Vagus Nerve....Know What It Is??

Have you ever heard of this??? Neither had I, until I spotted it & started reading about it. It's one of THE most important and longest nerves in the body to help control numerous crucial functions. It connects your brain to your gut & can affect things like moods, stress levels to the digestion, heart rate & even the immune response. If it's not working properly, it can also be involved in inflammation & some chronic diseases. 

This nerve sends sensory information tot he brain: sights, smells, tastes, sounds & controls some motor functions in the body. It's the longest of 12 cranial nerves & is referred to as 'cranial nerve X  (or 10)'. There's actually 2 of them: one left side, one on the right, but they are often talked about as one.

In Latin 'vagus' means 'wandering' which fits since it wanders throughout the body from the brain stem to the heart, lungs, stomach, digestive tract, liver, kidneys & spleen. It works with the parasympathetic system which is responsible for 'rest & digest' response. This system regulates internal organ functions i.e. digestion, heart rate, respiratory rate as well as reflex action like gagging, sneezing & swallowing. 

Signals go up & down this nerve impacting various parts of the body including the brain, heart, lungs & gut. In the brain, it affects moods, helps make & store memories & is essential for human connection. Slows the heart rate down, allows the lungs to breather, helps the gut bacteria communicate with the brain along the microbiome. 

Since it runs through much of the body & impacts so many bodily functions, it can trigger a wide number of symptoms. Loss of gag reflex, hoarseness, whispering or a nasal voice, irregular heart rate, changes in blood pressure, decrease in stomach acid, acid reflux or GERD, anxiety, headaches, depression, IBS & more. 

Vagus nerve stimulation has been shown to be effective for various conditions like depression, Alzheimer's, obesity & more. It's possible to stimulate the nerve on your own: exposing yourself to cold temps, breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, singing, chanting, exercising, laughter, massage, eating probiotics & omega 3 fats. Our physical & mental well-being are intimately interwoven & the vagus nerve is largely why. It's one of the most important nerves in the body!!

Nature's Aspirin....White Willow Bark

This bark is called nature's 'aspirin' for a reason! There's fewer side effects than NSAID for one thing. It's been used for thousands of years as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, analgesic, fever reducer & an antipyretic. It an help relieve back pain, headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and more!!

White willow trees (Salix alba) have a bark that contains salicin & salicylic acid and they work in similar ways as acetylsalicylic acid which is the active component in OTC pain relievers. In the 1800's salicin was used to develop regular aspirin! These trees are members of the Salicaceae plant family & are found in Europe, Central Asia & Northern Africa. Actually there are quite a few of these trees that have this bark to help made medicines, supplement & herbal remedies. White willow, black or pussy willow, crack willow, purple willow & European willow. There are over 400 species of willow bark trees.

Salicin reduces the production of pain inducing chemicals in your nerves. Once the salicin breaks down in the body into various salicylate derivatives, they contain a variety of health promoting qualities. The effects might take longer to kick in, but it tends to last longer with no serious side effects like OTC aspirins.

White willow bark supports the immune system, provides antioxidants & defends against bacteria & viruses due to it's polyphenol & flavonoid content. Some say it can help with metabolic health. 

Consuming too much should be used with caution because of the salicin content. Use with caution if you have bleeding disorders, kidney disease or failure, sensitivity to aspirin, asthma, ulcers, skin rashes, itching, upset stomach., diabetes, gout, hemophilia, liver disease or have had recent surgeries. Young children, if you are pregnant or breast feeding or if you are allergic to aspirin in general or if you are sensitive to salicylates.

Soursop leaves & the big "C"

Is soursop a superfruit?? Soursop or Annona muricata is a tropical fruit that grown on plants native to Central America, Caribbean & parts of South America. It's packed with antioxidants, vitamins & unique compounds. It can help support your immune system & can aid in digestion.

It's also known as guana bana, guyabano, custard apple, graviola & paw paw. It's found worldwide today & known for its' unique flavor.  A cross between strawberry & pineapple with hints of coconut & citrus. The outer skin is green & spiky with a soft white pulp inside. It's wise to avoid the seeds tho. The leaves that are high in antioxidants that fight free radicals which may help prevent cell damage thereby developing cancer. The tea, made with the leaves contain a high level of Vit. C. The white fruit on the inside is typically eaten raw.

The leaves can also help relieve pain & reduce inflammation. It can shield the liver from damage, regulate blood sugar, can be effective against certain types of bacteria & fungi and can help to regulate blood pressure and may help eye disease. 

In test tube studies, it's been found to eliminate cancer cells, even leukemia...but, of course they say more research is needed. 

The leaves can also help block cancer activity in cells. They break them down until they fall apart, known as apoptosis or programmed cell death. The leaves can help kill even pancreatic cancer cells! They can treat infections caused by bacteria, parasites & herpes.

Those with low blood pressure, pregnant & breast feeding women, certain medications & those with gastro-intestinal sensitivity should use with caution.

Fever few!!

Fever few is a member of the daisy family & also goes by wild chamomile, feather few, bachelor's button. It's native to the Balkan Islands.

It's been taken for centuries for migraine issues. It may have anti-cancer benefits, it can help with pain & elevate one's mood.

Fever few may have some side effects such as tummy aches, heartburn, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation. Do not take while pregnant or breast feeding or if you have a bleeding disorder. Avoid if allergic to ragweed.

Traditionally, it's been used for fevers (hence the name), migraines, RA, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites & menstrual issues.

It contains active substances that include antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties. It may even have an affect on bacterial growth & histamine issues. It can prevent blood clots.

It contains anti-spasmodic properties. It has natural sedative effects like chamomile does.

Marshmallow Root!

One of the healthiest substances for your gut. The plant contains a mucilage, which is a gel like substance that forms a protective coating over irritated tissues which can help reduce inflammation such as coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, lining of digestive tract, gastric ulcers, ulcerative colitis, indigestion, gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining, acid reflux, IBS, bacterial infections, joint pain, bloating, bladder & possibly UTI infections. It's a natural humectant which means it attracts and retains moisture, it also reduce pain & swelling.

It can be made into capsules, tea, cough syrup or the best one is a cold infusion. This way the mucilage doesn't interfere with the process of making it. One just drinks a couple ounces daily -- or more. 

Marshmallow root is loaded with antioxidants & flavonoids to help prevent formation of oxidative damage that leads to chronic disease. The actual plant and looks like brown fibrous husks. The flowers, roots & leaves are edible, but the roots is where all the potential healing is. It's not related to the sugary treat people eat today. It's native to Africa & parts of Europe that's been used for centuries. Used during Greek & Egyptian times over 2800 years ago!!!

It seems to have a diuretic effect, so it can lower fluid retention, edema or bloating. It activates the immune system which can remove damaged or dead cells from the body. It also contains potential neuroprotective effects.

Since it coats the stomach lining, it can interfere with the absorption of other drugs. Can interfere with normal blood sugar control, so beware. If you are pregnant, nursing or been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes or high cholesterol, use with caution.

The root is safely considered a "time-honored appraoch to strengthening the body". Typically tho, leads to very few side effetcs.

Moringa....The 'Miracle' Tree

It's gaining in popularity, but have you ever heard of moringa? Also called the Ben oil tree & it's been around for thousands of years. It's now got a reputation of one of the most impressive herbal supplements to hit the market & has awesome benefits for the body. There's been more than 1,300 studies, articles & reports on this wonderous herb. The whole tree is used in it's native tropical country. The moringa tree is native to the Himalayan mountains, parts of India & Africa as well. It's fast growing, leafy & comes packed with over 90 protective compounds to help the body. It was used extensively in traditional practices for over 4,000 years!

It's called a "miracle plant" for a reason. Fights inflammation & treats malnutrition. Even tho 99% of the tree is used for nutrition, the most popular & beneficial usages is in the leaves. The leaves "contain almost all essential nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, minerals, potassium, iron & zinc"! It provides a concentrated source of Vit. A & given to children to help with impaired immune function. The pods from the tree which contain the seeds hold a special type of healing oil...you can use it to cook with or apply it to the body. The seeds can also be used for water purification. The impurities from the water cling to the seeds & are easy to remove.

It's said that it tastes like a mix between horseradish & asparagus, the flavor isn't that great, but its a supplement that has the richest supplies of vital nutrients in the world,

One should start out taking 1/2 tsp daily for 3-5 days, increasing slowly as you get used to it. don't take it daily for long periods of time as it can cause upset tummy & can have a laxative affect.

I left the best part for last: Moringa's Benefits!! Vitamins A, B, B1-B6, C, D, E, K, Folate & Biotin. Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, rich in calcium, protein & iron, complete amino acids which are the (building blocks of the body). It helps control diabetes, epilepsy, heart issues & thyroid disorders, treats diarrhea, constipation, arthritis, kidney stones, boosts stamina & sound healing, hair growth, weight loss, fights wrinkles, dark circles, fights high blood pressure & cholesterol, reduces risk of cancer, treats depression, improves immunity, increases sex drive & can slow aging.

Now that's alot of goodness for the body from ONE plant -- IF you can get past the taste!!!