or 4 parts vinegar and honey. You can easily measure by filling a jar less than 1/4 of the way with herbs and then topping with equal parts honey and equal parts vinegar. The older techniques prefer more honey, up to 5 parts honey to 1 parts vinegar, and the newer recipes call for more apple cider vinegar, as much as 3 parts vinegar to one part honey.  I prefer half and half.  You can find a ratio that suits you! For storage, I prefer a glass jar with a cork top.

Method 1: Stir, Shake, and Sit

Good method for a variety of herbs!

Place desired herbs into pint jar (1/4 – 1/5 of the way full), cover with apple cider vinegar and honey.  You can stir before sealing the jar, or seal the jar and shake until well mixed. Now let your jar sit somewhere cool and dark and shake a couple of times a week. After two weeks, strain and pour into a glass jar for storage.

Method 2: Vinegar Reduction

Great for non-delicate herbs and hearty roots!

If you’re in a pinch and need an Oxymel  quickly, you can always experiment with a vinegar reduction.  I would not use this method for especially aromatic or floral herbs, as it may be too harsh of an extraction process with heat causing the aromatics to dissipate.  In my recipe, it worked well, bringing out the aroma of all herbs perfectly evenly! Apple cider vinegar steam can be very intense, so be careful not to put your face and eyes over the pot while it is simmering (it will not feel good if you do!)  You will want to use twice as much vinegar as you need in the end, since this is a reduction and you will loose half of it in the process to evaporation. Reduce for 30-40 minutes on low heat.  Once you are done, let cool and strain,  mix herbal decocted vinegar with equal parts honey until well mixed and store in an airtight bottle.

Method 3: Infusing Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar Seperately

Nice option for especially delicate herbs.

This is a very easy way to make an Oxymel if you already have infused honey and infused apple cider vinegar, or one or the other. If you have previously infused apple cider vinegar or honey you simply get to mix them together using a ratio that suits you and enjoy! If you regularly cook with herbal infused honeys and vinegars and have some of your favorites sitting around, this can be a great way to turn your culinary spice into a soothing treat!

Source: http://mountainroseblog.coms

http://www.happyherbalist.com/

Energising Detoxifying Smoothie

Nothing Fancy just My Daily Dose of Goodness.  Everyday is a chance to give yourself something good.  If you feed your body what it needs there is a better chance to keep all running well. Feeling good allows our lives to be more joyous.  How you fuel yourself is the most important first step to bringing optimal functionality to your body, mind, day and life.  A green smoothie is just a good place to start. Although you may do your best, and I do try, sometimes life may not always allow the time to make fresh veggies juices daily, or to keep up with kombucha brewing, growing your sprouts, and creating a constant flow of cultured veggies. This is why a  daily dost of a fast green smoothie gives you a boost with loads of extra nutrition that you may miss by not eating enough variety of raw, cultured, organic foods throughout your day. There are so many recipes out there to try, it's worth it, get on this nutritional ride, your body will thank you!

My Basic Smoothie (after 1 glass of Kombucha, or Jun, instead of coffee)

Ingredients
use organic when possible

• 1 avocado
• 1 tbs reishi mushroom powder
• 1 tbs hemp seeds (peeled)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup any leafy greens
• 1 tbs chia seeds
• 1 tbs raw cacao
• 1/4 tbs raw honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean
• 1 tbs cinnamon
• 1 tbs green powder combination with hemp/maca/acai/lucuma/spirulina/cacao

Blend and drink it up! Filling, energizing and detoxifying.