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Category: Herbs and Spices

Kudzu – The Medicinal Herb That Grows And Grows!

10 March, 2010 (05:11) | Herbs and Spices | By: Philip Youngwood

Kudzu is a trailing vine that grows extensively in many countries, particularly in the United States of America, China and Japan.

It has several nicknames due to its extremely fast growth rate, including the ‘mile-a-minute vine’ and the name that refers to the vines proliferation in the south of the US, ‘the vine that ate the South’.

Aside from its fast growth, Kudzu is also known for its medicinal properties and is known as one of the ‘50 fundamental herbs’ in Chinese Herbology. Most specifically, Kudzu is thought to have a positive effect on alcoholism as it is thought to reduce alcohol cravings. Recent clinical trials have suggested that this is to do with the result of components in Kudzu allowing alcohol to get to the brain more quickly, leading to less alcohol being consumed . Researchers at Harvard University are currently investigating this.

In the year 1993, a clinical trial on animals found there to be two active ingredients in Kudzu – isoflavones daidzin and daidzein – which are already known for their benefits to health. Firstly, daidzin is thought to be a cancer preventative and antileukemic agent, whilst secondly, Daidzein is believed to be an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent .

Kudzu is also used to lessen the effects of a variety of post-menopausal symptoms including memory loss, hypertension and insulin resistance (a precursor to Type II Diabetes) . The active ingredient was discovered to be puerarin which causes blood sugar to be diverted to muscle where it can be used, rather than stored in fat cells or blood vessels.

Kudzu products are available from all good health and supplements stores throughout the UK.

Philip Youngwood writes a number of health related articles, including those about Kudzu .

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Herbs That You Can Use For Anxiety

16 February, 2010 (10:23) | Herbs and Spices | By: Trevor Mosley

There is an enormous selection of medications available to combat stress and its related symptoms. The recent trend toward more holistic methods of healing has brought back into vogue the use of herbs for anxiety relief. These remedies have been known about and administered over generations of not only anxiety sufferers, but ailments of all kinds and have been practiced and perfected for just as long.

In the history of herbal remedies, there has always been a figure that is celebrated for his wealth of knowledge in this field. This knowledge is been passed down from forefathers to descendents. The history of herbal remedies is rich and the effectiveness of this treatment is renowned. However, there are critics of herbal remedies who call this form of treatment “witchcraft medicine”. In today’s society, herbal remedies are cheaper and safer to use and many prefer it as a treatment option over synthesized drugs.

The History Of Herbalism

Every person will experience bouts of anxiety sporadically. When anxiety acts up for no known reason, it is usually a cause for worry. To expedite the recovery process, one must figure out the underlying causes of the problem. The plethora of herbal remedies comes in handy for fighting off the effects caused by stress.

The use of herbs for anxiety disorders is now being used in conjunction with current drug therapies to achieve homeostasis. In fact, botanicals are even used to combat the side effects of currently prescribed medications. Many people now have herbal gardens that yield plants that are specific to their particular need. Imagine the convenience of having a remedy for the restlessness or insomnia that accompanies anxiety disorders growing in a window box outside your front door.

The Greek physician Claudius Galen was the first to catalogue plants and their medicinal uses around 200 AD. But even well before Galen’s time his fellow countryman Hippocrates preached the benefits of diet, exercise and herbal supplements as the foundation of well being.

Herbal remedies such as Lemon Balm, St John’s Wort, Valerian (the plant from which Valium is extracted from) and Kava have risen in popularity and are widely known for their sedentary and sleep inducing effects. Chamomile is also renowned for centuries due to its stress and anxiety relieving effects. One would not imagine Romans to be burdened with stress during their times, but they definitely were.

Other Herbs For Anxiety

Anxiety is nothing new. It is an emotion shared universally by every human being on the planet. It exists to motivate us react to stressful situations, and at times it gets out of hand. Passionflower is a powerful tranquilizing agent and is used primarily to deal with anxiety induced insomnia.

Rosemary leaves are great for tea and can be used to soothe and invigorate a stressed out person. Indulge in a warm baking soda bath and alleviate any muscle tension. Get your partner to massage your body with sesame oil and you will get to enjoy the soothing and therapeutic sensation. Medical marijuana is also very potent in calming a person down and is used as a treatment option for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients.

One of the major benefits of using herbs for anxiety is that it is unlikely to create a dependence or addiction which is a major concern for its modern counterparts. The use of botanicals opens up an entirely new world of anxiety relief that is well worth the effort of looking into.

Trevor Mosley was once a chronic sufferer of anxiety and severe panic attacks. Click here in order to discover how you can overcome your anxiety for good and live without the constant fear. By taking action today you will be able to live a much better quality life. http://conqueranxietytoday.com

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Six Hemorrhoids Treatments To Ease Your Pain

23 January, 2010 (08:16) | Herbs and Spices | By: Scottly Briggs

Hemorrhoids can be very painful. This condition is caused by veins in your anus and rectum. These veins swell and become inflamed. At some time during their lives, 75% of Americans will suffer with hemorrhoids.

There are a number of remedies to treat the symptoms of hemorrhoids. These remedies will aid in avoiding hemorrhoid attacks. They help reduce the likelihood that constipation will occur, in turn reducing the likelihood that hemorrhoids will develop. You can take certain measures after a flare up to alleviate distressing signs.

1) Fiber – It has been demonstrated that fiber is effective in alleviating hemorrhoidal symptoms. It serves to soften bowel movements while adding bulk. Increase your fiber in your diet. Veggies and whole grains are foods that have extra fiber.

2) Fluids – Drink more fluids. Including more fluids in your diet helps make your stools softer. This will help with the pain of inflamed hemorrhoids.

3) Hemorrhoid Ointment – You can find these treatments at the majority of retail outlets. These ointments will not cure hemorrhoids. However, they will provide a real sense of relief from discomfort.

4) Witch Hazel – Witch Hazel is one of the best treatments. Take a cotton ball soaked in Witch Hazel, and apply it to your rectum. The Witch Hazel works better if you get it really cold. It makes the blood vessels diminish in size.

5) Stay away from certain food items – While foods don’t actually make hemorrhoids more severe, they can aggravate them. Don’t eat foods that are overly spicy. Try not to drink beer, cola and coffee.

6) Sitz Bath – The discomfort of hemorrhoids can be relieved with this remedy. Soak your bottom in a tub with 3 or 4 inches of warm water. This increases the blood flow to the area and helps alleviate the pain. This will minimize your swollen veins.

Hemorrhoids are a very painful and uncomfortable thing. Living normally can be hard if you suffer from them. It can be embarrassing to be itchy and in pain. It can be difficult to remember that others suffer from hemorrhoids as well, since you don’t feel comfortable discussing it.

We live with the pain, while not showing what is really bothering us. We just tell people that we aren’t feeling well. However, in the case of hemorrhoids, it’s difficult to hide this distressing feeling. It can control your life, but help is available for you.

Using these remedies and various others like them can help you avoid a flare up of hemorrhoids; they can also help alleviate the discomfort when hemorrhoids do flare up. Also, they can help prevent this embarrassing issue from taking over your life.

Note: If you are looking to treat hemorrhoids (HMiracle, HMiracle Review) or find more detailed information on hemorrhoids we strongly suggest you visit our site.

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Take Cascara Sagrada For Chronic Constipation

8 January, 2010 (07:43) | Herbs and Spices | By: Carol Branwen

Constipation is infrequent or difficult evacuation of faces, less than once every two days. Too hard and dry stools can require excessive effort and cause painful defecation. Constipation is a sign of chronic dehydration. One of the main functions of the large intestine is to take excess water out of the excrement so that it is not too loose. Constipation herbal remedies can help resolve this issue. There are several herbal cures that can successfully treat chronic constipation.

Constipation takes place when the stool travels in the large intestine too slowly. The large intestine creates solid waste by taking excess water from the stool. Constipation can be prevented through changes in diet and exercise habits in most cases. Drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily and eating plenty of high-fiber foods such as oat bran, fruits, and vegetables with skin can often improve this condition.

Constipation is becoming more widespread because of the unhealthy diet followed by most of us today. With the trend of eating fatty, starchy and sugary, fast foods people aren’t getting enough fiber, which in turn slows down the bowels. Fiber helps keep people from getting constipation. Constipation can occur if you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. This will mean you lack the necessary bulk to fill your rectum.

Constipation can also stem from a lack of friendly bacteria in the intestines. Enzymes and friendly bacteria in your small intestine do much of the work of breaking down the food.

Cascara sagrada ( Rhamnus purshiana ) is a powder made from the aged bark of the Rhamnus purshiana tree. The bark has hormone-like oils that promote peristaltic action in the colon. It is one of the best herbs to use for chronic constipation, its effects can be felt within 6 to 8 hours, producing soft stools with little discomfort. The bark is used by cultures around the world in many over-the-counter laxatives as a nutritional support for chronic constipation.

Cascara sagrada can help expel parasites when used with other herbs. Cascara sagrada is never to be used fresh and it must be aged for at least a year to break down its anthrone chemicals. The herb can be artificially aged by heating but some useful constituents may be lost. Cascara Sagrada helps to alleviate the constipation by the creation of softer stools.

Cascara sagrada is a good alternative because it is gentle on the stomach, it does not work like some laxatives where you are afraid to go out, although it is not a good idea to take it before work if your do not have easy access to a bathroom. It works with the natural rhythm of your body. Cascara Sagrada continues to be one of the most popular laxative ingredients today and is used in many over-the-counter formulations.

Warning! Chronic constipation can be a serous condition and Cascara sagrada is a powerful herb and should be used with the advice of your health care provider. You do not want to be dependent on Cascara sagrada to have a normal bowl movements. Your goal should be to develop habits like eating a healthy diet and drinking enough water to where you don’t need herbs like Cascara sagrada to have healthy bowel movements.

By Carol Branwen, visit Detox Herbs and side effects of turmeric.

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Grow Your Own Medical Herb Garden

25 November, 2009 (07:36) | Herbs and Spices | By: Annelee Karlsson

With everyone concerned about health and organic food, herb garden packages are notably popular nowadays. Is it worth the effort to grow your own fresh herb garden? Are fresh herbs undoubtedly that much better? One way to find out is to try. Many people need to know which herb garden plants will grow absolute inside your home.When you originate a windowsill herb garden your plants are all in one place and might be set in simple to carry containers or pots.Organic herb gardening is a fantastic alternative to add beauty to your landscape or to your home. With only simple knowledge about herb garden plants, you can get on it growing your own plants to use for anything you want. You can also save money with your own herb garden.

Echinacea is a member of the botanical family asteraceae commonly known as asters.Echinacea is the name of a plant native to north american that has been used by native Americans for centuries to treat infections.The utilization of echinacea on wounds, infections, snake bites, insect bites and stings are beyond the miracles of modern medicine ever.Echinacea has, for a couple of times now, been one of the more extended herbal supplements, and one of the easiest ways to take it is as in an echinacea tea .Echinacea is one of the oldest health products ever to be found out because of its powerful healing properties.Raising echinacea herb in your herb garden is extremely important if you are using herbal medicine.Endorses echinacea is an extremely useful and one of the most suggested anti cancer herbs.Echinacea has been used to treat colds and flu due to its increase to the immune system.In the U.S., echinacea is always in the top ten herbal medications sold.

Ginseng is a multi goal herb that is known for its anti anxiety properties.You can take herbs to reduce your allergic reaction: try echinacea, ginseng, licorice, yellow dock or nettles.Herbs for strengthen of the immune system include astragalus, echinacea, garlic, ginseng, wild cherry bark and horehound.Anti viral herbs, like garlic, ginseng or echinacea all work against infectious viruses.Although ginseng is an oriental medicinal herb, it is used quite a lot in korean cuisine.

Chamomile tea: if you make up your mind to grow an herb garden, then planting chamomile is an amazing plan if you desire medicinal tea.Herb description chamomile is one of the oldest garden herbs, with wispy 2 to 3 pinnate leaves and terminal peduncles aiding a single flower heads.Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis): chamomile tea is used for insomnia and restlessness.

Civilizations have relied upon oregano oil as a therapeutic herb since antiquity. Plants same as oregano is well suited for a window sill herb garden for the factor that of its ideal size and amazing taste. Oregano is a medicinal herb known for its antioxidant and anti microbial properties.Often known as a cooking herb, there is much more to oregano one time it is used in important oil from.

Echinacea, oregano, olive leaf extracts and astragalus are typically used to support the lymphatic and immune system.Some of the best antiviral herbs include astragalus, schizamnia, oregano, echinacea, garlic, elderberry, mullein, licorice, and green tea.Other herbs that are practical in treating a yeast infection include barberry, cinnamon and olive leaf. To read more about herbs goto www.goldmines24h.com/Herbs/

Want to find out more about Herb, then visit Goldmines24h.com on how to choose the best herbs for your needs.

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Reverse Ageing – The NEW Secret of AC-11

6 November, 2009 (07:11) | Herbs and Spices | By: Keith Woolley

So the next time you join a discussion about getting older or even Reverse Ageing and when you start sharing the fascinating Reverse Ageing facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed to your secrets!

How can anyone put a limit on learning more? The following section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

REVERSE AGEING NOW!

Longevity, It’s not a fountain after all…..

Long gone, an obscure but unique plant was discovered in the Amazonian rain-forest. It is named Uncaria tomentosa, a vine that grows among the plentiful, exotic plethora of botanical species, some of which have not begun to be catalogd by biologists. More commonly known to the neighbors as “Ua de Gato” or “Cat’s Claw,” its outer bark contains a powerful, natural activator of DNA repair, vital to cellular health and imperative to longevity.

The advantages of Uncaria tomentosa just about make it sound like a cure all. It helps keep the immunity mechanism working properly. It helps stop cellular damage, and damage to DNA. And whilst much of the action of Uncaria tomentosa takes place deep within the cells of the body, it also works to definitely affect the outward, visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and sun spots – conditions linked to the aging process in which the body produces imperfect DNA. What is the connection between DNA and aging?

Put simply, DNA is able to absorb the amount that we inherit from our folks. When we are born, our genetic code, or DNA, is virtually spotless. Each particular nutrients. It is made primarily based on our DNA, and each cell becomes a holder of our complete genetic blueprint. As we grow and age, our bodies and our DNA are consistently bombarded by things in the environment that can damage our DNA. A nice example is the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun finally damages our skin cells (and their DNA) and leads to wrinkles or worse. In truth, any damage to our DNA at last becomes the root of the negative results we associate with aging. This damage all of the cause of various ailments we encounter throughout our lifetimes.

If the body can’t produce clean copies of our DNA, our health and longevity will be without delay influenced. The key to optimal health, therefore, is to keep our DNA clean and healthy and manufacturing “clean” copies. We do this by helping our bodies neutralise excess free radicals, and at the same time, strengthen and nourish our cells and their DNA.

What will AC-11 do for me if I take it regularly?

The major attribute of AC-11 relates to its effect on DNA repair, so it is going to be helpful in many of the same situations as antioxidants. It’s also be seen as temporary and immune augmenting, so possible uses include : Anti-ageing programs immunity mechanism support (e.g. Frequent colds/infections ) Inflammatory conditions. Auto-immune conditions, which often involve the immunity mechanism and have an inflammatory part,eg rheumatoid arthritis, colitis and so on. Family history of age related illness Skin health Recovery from injury and enhancing healing Those who only know one or two facts about Reverse Ageing can be puzzled by misleading info. The simplest way to help folks who are misled is to delicately correct them with the truths you are learning here.

If you want to keep your immune system and cell DNA in tip-top condition, then visit Solgar to find out more on Solgar AC-11 . Keith Woolley is Research Director of Boots Herbal Stores in the UK

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Herbal Tea The Natural Way

29 September, 2009 (05:12) | Herbs and Spices | By: Stephen Kiteris

by Stephen Kiteris

With many benefits such as enhancing your vitality and boosting your immune system. Loose leaf herbal tea can also be helpful with ailments such as depression, anxiety, stress, IBD and headaches. These are some herbs that are beneficial to good health.

STINGING NETTLE Stinging nettle is used as an excellent blood cleanser. It also has anti – inflammatory agents. It is used widely throughout the world and because of its high content of calcium, magnesium, iron sodium, potassium and vitamins it is recommended as a blood cleanser and is used too treat many blood disorders.

THYME Thyme herbal tea has been used to treat many ailments such as whooping cough. pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis. It is also used to fight infections whether they are fungal, viral or bacterial. As well as tea Thyme can be used as an ointment or a mouthwash, because of its antiseptic qualities.

LADY’S MANTLE Lady’s mantle is a well known herb for strengthening the uterus in women who are likely to miscarry. It also helps to control heavy menstrual bleeding. As a tea it is a tonic to the womb and associated tissues so that problems with painful or heavy periods and the changes that come with menopause are eased.

HOREHOUND Horehound herbal tea can be used to treat many ailments. Used externally horehound can be used to manage a range of skin conditions. Internally taken horehound soothes a cough and is beneficial for bronchial problems. Horehound also promotes sweating, which in turn can be helpful to reduce fever. As well as stimulating the flow and secretion of bile from the gallbladder, thereby aiding digestion.

PEPPERMINT The leaves and stem of the peppermint herb have a high oil content and is the part of the plant used medicinally. Peppermint is used for many ailments including heart burn, nausea, motion sickness, cold or influenza, tension headaches and flatulence. Peppermint helps the flow of digestive juices, and can also be used to aid bowel problems such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

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Take Herbs with Caution during Pregnancy

25 July, 2009 (04:47) | Herbs and Spices | By: Ellen Valentine, CNC

by Ellen Valentine, CNC

The first trimester of pregnancy is not a time for experimentation. If you already take herbs or herbal combinations, and you understand herbs and your own body, you most likely can continue to take most of your protocol throughout pregnancy. If, however, you have never taken herbs before, the first trimester of pregnancy is not the time to start. During the first trimester of pregnancy, if an expectant mother wants to add a more healthy regimen to her lifestyle, fresh and organic fruits and vegetables are the best way to do that.

When we think of vegetables we often do not think of their healing properties; and yet, we’ve heard that carrots promote good eyesight, and spinach builds strong healthy red blood cells. Herbs are vegetables with notable potential to be healing, and even medicinal; in fact many of them are refined to create drugs. Thus is the case with foxglove which is reduced to digitoxin prescribed for cardiovascular disease. I state this because although herbs are the balanced whole plant and medicine is the extract, therefore refined and targeted, certain herbs, even with their whole properties can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Single herbs that can be taken safely during pregnancy are: red raspberry, spearmint, licorice, lemon grass, chamomile, rose hips, fennel, alfalfa, anise and anise seed, dandelion, ginger, slippery elm, lavender, rose, and meadowsweet.

During the first trimester morning sickness seems to plague more than half expectant mothers. Anise and fennel are great remedies. Fennel tea can be made by steeping the seed in warm water and then sipping. Meadowsweet is another aid for the seasick feelings of early pregnancy. Use about one teaspoon per cup of hot water and drink a cup of meadowsweet tea morning and afternoon or early evening. Always make infusions light and take time sipping. Anise seed can be carried and chewed on while out and about and unable to stop for tea.

In smaller amounts ginger is always good for the digestion, and can be made by dropping a spoonful of a tincture into warm water, or by steeping a piece of ginger root itself in hot water. In small amounts, Spearmint mixed with several other herbs to make a tea can be very soothing. Dandelion tea, a soothing herb is a good neutralizing food when nausea strikes. Dandelion will also provide food for the blood and immune system. The reason for taking small and light doses of any herb or food during pregnancy is because not only can the mother create an intolerance or allergy to a single herb in her own body, the baby may be affected also.

Alfalfa can be used like a super food and strengthener for mother during all three trimesters. The leaves dried are loaded with vitamins and minerals like A, B6, B12, C, E, K, folate and niacin. These are powerful agents to prevent birth defects. Taking Alfalfa before conception, during pregnancy and post natal is quite useful.

During the second and third trimester a mother can take all of the herbs and formulas she has been used to in the first trimester with further additions. Red Raspberry tea is probably the most famous of herbs for prenatal use. Two cups daily for the concluding six months is recommended as it prepares the uterus for labor and birth. Steep two tablespoons of red raspberry: pour boiling hot water over the herb and steep up to twenty minutes. Not only do the alkaloids, it is believed, keep contractions quite regular during labor, there is the added plus of enhancing mothers milk after delivery.

Chamomile may be used with caution in the second and third trimesters. Drink only one cup per day as too much can cause early labor or miscarriage due to the relaxing qualities of the herb. Chamomile mixed with other herbs in a blend is usually not a problem as the content of chamomile is slight. Insomnia during second and third trimesters can be soothed with chamomile, lemon grass and lavender. Peppermint, one herb that is usually not a problem, should be kept on the shelf for the term of the pregnancy. The volatile oils in peppermint can over stimulate the nervous system of the unborn infant. The aroma of the leaves however can help immeasurably as aromatherapy for morning or afternoon sickness.

Typically unknown by many, herbs used in combinations usually enhance each other. The true enhancement process, used by Chinese herbalists when combining the Kingly herbs removes any toxic elements, or allergen causing properties while enhancing the healing properties of herbs. This technique creates a food like quality, a formulation which is food for healing and strengthening. Working with an herbalist, a nutritionist that has an herbal background or a naturopath will ensure that you get the information you need to decide whether or not a formula should be used during pregnancy.

Herbs that relax during early labor: tincture of passionflower in warm water calms during early stages of labor. Aromatherapy with oils of lavender, which eases anxiety, and peppermint which eases nausea are great aids during labor. Chamomile is a relaxant and during labors first signs is perfectly wonderful for resting and calming mom for the work ahead during the birthing process.

Watch for the next article which dives a bit deeper into herbs that can be used post natal or if mother delivers by Cesarean Section. Until then, take the best of care, eat organic, raw fruits and vegetables during and after pregnancy, and stay really happy.

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Historic Use of Mushrooms in Religious Practices

16 June, 2009 (04:53) | Herbs and Spices | By: Markho Rafael

by Dr. Markho Rafael

People have used mushrooms as spiritual tools for at least 7,000 years. Thats the age of the oldest preserved records, cave paintings left by the historic San Peoples in Tassili of southeast Algeria. Images depict what has been interpreted as masked, dancing medicine men holding mushrooms in their hand; presumably of the awareness altering variety.

Tassili is today part of the Saharan desert, mountainous and uninhabited. But in the days of the San Peoples, the environment was savannah-like and inhabited by cattle, lions and even crocodiles. There’s archeological evidence of contact between the San Peoples of Tassili and other tribes across the Sahara, from Chad to Egypt, perhaps even Greece.

Because ancient Greeks, too, may have used mushrooms in their spiritual practices. The “Eleusinian Mysteries,” continuous for an astounding two millennia, was the most important spiritual initiation ceremony in ancient Europe. Scholars believe it involved use of consciousness-altering mushrooms. With participants such as Plato and Aristotle, spiritual mushrooms may be an important part of the legacy of western civilization.

Further north and a thousand years later, the Vikings used Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) to overcome fear before going into battle. In pre-battle spiritual ceremonies, they ate mushrooms and danced through the woods with wild abandon.

Of course many of us may not think highly of the Viking warrior spirituality but it was an undeniable part of their religious practices whether or not we approve. At the same time, across the Baltic Sea, Siberian shamans also used Fly agaric to achieve spiritual communion with their gods.

In a controversial book titled Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality by R. Gordon Wasser, Fly agaric is even attributed as the source of the Vedic juice called “soma” – a liquid described to have been used in ancient Hindu religious practices, and said to be bestow divine qualities to the soul of the consumer, even immortality.

(Please note: Fly agaric is poisonous. It can also be easily confused with other more deadly species. Consumption is strongly discouraged.)

On the other side of the ocean from Europe, the Mixtec culture likewise employed mind-altering mushrooms in their spiritual ceremonies, as recorded in the Mixtec Codex (13th-15th century). Their Gods were frequently engraved with mushrooms in hand.

Even though Mixtecs clearly told westerners of their use of spiritual mushrooms in sacred ceremonies, American and European scholars still doubted them in classic condescending fashion.

American botanist William Safford argued that peyote buttons were mistaken for mushrooms, while other scientists insisted that the Mixtec culture really did use mind-expanding mushrooms in their religious rituals.

The debate raged on until the early 1930s, when amateur anthropologist Robert Weitlaner got invited to witness an original spiritual ceremony that included the use of consciousness-altering mushrooms.

Then in 1953, mycologist R. Gordon Wasson and his wife Valentina Povlovna as the first westerners became honored participants in a mushroom ceremony – Velada – performed by shaman Don Aurelio. Wasson published his account of the Velada in Life Magazine, 1957. His article initiated the broader public awareness of spiritual mushrooms.

Out of 60 Psilocybe species, 25 are known to contain the mind-altering compounds psilocin (unstable) and psilocybin (stable). The two species Psilocybin caerulescens and Psilocybin mexicana are believed to be the ones used by the Mixtec. Although Psilocybin cubensis is now more common even in America, it is believed to have arrived with the Europeans.

Spiritual mushrooms have been illegal in most of the world since the 1970’s because of their potential misuse as recreational drugs. Only in The Netherlands were fresh Psilocybe allowed to be sold until less than a year ago.

That all changed after a French 17-year-old girl jumped off a bridge when eating Psilocybe mushrooms. The Dutch parliament responded with a ban on the sale of so called “magic mushrooms,” which took effect December 1, 2008. From Tassili to Amsterdam, the use of spiritual mushrooms is now officially history.

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A Closer Look at Solgar Celadrin.

8 June, 2009 (05:03) | Herbs and Spices | By: Keith Woolley

by Keith Woolley

In the fight against Arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, Celadrin is a relative newcomer. When there is no reaction with oxygen, that would only mean that esterified fatty acids have been treated however they are still soluble in both fat and water. These fatty acid compounds are derived from bovine tallow oil, or in other words, cow fat. Solgar Celadrin’s chemical identity is cetyl myristoleate, a blending of at least 8 fat including acids.

Celadrin, with no known side effects/bad reactions, it is said to be safe. With more than 100 million Celadrin pills prescribed, there have been no reports of bad side effects. A sample that large is significant.

Celadrin has been tested in clinical trials, unlike other all-natural supplements. According to clinical trials. Celedrin is proven effective in slowing down or completely eliminating the joint and cartilage inflammation that can cause arthritis and other painful diseases. Celadrin seems most effective when used with other supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin according to some tests.

If you have a long medical history or take many medications on a daily basis, you should be aware that Celadrin is an ingredient that is all-natural. Mobility of joints is greatly increased when supplemented by Celadrin to enhance joint lubrication. The joints rub together when this fluid decreases or wears down, causing tremendous pain. Celadrin has shown to provide relief to deep muscle and tissue injuries.

People who suffer from arthritic or painful joints report their pain to be on a similar scale to that of others who have bulging disks in their backs because the vertebrae are rubbing together causing pain when the normal fluid pocket between those vertebrae has leaked out or decreased.

Celadrin comes in both a topical and oral form. You are able to take it by mouth as it comes in the form of capsules, tablets and soft gels. It is available as a topical cream. 30 minutes after the application various patients reported feeling significant relief using Celadrin cream on their aches and pains. Celadrin is helpful in reducing inflammation according to clinical studies. Patients can get the same healing benefit with whatever works for them, that would be with oral or topical formulations, as this shows its equally effective, this is what the studies are showing.

Celadrin has demonstrated effects of decreased inflammation, cushioning of joints, as well as promoting cartilage repair and quick recovery. For people who suffer from joint, muscle, or tendon pain, the good effects of Celadrin make it something to look into.

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