Jon Barron's Blog

Most people who know about the herb fenugreek are familiar with it as a cooking spice. In fact, its maple-like flavor is so pleasant that it's used as a flavoring agent in everything from foods to tobacco. But historically, fenugreek is actually most popular as a medicinal herb. It has been known for its ability to do everything from healing an upset stomach to lowering cholesterol. As far back as ancient Egypt, fenugreek was prized for its healing properties -- the first recorded use of fenugreek is described on an ancient Egyptian papyrus dated 1500 B.C.

Fenugreek for Diabetes & Cholesterol

In modern times, fenugreek is most notably used for helping in treatments for diabetes and cholesterol related issues. A study published in the journal "Nutrition Research" examined the effect of fenugreek on diabetes. After taking 10g of fenugreek per day, diabetics showed better blood glucose control and tolerance. This was proven by a decrease in urinary glucose output and a better fasting blood glucose. This same study also showed benefits related to blood cholesterol. 

This herb may be one way to help stave off midday energy crashes, as well as help stabilize blood sugar and fight diabetes. Fenugreek has been shown to decrease the body's insulin response to food and help maintain normal serum glucose levels by slowing down the absorption rate of carbohydrates, thereby lowering the insulin requirement. As a result, it has also been shown to decrease the body’s insulin response to high glycemic foods. In studies, the unique galactomannan ratio of galactose and mannose in fenugreek reduced urinary sugar levels of participants by as much as 54%. Fenugreek may also inhibit the absorption of fats and aid in weight-loss by increasing the sense of fullness. Studies have also shown that it can be effective at lowering post-meal blood sugar levels as well. In short, it can help prevent your blood sugar from spiking after consuming carbs. For these reasons, Jon Barron uses Fenugreek extract in his sugar/lipid metabolic enhancement formula.

Fenugreek for Anti-Aging & Healing

In addition to helping with blood sugar and diabetes, fenugreek also contains choline which has been shown to help aid the thinking process, slow mental aging, and also calm PMS and symptoms of menopause. It’s also used to promote the growth of new breast cells and increase the size and fullness of the breasts, in addition to being used to make synthetic estrogen.

Fenugreek has also been used to treat both respiratory and stomach ailments. Specifically it is used for allergies, bronchitis, digestive ailments, constipation, emphysema, intestinal gas, gastrointestinal spasms, headaches, lung ailments, mucous congestion, and skin eruptions. It is specifically because of its ability to calm the digestive tract that Jon Barron uses fenugreek is his Liver Flush Tea formula.

As a folk medicine treatment, fenugreek may be used by women who are breast-feeding to help promote milk flow.  Some men may use fenugreek for hernia, erectile dysfunction, and other male issues. You can even use it as a poultice to help treat inflammation, muscle pain, wounds, and eczema.

How To Use Fenugreek

For medicinal purposes, you're likely to take advantage of fenugreek’s health benefits in seed form. You can find it typically in your grocery’s international section as whole or crushed seeds. It may have a slightly bitter taste and has a smell similar of some Indian food. You can use it to spice up any dish, from your morning eggs to your main meal. In supplements, you’re more likely to find the more concentrated fenugreek extract being used, rather than the whole seed.

Read more on preventing diabetes here.

 
Resources:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/fenugreek
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/...
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-fenugr...
http://www.doctoroz.com/article/fenug...
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-b...



Diabetes & Blood Sugar Levels
Category: Herbs

The maleficent, monger-miners of morbidity are at it yet again, looking to whip people into a frenzy of fear and spread misinformation in the name of the CDC. In case you haven't seen it, there have been an abundance of headlines over the last couple of days saying things like:

CDC report predicts as many as 1.4 million cases of Ebola by January 1

And although the CDC report literally says that, it doesn't actually mean that. The statement is taken out of context. I encourage you to read the actual report and not just the stories about it.2 But if you don't have the time, let me explain what the report actually says.

First, this is not an actual prediction; it's the presentation of two different scenarios based on an Ebola Response modeling tool developed by the CDC. The 1.4 million figure represents one scenario. To quote from the report.

"Extrapolating trends to January 20, 2015, without additional interventions or changes in community behavior (e.g., notable reductions in unsafe burial practices), the model also estimates that Liberia and Sierra Leone will have approximately 550,000 Ebola cases (1.4 million when corrected for underreporting)."

However, the second scenario in the report states:

"If, by late December 2014, approximately 70% of patients were placed either in ETUs or home or in a community setting such that there is a reduced risk for disease transmission (including safe burial when needed), then the epidemic in both countries would almost be ended by January 20, 2015."

In other words, if you weren't into fear mongering, you could just as easily have run a headline based on this report that read:

CDC report predicts Ebola will be over by January

So which scenario is more likely? Well, the last three sentences in the report clearly state the opinion of the researchers themselves.

"Officials have developed a plan to rapidly increase ETU capacities and also are developing innovative methods that can be quickly scaled up to isolate patients in non-ETU settings in a way that can help disrupt Ebola transmission in communities. The U.S. government and international organizations recently announced commitments to support these measures. As these measures are rapidly implemented and sustained, the higher projections presented in this report become very unlikely."

Unfortunately, many news services have decided to transform into fear-mongering the CDC's express effort to motivate the international community.  As the Washington Post pointed out in its version of the story, CDC Director Tom Frieden, commenting on the report, said, "This presents a what-if case — the nightmare scenario if nothing is done.”  He added, "It is still possible to reverse the epidemic, and we believe this can be done if a sufficient number of all patients are effectively isolated, either in Ebola treatment units or in other settings, such as community-based or home care. Once a sufficient number of Ebola patients are isolated, cases will decline very rapidly — almost as rapidly as they rose.”3

In the same article, Paul Duprex, an associate professor of microbiology at Boston University, states that doomsday thinking is unfounded and that there is no credible evidence that the virus could have mutated and become airborne, “We need to be careful not to scare people with unrealistic numbers — it’s like this airborne suggestion — where’s the evidence, what’s the precedent, what are such scaremongering suggestions based on?” (Note: On the other hand, the virus has been shown to be active in the semen of those infected for up to 80 days after the onset of infection.4 This isn't new or surprising information. It just hasn't been much of a problem to this point since 70-90 percent of those infected have been dying. But going forward, as more people survive, this could become more of an issue and needs to be watched.)

And one final observation, at no point in the report did it talk about the possibility of the epidemic spreading outside of West Africa in any notable numbers. That scenario still remains highly unlikely. Make no mistake; this is already a monumental tragedy for West Africa. But no matter what the final numbers turn out to be, it still looks to be strictly an African tragedy.

With all the shameless nonsense being spread on the internet and in the media, purely for the purpose of generating more readers, perhaps it's worth remembering what FDR said in his first inauguration address, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

Make no mistake: fear is the problem. If not for the fear generated by lies, distrust of government and health authorities, there would be no epidemic now. If people in West Africa had trusted their governments and responded as Ugandans did in previous outbreaks, this outbreak too would have been over in a few weeks. Individuals with an agenda to discredit local governments and health authorities created a climate of fear that worked people into a frenzy. Once set in motion, those people then chose to ignore quarantines, break into Ebola clinics, continue to handle the dead and dying, and freely mingle with their neighbors, which caused the outbreak to became an epidemic. And it’s still going on. Even as I write this, Red Cross volunteers in Guinea were attacked while trying to collect the body of a person who is believed to have died from the disease.5

Now some of you might be thinking this could only happen with ignorant African villagers. It could never happen in the developed world. Unfortunately, if you think that, you would be wrong. Ignorance is neither defined nor constrained by geography, and it is the reason I keep speaking out against the fear mongering currently all over the press and the internet. People who know better, for reasons of their own, are telling stories about how Ebola was created in government labs or it's a conspiracy cooked up by the pharmaceutical companies to sell vaccines or that the vaccines under development are experimental and will kill you. And many readers are eating it up! The bottom line is that there is little chance of Ebola spreading outside of Africa unless enough people in the West become distrustful of their own governments' intentions, and then motivated by fear, they make the same kind of misguided decisions as the people in West Africa and end up turning a small outbreak into a full-blown epidemic. Truly, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

1. "CDC report predicts as many as 1.4 million cases of Ebola by January." Fox News. September 23, 204 (Accessed 23 Sep 2014.) http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/09...
2. "Estimating the Future Number of Cases in the Ebola Epidemic -- Liberia and Sierra Leone, 2014--2015." CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Early Release September 23, 2014 / 63(Early Release);1-14. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrh...
3. Lena H. Sun, ,Brady Dennis and Joel Achenbach. "CDC: Ebola could infect 1.4 million in Liberia and Sierra Leone by end of January." The Washington Post. September 23. (Accessed 23 Sep 2014.) http://www.washingtonpost.com/nationa...
4. Ian M Mackay. "Ebola virus in semen is the real deal...." VDU's blog 21 Aug 2014. (Accessed 24 Sep 2014.) http://virologydownunder.blogspot.com...
5. Elahe Izadi. "Red Cross volunteers attacked in Guinea while trying to bury an Ebola victim." The Washington Post. September 24. (Accessed 24 Sep 2014.) http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to...



Colds, Flus, & Infectious Diseases

I was hoping I wouldn't have to write a newsletter on this latest outbreak of Ebola. The mainstream press was doing a pretty good job of reporting the facts and avoiding sensationalism. Any hysteria about Ebola was actually coming from a small number of alternative health websites. Unfortunately, things have changed. Much of the mainstream media has begun to abandon calmness and reason and decided, yet again, that there are better ratings to be found in scaring the bejeebers out of you. And as for that handful of alternative health websites that jumped on the Ebola outbreak when it first hit, well, they've decided to take their hysteria to apocalyptic levels. (We'll talk more about that in a bit.)
 
For those of you looking to cut to the chase and walk away with a quick sound bite, here it is. There's no reason for hysteria. The current outbreak of Ebola is highly unlikely to ever become a worldwide pandemic. If you live outside of Africa, and are not planning to visit an affected area in the near future, your chances of dying from Ebola are as close to zero as you can get--without actually being zero. You should be far more concerned about dying from lightning strikes (about 73 a year in the US), traffic accidents (about 33,000 fatalities a year), gun shots (30,000), and alcohol abuse (100,000). To put that in perspective: the number of people who have died from Ebola contracted outside of Africa, in the entire history of mankind is zero. To date, no case of Ebola in humans has ever been contracted in the United States. Note: in 1989, there was an outbreak in Reston Virginia, but that was not among people. Research monkeys that were brought to Reston had the disease. They got sick and died. None of the people who worked with the monkeys so much as got sick, let alone died.
 
So again, those of you looking for the short and sweet on this current Ebola outbreak: that was it. On the other hand, the details behind that sound bite are not only interesting, but highly informative--and lead to some significant conclusions.
History of Ebola

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is caused by the Ebola virus.  The first recognized outbreak was in 1976 at a mission hospital in Zaire, located near the Ebola river--from whence it got its name. There are actually four subtypes of Ebola--and a number of strains within each subtype. Three of the four subtypes (Ebola-Zaire, Ebola-Sudan, and Ebola-Ivory Coast) are known to infect humans. The fourth (Ebola-Reston, which we mentioned earlier) only seems to infect nonhuman primates. To date, the original Zaire version of the virus--which is the one involved in the current outbreak--is the most lethal. Some strains of the Zaire subtype can reach mortality rates approaching 90%. The current version is currently running at 50-60%.

Ebola is a filovirus (named after their characteristic long filament like shape) that wreaks havoc by damaging the endothelial cells that line all the arterial walls, including the capillaries, and by interfering with your blood's clotting ability. It is this one-two punch that makes it so deadly. As a result of the damage to the arterial walls, it causes internal bleeding in all your organs, and by interfering with the ability of your blood to clot, it means that you literally bleed to death internally. This can manifest in two ways: you either ultimately succumb to hypovolemic shock when there is insufficient blood for the heart to pump effectively, or you may end up drowning in your own blood as blood pours into your lungs. Neither is pleasant.

Fortunately, Ebola does not easily transmit from person to person. It doesn't readily pass through the air. This is not the movie Outbreak. Ebola requires direct contact with contaminated bodily fluids--i.e., blood, vomit, urine, saliva, and fecal matter. And although they contain droplets of saliva, coughing and sneezing do not qualify as direct contact. Ebola cannot pass between primates in an aerosol.1, 2 You can't catch Ebola by sitting next to someone with the virus in a movie theater. A quick search on the internet shows you how big a concern this is right now. I found blogs where people are calculating the “infection zone” around someone who has Ebola and sneezes on a plane. (Six feet is the common estimate by the way.) The logic is that saliva is a bodily fluid; therefore, the virus has to be carried in the water droplets of a sneeze or a cough. Right?

Wrong, actually. Yes, cold and flu viruses are transmitted through sneezes, but not all viruses can infect that way. Would you like an example of another deadly virus that’s transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids but that can’t be transmitted in aerosol form? How about HIV? No one ever got infected by sitting next to an HIV carrier on an airplane—even if they sneezed repeatedly. HIV infection requires direct contact with bodily fluids—as does Ebola. Neither can transmit as an aerosol.

Incidentally, the consensus is that the current outbreak started as a result of natives eating infected bush meat -- specifically, wild animals, hoofed animals, monkeys, fruit bats, and rodents. That kind of extended contact with multiple body fluids associated with the infected animal while killing, handling, cooking, and consuming them, pretty much guarantees the transmission of the infection. Once infected, the patient shows the first symptoms of the disease in anywhere from three to 14 days.

Because Ebola cannot transmit easily and because it has such a high mortality rate, the virus tends to lack staying power. Outbreaks of the disease tend to be both sporadic and isolated--quickly killing those infected and then dying off themselves. For example, when Ebola hit Uganda in 2012, the president quickly went on TV and urged Ugandans to avoid touching each other. Health officials acted responsibly, quickly quarantining anyone suspected of being infected. And the population cooperated. As a result, the outbreak was snuffed out in short order, and only 17 people died.

As a virus, antibiotics do not work on Ebola, nor do any known antivirals, nor is there an immunization that can be taken to prevent infection. At present, there is no proven cure, although an experimental drug used on the two Americans who contracted the disease has been in the news.3 Both patients are improving, and the company's stock is up 45%,4 but in truth, there's no way to tell whether or not the drug played any role in their improvement. For the most part, all medical staff can do is make patients as comfortable as possible, keep them hydrated (very important), use antibiotics to control any secondary infections, prevent others from being infected, and let it run its course.

Why Is this Outbreak of Ebola Different?

West Africa is currently in the midst of the largest Ebola outbreak in history. Nearly 1,000 people have died and more than 1,700 have been infected since the outbreak began in early December. The death toll is already nearly four times as high as the next highest outbreak on record, which was the first outbreak back in 1976. There have been a total of 18 outbreaks since then.

As it turns out, the high death toll of this latest outbreak has nothing to do with any changes in the virus itself. In fact, as we've already mentioned, it's a slightly less fatal version of the Zaire subtype. What is different, though, is how the outbreak has been handled. Whereas two years ago, the virus was quickly identified and both the Ugandan government and healthcare services acted decisively and professionally--and the people followed the rules--the same cannot be said this time around. The reasons for this are multiple.

When the virus first appeared some five months ago in the forests of southern Guinea, no one knew what the fevers, body aches, diarrhea, and vomiting meant. Even when the symptoms extended to internal and external bleeding, no one connected the dots. And even when people started dying, relatives touched and washed the dead, unaware that cleaning up vomit and diarrhea and handling soiled clothing is precisely how the virus spreads through contact with bodily fluids.

Eventually, even though they still didn't know what it was, families became desperate and packed their loved ones into minivans or crowded buses to take them to Conakry, Guinea's capital, in search of better care. Still, no one yet knew what they were dealing with, and with sanitation and isolation facilities non-existent in the vehicles and in the city itself, many people were exposed to infected bodily fluids. Not surprisingly, people in Conakry started getting sick. It was not until the end of March that the disease had been identified as Ebola and Doctors Without Borders announced that Guinea faced an "unprecedented epidemic." Quite simply, because it had not been quickly identified, this outbreak had four months to spread to other villages, cities, and even cross borders before anyone knew what they were dealing with.

In early April, fear was sweeping through not only Guinea but neighboring Liberia, where deaths had also started occurring. When one lady fell ill in Liberia, she was taken to a church for divine intervention rather than to the hospital. Needless to say, she soon died. How many people caught the virus from touching her and ministering to her in church is impossible to say. Soon, though, what was originally denial turned to fear and panic.5  In Guinea, passengers fled a bus after an elderly man vomited on board.

When Ebola hit Uganda two years ago, it was the third outbreak in a dozen years in that country. The first outbreak in 2000 killed more than 220 people in about five months, largely as result of the same sort of official misjudgments and local ignorance currently seen in the West Africa outbreak. Based on their previous experience, the Ugandan government recognized the problem and acted quickly. And also because they too had previous experience with Ebola, the people followed the government's directives--even going so far as to forgo burying their dead according to traditional customs, but instead treating the dead as victims of Ebola.

Unfortunately, with this latest outbreak, the countries had no such previous experience with Ebola and were taken by surprise. Health officials were slow to respond; health workers weren't familiar with the necessary equipment; and health infrastructure was lacking. Also, the general public did not understand what was going on, and at least some infected patients did not follow necessary measures to contain the outbreak and seek medical care. Among other things, they were motivated by a distrust of Western medicine. Driven by rumors and fear, they fled hospitals rather than seek out treatment centers.6 And even as recently as August 10th, long after the outbreak had been identified as Ebola and the public was made aware of what that meant, people in Sierra Leone and Liberia still chose to fill churches to seek deliverance from an outbreak--in total defiance of official warnings to avoid public gatherings to contain the epidemic.7 Unfortunately, this is one of the primary reasons health experts expect this particular outbreak to continue for several more months, rather than be snuffed out quickly.

Another game changer is that previous outbreaks happened outside the cities, in remote communities. The West Africa outbreak has escalated because it moved into the cities where it spread much more rapidly before it was identified.

What we're seeing now is the perfect Ebola storm: ignorance, lack of faith in government and public health authorities, dysfunctional governments, poor isolation practices in health facilities, no accommodation of the families of those infected so that families refuse to bring their loved ones to facilities, rapid spread in a city environment, and--most disturbing of all--proximity to an international airport.

While the 2012 outbreak in Uganda was effectively contained within weeks, the West African outbreak is now in its ninth month and has killed nearly 1,000 people in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. In the history of Ebola outbreaks, nothing has come close to this in magnitude. Today, as I write this, The World Health Organization, has declared this outbreak to be an international public health emergency that requires an extraordinary response to stop its spread.8

Now, I know this sounds dramatic--and it is--especially when you consider this is only the third time in its history that the WHO has declared an international public health emergency. Specifically, their statement declared, "The possible consequences of further international spread are particularly serious in view of the virulence of the virus, the intensive community and health facility transmission patterns, and the weak health systems in the currently affected and most at-risk countries." But as you dig down into the details of their announcement, it's a little less frightening than it might first appear. In addition to officially designating Ebola a global health emergency, the WHO published a list of recommendations for governments in affected countries. For the most part, the organization called for temporary bans on "mass gatherings" and exit screenings at airports to check people leaving countries hit by the virus. That's it. Not so dramatic after all--yet. One thing left unsaid sits in the background. The WHO's Public "health emergency of international concern" designation for Ebola could pave the way, depending on how well the affected countries get their acts together, for an international response that potentially includes the mobilization of NATO troops.

Ebola, Where We Stand

Make no mistake, this outbreak is a threat--but more so for people in Africa than for anyone in the developed world. Yes, the CDC stated yesterday that, thanks to global airline travel, it was "inevitable" that Ebola would spread worldwide. They even stated that it was "possible" that it could spread to the US. To quote Tom Frieden, the head of the CDC, "It is certainly possible that we could have ill people in the US who develop Ebola after having been exposed elsewhere. But we are confident that there will not be a large Ebola outbreak in the US." This, of course, is miles away from the deliberate misquoting in some of the headlines we're seeing in alternative health blogs such as: CDC bombshell: Ebola spread to USA 'inevitable'.9 There are three main differences between Africa and the developed world when it comes to the likelihood of a large scale outbreak of Ebola. One is better training for dealing with highly infectious diseases. Just look at Uganda to see how much that matters. Unfortunately, most of the countries in West Africa are not that well prepared. Second is superior healthcare infrastructure and technology. This allows developed countries to more effectively identify anyone who has had contact with a carrier and speedily track them down for testing and possible quarantine. And finally, there is culture. Eating bush meat is a survival necessity for many African villagers. Wild jungle animals serve as the reservoir for Ebola. Without them, Ebola would have disappeared off the face of the earth after the first outbreak was contained in 1976. There are no animal reservoirs outside of Africa, and even if there were, eating bush meat is much less common outside of Africa. (Note: I wouldn't be surprised to see sales of Miss Kay's Duck Dynasty cookbook, which specializes in wild animal recipes, drop off a bit after people read this. Just saying.)
 
Is there any danger bringing the two infected healthcare workers back to the US for isolation and treatment? Despite the furor this has created in some segments of the media and among some politicians, the danger is about as close to zero as you can get. Again, you don't get Ebola from casual contact or "being in the area." It takes direct contact with infected bodily fluids. This just ain't gonna happen in these cases. They were brought back in special planes, outfitted with portable isolation units, and will be kept in true isolation in a fully equipped isolation unit at Emory Hospital complete with glass walls for observation and filtered air.10 The chances of it breaking containment are almost nonexistent.

Donald Trump, in a series of three tweets that gained international attention, proclaimed:

The U.S. cannot allow EBOLA infected people back. People that go to far away places to help out are great-but must suffer the consequences!
The U.S. must immediately stop all flights from EBOLA infected countries or the plague will start and spread inside our "borders." Act fast!
The fact that we are taking the Ebola patients, while others from the area are fleeing to the United States, is absolutely CRAZY-Stupid pols

This is pure nonsense, has no basis in fact, and displays a complete ignorance of the medical science involved. It is political grandstanding of the basest sort. Then again, would we have expected anything less from "The Donald."11

Over the years, I've told you that at some point, a major devastating pandemic is coming. But I have also consistently told you each time the mainstream media has gone hysterical that it wasn't SARS, Bird Flu, Swine Flu, or MERS. And so far, I've been right. And I'm telling you now that, unless something changes, it's not Ebola either. Ebola's dependence on direct contact with bodily fluids for transmission make it impossible for it to ever become the next 1918 pandemic. So who are you going to listen to when it comes to Ebola: the person who got everyone of those previous calls right, or the people who got everyone of them wrong? And when are you going to start holding the people who are just trying to scare the fecal matter out of you accountable for their bad journalism--and their bad science?

Ebola in the Developed World 

So, is there a chance that Ebola will come to the Western World? As the head of the CDC said, that’s inevitable. Someone who is infected will at some point fly out of Africa to a developed country. Will they come to the U.S.? He said that was possible; he did not say inevitable. And more importantly, he specifically talked about it being contracted overseas, not contracted domestically. He also stated that if it did arrive in the U.S. in this manner, it would not be a large outbreak. So what are the scenarios we’re talking about?

Someone contracts Ebola while visiting Africa and develops symptoms while still overseas. In fact, we’ve already seen this scenario with the two healthcare workers in the U.S. and the priest flown back to Spain. Once identified, they are transported in isolation back home and held in isolation until they no longer pose a threat. This is not something to worry about.

Someone contracts Ebola while overseas and flies back home on a crowded airplane before they develop symptoms. This is the scenario that the CDC said was “possible”. Is it a major concern? Well, before they develop symptoms, they are not contagious unless they are performing blood brother rituals with fellow passengers on the plane. Remember, it takes contact with infected blood, urine, fecal matter, saliva, or vomit to contract the disease. Having no symptoms means that you are not vomiting, do not have diarrhea, and are not bleeding from your eyes or nose. The chances of transmitting infection are close to zero. Once home if you develop symptoms, hospitals are now on high alert looking for anyone with those symptoms who has recently traveled to Africa. They will quickly put any such patient in isolation and quarantine their family until they test negative for infection. Bottom line: the chances of Ebola being passed to anyone outside of the immediate family is very low.

When the head of the CDC said that any possible outbreak would likely not be large, this is what he meant—a small handful of people in the immediate family would be at risk. Let’s remember that Uganda held its last outbreak to 17 deaths. We would like to think that any Western country could meet or exceed that standard.

So, is there any scenario where Ebola could spread in a developed country? And the answer is yes. If, for example, the U.S. citizen who contracted the disease overseas and brought it back home was part of a group that distrusted his government and decided to resist health authority attempts to put him in isolation and decided to seal himself off in the family ranch and resist any incursion by Federal or state authorities to quarantine him and his family, that would present a problem. Then again, sealing yourself and your family in the family compound would accomplish much the same thing as quarantine, although it would likely mean that everyone on the compound died.  However, once everyone was dead, the authorities would move in wearing Hazmat suits and remove the bodies, thus ending the outbreak.

But Jon, is there any scenario where we could end up with regular large scale Ebola outbreaks like in Africa? And the answer to that question is: yes, it’s possible. For that to happen, however, Ebola would have to find an animal reservoir that people had intimate contact with in which it could continue to thrive when there were no human carriers. In Africa, that’s the bush meat. Villagers, by tradition, eat monkey meat and fruit bats. These are the reservoir in Africa. When villagers kill, skin, cook, and eat these animals, they have that close contact with bodily fluids required for transmission if even one of those animals is infected. So what about the U.S., is there a similar scenario?

Well, let’s take a look at that compound standoff again. What if at the end of the standoff, when everyone on the ranch had died of Ebola, but before the authorities moved in to claim the bodies, some coyotes scavenged some of the flesh of the dead and become infected. Then a few days later, they attacked a rabbit but failed to kill it. And that rabbit then goes back to its warren where it develops symptoms and spreads the disease to all the other rabbits in the warren through its diarrhea, urine, vomit, and fecal matter. Then those rabbits spread out and are eventually hunted down by local human families that have recently purchased Miss Kay’s Duck Dynasty cookbook and its recipes for wild rabbit, then you could have an ongoing larger outbreak. But as I said at the top of the newsletter, you have a better chance of hitting lotto than of seeing that scenario play out.

Ebola Recommendations

Again, remembering that you have a better chance of hitting a $300 million Powerball jackpot than coming down with Ebola, is there anything you can do to protect yourself in case you get that lucky? Well, at the moment, the medical community has little to offer except keeping you isolated and hydrated and dealing with any secondary infections--and possibly a couple of unproven, experimental drugs with unknown side effects that, even if they do work, would only be available for a lucky few, at least for the foreseeable future.

So, for better or worse, you're pretty much on your own with whatever alternative treatments might help. But keep in mind, since Ebola is so rare, these recommendations are no more proven than the experimental drugs now in the news. On the other hand, they have a whole lot more history behind them. With that said:

It appears that mortality rates are higher in those with compromised immune systems, so keeping your immune system at peak levels is an obvious starting point. And fortunately, unlike MERS, swine flu, bird flu, and SARS, Ebola does not trigger a cytokine storm. That means you don't have to worry about your immune system turning on you and destroying your lungs. With Ebola, the stronger your immune system, the better.
Keep a good supply of an antibacterial, antiviral formula that contains several natural pathogen destroyers on hand. Although such formulas and ingredients are not specifically proven for Ebola, there is science behind the general antiviral properties of a number of such ingredients. For example:
Garlic. The bioactives in garlic have been shown to inhibit the growth of all tested bacteria and viruses, not to mention all fungi.12 It seems to work primarily by compromising the glycoprotein viral envelope which many viruses use to shield themselves from a host's immune system.13 Ebola is such a virus.
Olive leaf extract. Olive leaf extract is one of the better known and most studied natural antivirals available. For example, studies have shown that it can actually be effective in holding back HIV infections.14 Not many antivirals, natural or pharmaceutical, can make that claim. But one study in particular stands out when talking about Ebola. An olive leaf extract was shown to inhibit the ability of the viral hemorrhagic septicemia rhabdovirus to infect host cells.15 As with garlic, it seems to do this by compromising the viral envelope. More on point, according to Dr. Morton Walker, olive leaf extract can inactivate Ebola.16
Oil of oregano. There are indications that oil of oregano is an extremely potent, wide ranging antiviral. One study, for example, shows that carvacrol, the primary bioactive in oil of oregano, is effective in inactivating various forms of the norovirus within one hour of exposure by directly compromising the protein shell that protects the heart of the virus--thus reaching and subsequently destroying the viral RNA.17
Liquid Ionic zinc. Although less studied than some of the other natural antivirals, there are nevertheless some studies that indicate that ionic zinc is comparable to ionic silver in terms of its antiviral capabilities.18

If you are worried about Ebola coming to your neighborhood--keeping in mind that there really are many other things that you should be far more worried about than Ebola--it's probably worth keeping a supply of a good anti-pathogenic formula in your medicine cabinet--enough for you and your family. Although not specifically tested for Ebola, every indication is that even if it can't eliminate the virus outright, it could at least reduce the viral load enough so that your immune system could do the job, allowing you to survive. In fact, in general, it's probably a good idea to keep a supply of such a formula on hand for dealing with colds, flu, MRSA, or any other pathogenic illness that might come your way.

Last Word

Let me finish by saying that no one has put Ebola fear mongering in better, and funnier, perspective than Stephen Colbert the other night. Enjoy.

 

1. Tara C. Smith. "Are we *sure* Ebola isn’t airborne?" ScienceBlogs, Aetiology. August 3, 2014. (Accessed 11 Aug 2014. http://scienceblogs.com/aetiology/201...
2. Niagara Guide Guy. "Is Ebola Airborne?" Airborne Infection Prevention. September 12, 2007. (Accessed 11 Aug 2014) http://airborneinfection.blogspot.com...
3. BDr. Sanjay Gupta and Danielle Dellorto. "Experimental drug likely saved Ebola patients." CNN August 5, 2014. (Accessed 8 Aug 2014.) http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/04/health/...
4. Jack Linshi. "A Company That Makes an Ebola Drug Just Saw Its Stock Surge." Time Aug. 8, 2014. (8 Aug 2014.) http://time.com/3093726/tekmira-ebola...
5. http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/vid...
6. "Ebola outbreak: Sierra Leone woman who fled hospital after testing positive dies." ABC 27 Jul 2014. (Accessed 10 Aug 2014.) http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-27...
7. Clair MacDougall and Umaru Fofana. "West Africans fill churches to pray for deliverance from 'devil' Ebola." Reuters. Aug 10, 2014. (Accessed 10 Aug 2014.) http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/0...
8. "WHO Statement on the Meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee Regarding the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa." WHO 8 Aug 2014. (Accessed 8 Aug 2014.) http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/s...
9. Mike Adams. "DC bombshell: Ebola spread to USA 'inevitable'." Natural News. August 08, 2014. Accessed 8 Aug 2014.) http://www.naturalnews.com/046378_CDC...
10. Emory University Hospital special isolation unit treats two Americans infected with Ebola virus." Emory News Center. 4 Aug 2014. !Accessed 8 Aug 2014.) http://news.emory.edu/stories/2014/07...
11. Ed Mazza. "Dnald Trump Says Ebola Doctors 'Must Suffer The Consequences'." The Huffington Post  08/04/2014. (Accessed 8 Aug 2014.) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08...
12. Kyung KH. "Antimicrobial properties of allium species."Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2012 Apr;23(2):142-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21...
13. Weber ND1, Andersen DO, North JA, Murray BK, Lawson LD, Hughes BG. "In vitro virucidal effects of Allium sativum (garlic) extract and compounds." Planta Med. 1992 Oct;58(5):417-23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14...
14. Lee-Huang S1, Zhang L, Huang PL, Chang YT, Huang PL. "Anti-HIV activity of olive leaf extract (OLE) and modulation of host cell gene expression by HIV-1 infection and OLE treatment." Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2003 Aug 8;307(4):1029-37. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12...
15. Micol V1, Caturla N, Pérez-Fons L, Más V, Pérez L, Estepa A. "The olive leaf extract exhibits antiviral activity against viral haemorrhagic septicaemia rhabdovirus (VHSV)."  Antiviral Res. 2005 Jun;66(2-3):129-36. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15...
16. Walker, Morton MD. Natures Antibiotic: Olive Leaf Extract, Kensington Books, NewYork, 1997. pps. 65-68, 39, 149.  http://www.amazon.com/Olive-Leaf-Extr...-
17. Gilling DH, Kitajima M, Torrey JR, Bright KR. "Antiviral efficacy and mechanisms of action of oregano essential oil and its primary component carvacrol against murine norovirus." J Appl Microbiol. 2014 May;116(5):1149-63. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24...
18. Korant BD, Kauer JC, Butterworth BE. "Zinc ions inhibit replication of rhinoviruses." Nature. 1974 Apr 12;248(449):588-90. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/43...



Colds, Flus, & Infectious Diseases

Sarsaparilla was introduced into Western culture as a soft drink extremely similar in taste to root beer. Even though it bears the same name as the herb, mainstream US versions of this drink didn’t actually contain sarsaparilla, but rather a blend of birch oil and sassafras. Curiously, though, you may have been able to find it in some old-fashioned root beers during the time and, currently, in some boutique brands such as Sioux City Sarsaparilla soda. Nevertheless, whatever the content of the drinks, the ingredient became well known because of it.

While it may often be referenced in westerns as a "sissy drink," real sarsaparilla is indeed a valuable herb with many uses, and has likely been used for thousands of years by indigenous tribes of South America. As a medicinal remedy, its most important use is in glandular balance. It contains important natural plant-based hormones for men and women alike. Some of the hormonal issues sarsaparilla addresses include:

natural testosterone and progesterone
helping hair to grow
hormone regulation in both men and women
hot flashes
sexual problems
impotence

It can also be used as a natural steroid for the production of testosterone, being of help for both sexes in body building. However, the health benefits don’t stop with hormonal issues.

Tweet this:
 
Did you know old-fashioned root beer can help with hair growth, body building & skin issues? @BaselineHealth

Sarsaparilla also has diuretic and restorative properties and may help with congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, PMS, urinary problems, impotence, hives, infertility, nervous system disorders, inflammation, and discomfort from rheumatism and arthritis. In addition, sarsaparilla helps with skin problems including psoriasis, acne, rashes, and syphilis. In fact, from 1820 to 1910, it was registered in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia as a treatment for syphilis. It also increases energy and may enhance physical performance.

Sarsaparilla is an excellent blood purifier and is used as a remedy for liver problems. Many people see a dramatic increase in sexual desire while taking it, and it thus qualifies as an aphrodisiac and libido booster. It can also increase the metabolism and help breathing. 

Finally, sarsaparilla has been shown to be extremely beneficial for psoriasis sufferers. In one study, a group of 75 sufferers were given sarsaparilla tablets and 62% reported noticeable improvements. Not surprising, since, as we’ve already discussed, we know it helps with other skin problems.

You can find sarsaparilla widely available in most health food stores in root, capsule, tincture, and supplement form. It is also a common ingredient in skin care products and natural hormone balancing formulas, including Jon Barron’s Women’s Formula.

 

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smilax_o...
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-saspar... 



Heart Health

Hormones

Sexual Health
Category: Herbs

When you think of mistletoe, chances are the images you conjure up have to do with decorating for the Christmas holiday and stealing a kiss. But as heartwarming a symbol as mistletoe can be, it may prove to be much more valuable than simply a sprig to stand under for a smooch with a loved one. It turns out that new research has found that mistletoe may be a complementary therapy for fighting colon cancer—and in fact, a number of other cancers as well.

The study, conducted at the University of Adelaide in Australia, focused on a comparison of the abilities of three different forms of mistletoe extract and chemotherapy to treat colon cancer. In a laboratory, the scientists tested each type of mistletoe extract and the chemotherapy drugs on cancerous colon cells as well as healthy colon cells. Of the three mistletoe extracts analyzed, it was Fraxini--a form of mistletoe found on ash trees--that was most lethal to malignant cells. In fact, in this experiment, Fraxini was more effective at killing the cancer cells than the chemotherapy was.

TWEET In one study, one form of mistletoe extract was more effective at killing the cancer cells than chemotherapy was! @BaselineHealth

The Fraxini mistletoe extract was also determined to be much less harmful to healthy intestinal cells than the chemotherapy drugs, which is really no surprise. Anyone at all familiar with chemotherapy treatment is likely aware of just how sick it can make you, as it indiscriminately kills off all cells in the process of dividing--healthy cells right along with the diseased ones. Some of the common side effects of chemotherapy used for colon cancer patients include sores forming in the mouth, nausea, diarrhea, rashes on the hands and feet, and hair loss.

From a medical perspective, mistletoe extract might prove successful in some combination with chemotherapy for fighting colon cancer. This research found that particular Fraxini concentrations acted as a booster, increasing the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drugs in destroying the cancer cells. Or, even better, it may potentially be useful as a complementary therapy against colon cancer on its own, targeting the malignancies while leaving the healthy tissue for the most part undisturbed. That is, if the big pharmaceutical companies, their high-paid lobbyists, and government regulators don't get in the way to protect their man-made toxic chemicals.

The same hurdles do not exist in Europe as they do in the United States and Australia, where mistletoe is not widely used for treating any kind of cancer. Across parts of Europe, mistletoe extract is considered an accepted treatment, frequently employed to combat malignancies. In fact, many years ago, Jon Barron noted that mistletoe was a widespread cancer fighter in central Europe that is estimated to be incorporated into as many as 60 to 70 percent of cancer patients' therapies. There have been numerous studies in Europe, especially in Germany, that have reported the benefits of mistletoe extract in fighting several types of cancer, including pancreatic and breast cancer. A National Cancer Institute review of more than 16 studies of mistletoe's effect on cancer in humans found such results as tumor shrinkage, higher survival rates, improved blood counts, and better quality of life for the patients. 

One reason for this may be the fact that mistletoe is one of a number of blood cleansing herbs that have been put to use in traditional medicine for thousands of years, dating as far back as the ancient Greeks and Druids. It is also a key component of Jon Barron's blood cleansing formula. By removing toxic residues from your bloodstream and supporting your body's assault on malignant cells, a good blood cleansing formula can help your body to resist cancer and tumor growth. Formulas containing several beneficial blood cleansing herbs working together may also be useful taken regularly to maintain optimal health or as part of your personal detox program.

Mistletoe’s health benefits don’t stop at blood cleansing and possible cancer treatments either. The herb has also been used to help:

Treat hypertension
Prevent atherosclerosis
Treat inflammation
Treat arthritis and joint pain
Boost the immune system
Treat nervous disorders like epilepsy
Treat coughing, sore throats and bronchitis
Ease menstrual cramps and pains

As a cancer treatment mistletoe injections are not approved in the United States. However diluted forms of mistletoe are available in liquid and capsule form. There are a number of side effects related to mistletoe so it’s best to consult a doctor regarding your options.

More on natural healing herbs.

 

Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...
http://hub.jhu.edu/magazine/2014/spri...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2... 



Blood Cleansing

Colon Detox
Category: Herbs

Nuts are a very versatile type of food. Whether you sprinkle them on top of a salad for added crunch and flavor, put them in some homemade trail mix to munch on, or add them into the treats you bake, nuts can definitely provide a little extra zest. And while we know that they are high in protein, a source of nutrients and part of a balanced diet, new research has shed light on another benefit offered by nuts. It seems that eating nuts more often may help people live a longer life.

The study, which was conducted at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, found that those who regularly consume nuts may obtain some protection from cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, and are less likely to die early than are their counterparts who never eat nuts. The researchers pored over data from two studies with nearly 119,000 adult participants that ran for a course of 30 years. One of these studies included 76,464 women in the Nurses' Health Study and the other included 42,498 men who took part in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study as subjects. All of the participants in both trials answered questionnaires every few years about their lifestyle habits and diet, and this included information on how frequently they consumed nuts. All of the nuts mentioned in the food surveys appear to work equally well at cutting the risks for the subjects, including peanuts (which are of course not really nuts, but legumes), pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and other tree nuts.

The difference between the nut eaters and non-nut eaters was pronounced, and the more nuts consumed, the higher their apparent benefit, especially for people focused on natural heart health. Those who ate a single one-ounce serving or more of nuts per day had a 20 percent lower risk of death during the study period than those who didn't eat nuts at all. Those who ate nuts two to four times per week on average had a 13 percent lower risk of death and those who ate nuts once a week fared 11 percent better than the nut avoiders. Even an occasional serving of nuts reduced the risk of death by seven percent over non-nut eaters. When broken down by specific ailments, the likelihood of dying of heart disease or cancer was respectively 29 percent and 11 percent lower for those eating nuts daily when compared to those who ate no nuts.

In addition, the volunteers who ate nuts more frequently also tended to weigh less than their peers who didn't consume nuts; they also spent more time working out and had a lower incidence of smoking. The researchers controlled for a number of varying factors that could potentially influence the outcome, including smoking, exercise level, and the existence of systemic diseases such as diabetes, and they determined that nuts offer a health benefit regardless of these dynamics.

This is not the first research to show that nuts should be a regular part of a nutritious and balanced diet. A recent study at Barnes Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, found a link between eating peanut butter frequently during adolescence and a reduced risk of breast disease years later. Research at the University of California at Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health in 2012 discovered that eating walnuts may improve the quality of a man's sperm. Their benefits may be derived from the plentiful unsaturated fats, Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, L-arginine, and vitamins they contain. These substances may help to lower the LDL cholesterol, prevent narrowing of the arteries, and more.

While the current study was financed in part by the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation, that shouldn't dissuade people from choosing nuts over junk food. It is obviously a lot better for you to eat a handful of nuts than a handful of potato chips or cookies, despite the relatively high calorie count of nuts. But it's important to realize that it is more than just the number of calories that matters. In this case, it would appear that the benefits (living longer, less risk of cancer, better natural heart health, etc.) far outweigh a few extra calories as long as you practice moderation. So don't hesitate to stock up on nuts and reach for a handful every day.

As a final note, perhaps the most curious aspect of all these studies is how well peanuts rank when talking about nuts—since, as we've already mentioned, they're not nuts at all. An interesting phenomenon: just calling them nuts makes them behave like nuts. And one caution on nuts is that as healthy as they are for many people, there is still a substantial segment of the population that suffers from nut allergies and asthma—even to the point of suffering anaphylactic shock when exposed to nuts…or even their residue. And curiously, again, peanuts top that list too.

Apparently nuts aren't the only thing that may help you live longer. It turns out the friendship may also work to help prolong life.

Heart Health

Sexual Health
Category: Foods

Many think of dandelion as nothing more than a pesky weed. However, that hasn’t always been the case. In fact, gardeners in the past used to actually weed out grass, which they considered a weed, to make room for this medicinal flower. This may seem surprising at first, but less so when you consider that the dandelion is probably more nutritious than most of the vegetables in your garden.

Dandelion is considered a bitter herb that is chock full of vitamins A, B, C, and D and contains minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. In fact, it even contains more protein, almost as much iron, and four times the vitamin A content found in spinach! It also has more vitamin C than tomatoes! How’s that for a common weed? But that’s just the beginning.

Tweet: Did you know that dandelion has 4x the vitamin A content found in spinach and more vitamin C than tomatoes? @BaselineHealth

At one time, the dandelion was an essential herb that all natural healers kept as part of their medicinal arsenal. Now, many believe that it was so effective because it acted more as a multivitamin in a time when the concept of vitamins was completely foreign. However, in addition to its vitamin content, the dandelion contains powerful phytochemicals that have profound cleansing and healing effects on the body. 

Historically the root and leaves have been used to treat liver problems. Native Americans boiled the dandelion in water and also used it to treat a variety of issues from kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach. In Chinese medicine, it has been used to treat conditions such as stomach problems and appendicitis. In Europe, it was used for more common ailments such as for fever, boils, diabetes, and diarrhea.

Today, dandelion is commonly used as a diuretic that improves the function of the pancreas, spleen, stomach, and kidneys without depleting potassium from the body. The leaves are also helpful in stimulating the appetite and helping with digestion. But true herbalists know that medicinally the most powerful part of the dandelion is the root, and its true power lies in helping to detoxify the liver. This is because dandelion is one of the strongest herbal lipotropics known. That is to say, it flushes fat deposits from the liver, thereby helping to relieve chronic liver congestion.

It also increases the production of bile. And studies have proven that it actually has "liver healing" properties. Considering its primary benefits for liver and kidneys, it's not surprisingly, then, that Jon Barron uses dandelion root in both his liver formulas (liver flush tea and liver flush tincture) and his kidney care formula.

Another healthful benefit is that every part of the dandelion has some antioxidant properties and can also help improve the immune system. Dandelion root is also highly effective as a blood cleanser because it helps strain and filter toxins from the blood and has beneficial effects on both red blood cell count and hemoglobin count.

In addition, dandelion has been shown to…

Help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.
Regulate blood pressure in the body due to its fiber and potassium content.
Help lower and control cholesterol levels.
Relieve pain and swelling.
Help slow cancer growth and prevent its spread.
Help in maintaining bone health.
Help treat skin diseases caused by microbial and fungal infections through use of dandelion sap.
Help treat acne through use of dandelion juice.

Considering all these health benefits and the fact that a cup of dandelion leaves contains merely 25 calories, you may often find dandelion leaves in salads, sandwiches, and teas. They also make a good addition to your morning smoothie. However, the leaves can have a bitter taste (a trait common to most liver herbs), so it is recommended to blend it with sweeter, flavorful fruits or to blanch them for 20 - 30 seconds before use. Some people even use ground and roasted dandelion root as a caffeine-free coffee substitute.

You can find dandelion in a variety of forms from fresh to dried to tinctures, liquid extracts, teas, tablets, and capsules. If using fresh dandelion, you will want to make sure it is organic, or if using from your garden that you use leaves that haven't been treated with pesticides.

 

Resources
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/...
https://www.sunwarrior.com/news/11-he...
http://www.mofga.org/Default.aspx?tab...
http://www.herballegacy.com/Chhabra_H...
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-b... 



Kidney Detox

Liver Detox Supplements
Category: Herbs

Flaxseed is considered by many to be one of the most powerful foods on the planet. When you look back at its history, this may have always been the case. In the 8th century, King Charlemagne believed in the health benefits of flaxseed so strongly that he passed laws that required his subjects to consume it. Today, science is finally able to provide some evidence to support Charlemagne's beliefs.

TWEET #DIDYOUKNOW The avg person in the U.S. has a fiber intake of less than 10 grams/day. For optimum health, to prevent certain forms of cancer & aid in the prevention of heart disease, you need between 25-30 grams of fiber daily! @BaselineHealth

Flaxseed as Natural Fiber Source

One key benefit of flaxseed is its fiber content. Fiber is an important factor in our diet, yet the average person in America has a fiber intake of less than 10 grams per day. For optimum health, to prevent certain forms of cancer (colon or breast), and aid in the prevention of heart disease, you need between 25-30 grams of fiber a day! Luckily, nature has an answer for that. Flaxseed (stabilized, ground) is one of the highest sources of soluble fiber known.

Flaxseed contains approximately 28% soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, with about 30 - 40% of the total being soluble. Research has shown that fiber lowers cholesterol, modulates glucose, improves gastro-intestinal function and reduces the risk of colon cancer. Sufficient fiber in the diet is vital to good health. This is why you’ll find flaxseed as an ingredient in Jon Barron’s Private Reserve Superfood formula.

Flaxseed for Omega-3s

Flaxseed is also one of the richest sources of valuable omega-3 fatty acids, with 57% of its fat being omega-3's. Just one tablespoon of flaxseed contains about 2.5 grams, equivalent to more than twice the amount most people get through their diets. Since flaxseed is considered to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, it can also help relieve common risk factors for a wide variety of health problems that are associated with oxidative stress and excessive inflammation.

Flaxseed for Digestive Health

The digestive health benefits of flaxseed are many. Since flaxseed contains fiber, it can act as a laxative, help to delay gastric emptying, and improve intestinal absorption of nutrients. It can also help the passage of food as it moves through our intestines.

Since flaxseed is high in fiber, it can help ease the passage of stools, helping to relieve conditions such as constipation, hemorrhoids, and diverticular disease. For those with diverticular disease, flaxseeds may also keep intestinal pouches free of waste and thus keep potential infections at bay. Flaxseed oil may also help to calm inflammation and repair any intestinal tract damage. The oil is also thought to help prevent gallstones and may even dissolve existing stones.

Flaxseed for Heart Health

The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed have been proven to lower high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels by as much as 25% and 65% respectively. They are necessary for proper eyesight, healthy skin, sperm formulation, brain development, and adrenal function. And they also decrease the probability of blood clots blocking an artery.

Omega-3's also lower high blood pressure and help to decrease allergic responses in the body and help reduce all forms of inflammation in the body. In addition to helping lower blood pressure, flaxseed oil in particular, may also protect against angina (chest pain). A five-year study at Boston's Simmons College found that flaxseed oil may be useful in preventing a second heart attack.

Flaxseed for Cancer Health Benefits

In clinical studies, Omega-3's have been shown to dissolve tumors, with over 1000 documented cases of successful cancer treatment. Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of lignans, a type of beneficial phytoestrogen. In fact, flax provides 75 - 800 times more plant lignans than virtually any other known plant source. These lignans have anti-tumor properties, and studies have shown that they might be extremely beneficial in preventing and possibly reversing breast cancer.

Additional Health Benefits of Flaxseed

In addition, omega-3 fatty acids lower the insulin requirement of diabetics and have been used in the treatment and prevention of arthritis.

Since flaxseed contains all of the essential amino acids, it is a good source of complete protein.

How to Take Flaxseed

The bottom line is that flaxseed is one of the richest sources of valuable omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, lignans, and even protein. Most people get their daily flax in a pre-ground form to add to hot cereals or foods. The problem with using pre-ground flax, however, is that it normally begins to oxidize and go rancid within minutes of being ground and exposed to oxygen and light. As it turns out though, one of the primary triggers for going rancid is the presence of dark flaxseeds.

Fortunately, removing all dark seeds and using only golden flax seeds before grinding helps keep ground flax stable for almost two years, without having to reduce the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in the flax (the solution used by many manufacturers). In addition, ground golden flax comes in a super fine grind specifically for use in beverages that mixes beautifully and helps give a wonderful creamy texture to the drink. It is for these reasons that Jon Barron uses this form of flax in his Private Reserve Superfood formula.

 

Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/be...
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-flaxse...
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/...
http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=...



Cancer & Alternative Cancer Therapies

Colon Detox

Diabetes & Blood Sugar Levels

Diet and Nutrition

Dietary Supplements

Digestive Health

Heart Health
Category: Foods

There are between 60 and 130 different varieties of our featured herb, goldenrod. According to old folklore, finding some near your house meant the people who resided there would have good fortune. In fact, one variety was even known as the “Liberty tea,” since after the Boston Tea Party in 1773, the only good alternative for tea was goldenrod tea.

Goldenrod gets a bad rap from allergy sufferers, as it's often falsely accused of being responsible for annual allergies. In actuality, it’s ragweed that blooms around the same time that is the culprit. As with most herbs, goldenrod is more than just a common garden plant, it also serves as a natural remedy that has been used to treat people across three continents with a variety of medical conditions related to the kidney and bladder for centuries.

Most commonly, Goldenrod is used as an aquaretic agent, meaning that it promotes the loss of water from the body (as compared to a diuretic, which promotes the loss of both water and electrolytes such as salt). It is used frequently in Europe to treat urinary tract inflammation and to prevent or treat kidney stones.

In fact, goldenrod has received official recognition in Germany for its effectiveness in getting rid of kidney stones, and it is commonly found in teas and tinctures to help "flush out" kidney stones and stop inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract. Goldenrod is said to wash out bacteria and kidney stones by increasing the flow of urine and also soothing inflamed tissues and calming muscle spasms in the urinary tract. It isn't used as a cure by itself, but rather as an adjunct to other, more definitive treatments such as (in the case of bladder infections) antibiotics. Several studies have found that goldenrod does in fact increase urine flow. For these reasons, you’ll find it as an ingredient in Jon Barron’s herbal kidney flush formula.

In addition, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, historically, goldenrod (Solidago canadensis or Solidago virgaurea) has been used on the skin to heal wounds. In folk medicine, it is used as a mouth rinse to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat.

Goldenrod is also associated with helping relieve symptoms associated with the common cold, flu, bronchitis, laryngitis and other similar ailments of the respiratory tract. It has been used to help treat digestive issues such as colic, diarrhea and stomach cramps as well.

In fact, the herb has been used for a variety of issues including:

dental infections
fungal infections
asthma
type 2 diabetes
allergies
various skin infections
tuberculosis
enlargement of the liver
gout
hemorrhoids
internal bleeding
arthritis

Typically, goldenrod is ingested in a dried form, but it's also commonly used in tinctures and fluid extracts. For example, as mentioned earlier, Jon Barron uses goldenrod in his kidney flush formula which can be used when needed, or as a kidney detox to cleanse the kidney and bladder when undergoing a full body detox.

Learn more about kidney cleanses and detoxing. 

 

Resources:
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/...
http://www.livestrong.com/article/511...
http://herbsmed.net/medicinal-health-...
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/na...
http://www.motherearthliving.com/plan...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldenrod 



Diabetes & Blood Sugar Levels

Herbal Remedies and Their Uses

Kidney Detox

Liver Detox Supplements
Category: Herbs

What does an herb used in love sachets in the Middle East have to do with your colon? You may be surprised. Senna's first known use can be traced back to two Arabian physicians, Serapion and Sesue. They are said to have given the herb its Arabic name “Senna” and employed it as a purgative. The Chinese were a little more literal in their naming of the herb. In China, the name for senna, Fan Xie Ye, means "foreign-country laxative herb."

How far back can we trace this herb's use in the healing arts? As it turns out, senna is one of the oldest known herbal medicines and is included in most of the world's pharmacopoeias. Today it is used worldwide to treat a variety of colon related issues.

TWEET #didyouknow Senna is one of the oldest known herbal medicines & used worldwide to treat colon issues? @BaselineHealth

Primarily, senna is used as a natural remedy for constipation. And a much-needed one it seems. In 2011, 63 million people were affected by chronic constipation in the US alone. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, if you have fewer than three bowel movements per week or your stools are harder than usual, you may have constipation. Then again, according to health expert Jon Barron, if you are not having one major movement for each major meal you ate the day before, then you definitely have constipation.

Senna contains naturally occurring chemicals called anthraquinone glycosides. They are strong stimulant laxatives that soften stools and increase muscle contractions of the intestines, thereby increasing bowel movements. Senna usually starts to work in three to nine hours. Anthraquinone laxatives, such as senna, work in two ways.

First, they help assist with constipation by increasing the amount of water and electrolytes in the intestine. They also work by stimulating contractions of the colon muscles, which help to accelerate the passage of stool. Senna is considered among the strongest of the anthraquinone laxatives—surpassed only by cape aloe. Its effectiveness as a purgative has been supported by centuries of anecdotal reports as well as modern human and animal studies and is why Jon Barron uses senna in his colon corrective formula.

In addition to constipation, senna may be recommended for people with hemorrhoids, fissures, or those undergoing surgery involving the abdomen, anus, or rectum. Senna may also be used to clear the bowel in order to improve the visibility of abdominal organs during an ultrasound procedure.

In addition, senna is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce any swelling associated with irritation as well as in the overall healing process.

Surprisingly, senna has also been used topically to treat a variety of skin conditions. In Ayurvedic medicine, senna leaf is made into a paste and used as a compress to help heal ringworm, Pityriasis versicolo, and other similar types of skin issues.

Today senna is commonly found in capsule and tablet form, tea bags and loose tea, as well as liquid extracts. The undiluted dried root can typically be found in health food stores.

Incidentally, its use in Love Sachets is probably based on its highly aromatic smell—reminiscent of mild green tea.

 

Resources:
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/healt...
http://www.livestrong.com/article/174...
http://www.theherbprof.com/hrbSenna.htm
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-senna.... 



Colon Detox

Digestive Health
Category: Herbs