Coriolus Versicolor is Potent Mushroom for Fighting Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases

For thousands of years Chinese medicine has prized the mushroom for its energizing and healing properties. Chinese legend is filled with stories of those who discovered the 1,000 year old mushroom and became immortal. In the West, acceptance is based less on tradition and more on the results of the scientific method. Researchers have been busy scientifically documenting what Chinese tradition dictates, that mushrooms are some of the most potent medicines on the plant. Recent research findings have shown the Coriolus versicolor mushroom stands out above the rest for regulating the immune system.

Coriolus versicolor found to be effective against cancer and human papillomavirus

Researchers at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York tested several botanicals for their immune enhancing activity using a subcutaneous immunization model of cell surface carbohydrate expression in cancer cells in a study published in September, 2008 Vaccine. They found Coriolus versicolor to display consistent and significant immune enhancement activity superior to all other coumpounds tested. The superiority of Coriolus to yeast beta-glucan, maitake, turmeric, echinacea, and preparation H-48 from Honso USA, was described as surprising. Although the exhibited levels of immune enhancing ability of astragalus was also impressive, it was surpassed by that of Coriolus.

The March, 2008 BMC Cancer reports Coriolus versicolor has shown anticancer activity with positive results in the treatment of gastric, esophageal, colorectal, breast and lung cancers. The efficacy of its protein-bound polysaccharide as an immunomodulator is credited. This activity was independent of its previously described immunomodulatory effect on NK cells.

The journal Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy reports double blind trials on 111 patients with colorectal cancer, using Coriolus versicolor. Although traditional medicine offers little help for colon cancer patients, Coriolus showed a remarkable enhancement of the patient's white blood cells, even in advanced colon cancer cases. The white cells greatly increased natural chemotactic motion and phagocytosis, the ability to scavenge toxins and kill pathogens. Coriolus was also used with patients as a helpful maintenance therapy following cancer surgery.

The results of a year long clinical trial examining the effects of mushroom supplementation in patients with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) were so impressive they were presented in 2008 at the 20th European Congress of Obstetrics and Gynocology. Dr. Silva Couto and his research team found that Coriolus versicolor supplementation over the period of one year substantially increased regression of dysplasia and induced clearance of the high-risk subtypes of the HPV responsible for cervical cancer. Coriolus supplementation demonstrated a 72 percent regression rate in lesions compared to 47.5 percent without supplementation, and a 90 percent regression rate in the high risk HPV virus sub-types compared to 8.5 percent without.

After using the supplement for one year, 72.5 percent of recipients reverted to normal cytology compared with only 47.5 percent of the control group. Coriolus supplementation produced a 90 percent regression rate in the high risk HPV virus sub-tupes compared to an 8.5 percent regression without supplementation.

It is also likely that Coriolus versicolor would be beneficial in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), a precancerous condition in which the cells of the uterine cervix are moderately or severely abnormal. The lead physician of the study noted that the optimal supplementation period may be as short as six months.

Coriolus versicolor modulates autoimmune diseases

T cells belong to a group of while blood cells known as lymphocytes, and play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. The activation of T helper (Th) cell subsets also plays an important role in immunity. Uncontrolled Th responses lead to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The identification of agents that modulate these helper cells is essential for controlling autoimmune diseases. A study from the November, 2008 Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, reported that polysaccharopeptide (PSP) from Coriolus versicolor exhibited the ability to control aberrant T lymphocyte activation through ciclosporin-like activity. PSP alone suppress production of activated T cells.

What makes Coriolus versicolor special?

Coriolus versicolor, also referred to as the turkey-tail mushroom, contains large quantities of Beta-glucans that act to stimulate the immune system. Coriolus can dramatically regenerate and rejuvenate the body. Its most active medicinal components are biological response modifiers called protein-bound polysaccharides. These polysaccharides are known as Krestin or PSK in Japan, and as Yun zhi, or PSP in China. There have been reports of cases of Bell's palsy clearing up with use of Coriolus for just a few days. Others have found it effective against bronchitis.

Other studies have shown that Coriolus can double the number of natural killer cells after only 8 weeks of treatment. Coriolus has also been found to help patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and may be an effective treatment for Lyme disease.

More research documents the anti-tumor benefits of Coriolus

Japanese researchers screened 200 of the best phytochemicals (plant extracts) known for anti-tumor activity. Coriolus versicolor was designated as exhibiting the greatest amount of anti-tumor activity. In another Japanese study, 185 people with lung cancer at different stages were given radiation. Doctors found those who also took Coriolus showed the best tumor shrinkage and the best survival rate. Another study involving stomach cancer patients produced similar results. Those who received Coriolus survived significantly longer, felt better and had fewer side effects.

Coriolus is first line defense against infection

Coriolus is a good centerpiece for your natural medicine chest, even if you are currently the picture of health. When any type of infection strikes, you will be ready. Coriolus can be used to target any infected organ, gland or tissue. Its immune enhancing properties provide an increased response to deal effectively with infections, and do this without over stimulating the immune system.

Sources:

Clinical Trial Results Show Proof of Concept for Use of Coriolus Versicolor As Immunonutrition in IPV Patients With Cervical Lesions, Medical News Today.

Coriolus, www.cocoonnutrition.org.

Coriolus Versicolor, University of California, San Diego Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer Patients.

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Indian Frankincense Herb Shown to Relieve Osteoarthritis Symptoms

An herb known as the "Indian Frankincense" can dramatically improve the symptoms of the most common form of arthritis –- osteoarthritis. What's even more amazing is the treatment appears to provide relief within just one week.

That's the good news from University of California at Davis scientists who published their research conclusions about this herbal therapy recently in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy. They specifically tested an extract dubbed AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) from the herb Boswellia serrata on 70 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. B. serrata has been used for thousands of years in the system of traditional medicine known in India as "Ayurveda".

The research subjects were suffering from pain, limited movement, stiffness and other symptoms of osteoarthritis, which most commonly affects weight-bearing joints like knees and hips, as well as the hands, wrists, feet and spine. Symptoms were relieved in about seven days in this study -- which is the first to show that an enriched extract of B. serrata herb be used as a successful treatment in humans. The same scientists tested the herbal remedy earlier in animal experiments for safety.

In a statement for the press, the lead researcher of the study, Siba Raychaudhuri, a faculty member of the University of California at Davis, noted that "AKBA has anti-inflammatory properties, and we have shown that B. serrata enriched with AKBA can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee... In this study, the compound was shown to have no major adverse effects in our osteoarthritis patients. It is safe for human consumption and even for long-term use".

This is important news for osteoarthritis sufferers who, according to the National Institutes of Health, number nearly 21 million in the U.S. alone. Although you are more likely to have this form of arthritis as you grow older, younger people can develop it as a result of genetic defects or joint injuries and malformations.

As the Baby Boomer population continues to age, the NIH estimates about 72 million Americans, 20 percent of the population, will be at high risk for osteoporosis by 2030. Medications currently often used to control pain from the disorder include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and narcotics –- all of which can have serious side effects, including liver damage.
(By: Sherry Baker)

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Herb Officially Recognized In England as A Cure for Colds

There is no cure for the common cold, right? Wrong. The Zulus of Africa have insisted for centuries that there's a remedy created from geraniums that zaps colds and flu, halting sniffles and coughs almost immediately. Now 21st century research has backed up these claims -- just in time for the beginning of cold and flu season.

In fact, the British government's department of health just announced the same kind of herbal remedy used by the Zulus for centuries has been granted an official license and can now be marketed and sold as a cold and flu medicine in England. The treatment carries the brand name Kaloba and comes in both oral drops and tablets. It is one of the first herbal remedies to be officially recognized in the UK as an effective, non-drug therapy for treating common ailments.

Umckaloabo, the technical name for the substance derived from the colorful geranium plant, has been found "effective in resolving all symptoms including headaches and nasal discharge" of colds and flu, according to research recently published in the Cochrane Review.

British health advocates have suggested the approval may help stop the over-prescribing of antibiotics. According to the British clinical organization NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence), £200million (the equivalent of about $357 million) are needlessly prescribed each year for antibiotics to treat cold and flu.

Those drugs are not only useless for the viral infections that cause colds and flu, but they can contribute to the rise of "super bugs" which are resistant to antibiotics. "In the light of inappropriate antibiotic use and increasing drug resistance rates worldwide, the need for an alternative, effective remedy for these medical conditions is crucial," concluded the Cochrane Review geranium research article.

Kaloba is derived from a species of geranium called Pelargonium sidoides and is made specifically from the plant's flowers. The medicine has been available in Germany for over 25 years, but has only just been licensed by Britain's Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency.

Although it isn't sold as a medicine in the US, the geranium therapy is not the only natural treatment known to help fight colds and flu. Here are some more non-drug health boosters that can help you stay sniffle and cough-free this winter:

Garlic has been shown to be potent against several kinds of bacteria and viruses. It's also an immune system booster.

Vitamin C has become a favorite in the fight against colds and flu. Linus Pauling,Ph.D.,the two-time Nobel laureate, was the pioneering researcher into the benefits of vitamin C . He showed it spurs the immune system to fight infections by boosting interferon, which is a natural anti-viral substance.

Zinc has been found in several studies, including research conducted at Dartmouth and Cleveland Clinic, to shorten the length of time a cold lasts. Look for zinc gluconate lozenges or get your fill of the virus-fighting mineral from whole grains, beans, pumpkin seeds and nuts.

Be Happy isn't just the title of an old song, it's another way to boost your immunity and keep colds and flu at bay. A mounting body of research suggets colds and flu are most likely to strike if you are under excess work or psychological stress. Not getting enough sleep can also leave you more vulnerable to infection. Meditation, relaxation techniques like yoga and exercise can help you de-stress and also fight insomnia -- which, in turn, can lessen your chances of coming down with colds and flu.

Astragalus is one of several herbs long purported to have a powerful impact on fighting infections, including colds and flu. Now scientists at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have published research in the medical journal Vaccine stating they found the botanical therapy "surprisingly active" as a consistent immune enhancer.
(By: Sherry Baker)

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Rainforest herb Sarsaparilla is nature's medicine for joint pain and organ detoxification

The sarsaparilla herb may be the answer for people who have joint pain but want a natural remedy for eliminating it.

Sarsaparilla is a woody vine with black, red and blue berry-like fruits that have given the indigenous peoples of Central and South America results for centuries. They have used sarsaparilla for sexual impotence, skin ailments and even for helping rid the feeling of general physical weakness that plagues some people.

The sarsaparilla plant was first recognized as a pain relief treatment in Peru, where the vine’s extract was used for headaches, joint pain and ailments associated with the common cold. Additionally, the sarsaparilla plant has been used both internally and externally for leprosy and other skin problems, including psoriasis and dermatitis.

In addition to external uses, the flavonoids in sarsaparilla have been documented to have immune modulation and even live protective activities. A patent was granted in the U.S. in association with sarsaparilla’s apparent effectiveness in treating autoimmune diseases and inflammatory reactions using immunomodulating effects.

The patent includes animal studies that also showed smilagenin – part of the sarsaparilla plant -- reversed the decline of brain receptors in aged mice and restored the receptor levels to those observed in young ones. The animal research also showed that these mice had a reversal in the decline in cognitive function, and enhanced memory and learning. Results of these studies have only been published in the context of the patent so far, and have not yet appeared in any peer-reviewed journals.

Sarsaparilla is now available in a variety of tablets, capsules and tincture products in many modern natural and health food stores. In addition, sarsaparilla is found as a component ingredient in various herbal remedies made for skin disorders, libido enhancement, hormone balancing and even sports nutrition formulas. The sarsaparilla herb itself is available from www.Rain-Tree.com or in various Amazon Herb products like Recovazon.

"This herb is one of nature's many replacements for COX-2 inhibitor drugs like Vioxx," said Mike Adams, a holistic nutritionist and proponent of natural medicine. "It reduces inflammation naturally, and unlike prescription drugs, it won't cause you to have a heart attack and die. That's important to some consumers and even a few doctors," Adams said.

(by: Jerome Douglas)

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Ethnobotanical study of Northern Peru reveals abundant system of plant-based medicine spanning 510 plant species

A pair of researchers from the University of Hawaii and the San Diego Museum of Man recently examined the traditional plant-based system of medicine -- "ethnobotany" -- in Northern Peru to gather information on ancient herbal remedies and healing rituals, in a study published in the online November edition of Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine.

The researchers -- Rainer Bussmann and Douglas Sharon -- traveled to Northern Peru to interview local healers known as curanderos and observe native healing practices. Bussmann and Sharon, who are both fluent in Spanish, also collected ethnobotanical information from plant sellers by purchasing native plants in local markets, and by accompanying curanderos on harvesting trips and to healing ceremonies.

Bussmann and Sharon collected Northern Peruvian plants from the wild and also purchased them from the markets, then took the specimens to curanderos to discuss medicinal properties and the plants' role in healing rituals.

The researchers were able to determine many of the plants' properties, including the season in which they are best grown, the region in which they are harvested and various ailments the plants have proven effective at treating.

Bussmann and Sharon were able to collect 510 plant species used by Northern Peruvian healers, as well as identify their traditional uses, vernacular names and various applications. The researchers found that the majority of treatments -- 207 -- were used for ritual or "magical" ailments, such as susto and espanto, a condition caused by fright brought on by a life event or the patient's environment.

Most of the researchers' plant discoveries were used to treat ritual or magical ailments, or were parts of hallucinogenic healing ceremonies. Common illnesses in Northern Peruvian regions include mal aire (bad air), mal viento (bad wind), mal ojo (evil eye) and envidia (envy). Such conditions are characterized by shock, poisoned food and changes in body temperature. Bussmann and Sharon characterized such illnesses in Western medical terms as "psychosomatic disorders," which are physical symptoms brought about from mental or emotional factors.

Ninety-five plants were used to treat respiratory disorders, which included common ailments such as cold, flu, bronchitis and asthma. According to Bussmann and Sharon, many such conditions could be brought on by damp living conditions that foster mold and insufficient air circulation.

The researchers found that 85 medicinal plants treated urinary tract problems, such as kidney stones and infections of the bladder or kidneys. For example, the plant Chanca Piedra, which translates to "Stonebreaker," is used to treat kidney stones, and has gained popularity in the international market.

Sixty-six of the plants battled infections of female organs, the researchers found. Uteran, ovarian, vaginal and post-partum infections were treated with 100 different applications of the plant species, while 39 additional uses helped women with childbirth, menstrual cramps and cycle regulation. A select few plants were involved in medicinal procedures for abortion, birth control and female fertility.

On the flip side, 52 plant species were used to treat "male" problems, including prostate inflammation, impotence, urination problems, fertility and hair loss. Twelve species served the dual purposes of impotence remedy and aphrodisiac.

Bussmann and Sharon said they believed that because only 61 plants were used to aid liver disorders, the curanderos were mainly employed to treat magical and ritualistic problems, such as mal aire.

"Disorders of internal organs fall far behind the most commonly treated medical conditions," they wrote. "This is another indication that curanderos in Northern Peru are to a large extent specializing in the treatment of psychosomatic disorders, and that 'bodily' illness are treated more as a sideline."

However, the researchers turned up 59 plant treatments for inflammation, such as that caused by tonsil and throat and infections. An additional 51 were used to treat stomach problems, while 45 aided in rheumatism treatment.

But perhaps the most interesting plant species utilized by the curanderos were those employed in cancer treatment. "The use of plant species in this field could provide particularly interesting leads in medicinal development," Bussmann and Sharon wrote.

Eighty-three percent of the plants the researchers collected were native Peruvian plants, and two-thirds were harvested and utilized fresh. Many of the plants were collected wild, and the most common applications included ingesting the herb or decoction, or applying the plants as poultices.

The Northern Peruvian curanderos typically used the leaves or the whole plant to create treatments. Medicinal flowers from the plants were used in roughly 10 percent of treatments, while seeds were used in 7 percent of remedies. The fruit, bark, peel or wood of healing plants were used in only a fraction of medicines.

According to Bussmann and Sharon's study conclusions, traditional Northern Peruvian curanderos have helped the region's centuries-old system of plant-based medicine survive, in spite of hundreds of years of suppression by Western medicine.

"Current research indicates that the composition of the local pharmacopoeia has changed since colonial times," the researchers wrote. "However, the overall number of medicinal plants employed seems to have increased. This indicates that the Northern Peruvian health tradition is still going strong, and that the healers and public are constantly experimenting with new remedies."

Though the ethnobotanical medical system of Northern Peru has survived thus far, Bussmann and Sharon warn that urban growth, climatic change, global interest in harvesting medicinal plants, and large-scale mining are serious threats to its future survival.

(by: Jessica Fraser)

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Chinese herb lowers blood pressure, reduces hypertension

An herb called danshen -- traditionally used in China as a medicine for high blood pressure -- has been shown to reduce hypertension in hamsters, according to a study published in the "American Journal of Physiology."

Researchers at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey administered danshen's active ingredient — the chemical tanshinone IIA — to hamsters with hypertension. The hamsters' blood vessels dilated in response, and their blood pressure decreased as a result. Researchers hypothesize that danshen causes this effect by increasing the body's production of nitric oxide.

Danshen, known by the scientific name Salvia miltiorrhiza, is a variety of sage.

David Kim, author of the study and assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, is a licensed acupuncturist who prescribes danshen to his own high-blood-pressure patients.

"Traditionally, we knew this was working for high blood pressure," he said, "but we didn't know what the mechanism was."

Kim says he wants to further study how long danshen's effects last after it is administered.

"In Western medicine, [a treatment] works fast but doesn't last long," he said. "In Oriental medicine, it works slowly, but it lasts."

Researchers say that tanshinone IIA could eventually be used to produce a new hypertension drug.

"Danshen has been used for thousands of years in Chinese Medicine to move blood," said consumer health advocate Mike Adams, author of "Natural Health Solutions."

"Western medicine is finally beginning to catch up by learning things about medicinal herbs that the Chinese have known for millennia," he said.

Lixing Lao, co-president of the Society for Acupuncture Research, cautioned against rushing to turn danshen into a pharmaceutical product.

"More research on drug toxicity and adverse effects will be needed to evaluate the safety of this remedy," Lao said. He advised in particular that patients on blood thinning medication use danshen with caution.

(by: David Gutierrez)

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Five Elements And Five Reasons We Need Traditional Chinese Medicine In America

The Traditional Chinese 5 Element Diagnostic System is used as a tool to determine disorders and prescribe a combination of all natural herbs for healing. It is without a doubt the most valuable "medical" wisdom we have on this planet. Of course The FDA and most Medical Doctors in this country will fervently disagree!

This healthy form of healing, balancing, and correcting energy which is supplied from over 8,000 natural plants is the true way we as "citizens of this planet" have been created to be healed when any illness comes our way.

So how does this diagnostic system work? What scientific basis does it have and why is the Traditional Herbal Doctor in China usually paid a much better salary then the typical MD in that country? This system is actually very practical in its structure and end result. This article will attempt to simplify the whole system for you.

To begin with, there are always opposite matters in our world (and our bodies) such as hot and cold, wet and dry, dark and bright etc. The Chinese call this factor Yin and Yang:

Yang is hot as yin is cold, yang is dry as yin is wet, yang is big as yin is small, It is easy to understand by just comparing energies. There are also five different elements; these are water, wood, fire, earth and metal. Each of these basic elements like everything under the sun are subject to yin and yang (they can be hot or cold, dry or wet etc.) Each of these five elements in TCM represents different organ systems within our bodies. Here's how it breaks down:

Water: represents the kidneys, bladder, Reproductive system, and all fluids other than blood in the body

Wood: represents the liver and gall bladder

Fire: represents the heart, pericardium, blood and the "triple burner" (the three areas of heated distribution of water)

Earth: represents the stomach and spleen (digestion and metabolism)

Metal: represents the lungs and colon.

Please see this Five Element Theory Chart for more details
( http://plantcures.com/chart.html )

As with everything in existence, all herbs are subject to Yin and Yang and have hot or cold, wet or dry (etc.-etc.) energies. A good herbalist can taste and determine these energies on his tongue or feel a hot or cold energy in his body after eating some of the plant. This is how over the last 3,000 years eight thousand plants were grouped into their categories of yin and yang and also how the organ systems that the plants affected were determined. (Yes, sadly a few of these early herbalists died from ingesting poisonous plants in the process.)

So now an important question arises; should we just throw away this valuable data for all time in exchange for our "scientifically proven" knowledge of synthetic drugs as medicine for our health? The contrast of just how evil our current pharma-medical system is becomes staggering.

So then all plants have cooling, drying, strengthening, weakening, heating, moistening (the list goes on and on) energy factors and they have specific organ systems the plants most effect. The same is true of our organs themselves. They should ideally always be in a perfect balance of yin and yang. Also an imbalance of one organ system can affect many other organ systems as shown in this diagram. ( http://plantcures.com/chart.html )

However, as we all know, things get out of balance from time to time. The perfect example of an excess yang disorder would be a hot fever. A deficient yang disorder would be cold hands and feet from lack of circulation.

These major organ systems are subject to a number of symptomatic complaints so by questioning the patient the doctor can began to see a Yin or Yang condition in each of the systems. TCM doctors use a check list of questions that will give all the clues they need for getting the right diagnoses. It is quite simple.

Besides questioning about symptomatic complaints, The TCM doctor looks at the condition of the tongue (its colors, cracks, texture, moisture, etc) and spends a lot of time feeling the pulses in 9 different positions and pressures on each wrist. This will either give the doctor confirmation of what has been gathered from questioning or tell him to look deeper into the problems. The results are always amazingly accurate.

So in this way the TCM doctor can chart the patient's yin or yang disorders and can then apply the plants with the exact opposite energy to bring balance to the patient.

For example if a person is always cold, has little sex drive, and wakes up many times in the night needing to urinate (a kidney yang deficient condition) the TCM doctor would give them (as a part of their formula) a Kidney-Yang tonic herb such as Yin Yang Huo ( Epimedium Sagittatum) to counter balance this condition. However this is just one element and one herb. There may be many body elements involved and 3 or 4 herbs applied to each element. Or in some cases a single herb such as Dan Shen for example, can correct many imbalances involving the heart. (Note: An article on the herb, Dan Shen, will soon be released by the author; Dan Shen can correct many heart problems such as arrhythmias and angina quickly and save many lives without dangerous drugs or heart surgery.)

All five elements (organ systems of the body) affect each other by generating health and by overcoming it as this diagram shows. ( http://plantcures.com/chart.html ) (eg: Earth overcomes Water as Water overcomes Fire but Fire generates Earth as Earth generates Metal etc.) After the balance information is gathered from the patient, it is checked and re-checked then applied to the final diagnoses and formula. It works absolutely beautifully.

Remember, the correction of disease with medicinal plants is by far the most powerful energy source of the Traditional Chinese Medicine system. Acupuncture was only used as a way to help open up the meridians that the herbs were working through. Many acupuncturists have somehow reversed this thinking into "herbal treatment is just something to be added sometimes." This is an unfortunate misconception. The TCM Doctor is always first and foremost an herbalist. As an example, I am a TCM Herbalist and I am trained in both Traditional Chinese full body acupuncture and Korean hand acupuncture yet I only occasionally use acupuncture as a back up treatment.

Of course acupuncture can, by itself, benefit the body in many ways sometimes but the reality is, the plants of the earth when used correctly are the strongest healing source there is. The reason for this is the plants are "in tune" with our molecular structure as we (The plants and us) are both created living entities of the same earth. However acupuncture needles are great tools to help open up meridians and they work quite well.

Also please remember that over 8,000 medicinal herbs in 16 different classifications are used for most healing of disease which includes the amazing group of herbs in the Tonic Herb Classification. These herbs are not considered "medicinal" in the usual sense of the word and they are the herbs most anyone can take to achieve optimum health of the most important "Three Treasures"
( http://plantcures.com/big3.html ) which are Jing (Essense), Chi (Energy), and Shen (Spirit). Please see article on The Classification of Tonic Herbs by going here.


This article may have over-simplified the TCM 5 Element Diagnostic System a bit but hopefully it has given you an insight to this amazingly accurate system. This diagnostic system is over 1,500 years old as practiced today (Over 4,000 years in its beginning) and is still much more preferred in China then the western system. It is taken more seriously by the patient and the Traditional Chinese doctor is usually paid more in China.

We need this system to be available at every hospital in America so the patients can see for themselves that Big Pharma is not at all a benefit to our health and is in fact a disaster to our health. Big Pharma does not just operate legally but also with the approval of what some consider being a tyrannical form of government; The FDA.

I don't know about you but Nature's Healthcare Plan sounds much better to me.
(By: Christopher Gussa)

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How to Use Herbs Safely and Effectively

Starting from some time well before man was placed on earth, or evolved to his present species, the earth was covered with all manner of plant life. These plants had to deal with microorganisms, climate variations and all manner of variety.

When man entered this phase of existence, he found himself dependent on plants for food, shelter, clothing and medicine. Plants were also a source of aesthetics for man and woman.

As problems arose, holy men, shamans, witches and anyone attuned to the patterns of nature became renowned members of society. They were medicine men and women of some sort and who could treat and cure the problems of that society.

Later, animals were consumed for food and it was discovered that they could also be used for medicine. Even though this is true, it was always considered to be more pure and more harmonious with nature's patterns to use plants. Furthermore, the power in plants went far beyond healing the mere flesh (anatomy) of man and was capable of affecting his character, his awareness, his attitude and his ability to travel freely on his spiritual journey.

To be fair, animals were also sometimes eaten, or certain parts of them, for the purpose of adopting certain characteristics of that animal on one's spiritual or other journey.

While this probably seems impossible to the trained so-called "scientific" mind of today, as usual, the over educated often miss the obvious. In this case, we know today that the neuropeptides and hormones of animals work in our bodies and that those neuropeptides and hormones are not just received by every cell of the body, every tissue and organ produces some of its own! This is in addition to the exact ratio of minerals, vitamins and all nutrients needed to make that tissue healthy for that animal in its life element.

In other words, it probably works fine, at least in most cases, to adopt some of the life energy of a certain animal by eating it, or a certain animal part by eating that.

Before you get too excited about eating animals, however, may I suggest that plants are the higher way.

We have discovered that every known vital chemical in the human body is found somewhere in the plant kingdom. Some have observed that this is a good argument for the garden of Eden concept -- the human body as it is today (mortal) was formed from the dust of this earth, via plants, which put every element in our bodies that eventually formed all body processes when, at the appropriate time, a special fruit was taken which transformed all others and put them into action.

Someone observed that there is some cryptic evidence that the "forbidden fruit" was some ancestor of the pomegranate, which contains in it, in usable form, both testosterone and estrogen.

While all of this is very interesting, the practical side of it is that there are plants in every corner of the globe that will replace and restore normal functions of every kind. There are plants that will regenerate every organ.

I had a colleague do some testing for me and my wife for what systems might need help. When he discovered her adrenal glands were low, he was quite insistent that to heal them we would absolutely have to use glandulars (desiccated, or otherwise modified bovine adrenal glands) and that there was no chance that herbs alone would heal them. After a few uncomfortable moments, we managed to thank him and extricate ourselves.

We went home and put her on my adrenal herbal formula which had her adrenal glands stable and rebuilt within two and a half weeks. Generally, I keep people on my adrenal formula for at least three months, however, to keep that system rebuilding the healthiest of cells for a while so that it will continue to be strong for life. In addition to my formula, we also used Genesis brand Goji berry juice (which is a brand that's pure and I find it at least good to very good in potency and quality).

My colleague apparently did not know that herbs could regenerate at least as good as glandular medicines. Perhaps, however, in the reality he was aware of, his point of view was just as valid. Sometimes, the overall "vibration" or awareness of an individual will dictate what sort of medicine works best for him or her. If a person is in a lower state, s/he will need medicines of a secondary sort, unless that person is willing to raise his or her state while healing.

In this case of being in a lower state, glandulars, refined minerals, vitamins or chemicals, or even drugs might be the most appropriate choices.

By lower, I do not mean to condemn anyone, this life is a journey, not a destination, and it is for individuals, not for their neighbors. It does no one any sort of good to compare ground with their neighbor and to find him or herself worse off or better off than the neighbor.

Likewise, if drugs work best for you, or if glandulars do, this is not my business. I am only here to explore the realities of what I know, which are herbal -- meaning whole plant—medicines.

So with that introduction, let's talk about herbs for a few minutes.

Using herbs safely is a worry that many people have, which I often scoff at. This is because any truly dangerous herbs were abandoned many years ago by all responsible herbalists. The "dangerous" herbs in use today are many times safer than the safest of OTC (over the counter) drugs. They are safer, statistically speaking, than strawberries, which kill many people each year due to allergic reactions.

Still, anyone can be allergic to anything. This includes herbs and an allergic reaction should be noticed and appropriate action taken in that event when taking herbs.

People are far less likely to be allergic to herbs, though, because of the scarceness of those substances in the normal diet and because of the other actions of herbs that tend to either inhibit allergies or reduce the cause of allergic responses.

The real questions about herbs in use today are not about overall safety -- anyone who drinks alcohol or uses aspirin has little business worrying about the safety of the herbs in use today. The real questions, instead, revolve around drug interactions with herbs.

This is particularly difficult to answer because little research is done on the subject. Having said that, far more research has been done on it than most people think. One of the resources that I use is Dr. Duke's database of herbs. There you can find nearly all known herb-drug interactions.

Empirically, however, I have had probably two people report actual drug interference in the last eight years. In both cases the drug got stronger and less was needed while taking the herb.

Still, if you are taking a drug that might kill you or if you are taking a drug that your life depends on, you should seek the guidance of someone who has had plenty of experience and training about herb and drug interactions to guide you before you start taking this or that.

For those who are on medications for pain or discomfort, which are not likely to kill you the first time you miss the recommended dose, there are probably few to no real concerns over herb use. Of course, if you notice something, you should talk to someone who can help you.

Generally, herbs (unlike drugs) do not sit around in your body for weeks or longer after you stop taking them. If you have an interaction, stop for a few days and see if it goes away. If it does, you can suspect the herb. If it does not, something else is going on.

Sometimes, there is an overlap that can be confusing. For example, an herb might clean out the lymphatic system and toxic debris can travel to the heart and a heart arrhythmia can develop. At home, I would simply start using a heart herbal formula or maybe just motherwort tincture, but for some this can be quite upsetting. The herb might get the blame, though it was really trying to do you a favor.

After all, the herb did not put the toxic debris in your lymphatic system -- you did that!

This gets us ready for using herbs effectively.

There are three categories of using herbs that we shall discuss here:

1. Allopathy replacement: This means you use an herb to replace a drug, like using St. John's wort instead of an antidepressant or using fava beans to prevent breast cancer instead of Tamoxifen.

2. Modulation: This means you are trying to change a pattern or level of activity in the body. This would be like using burdock root for skin eruptions or ginkgo to increase circulation to the brain or Echinacea to activate or normalize the immune system.

3. Regeneration: This is where you actually attempt to rebuild the tissue in an area or organ or gland that is damaged, malformed or depleted.

Allopathy mixed with modulation is a very common way to use herbs. This is what most herbalists do. Using herbs this way requires some method of establishing a dosage. For this reason, many herbalists use muscle testing. While hugely subjective, muscle testing, when done prudently, allows the bodies of the practitioner and the client to communicate some preferences about how the herbs are used.

Another option is to research, as Dr. Duke does (mentioned before) what percentages usually exist of chemicals in plants and what the effective dose of that chemical probably is. In his books, Dr. Duke does a marvelous job of making recommendations based on this kind of research.

This concern might be easily overstated, however, since when the body is given larger doses of herbs (which have much food value) the excess is either easily excreted or the use of it is modified. Indeed, some herbs become less effective in larger doses because the body will tend to use the herb differently.

This might not produce the desired result, but it probably will not hurt you.

Some of my favorite allopathic and modulating herbs are:

* Rosemary for elevating mood and for brain electricity -- I usually recommend three capsules twice-thrice daily.

* Ginger for nausea or digestive aid -- I usually recommend doses of 5 capsules all the way up to two tablespoons or an ounce of the fresh juice.

* Ginger for chronic pain -- I usually recommend at least a table spoon of ginger twice daily, or at least 16 capsules daily. Often this is an effective cure, as well as a palliative treatment.

* St. John's wort for low serotonin -- low serotonin leaves the person feeling unable to deal with the basic difficulties of life without feeling overloaded. I usually recommend a high quality St. John's wort tincture (I like Herb Pharm and Herbs Etc.) taken by the ½ dropper full three to five times daily.

* Motherwort for heart arrhythmia -- this is usually a tincture (as above) and is taken in ¼ dropper full doses as often as needed, sometimes in excess of 8 times daily.

* I-Charge (my recipe, found on www.kalsschool.com downloads page; consists of equal parts habanero, garlic and Echinacea tincture) for any respiratory congestion or any acute infection -- this formula is very powerful and it is not uncommon to only need a half-dropper full to completely manage symptoms of congestion. For stubborn cases, I recommend 3 droppers full, five times daily.

* Celery seed for gout prevention -- while celery seed might help allay gout, especially mild cases, it really shines for prevention. We are indebted to Dr. Duke for this very effective remedy. I recommend 2-3 capsules daily.

* Yucca stalk for joint inflammation -- this takes about 10 capsules to work as well for me as one Aleve, but then again, yucca is not going to harm me in any way and will actually help improve most conditions of acute inflammation or even chronic inflammation.

* Milk thistle for liver diseases of all kinds and as an antidote to liver poisoning (such as from mushrooms) -- this is one place where you might want to use standardized extracts. Usually, I get a high quality milk thistle seed (the darker the color of the seed, the better it is supposed to be) and give it out by the tablespoon one time daily. Milk thistle also protects the liver.

* Ginkgo biloba for increased circulation to the brain -- this herb helps keep neural synapses synapsing as they should. In spite of the amazingly promising research on ginkgo for Alzheimer's and senility, it still gets overlooked most of the time by practitioners and physicians. Two capsules per day will probably work for most people as a prevention or treatment. I like this coupled with two or three ounces of apple cider vinegar in a gallon of distilled water per day for Alzheimer's disease.

Regeneration of organs and tissues is another matter. This requires an understanding of how to combine herbs. For regeneration, the herb that regenerates the tissue/organ has to be combined with an herb that will go to that specific area and another herb or multiple herbs that nourish the tissue specifically as well as support the processes that tissue is supposed to be doing while the organ heals.

This last part is important in order to give the organ or tissue a break without causing great distress to the person who is healing. The body will tend to give the break, whether there is support to replace the action of that organ or not, whenever the nutrition and medicine is present to heal a particular organ.

This is traditionally known as a healing crisis. It feels like a crisis because the body goes on hiatus -- or at least the targeted part of it does -- while the opportunity to heal a weak/damaged tissue is seized by the very wise body.

The combining of herbs is both an art and a science that is too lengthy to deal with here in any detail, but suffice it to say that if an organ needs anything more than a kick-start, wise formulation is indicated.

Often I consult with people using cascara sagrada all by itself for bowel problems, for example. If the bowel just needs a quick awakening, that is fine, but otherwise, if the bowel has a long term problem, a good healing and regenerating herbal formula is needed for the bowel.
(Autor: Kal Sellers, MH)

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