Myrrh....The Ancient Resin

Myrrh is an ancient exotic reddish brown resin from the sap of the African & Mid-East thorny tree "commiphora myrrha". Not only the Magi, but the Egyptians used it in their mummification processes because it slowed down decay. It's used in medicine in China & in Jewish religious practices, it's still used today by many. The tree still stands today where the Hebrew & Egyptian peoples walked & are still sharing that awesome healing resin in today's modern day society. Myrrh is Arabic for the word " bitter".

Did you know they burned myrrh with frankincense in biblical times to help purify the air & prevent spread of contagious disease, including ones caused by bacteria??? It is botanically related to the lovely frankincense.

Myrrh is loaded with healing terpenoids which have a reputation as potent healers which even protect the tree from oxidative stress.

Every day science uncovers more of myrrh's potential healing capabilities. It's properties include: antiseptic, anesthetic, anti-tumor, anti-parasitic, anti-oxidant, wound healing & anti-microbial. It's good for oral health, skin infections, inflammation, intestinal health, pain relief, stimulates the immune system, athlete's foot, protects the liver, helps with low thyroid & digestive issues. It can help to calm & relax the mind. There is ongoing research that it fights cancer & in low dilution, myrrh can treat lyme disease as well.

Always dilute before applying to the skin. Do not swallow when using for oral health issues. Avoid if pregnant. Do not take internally. Myrrh may interact with anti-coagulants, may lower blood sugar & blood pressure as well. Be cautious when using it.

Bee Pollen....Powerful Stuff

The mighty bee pollen from our little friends the bees!! Those little guys know what they are doing as bee pollen contains almost all the nutrients the body needs to thrive. It's so healthy for us, the German Federal Board of Health has officially recognized it as a medicine!!!

It's great for natural allergy relief. It contains detoxifying properties. Bee pollen is responsible for the many health benefits of raw honey. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids, enzymes, cartenoids & bio-flavanoids. It's anti bacterial, anti fungal & anti viral. This pollen can help strengthens capillaries, reduces inflammation, contains antioxidants, stimulates the immune system & can help to lower cholesterol. It contains more protein than any other animal source. Bee pollen contains about 250 substances including amino acids, lipids, macro & micro nutrients.

It's composed of:
30% digestible carbs
26% sugars (mainly fructose & glucose)
23% proteins which includes 10% of the essential amino acids
5% lipids, including essential fatty acids
2% phenolic compounds
1.6% minerals which include: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, maganese, silicon & selenium
.6% water soluble vitamins & acids
.1% fat soluble vitamins

Bee pollen can also help protect against liver toxicity, relieve menopausal symptoms, relieve stress, promotes healing especially in burns & it contains anti microbial properties.

Get your bee pollen from reputable sources, free from pesticides & chemicals. Mix it in yogurt, cottage cheese, cereal & baked goods. Add it to smoothies, fruit & veggie juices. If you add it to warm water & let soak 2-3 hours, they crack & release their nutritional value.

If you are allergic to bees, honey, etc. don't ingest it. Avoid if pregnant or on blood thinners.

A Fungus Among Us!!

Fungal infections are becoming more common. What could be the reason for the spreading of candida??? Acidic system in the bodies caused by processed foods & the over use of sugars. Antibiotic use. Diabetes. Compromised immune system (HIV, cancer, etc.) When the immune system gets compromised or your body's environment changes, your body changes to favor fungal growth.

Bottom line: eat as healthy as possible & stay away from junk food.

Here are some essential oils that can help with fungal issues:
1) Tea Tree
2) Lavender
3) Thyme
4) Peppermint
5) Geranium
6) Black Pepper
7) Cinnamon Bark
8) Citronella
9) Clove
10) Eucalyptus

Most times you can make a blend in a carrier oil to apply to the body. Very few of these can be taken internally. Although I'm against that, it can prove useful, but be very, very cautious & consult a professional aromatherapist for guidance.

Bitters...A Digestive Aid

Bitters....ever heard of them?? They have been around for a millenia.

What do they do? They can ease indigestion, heartburn, nausea, cramping, bloating & gas. They stimulate the digestive process, promote better absorption of nutrients & stimulate natural detoxification. They help to activate gastric juices, bile & digestive enzymes. They can help lower blood sugar levels, have a positive effect on stress & help to curb sugar cravings.

They contain inulin, a prebiotic starch which plays an important role in gut health. Inulin stimulates the production of insulin from the pancreas.

Bitters can counter brain receptors that drive us to consume sweets. Studies show that inulin improves the metabolism of carbs & therefore helps control blood sugar. They can reduce food sensitivities, leaky gut syndrome, autoimmune reactions & can promote healthy bowel regularity. Bitters stimulate appetite, release digestive enzymes from the pancreas, duodenum & the liver. They are proven to regulate secretion of the pancreatic hormones that help to regulate the body's blood sugar, insulin & glucagon levels. They can also help in repairing tears in the gut wall.

So here's a list I've compiled of herbs & foods that contain bitters....ready??!!!
Chamomile
Barberry
Milk Thistle
Peppermint
Yarrow
Arugula
Endive
Radicchio
Dandelion
Artichoke Leaf
Motherwort
Burdock Root
Gentian Root
Wormwood
Mugwort
Chicory root

Just adding these to your daily routine can help with digestion, because they contain bitters!!! Adding ginger to a few of these, can help speed up the emptying of the stomach. If you add cinnamon, it can also lower the levels of blood sugars. Now chicory root....is of the dandelion family & is a good coffee substitute.

Pregnant women or those with ulcers should avoid bitters.

Virus vs Bacteria

Do you know the difference?? I wasn't sure, but in doing a bit of research, I came upon some good information.

There are very few treatments, allopathic or natural, that can kill a virus outright. A virus is a mico organism that attaches to living cells and in replicating, spreads through the body. Smaller than bacteria, it can be just as dangerous.

Often more difficult to treat than bacteria. A virus lives inside a normal cell. Killing the virus often leads to damage to the host cell. They also can mutate, making them invulnerable to treatments that might have previously worked.

Viruses are tiny bits of nucleic acids that contain information & use our body's cells to create more copies of themselves. Smart little dudes ain't they??? They rely on a host to survive. Usually a virus must run it's course.

Bacteria, on the other hand is it's own living organism capable of growing & spreading on it's own. It also causes infection.

An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth. Antimicrobial medicines can be grouped according to the microorganisms they act primarily against. For example, anti-biotics are used against bacteria & anti-fungal are used against fungi.

So anti-virals can kill viruses? Anti-bacterials can kill bacterial infection? Makes sense to me!!