Two herbs for depression

Ginkgo Biloba is known to aid in increasing oxygen to the brain and body tissues. It helps to increase mental clarity, alertness, and short term memory. It may also increase the blood flow to the brain as well as the levels of adenosine tri-phosphates and reduce free radicals. It is also known to aid depression.


Siberian Ginseng stimulates the immune system. It is used in the treatment of Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is also a general stimulant. Siberian Ginseng is another natural herb for depression. It increases mental endurance, memory, attention, and boosts your mood.

These natural herbs for depression work either alone or in a supplement very effectively. There are little to no side effects but you should check with your doctor and/or pharmacist to be sure that they will not interfere with other medications that you may be using..

ALS overview

ALS was first found in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, but it wasn’t until 1939 that Lou Gehrig brought national and international attention to the disease. Ending the career of one of the most beloved baseball players of all time, the disease is still most closely associated with his name. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons  die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.

Colloidal Silver

If you are interested in alternative therapies, it is likely that you have come across products containing silver.
Some ailments it helps:
      Acne
      AIDS
      Allergies
      Boils
      Burns
      Indigestion
      Ringworm
      Yeast infections
      Wards
      Athlete’s foot
While the use of silver to treat serious pathogens is nothing new, it is important to know what you are purchasing before you begin.
When it comes to such products, there has been some confusion because there are actually three types of silver products that you can purchase. The confusion happens because all of these are sold as actual colloidal silver, when only one truly is.
Become more self-sufficient and create a more authentic life for yourself and your family!
Like the lax food labeling regulations we experience today, this labeling chaos has led to problems. When purchasing colloidal silver, it is paramount that you get only true colloidal silver.
Here is a brief overview of the different type of silver products. It is recommended that you seek the assistance of a health professional when choosing the best colloidal silver for you.
Ionic silver solutions
Most commercial “colloidal” silver products are actually ionic silver solutions. These are the least inexpensive to manufacture. Ionic solutions are normally clear in color or a slight bit yellow. Although the manufacturers of these products state that “clear” is best, this is not the case.
You can test if your product is a solution by adding some table salt to it; if the solution is ionic, the chloride ions will join with the silver ions and the solution will become white and cloudy.
Ionic silver contains a lower percentage of silver particles and is not nearly as beneficial as true colloidal silver. Although ionic silver has potent anti-microbial potential, this is hampered by the presence of chloride — such as that which is in your body.
Ionic silver solutions are generally thought to be safe as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What are silver proteins?
Silver products that contain silver proteins can be highly dangerous and should be avoided. To keep the silver particles suspended, these products use a protein binder. A good giveaway that it is a silver protein product is if the manufacturer makes the claim that it has a very high amount of colloidal silver in it — anywhere from 20 to 30,000 ppm. The product will also foam when shaken and will be a golden yellow to even dark brown/black in color. The silver in these products is totally useless because the body can’t access it.
Warning: The concentration of silver is very high in these products and can cause a condition (Argyria) that causes the skin to turn blue/gray in color.
What is true colloidal silver?
Because they are expensive to produce, you will see very few completely pure or true colloidal silver products. Pure colloidal silver contains 50 to 80 percent silver particles with the rest being silver ions.
The particles in true colloidal silver keep the light from passing through, and this makes the color appear to be darker. It will not be clear. There are no known dangers from consuming true colloidal silver.
What scientific research says
What many have known for a long time about true colloidal silver — that it is a powerful natural antibiotic — science is now validating. Research shows that true colloidal silver can even take care of antibiotic-resistant microbes including MRSA, Human Coronavirus (SARS) and Avian Influenza.
As far back as the early 1900s, Alfred Searle, who founded Searle Pharmaceutical Company, learned that liquid colloidal silver could kill even the most deadly of pathogens. He found great success in giving colloidal silver to humans because it kills microbes without harming the host. In addition, he learned that it protected rabbits completely when they were given 10 times the lethal dose of tetanus.
In the mid-1970s, Dr. Robert O. Becker at Syracuse Medical University conducted some significant research into colloidal silver, confirming that silver kills bacteria fast. All the organisms that he tested were sensitive to the electrically generated silver ion; this included some that were resistant to all antibiotics. In light of the increase in antibiotic-resistant bugs today, this is very good news.
Recent research
More recent research also validates the strength of colloidal silver.
A study published in the journal Current Science in 2006 discovered that when antibiotic drugs that had become ineffective in treating drug-resistant pathogens were combined with a pure silver solution, they regained their potency.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Colloids Surface B Biointerfaces found that even using colloidal silver alone knocked out MRSA as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, another deadly superbug.
How you can use colloidal silver at home
Here are a few ways you can use colloidal silver at home:
      Spray on burns to prevent infection and to speed healing without scarring.
      Take a small amount daily to boost your immune system
      Put a few drops in ears to prevent infection
      Apply topically to ease symptoms of yeast infection
      Speed healing of herpes, warts or ringworm by dabbing a little on the affected area
      Speak to your veterinarian about how it can also help your pets
Note:It is always best to speak with a professional heath care practitioner before using colloidal silver to be sure that you are using the real thing. For more information on using products containing silver safely visit the Silver Safety Council website.
When it comes t

Enzymes in Raw Honey

Enzymes in Honey

One of the characteristics that set natural honey apart from table sugar and all other sweetening agents is the presence of active enzymes. The main enzymes in honey are invertase (saccharase) diastase (amylase) which are introduced to honey by bees, but their presence in honey vary depending on several factors including the nectar composition and concentration, and the age of the bees. Another enzyme that goes into honey during nectar processing is glucose oxidase which produces the antibacterial, antimicrobial hydrogen peroxide. Different nectar and honey floral sources have widely varying enzyme potency. "Active manuka honey" contains an additional antibacterial component called the "Unique Manuka Factor" (UMF) which is more effective than that with hydrogen peroxide against some types of bacteria and diffuses deeper into skin tissues than does the hydrogen peroxide found in other types of honey.
As these enzymes are sensitive to heat, visible and UV light, it is always recommended that honey be stored away from the sun and that extreme heating be avoided to preserve the natural goodness of honey.

Juicing

“If you’re not big into fruits and vegetables, it’s a good way to get them in," says nutritionist Jennifer Barr, RD, of Wilmington, DE. You should still eat fruits and vegetables, too, says Manuel Villacorta, RD, founder of Eating Free, a weight management program.

Aim to eat two whole fruits and three to four vegetables a day. Choose them in different colors,  so you get a good mix of vitamins and minerals, Barr says.

Fiber Factor

When you juice, you don't get the fiber that's in whole fruits and vegetables. Juicing machines extract the juice and leave behind the pulp, which has fiber.

So you don't miss out on the fiber, you can add some of the pulp back into the juice or use it in cooking.

Maca

Due to its exceptional nutritional profile and  that it contains many essential elements, maca is considered by many to be a superfood. This tuberous root plant grows in the Andes mountains of Peru and Bolivia. Research has shown this herb to have high levels of potassium and more calcium than is found in cow's milk. Because the plant is a natural hormone balancer, it can be of benefit to both men and women. It has more than 55 naturally occurring phytochemicals and contains an amazing combination of amino acids, glucosinates, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. One of its beneficial characteristics is that of being an adaptogen - it helps the body adjust to it by working through the adrenal glands. It is this property that helps us to fight stress, infection, fatigue and trauma.
Maca isn't a medicine, but it is considered to have many medicinal benefits. For women, the relief form menopausal problems is often cited as a very important benefit. Maca can dramatically decrease the feeling of inconvenience due to hot flashes and mood swings. It can relieve you of your pains whether you are on your peri-menopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal stage. This supplement will regulate your hormones and restore them back to their natural levels.
Both men and women can prevent osteoporosis from getting worse or even stop it from occurring by taking maca supplements. Maca has high levels of calcium and minerals which can make your bones stronger. Menopausal women are susceptible to osteoporosis because of their decreasing amounts of estrogen. On the other hand, the male hormone testosterone keeps the bones of men healthy. Taking maca supplements will induce the body to keep on producing these important hormones.
Taking maca supplements will also strengthen your thyroid glands and make them work more efficiently. Your thyroid glands control the rate at which your body converts nutrients into energy. The alkaloid extract of maca will activate your calcitonine hormones (that is produced by your thyroid) which regulates the metabolism of calcium and phosphorous in your blood.
One of the most popular maca benefits is the improvement in your sexual functions. Through several experiments, maca has been found to act as a sexual stimulant. In an experiment, participants showed an increase in sexual desire after taking maca for 8 to 12 weeks. It may also effectively treat erectile dysfunction and enhance fertility for both men and women.

Black Cumin Seed Oil

Black seed is a plant. People have used the seed to make medicine for over 2000 years. It was even discovered in the tomb of King Tut.

Historically, black seed has been used for headache, toothache, nasal congestion, and intestinal worms. It has also been used for “pink eye” (conjunctivitis), pockets of infection (abscesses), and parasites.

Today, black seed is used for treating digestive tract conditions including gas, colic, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, and hemorrhoids. It is also used for respiratory conditions including asthma, allergies, cough, bronchitis, emphysema, flu, swine flu, and congestion.

Other uses include lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, treating cancer, and boosting the immune system. You may read that a patent has been issued to cover the use of black seed to improve immunity, but don’t be misled. The presence of a patent doesn’t mean black seed has been shown to be effective for this use.

Women use black seed for birth control, to start menstruation, and to increase milk flow.

Black seed is sometimes used in combination with cysteine, vitamin E, and saffron to ease the side effects of a chemotherapy drug called cisplatin.

Some people apply black seed directly to the skin for joint pain (rheumatism), headache, and certain skin conditions.

In foods, black seed is used as a flavoring or spice.

Walking Meditation

Meditation is  deeply rooted in the Buddhist culture and traditions. In the twentieth century, the concept of Vipassana meditation was altered in order to come up with modern meditation practices which are commonly followed by the socially engaged Buddhists of our times. The term engaged here implies that the need for both mental and physical involvement is present in order to reap the maximum health benefits of meditation. This is where the concept of walking meditation comes in, which is in essence a contemporary visual art belonging to Southeast Asia.
The primary goal of meditation is to enable an individual to gain insight in order to achieve a calm mind. Walking meditation is a type of meditation practice that engages the individual's body and enables the mind to focus primarily on breathing. It is worth mentioning here that every type of meditation places prime importance on breathing being a meditation object. Achieving discipline in one's life is directly linked to a person's capacity to control his/her breathing in meditation. While different meditation positions maybe used by an individual, this discussion shall focus on walking meditation for self-care. Typically, it is performed via a labyrinth which is a unicursal continuous path. A labyrinth is in indication of a sacred place in various cultures and has been used in various regions and times across the globe. It is representative of one's spiritual journey, where walkers are able to connect with their inner selves and their past and future. Walking meditation is a whole-brain activity which allows individuals to walk a non-linear path, taking them gradually from one level to the next in order to open up greater solutions to life. A labyrinth used in walking meditation may either be designed as a labyrs, a rosette or lunation.
Walkers are urged to set their own rhythm, choosing their preferred natural pace and style. The movement, thus produced is somewhat of a sacred dance that allows one to view walking as not merely a physical exertion or an activity conducted to reach a particular destination but one that helps search answers to different problems and to understand the true meaning of life. Walking meditation, is very similar to sitting meditation as it helps evoke the same spiritual and physiological outcomes.
Walking meditation consists of three phases, namely: releasing, receiving and returning which are followed in the same order. For many walkers, the release phase may either refer to releasing stress or to the release attained through emotional expression such as crying. The second phase called receiving is normally experienced by either sitting or standing in the centre of the labyrinth for a considerably longer time period. The last phase, dubbed as returning is experienced when the walker returns from the centre to the everyday realm. Walking meditation places aggressive focus on various experiences gained from the environment, including colors, sounds and light.

Facts about Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps your nerves and red blood cells healthy. It is responsible for the smooth functioning of several critical body processes.

It is possible for the body to develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency is usually reported with symptoms of fatigue.

Strict vegetarians, heavy drinkers and smokers, pregnant and breast-feeding women, and the elderly usually require vitamin B12 supplements. Sometimes our body, mainly our digestive system, is not able to absorb this vitamin well. This can happen when a person has pernicious anemia, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, bacteria growth in the small intestine, or a parasite. People suffering from these conditions may need vitamin B12 supplements as well.

A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in a host of illnesses like anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, poor memory, soreness of the mouth, asthma, vision problems, and a low sperm count. However, vitamin B12 deficiency is rare as the liver stores enough reserves to last a couple of years.

The top 5 health benefits of vitamin B 12 are:
It is needed to convert carbohydrates into glucose in the body, thus leading to energy production and a decrease in fatigue and lethargy in the body.
It helps in healthy regulation of the nervous system, reducing depression, stress, and brain shrinkage.
It helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Vitamin B12 also protects against heart disease by curbing and improving unhealthy cholesterol levels, protecting against stroke, and high blood pressure.
It is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It helps in cell reproduction and constant renewal of the skin.
Vitamin B 12 helps protect against cancers including breast, colon, lung, and prostrate cancer.
Make sure that your body is getting enough vitamin B12 by incorporating these foods in your diet: liver, meat, eggs, milk, cheese and some varieties of fish

Helping Swollen Ankles

Swelling of the feet and ankles is sometimes caused by a serious condition of either the heart, kidneys, of blood vessels.
Some other Causes are:
Eating a lot of salts and carbohydrates
Overusing laxatives
Overusing diuretics
Overusing drugs
Taking birth control or hormone therapy drugs
Pregnancy or PMS
Sodium retention
Allergic reactions
Trauma
Symptoms
Swelling or tenderness in an area of your body
High blood pressure
Headaches
Increased urination
Heart palpitations
Puffy or swollen eyes
Increased weight gain
Home Remedies for Swollen Feet Or Ankles
1. Leg Elevation

This is the quickest way to reduce swelling. Put your leg up in front of you so it is elevated and apply an ice pack to the swollen area, or a bag of ice wrapped in a clean towel. This will help to control the swelling.

2. Vinegar

This will help to relieve any pain you have. First, heat up equal amounts of vinegar and water in a pot. Soak a towel in the fluid and wrap your foot or ankle in the towel. Leave it there for about five minutes. Repeat the entire process about three or four times.

3. Cucumber

This will help to absorb the fluid and decrease your recovery time. Get a slice of cucumber and place it on your foot, wrapping it with a cotton cloth or a bandage.

4. Lecithin Seeds

This is an effective treatment for chronic or long term foot swelling. Take 3-4 tablespoons of these seeds every day for about 2-3 months. It should help immensely.

5. Soaking Your Foot

This relates directly to those with foot swelling. Soak your foot in cold water for about 15 minutes. This will help to decrease the swelling and relieve any pain you may have.

6. Mustard Oil

It has shown that massaging your foot with warm mustard oil will help to relieve swelling and pain in the feet and ankles.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Applying this to the affected area will help to reduce the excess of fluid in your foot or ankle and relieve swelling and pain in the affected body part.

8. Epsom Salt

This will help to reduce swelling. Place your foot in a pan of warm water and pour in 1/2 a cup of salt to jumpstart the swelling reduction process.

9. Exercise

This will help by taking pressure off the leg and reducing any swelling you may have. It is recommended to rotate your ankle 10 times every 30 minutes to encourage blood flow in the affected area.

10. Magnesium Sulfate Water

This will help to reduce any swelling. Take a pinch of magnesium sulfate powder and drop it into a bowl of cold water. Let it dissolve and then soak a cloth or towel with the water. Dab the area until the towel dries and then repeat this process for twenty minutes, twice a day.

11. Drink plenty of water!

This will help to remove any salt that is in your urine and in turn will help to reduce swelling in your foot or ankle.

12. Molasses and Saunf Drink

Boil one or two glasses of water with a half teaspoon of molasses and a tablespoon of saunf. Boil this down to about half. Drink this 2-3 times a day and this will help to relieve foot or ankle swelling!