Turmeric and Your Liver

The liver performs 500 different functions in the body—and can therefore easily become overwhelmed. So, multiple functionalities are attributed to this triangular organ extending across the abdominal cavity below the diaphragm.

Apparently, this organ is extremely vulnerable to numerous pathologies mainly associated with its great number of functions, structural organization, strategic localization and cell sensitivities.

During the past 30 years and even after the major progress in the liver disease management, millions of people still suffer from an acute or chronic liver condition worldwide. Liver diseases affect more than 10% of the world population and its mortal end-stage generally follows cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Oxidative stress has been considered a key causing factor of liver damage induced by a variety of agents, including alcohol, drugs, viral infections, environmental pollutants and dietary components, which in turn results in progression of liver injury, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, non-alcoholic liver disease, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Nowadays, also through sugar consumption.

It is becoming very common, and increasingly common in younger people. The good news is that by fixing up the diet to avoid refined sugars and things that break down easily into sugar, you can take a big step towards avoiding fatty liver. Curcumin also helps, though! It’s been shown to lower liver enzymes which are the markers that are used to measure liver function.

Natural products provide a repertory for discovery of new leads that can be used in treating different types of diseases such as cancer, inflammation and liver diseases. More than half of all pharmaceutical products have been discovered from natural compounds or their derivatives.

Curcumin is the main constituent of turmeric, the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Curcuma is one of the most commonly used indigenous molecules endowed by various shielding functionalities that protects the liver. Derivatives from Curcuma longa L. are including, Curcumin, Ar-turmerone, Methylcurcumin, Demethoxy curcumin, Bisdemethoxy curcumin and Sodium curcuminate.

Studies results showed that curcumin exerts remarkable protective and therapeutic effects of oxidative associated liver diseases through various cellular and molecular mechanisms. Those mechanisms include suppressing the proinflammatory cytokines, lipid perodixation products, PI3K/Akt and hepatic stellate cells activation, as well as ameliorating cellular responses to oxidative stress such as the expression of Nrf2, SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx and GR. Taking together, curcumin itself acts as a free radical scavenger over the activity of different kinds of ROS via its phenolic, β-diketone and methoxy group. Further clinical studies are still needed in order to recognize the structure-activity relationships and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in oxidative associated liver diseases.

Curcumin is able to protect and treat liver diseases and to alter different cellular pathways. For instance, curcumin induce the expression of heme oxygenase-1 which cleaves heme and produces CO, biliverdien and bilirubin and other antioxidant molecules. Regarding the reported effects on cellular responses, curcumin inhibits activation and proliferation of HSC, leading to a decrease in production of extracellular matrix collagen and protecting liver from fibrogenesis.

A wide variety of preclinical studies support the effectiveness of dietary curcumin in the management of oxidative associated liver diseases. According to these articles, curcumin as a dietary supplement has a protective role against the onset of liver diseases. The intake of a significant content of curcumin in the daily regimen or as dietary supplementation along with restricted therapeutic options can provide perfect prevention and treatment for liver disorders.

If you wish to start preventing these type of conditions, please check our Turmeric capsules.

Be happy, stay healthy!

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Sources: NCBI

GoodnessMe

Graviola and Depression

Photo by Alan Tang on Unsplash

Depression does not choose age, gender or social status. It can affect us all.
Graviola / Soursop tea helps you to sleep, relax and cope with stress. So, it is used sucessfully against depression.

The truth is stunningly simple: in tropical areas grows a tree that could literally revolutionize what we and the rest of the world think about cancer treatment and chances of survival. Or it’s an herbal natural way or by targeting cell’s “biological clock” in order to find a way to get rid of cancer cells. It is important to realize that the future has never looked more promising.

The principal interest in this plant is because of its strong anticancer effects. Although it is effective for a number of medical conditions, it is its anti-tumor effect that is of the most interest. This plant is a proven cancer remedy for cancers of all types.

Besides being a cancer remedy, Graviola is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for both bacterial and fungal infections, is effective against internal parasites and worms, lowers high blood pressure and is used for depression, stress and nervous disorders.

The extract is basically used to treat infections with viruses or parasites, rheumatism, arthritis, depression, and sickness. It is confirmed from research that some Graviola extracts can help to treat these conditions. In many countries, people use the bark, leaves, root, and fruits of this tree for traditional remedies.

To learn more about Graviola please visit our website here.

Be happy, stay healthy!

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source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4319340/

Turmeric, the prodigy plant

Turmeric, sometimes called Indian saffron or the golden spice, is a tall plant that grows in Asia and Central America. Turmeric comes from the Curcuma longa plant, which grows in India and other Southeast Asian countries. It is a member of the ginger family.

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, and it has powerful biological properties. Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian system of treatment, recommends turmeric for a variety of health conditions. These include chronic pain and inflammation. Western medicine has begun to study turmeric as a pain reliever and healing agent.

Turmeric Contains Bioactive Compounds With Powerful Medicinal Properties

• Curcumin Is a Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound
• Turmeric Dramatically Increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the Body
• Curcumin Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Linked to Improved Brain Function and a Lower Risk of Brain Diseases
• Curcumin Should Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
• Turmeric Can Help Prevent (And Perhaps Even Treat) Cancer
• Curcumin May Be Useful in Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
• Arthritis Patients Respond Very Well to Curcumin Supplements
• Studies Show That Curcumin Has Incredible Benefits Against Depression
• Curcumin May Help Delay Aging and Fight Age-Related Chronic Diseases

Side effects of turmeric

While turmeric does provide potential health benefits, it creates some risks that are worth considering before consuming large amounts.

The same agents in turmeric that support digestive health can irritate when taken in large amounts.

Turmeric stimulates the stomach to produce more gastric acid. While this helps some people’s digestion, it can negatively affect others.

The purifying properties of turmeric may also lead to easier bleeding more easily.

Suggestions

If you would like to have a daily intake of Turmeric, you may find it easier to do so with Turmeric capsules. It is easier to stay inside the daily doses and it is more practical. Please have a look at our Turmeric and other natural capsules here.

Stay healthy, stay happy!

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Sources: Healthline

Medical News Today

Struggling with spring induced allergies?

Photo by Lukasz Szmigiel on Unsplash

Having trouble breathing? Asthma attacks clouding your days?

Astragalus root might be the natural prevention and treatment for you!Astragalus root is one of the most powerful immune-building plants on the planet. This adaptogen herb helps beat stress while fighting disease at the same time.

This Chinese herbal medicine has been used to address infections for thousands of years. One representative medicine, Astragalus (Huangqi), has been the most studied. Many studies have reported that Astragalus or its formulations could prevent upper respiratory infection in immunocompromised patients.

Astragalus has the unique ability to support a healthy inflammatory response within the lungs as well as provide antioxidant support. Therefore, astragalus can work to support respiratory tissues from the damaging effects of dry air and air contaminants.

Provides Supplemental Therapy for Chronic Asthma

Astragalus has been used to treat chronic asthma and determined to be a successful supplemental therapy and asthma natural remedy. After being treated, hypersensitivity in airways decreased substantially and mucus production and inflammation were reduced in studies. By preventing or reducing asthma attacks, individuals could be relieved of chronic asthma issues.

It is used in the treatment of numerous ailments, including heart, liver, and kidney diseases, as well as viral infections, and immune system disorders.

In addition to pumping up your immune system, studies show it’s vital for cardiovascular health and can even fight off tumors and alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy!

Astragalus contains three components that allow the plant to have such a positive impact on human health: saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides, which are all active compounds contained in certain plants, including some fruits and vegetables. Saponins are known for their ability to lower cholesterol, improve the immune system and prevent cancer.

Flavanoids, also found in astragalus, provide health benefits through cell signaling. They show antioxidative qualities, control and scavenge of free radicals, and can help prevent heart disease, cancer and immunodeficiency viruses. Polysaccharides are known to have antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory capabilities, among other health benefits.

Astragalus Benefits

• Immunostimulant: act as a catalyst for interferon, which would increase antibody levels in nasal secretions and in the blood, increases the cytotoxicity of interleukin.
• Improves immunity in Herpes recurrence by regulating Th1 / Th2 balance
• Antitumor activity, inducer of apoptosis in colon cancer, and hepatocarcinoma
• Improves the tolerance of anticancer drugs, intravenous injection in combination with conventional treatment
• Protect bone marrow cells
• Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase (potential antidiabetic effect), antidiabetic
• Anti-aging, a telomerase-activating molecule (TA-65) extracted from the root of Astragalus membranaceus is able to increase the average length of telomeres, reduce the percentage of telomeres too short and DNA damage at Mouse embryonic fibroblasts with haploinsufficiency
• Antioxidant (scavenger of free radicals: hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide)
• Vascular protector, protects the vascular endothelium
• Renal protector
• Neuroprotective neurons (astragaloside IV), potentialities in Parkinson’s disease
• Anti-allergic, Anti-asthmatic
• Prevention of respiratory infections.

There are several ways to use astragalus, from teas to supplements in capsules to topical creams. You can also incorporate it into various recipes.

When using astragalus, be sure to consult with your physician and be aware of possible interactions and side effects.

Be happy, stay healthy!

 

Ginger, the condiment that is also medicine

Ginger is a popular ingredient in cooking, and especially in Asian and Indian cuisine. It has also been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes.

Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet.

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. However, some herbs and spices may offer additional health benefits. One of these is ginger.

The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It is often called ginger root, or simply ginger. It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.

The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

The health benefits of ginger are largely due to its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and content of therapeutic compounds like gingerol, shogaol, paradol and zingerone.

It is available fresh and dried, as ginger extract and ginger oil, and in tinctures, capsules, and lozenges. 

 

10 benefits of Ginger :

1. Decreases rheumatic and menstrual pain.
2. It is effective against flu and colds, by promoting expectoration.
3. Improves blood flow, so it prevents cardiovascular diseases.
4. Eliminates dizziness and vertigo.
5. It is a natural aphrodisiac, by stimulating libido.
6. It is a natural antidepressant.
7. Fights premature aging and reduces stress levels
8. Decreases migraines by blocking the effects of prostaglandin.
9. Prevents colon and ovarian cancer.
10. It facilitates digestion.

Some precautions to have in mind:

Natural ginger will cause little or no known side effects for most people. In some, however, a high intake may worsen symptoms of acid reflux, irritate the mouth, and cause diarrhea. Taking ginger as capsules may help reduce the risk of heartburn.

Anyone who is pregnant, or who has gallstones, diabetes, or a blood clotting disorder should discuss first with their doctor whether to increase their intake of ginger. Ginger supplements should not be used with aspirin or other blood-thinning medications.

Ginger is one of the very few “superfoods” actually worthy of that term. You can buy fresh or powdered ginger at your local grocery store or purchase ginger supplements online.

Be happy and stay healthy!

Soursop and Hypertension, what else should you know?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is caused by a number of factors, ranging from smoking to obesity and lack of physical activity to stress. High blood pressure can be dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and contributes to hardening of arteries or atherosclerosis and the development of heart failure.

According to the traditional uses of  Graviola / Soursop, it can help in the treatment of nervous disturbances, palpitations, nervousness and hypertension. The dark green lanceolate leaves of Annona muricata are traditionally used as antispasmodic nervines for heart conditions and as sedatives.

A 2012 study on rats found Graviola helped reduce blood pressure without increasing heart rate. According to researchers, the herb’s hypotensive abilities are due to “peripheral mechanisms involving antagonism of Ca²⁺ [calcium ions].”

The anti-depressant, sedative and tranquilizing properties of Graviola / Soursop may be due to the ability of certain alkaloids to have agonist properties towards the 5-HT1A receptors in the calf hippocampus. Previous treatment with Graviola / Soursop prevented the exhaustion of noradrenaline and dopamine induced by stress, which helps the body to cope better with stress.

The Graviola / Soursop  comes from the Graviola tree and contains a phenomenal amount of vitamins C, B1 and B2. It is known that these important vitamins help relieve stress, in addition to having anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve muscle pain and reduce the healing time between workouts.

The content of vitamin B1 is capable of accelerating metabolism, blood circulation, prevents damage to the nerves, restoring borders and central nervous disorders. The content of vitamin B2 is necessary for the production of energy of the body, the fat storage, the function of the nervous system and the maintenance of the cardiac muscle.

If you’re wondering where you can get Graviola, take a look at our Herbal D-Tox online store. We have Graviola available in different formats that are suitable for your lifestyle: tea bags, dried leaves, powdered capsules and liquid extract. Have a look!

For more information about Soursop / Graviola and Hypertension, you can also read our article here.

Be happy, stay healthy!

 

Are you familiar with Sweet Annie (Artemisia Annua) Benefits?

Commonly known as wormwood, sweet sagewort or Sweet Annie, Artemisia annua has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for reducing fevers, inflammation, headaches, bleeding and for treating malaria. It is an herb and the parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

The plant of Artemisia annua L. produces the sesquiterpene lactone, artemisinin, a potent antimalarial drug that is also effective in treating other parasitic diseases, some viral infections and various neoplasms. Artemisinin is also an allelopathic herbicide that can inhibit the growth of other plants.

Sweet Annie is also used for bacterial infections such as dysentery and tuberculosis; illnesses caused by worms, other parasites, and mites; fungal infections; and viral infections such as the common cold. Other uses include treatment of upset stomach, fever, yellowed skin (jaundice), psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune disorders, loss of appetite, blood vessel disorders, constipation, gallbladder disorders, stomach pain, painful menstruation, and joint pain(rheumatism).

People with AIDS sometimes use sweet Annie to prevent an often fatal type of lung infection called pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) that is caused by a fungus.

Sweet Annie is sometimes applied directly to the skin for bacterial and fungal infections, arthritis and other joint pain, bruises, nerve pain, and sprains.

Mechanism of anti-cancer action

Artemisia annua has also been investigated for its anticancer properties. Terpenoids and flavonoids isolated from the herb exert cytotoxic effects in several human tumor cell lines. The constituents artemisinin and artesunate have been studied as anticancer treatments. In a recent safety study in advanced breast cancer patients, oral artesunate as add-on therapy was well tolerated, although it was determined that regular audiological assessments should be included to monitor for ototoxicity.

Artemisinin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of Leishmani  donovani promastigotes . It has antiproliferative effects on medullary thyroid carcinoma cells, and induces apoptosis in a lung cancer cell line by modulating p38 and calcium signaling. In another study, it significantly inhibited cell growth and proliferation, and caused G1 cell-cycle arrest in neuroblastoma cell lines.

In low income and developing nations, malaria is the fifth most prevalent infectious disease and the tenth overall cause of death, and is projected to remain at that level until at least 2030 (Mathers et al. 2006). The World Health Organization (WHO 2005) estimates that more than 380 million cases of malaria occur each year and account for more than 1 million deaths especially in developing countries (Rathore et al. 2005). Artemisinin and its derivatives also have been shown to be effective against a number of viruses, Pnuemocystis carinii, Toxoplasma gondii, a number of human cancer cell lines (Efferth 2007), and a variety of other parasitic tropical diseases including schistosomiasis (Utzinger et al. 2001), leishmaniasis (Sen et al. 2007), Chagas disease, and African sleeping sickness (Mishina et al. 2007). All of these diseases probably can be successfully treated with artemisinin, if enough of the drug is made available and, for developing countries, also at a cost that is affordable.

 

Cat’s Claw and its secrets

Cat’s Claw is a plant. Two species of Cat’s Claw, Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis, are of primary interest for use as medicine.

With a lengthy history dating back to the Inca civilisation, Cat’s Claw has been used as a traditional medicine in the Andes to treat inflammation, gastric ulcers, rheumatism, dysentery, intestinal complaints and wounds.

Cat’s Claw is one of the best antiviral herbs to boost the immune system and fight infection. This powerful herb is not only antiviral — it also has anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and antioxidant properties. These health-promoting attributes may make cat’s claw helpful as a natural treatment for arthritis, allergies, asthma, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, viral infections, ulcers, hemorrhoids and more.

This woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest can help many serious health problems by assisting the body in eliminating free radicals that cause cellular damage.

Today, Cat’s Claw is used as a dietary supplement.

Constituents:

Cat’s Claw has many phytochemical elements that consist of oxidole alkaloids, quinovic acid glycosides, antioxidants, plant sterols and carboxyl alkyl esters. All of these are thought to have, in varying degrees, an action that can be attributed to the many benefits of Cat’s Claw.

It is used in traditional medicine by the Ashaninka, an ethnic group from the Peruvian Amazon, to treat deep wounds, to relieve gastrointestinal, joint and bone pain, kidneys, and for the treatment of women after delivery/labour.

• rheumatic pains;
• HIV or AIDS immunodeficiency;
• ulcers and tumors;
• blood coagulation;
• degenerative diseases such as cancers and tumors; irregularities of the menstrual cycle;
• gonorrhea;
• diabetes;
• deep wounds;
• Crohn’s disease ;
• Lyme disease;
• Treats high blood pressure.

WHO organized in 1994 in Geneva the First International Conference on Uncaria tomentosa. The benefits of this plant were unanimously recognized. Since the discovery of quinine, no wetland plant has attracted so much interest from the scientific community.

Astragalus Health Benefits

Astragalus is a plant within the Leguminosae (beans or legumes) family, with a very long history as an immune system booster and disease fighter. Astragalus is commonly known as milk vetch. Its roots are in Traditional Chinese Medicine, in which it’s been used as an adaptogen for thousands of years — meaning it helps the body fight off stress and disease.

Astragalus root is one of the most powerful immune-building plants on the planet.

Several groups of active phytochemicals such as flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides are credited with the wide-ranging medicinal properties of this herb. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties that make them useful in reducing oxidative stress and reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer due to free radical damage. They are also involved in cell signaling.

In addition to pumping up your immune system, studies show it’s vital for cardiovascular health and can even fight off tumors and alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy!

Some of the health benefits of Astragalus include:

• Astragalus boosts the immune system
• Anti-Aging Properties
• Reduces the Effects of Stress
  Promotes Heart Health
• stragalus protects against cold and flu and other respiratory diseases
• Astragalus may help prevent diabetes and delay its progress
• Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory
• Slows or Prevents the Growth of Tumors
• Regulates and Prevents Diabetes and Illnesses Related to Diabetes, etc.

Astragalus is generally safe to use with no serious side effects. There are possible interactions with other herbal supplements, so start with smaller doses to prevent side effects.

The excellent immune stimulating effect of the herb may counteract the effect of immunosuppressant drugs commonly prescribed for treating autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and others.

Is Astragalus Root Right for You?
If you like the health benefits associated with astragalus root and want to support your immune system and overall vitality, then it may be right for you. Ask your healthcare professional and work with them to determine a serving size and method that’s right for you. We recommend these Astragalus capsules.

Stay healthy, stay happy!

 

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Images: GooGle

Alternative Medicine as Complementary Medicine

According to an article, researchers from the Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center at Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, state that patients who choose to receive alternative therapy as treatment for the curable types of cancer instead of conventional cancer treatment have a higher risk of death.

Let us discuss this, shall we?

Alternative medicine is a term that describes medical treatments that are used instead of traditional (mainstream) therapies. Some people also refer to it as “integrative,” or “complementary” medicine. Complementary medicine is a group of diagnostic and therapeutic disciplines that are used together with conventional medicine.

Following this thought of “complementary medicine” it is important to spread the word about Soursop / Graviola uses in this area.  It can help reducing the symptoms related to chemotherapy sessions, especially weight loss, hair loss, vomiting, dizziness, and nausea. Soursop is compatible with cancer treatments. So, if patients still follow their recommended and conventional treatment, but complement it with Soursop to feel a bit better, why not?

Why there is such a large number of graviola benefits?

Its in the composition of the plant. To begin with, soursop is rich in minerals and vitamins including vitamin B1, B2, and C. Additionally, it has potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorous and magnesium. The stem, bark and leaves are rich in antioxidants, particularly  the Coenzyme Q10.

The active ingredients present in Graviola/Soursop leaves, are believed to cause the death of cancer cells by oxygen deprivation, energy and sugar deprivation (sugar, which is considered the main ingredient for cancer cells).

Due to the increasing recognition of graviola, there are lots of producers who’ve produced their very own extracts and leaves. It’s essential that you choose carefully and assure that you are getting pure, top quality graviola extracts.

But, it is strictly not advised to stop or replace your conventional treatment with Soursop treatment. We kindly remind you to consult your doctor always before taking any dietary supplement.

Stay healthy, be happy!

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Images:

Hairloss.org

Napples Herald