White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Names:  Eastern White Pine, Northern Pine, Northern White Pine, Pin Blanc, Pinus strobus, Soft Pine, Weymouth Pine, Weymouths Keifer, Weymouthtall, White Pine

Appearance:  The White Pine (Pinus strobus) is a coniferous evergreen tree.  It’s trunk is tall and stright and the needles are blue-green.  Young trees are conical shaped, but as the trees age they develop wind-swept, horizontal, upturning branches.  This tree is easily identified by counting the needles in the needle-cluster bundles.  The Eastern White Pine is the only pine native to eastern North America that contains five needles per bundle.

Edible:  The Micmac Indians used the bark to make beverage and the Ojibwa used the young staminate catkins (the slim, cylindrical flower cluster, with inconspicuous or no petals that kind of resembles a “kitten’s tail”) for food and stewed them in with meat. They reportedly have a sweet flavor and do not taste like pine pitch.

A Russian writer says to use needles from 1 year old pine tree. Use 2 oz of washed needles. Grind them. Steep in 2 or 3 cups of poured boiling water. Let cool and steep in cool place for 2 hours. Strain, add honey and lemon to taste and drink. Loses vitamins if stored. Lots of C. 5X that of lemon juice. (Mama’s Home Remedies by Svetlana Konnikova)

-Cindy Moonrose, Eatable Weed Walks & Plant Classes

White Pine (Pinus strobus) has five needles per cluster.

I personally like to use white pine needles to make tea.  The taste is sweet and a bit piney, and tastes very good sweetened with honey. It is a wonderful way to get vitamins A and C, as well as all of the immune-boosting and detoxifying medicinal benefits as used by the Native American Indians.

Becki’s Recipe for Pine Needle Tea (Decoction)

• 1 gallon filtered or spring water
•  3 cups chopped pine needles
•  honey

In a large pot combine water and pine needles. Boil for 10 minutes, simmer until cool. Strain and sweeten to taste with honey. (This is technically a “decoction” because the needles are boiled.)

For convenience, I gather pine needles, chop, and fill a large ziploc bag full of the chopped needles and store them in the freezer. This makes it very easy to access the needles and to measure for making tea. To obtain the most benefit from the needles, it is best to pick the young needles located at the ends of the branches.

Note:  Always make sure you positively identify the pine tree before making pine needle tea!  Some pines are poisonous, such as Yew, Norfolk Pine, and Ponderosa Pine.

White pine needles are great in a vinegar! Take any size jar (with plastic lid) fill it with pine needles and then pour apple cider vinegar over it to fill bottle. Let sit for six weeks and it will be ready to use. I learned this technique from Susun Weed. Here is a link to her page on how to make vinegars: http://www.wisewomantradition.com/empoweringwomen/2009/03/making-springtime-wild-herbal-vinegars.html

-Cathy Webster

Medicinal:  Native Americans utilized White Pine for many medical ailments.  It has been said that Native Americans treated 80% of their medical ailments using pine.   Pine has been shown to bring relief to conditions such as fatigue, heart ailments, heart disease, kidney ailments, sclerosis, and varicose veins.  It has even been shown to improve eyesight!  Cancer patients drink pine needle tea to ease nausea, boost the immune system, and as a strengthening tonic.

Bark of the White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Bark: Native Americans used a decoction take internally for coughs, a poultice of wetted inner bark applied externally to the chest for strong colds,  a poultice of trunk of a young tree applied esternally to cuts and wounds, a decoction of raw bark was taken internally for rheumatism, steam from a decoction of raw bark inhaled for head colds, decoction of bark used externally for skin eruptions and scabs, and raw bark was taken internally for rheumatism, to prevent typhoid, and relieve stomach cramps.

Needles:  Native Americans used a poultice of needles bound externally to heal broken bones, needles were burned in the fall and the smoke used to fill the house and prevent all sickness, decoction of needles used used internally for coughs, colds and rheumatism, an infusion of young trees was taken internally as a blood tonic, decoction of needles taken internally to prevent scurvy.  Pine needles are very high in vitamin C and vitamin A (beta-carotene).  The needles were used to keep the early settlers alive during the first winter by preventing scurvy.

Scientists area currently exploring the medical uses of pine needles. Research is being done using pine needles as an antioxidant, antidepressant, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory.  Pine is also being studied for boosting the immune system, strengthening the heart, reducing triglycerides, treating Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anxiety, and dementia. A wonderful writeup on this can be found in The Amazing All-Purpose Pine on the website Dave’s Garden.

Branches of the White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Pitch (Sap, Gum): Native Americans used a poultice of pitch applied externally to felons and other similar inflammations, applied externally to boils to draw out pain and inflammation, used internally for coughs, colds and boils, the pitch was chewed for coughs, and boiled gum taken internally for sore throats.

White Pine (Pinus strobus) was extensively used by many Indians. New England tribes boiled the needles in water or maple syrup and drank this tea to prevent scurvy and to relieve coughs and colds. These needles contain five times more vitamin C than an equal amount of lemons, and they are also a rich source of vitamin A. Just chewing the freshly picked needles is very beneficial. The Obibway Indians used the seeds to flavor their cooking. The Iroquois Indians ate the sweet inner bark.

-Native Harvests: American Indian Wild Foods and Recipes by E. Barrie Kavasch

Sources:

• Kavasch, E. (2005). Native Harvests: American Indian Wild Foods and Recipes. Mineola: Dover Publications.
• Moerman, D. (1998). Native American Ethnobotany. Portland: Timber Press.
• Walker, B. (2011). Pine Needle Tea. Dave’s Garden. Extracted December 4, 2011 from http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/3126/

Visit our FREE Online Herbal Materia Medica

Visit our FREE Online Guide to Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants

The LuminEarth Library

Here is a list of some the books used in our research and experimentation. Enjoy!

• A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and central North America (Peterson Field Guide)
• Great Smoky Mountains Wildflowers: When and Where to Find Them by William Hutson
• Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places by “Wildman” Steve Brill
• Jude’s Herbal Home Remedies: Natural Health, Beauty & Home Care Secrets by Jude C. Williams, M.H.
• Ortho’s  All About Herbs by Maggie Oster
• Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar
• Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists by Richard Lucas
• Sunset Herbs:  An Illustrated Guide by The Editors of Sunset Magazine
• The Forager’s Harvest:  A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting and Preparing Edible Wild Plants by Samuel Thayer
• The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B. White, M.D.
• The Herbal Home Remedy Book: Simple Recipes for Tinctures, Teas, Salves, Tonics and Syrups by Joyce A. Wardwell
• The Natural Physicians’s Healing Therapies: Proven Remedies Medical Doctors Don’t Know by Mark Stengler, ND
• The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D.
• The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D.
• Wildflowers of the Land Between the Lakes Region, Kentucky and Tennessee

Wheatgrass is a oxygen-filled super food

My dog just turned me on to one of nature’s most beneficial food sources for humans (and dogs and cats): wheatgrass. We’ve all heard of wheatgrass juice and yes, this is the same stuff. Now unpucker your face and read on!

It all started because my dog Katie loves to eat grass. At first this habit concerned me because I’d only heard that dogs eat grass when they’re sick. True, but then I did some research and it turns out that some dogs just enjoy grass and are often looking for something to replace the nutrients their diet is missing.  Oh, so grass has nutrients…duh, yeah like most things we are surrounded by; grass has been overlooked and at best relegated to the “ornamental” category. Most grass belongs there, but not wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is different. Anyway as providence would have it, my next issue of Dog Fancy magazine featured a one-pager on growing pet grass and suggested it was a good way to ensure that the grass my dog was eating was in fact nutrient-rich, organic and clean. So I went on line in search of organic hard red winter wheat berries to purchase and germinate for Katie.

I easily found the wheat berries I needed at a very reasonable price. I also found an enormous amount of information about wheatgrass and I soon began to understand that I would be growing this wheatgrass for my dog AND for me. In fact, I wondered why more people didn’t use wheatgrass in their diet as it seems to be one of the earth’s super foods – let me tell you a little bit of the info I found about wheatgrass:

Let’s start with chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is the “blood” of plants. Virtually identical to our own hemoglobin (both substances carry oxygen to cells), chlorophyll is oxygen and nutrient rich and is easily absorbed into our blood making nutrient delivery efficient. Chlorophyll is what makes plants green. It is critical for photosynthesis which allows the plant to literally absorb sunshine and turn it into energy.

Here are some great things I learned about the benefits of wheatgrass chlorophyll from the folks at WheatGrassKits.com:

• Wheatgrass Juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available.

• Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll.  The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly-oxygenated environment.

• Chlorophyll is anti-bacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer. (think wheatgrass pulp)

• Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility.  (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)

• Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 102 minerals from the soil.

• Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.

• Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.

• Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.

• In the American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Gruskin, M.D. recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll: to clear up foul smelling odors, neutralize Strep infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner-ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhea in many cases.

• Dr. Birscher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll “concentrated sun power.” He said, “chlorophyll increases the function of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs.”

• According to Dr. Birscher, nature uses chlorophyll (wheatgrass) as a body cleanser, rebuilder, and neutralizer of toxins.

Hard to argue with the benefits of chlorophyll or that wheatgrass is a great way to get chlorophyll.

Wheatgrass as survival food

As stated above, wheatgrass has over 100 elements needed by man for bodily survival. Wheatgrass contains the entire range of necessary vitamins, minerals, enzymes, essential amino acids, and nutrients (including beta carotene, folic acid and vitamin C) that we need to survive.

Wheatgrass is a complete protein. So basically if all you had to eat was wheatgrass, you could make it for quite a while and be quite healthy too.

Wheatberries (wheatgrass seeds) can keep for years (like 50+) as long as you store them in a cool, dry space and in an airtight container.

Wheatgrass in daily diet

Taking into account what I’ve already shared re: benefits of wheatgrass chlorophyll, fresh, high quality wheatgrass juice has also been said to be useful in:

• Detoxing the organs

• Strengthening the immune system

• Boosting the body’s PH levels, reducing food cravings (weight loss/control)

• Improving eye sight and night vision

• Enhancing gum health

• Rejuvenating tissue

• Reversing the aging process, including eliminating gray hair (I know, right?!)

So what’s bad about wheatgrass?

While there’s nothing truly “bad” about wheatgrass and it is not toxic in any way even if you consume high quantities, there can be adverse effects to consuming too much wheatgrass juice. Keep in mind that wheatgrass is an excellent detoxifier, but detoxifying is never something you want to do too much or too fast.

If you’re new to wheatgrass you should limit your intake to 1 oz of wheatgrass juice per day, max. Keep to this for at least the first week. After that you can build to 2 oz per day, but even then the safest way is to take 1 oz in the morning and 1 oz in the evening. This stuff is potent!

Drink wheatgrass on an empty stomach or you may experience nausea. Wait at least half an hour before eating.

How to get wheatgrass into your diet

There are many ways to get wheatgrass into your daily diet, but keep in mind that fresh, organic wheatgrass juice is best. You can buy it flash-frozen and here are some links for you to consider in that regard:

For most of us, that means growing and juicing our own. So here are some tips on that:

Growing your own wheatgrass

Organic Hard Red Wheat Berries

You can certainly buy wheatgrass growing kits and for the beginner that may be the easiest route at first. But growing wheatgrass is really easy and if you want to go it alone, you’ll need:

• Organic hard red wheat berries
• Fine mesh strainer
• Cup or jar
• Plastic sprouting tray
• Organic potting soil
• Paper towels
• Plate or draining saucer

Instructions:

• Using the strainer, rinse berries well under pure running water
• Pour the berries into the cup or jar and fill with water, just covering the berries
• Soak the berries for 8 to 12 hours (shorter in the summer, longer in the winter)
• Fill your plastic tray with potting mix and place the tray on the plate or saucer
• Drain the berries using the strainer, rinsing gently and spread them evenly over the soil
• Layer 2-3 paper towels over the berries and water over the towels. Do this every day for 3 days, making sure the paper towels stay moist
• In 3 days time you should have grass shoots, so remove the paper towels and put the tray in a sunny location
• When the grass is 6-7 inches tall, it is ready for juicing and eating

Stuff to help you grow your own:

Organic Wheatgrass Growing Kit – Grow & Juice Wheat Grass: Trays, Seed, Soil, Instructions & More	Organic Wheatgrass Growing Kit w/ Hurricane Stainless Steel Wheat Grass Juicer- Everything to Grow & Juice Wheatgrass	Certified Organic Hard Red Wheat – 5 Lbs – For Growing Wheatgrass to Juice, Sprouting Seed, Grinding to Make Flour & Bread, Growing Ornamental Wheat Grass & More. Makes Excellent Food Storage. Outstanding Germination Rate.

Juicing your wheatgrass

You’ll definitely need a juicer for this process. Blenders don’t really work. Some find luck using a mortar and pestle. Either way, here are some tips:

• Cut the grass ½ “above the soil surface with scissors
• If using a juicer, follow instructions in the juicer manual
• If using mortal and pestle, first chop up the grass. Then, while adding a little water at a time, grind it into a fine paste. Use a clean muslin cloth to strain the juice into a cup. Repeat the process using the same leaves until the grass turns white (this means all the chlorophyll has been extracted)

Here are some additional links that may be of help to you:

Wheatgrass Juice 90 Caps	Wheatgrass Deep Cleansing Shampoo 12 Oz	Wheatgrass Sprouting Seed Cert. Organic (Agropyron elongatum; Tall Wheatgrass) 1 lb: C	Wheatgrass Nature’s Finest Medicine

Wheatgrass	The Wheatgrass Book	Starwest Botanicals Organic Wheatgrass Powder, 1 lbs	Healthy Juicer - Manual Hand Powered Wheatgrass Juicer - Wheat grass juicer

Resources:

Adamson, Eve (2011). “Grow Pet Grass”, Dog Fancy, August 2011

Stewart, Christopher. “Wheatgrass Exposed”, WheatgrassKits.com, 2009, http://www.wheatgrasskits.com/issue3.htm

“Benefits of Wheat Grass”, AmazingGrass.com, accessed August 2011,  http://www.amazinggrass.com/benefits-of-wheat-grass.html

“What Are Wheat Grass and Wheatgrass Juice?”, DynamicGreens.com, accessed August 2011, http://www.dynamicgreens.com/wheatgrass-benefits-of-wheatgrass.html

“Side Effects Of Wheatgrass”, WheatGrass.me, access August 2011, http://www.wheatgrass.me/side-effects-wheatgrass

“How much wheatgrass juice should I drink?”, HappyJuicer.com, access August 2011, http://www.happyjuicer.com/wheatgrass/how-much-wheatgrass.aspx

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease occurs when a group of cells deep in the middle of the brain—in an area called the substantia nigra compacta (SNc)—begin to malfunction and eventually die. These brain cells, known as neurons, contain a chemical called dopamine, and can be easily seen through a microscope on postmortem examination of the brain. The tremor, rigidy, and bradykinesia associated with Parkinson’s disease usually become evident after 60 to 70 percent of these dopamine-producing neurons have died.

-What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Parkinson’s Disease: A Holistic Program for Optimal Wellness by Jill Marjama-Lyons, M.D.

Parkinson’s Most Noticeable Characteristics

• Tremor: A rhythmic shaking of a part of the body
• Rigidity: An increase in muscle stiffness
• Bradykinesia: A pronounced slowness of movement

What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?

Scientists are not sure of the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease, but researchers and specialists think that it is caused by several different factors, and that more than one thing must occur for a person to get Parkinson’s. This hypothesis has been dubbed the “double hit” hypothesis. What occurs is that a person is exposed to environmental factors such as a virus, toxin or bodily stress and this triggers the expression of genetic traits in the form of Parkinson’s disease.

Some New Theories About the Cause of Parkinson’s Disease

When the cause of a disease is unknown, as in the case of Parkinson’s disease, many theories are formulated by experts to explain the possible causes. These theories are extremely important, as future research will depend on these theories. Some of the most cutting-edge theories about what causes dopamine cell death in Parkinson’s disease include the following:

• Oxidative stress and free radicals
• Mitochondrial defect in complex I
• Excitotoxicity
• Inflammation
• Apoptosis
• Protein Clumping

-What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Parkinson’s Disease: A Holistic Program for Optimal Wellness by Jill Marjama-Lyons, M.D.

Parkinson’s Disease Risk Factors

• Gender: Parkinson’s disease is slightly more common in men than women
• Age: The onset of Parkinson’s disease most commonly occurs between the ages of 55 and 60
• Ethnicity: Studies show a higher prevalence of Parkinson’s disease in countries where the majority of the population is Caucasian.
• Geographic Region: Studies have shown a higher incidence of Parkinson’s disease in rural areas than in urban areas.
• Toxic Environmental Exposures: Studies indicate that people who have been exposed to herbicides and pesticides, as well as those who have drunk well water are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those who have not.
• Viral Infections: Studies indicate that viral infections can be a possible cause of Parkinson’s disease.
• MPTP: This is a man-made chemical. It has been clearly connected to acute Parkinson’s disease in young people in the 1980’s.
• Estrogen Deficiency: Studies confirm that women diagnosed with Parkinson’s had a higher rate of hysterectomies, a higher rate of early menopause, and a lower rate of estrogen replacement hormones after menopause.
• Genetics: Studies are still underway concerning Parkinson’s disease and genetics, but it is believed that there is some type of genetic factor involved in the disease.

Complementary or Alternative Medicine Can Help

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of medicine created thousands of years ago in China. The philosophy is that when a person is in prime health there is a balanced and free flow of Qi in the body. (Qi is the vital energy or life force being channeled through the meridians of the body.) TCM works to direct the qi to restore and preserve health and balance. Treatments include diet, t’ai chi, Qi Gong, herbal preparations, acupuncture, acupressure, physical therapy, and moxibustion.

Ayurvedic Medicine. Parkinson’s disease was described in ancient Ayurvedic texts as “Kampavata”. An Ayurvedic herbal preparation made from the Mucuna pruriens plant has been studied and shown to improve Parkinson’s disease by almost one entire stage. Mucuna pruriens is readily available at health food stores.

Herbal Medicine includes herbal supplements, herbal teas, extracts, and tinctures. Some herbs that have been shown to aid in the treatment Parkinson’s Disease are:

• Ginkgo Biloba: Helps remove free radicals and improves circulation to the brain. It has been shown to improve memory, reduce sleepiness and fatigue.
• Milk Thistle: Helps detoxify and rejuvenate the liver, which is very good for patients on anti-Parkinson drugs.
• St. John’s Wort: Works as an antidepressant in mild depression. (Should not be used with prescription antidepressants or other SSRIs, and may interact with other medications.)
• Ginger: Helps with nausea and vomiting.
• Passionflower: Improves the effectiveness of levodopa and reduce passive tremor.
• Lady’s Slipper: Good for tremors and helps with depression.
• Skullcap: Combines well with Lady’s Slipper for increased strength and improvement of brain function.
• Periwinkle: Contains vinpocetine, a supplement used for decades in Europe to treat cerebrovascular disorders and senility symptoms, enhances circulation and blood flow to the brain, protects the brain against neurological damage

Homeopathy: In the 1800’s approximately 15% of physicians used homeopathy, but the growth of the pharmaceutical industry put most homeopaths out of business until just recently. Now there are around three thousand health care practitioners involved in homeopathy in the United States, and even more in Europe, Canada, and other countries. Some helpful homeopathic remedies are:

• Anthimonium tartaricum: trembling and tremors of hands and head
• Gelsemium: staggering, weakness, fatigue, droopy eyelids, trembling
• Mercurius corrosivus: excessive salivation and trembling hands
• Agaricus: trembling and twitching limbs that are also stiff, itching of the back and spine
• Hyoscyamus: restlessness, jealous/suspicious moods, twitching
• Rhus toxicodendron: stiffness that lessens with movement and mild tremors

Relaxation, Meditation, and Stress Reduction: Activities that reduce stress and link conscious thought to the body so as to affect the body’s processes or responses.

• Prayer
• Yoga
• Dance
• Breathing Exercises
• Biofeedback
• Guided Imagery
• Hypnosis
• Transcendental Meditation
• Psychotherapy
• Spiritual Healing
• Music Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Humor Therapy
• Manual Healing, Body Work, and Energy Work: All of these methods use touch for healing and well-being.
  • Different Types of Massage
  • Reflexology
  • Acupressure
  • Reiki
  • Therapeutic Touch
  • Craniosacral Massage
  • Osteopathic Manipulation

Exercise: Exercise is an important part of treatment for Parkinson’s disease because it improves muscle tone and strength, can help with balance, encourage greater motility and range of motion, help to relieve depression , and encourage feelings of well-being. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.

Yoga and T’ai Chi: The stretching and balancing exercises with slow, deliberate movements are perfect for Parkinson’s patients and may also help with moods and depression. The health benefits of Yoga have been tested and proven. Findings have indicated a strong antidepressant effect, improvement in lung function and breathing, and even is considered an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Opening Your Mind

“The most important thing is to open your mind to the possibility of one or more of the above therapies as a means of healing and promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual health. You will need to explore various therapies to find what works for you and what does not. Trust your instincts—practice what feels right and discard what does not.

-What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Parkinson’s Disease: A Holistic Program for Optimal Wellness by Jill Marjama-Lyons, M.D.

Fundamental Recommendations for Parkinson’s Patients

• Dietary Recommendations: Eat a well-balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables and lower in protein. It is best to avoid or minimize alcohol, coffee, caffeinated tea, sugar, artificial sweetener, processed foods, margarine, fats, fried foods, polyunsaturated oils, water containing chlorine or fluoride,
• Reduce Toxic Exposure
• Choose Organic and Pesticide-Free Foods
• Treat Food Sensitivities and Allergies
• Eliminate Pathogens and Infection
• Consider a Low-Glycemic Diet
• Maximize Digestion: Chew food thoroughly, supplement with digestive enzymes, (pepsin, betaine hydrochloride, bromelain), take a probiotic supplement
• Eat “Good Fats” and Avoid “Bad Fats”
• Eat More Fiber

Nutritional Supplements That Can Help

• High Potency Multivitamin: Choose an easily digestible soft gel-cap
• Vitamin D: helps prevent osteoporosis, also Parkinson’s has been linked to low levels of Vitamin D
• B-Complex Vitamins: Important for brain and nerve health
• Vitamins C & E: Powerful antioxidants, fight free radicals
• Calcium and Magnesium: Promote healthy nervous system, help with rigidity and muscle cramps
• Zinc and Copper: Parkinson’s patients are more likely to have zinc and copper imbalances
• Selenium: help circulation and tissue oxygenation, protects nerve cells
• Probiotics: wards off constipation, helps heal “leaky gut” syndrome, promotes healthy gastrointestinal tract
• Digestive Enzymes: Promotes healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid (GABA): helps strengthen the immune system
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): helps other antioxidants function, promotes the use of Vitamin C, E and CoQ10, helps treat peripheral nerve degeneration
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): considered by many to be one of the most important supplements for Parkinson’s patients, improves energy protection in cells and helps prevent dopamine cell death in the substantia nigra region of the brain
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC): protects brain cells, improves mood, memory, and thinking.
• Octacosanol: improves mood and daily living activities
• Essential Fatty Acids: often deficient in Parkinson’s patients, aids in reduction of tremor
• EPA and DHA:  act as an anti-inflammatory
• Flavonoids: powerful antioxidants that can cross the blood-brain barrier, may help prevent or slow the progression of Parkinson’s, grape seed extract and pine bark extract are examples of flavonoids
• Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Hydrogen (NADH): can aid in the function of the brain’s neurotransmitters, may raise the level of dopamine in the brain
• Phosphatidyl Serine: low levels of this have been linked to Parkinson’s, aids normal brain function and transmission of nerve impulses
• Choline, Lecithin, and Phosphatidylcholine: help with memory, thinking, and dementia symptoms

Source: Marjama-Lyons, M.D., J., & Shomon, M. J. (2003). What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Parkinson’s Disease: A Holistic Program for Optimal Wellness. New York: Warner Books.

I personally recommend Swanson Vitamins as a supplier for vitamin supplements and herbs.  I have used this company for many years, and have found their products to be of excellent quaility and a reasonable price.

LEE SWANSON RESEARCH UPDATE

Flavonoid compounds from blueberries and strawberries may reduce blood pressure and aid in the prevention of hypertension, findings from a new trans-Atlantic study suggest.

Increased intakes of anthocyanins—mainly from blueberries and strawberries—were associated with a reduction in the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) of up to 12%, according to collaboration between scientists from the University of East Anglia (UK), Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School.

High blood pressure, defined as having a systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) greater than 140 and 90 mmHg respectively, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The results are derived from data from more than 150,000 health care professionals in the U.S. The study is observational in nature, and the researchers stress that this does not prove that the compounds do reduce the risk of hypertension; the data does not prove causation.

“These findings warrant further investigation, including intervention studies designed to test optimal doses of anthocyanin-rich foods for the prevention of hypertension and to underpin guidelines for the prevention and treatment of hypertension,” the researchers wrote in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Led by Harvard’s Eric Rimm, the researchers analyzed data from 133,914 women and 23,043 men. Intakes of flavonoids and the various subclasses were calculated using food frequency questionnaires performed every four years. Subjects were followed for an average time span of 14 years, during which time a total of 5,629 and 29,018 cases of hypertension were documented in men and women, respectively.

The researchers found that the highest average intakes of anthocyanins (ranging from 16.2 to 21 mg/day) were associated with an eight percent decrease in the risk of hypertension (the benefits increased to a 12% reduction in risk when the analysis was limited to people over the age of 60) compared with the lowest average intakes, which ranged from 5.7 to 6.8.

No other subclasses of flavonoids were associated with hypertension, but the researchers did note that the compound apigenin was associated with a five percent reduction in risk, when comparing the highest with the lowest average intakes. Moreover, a six percent reduction in hypertension risk was observed for people over 60 with the highest average intakes of flavin-3-ol catechin, they added.

In terms of the whole foods, a significant 10% reduction in the risk of hypertension was observed in over 60-year-olds consuming more than one serving of blueberries per week, compared with people in the same age group consuming no blueberries.

“These data support the hypothesis that the antihypertensive bioactivity may be relevant to vasodilatory processes associated with specific flavonoid structural characteristics,” wrote Dr. Rimm and his co-workers.

Dr. Rimm and his co-workers said that there exists a huge variety of flavonoid structures, and that the potential blood pressure-lowering effects were likely to be limited to a small number of “structurally similar compounds such as the catechol and 4’ hydroxy flavonoids.”

“The underlying biological mechanisms by which flavonoids regulate blood pressure include the effects of flavonoids on vascular blood flow, vascular reactivity and glucose uptake,” wrote the researchers. “Growing mechanistic evidence suggests that endothelial NO regulation rather than a general antioxidant effect (i.e., direct radical scavenging) is a major target for these compounds, and emerging data suggests that eNOS and NADHP oxidase activity are crucial sites of action for many flavonoids,” they added.

“Our data suggested that several specific classes of flavonoids were associated with blood pressure reduction, specifically anthocyanins, which resulted in a 12% reduction in hypertension risk in multivariate analyses,” wrote the researchers. “These data are important because anthocyanins are present in commonly consumed fruit, such as blueberries, cranberries and strawberries, which can be readily incorporated into the diet,” they added.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 93: 338-347, 2010

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Source:  Lee SwansonResearch Update. February 2011.  Extracted verbatim with permission from http://www.swansonvitamins.com/health-library/articles/blood-pressure-support/berry-compounds-show-support-for-improved-blood-pressure.html?SourceCode=INTHIR399 on May 10, 2011.

RELATED LINKS

LEE SWANSON RESEARCH UPDATE

A study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association suggests that taking docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may improve memory and learning in older adults with mild cognitive impairments. This is promising news for many aging Americans who are searching for options to maintain memory and support overall cognitive health.

The Memory Improvement with Docosahexaenoic Acid Study (MIDAS) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of DHA on improving cognitive functions in healthy older adults with age-related cognitive decline. The study found that DHA taken for six months improved memory and learning in healthy, older adults with mild memory complaints.

“The results of this study are very encouraging for those consumers concerned about maintaining memory. We know that lower DHA levels are associated with cognitive decline in healthy elderly and Alzheimer’s patients, and higher DHA levels help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Duffy MacKay, ND, Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). “Memory loss, dementia and the development of Alzheimer’s disease are prominent health concerns for older individuals. The more we learn about the valuable role DHA plays in supporting brain function, the more options aging Americans have toward managing cognitive decline.”

The MIDAS study was conducted in a total of 485 subjects, aged 55 years and older with a subjective memory complaint and who met criteria for age-related cognitive decline (or age-related memory impairment). Subjects were randomly assigned 900 mg/day of DHA orally or a placebo for 24 weeks.

“This study reinforces the principle that consumers will reap the most benefit from their DHA supplements—and many supplements—when they are taken over time and before a health concern is imminent,” continued MacKay. “When included as part of a proactive health regimen that includes a well-balanced diet, regular physical activity and routine visits with a health care professional, dietary supplements offer an important tool to help support many systems in the body, including memory and cognitive function.”

Alzheimer’s & Dementia 6(6):456-464, 2010

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Source:  Lee SwansonResearch Update. February 2011.  Extracted verbatim with permission from http://www.swansonvitamins.com/health-library/articles/memory-brain-support/study-says-dha-appears-to-improve-memory-in-elderly.html?SourceCode=INTHIR399 on May 10, 2011.

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So here are 5 quick tips for staying warm at work:

1. Dress in layers and bring a sweater. May seem like a no-brainer, but its a good reminder. Depending on your activity level at work you may find that at times you’re cold and at times you’re a bit overheated. The simple answer is to dress in layers that way you can peel off and put on as your day dictates.
2. Drink warm beverages. While its not a great idea to have too much coffee or other caffeinated drinks, why not bring a supply of decaffeinated Herbal Tea to work with you – or even hot cocoa? Drinking warm beverages will help to raise your body temperature and keep you warm. To make life even easier, invest in an Electric Kettle that can either sit on your desk or in an area close to your desk. These are great for boiling water, but you can also heat up soup in them. In winter months change chats around the water cooler to chats around the electric kettle!
3. Increase your activity level. Sitting behind a desk is the surest way to feel the chill. So get up and walk! If you take suggestion #2 above to heart, you’ll inevitably find yourself heading off to the restroom a few times throughout the day, so why not use the restroom one floor up or one floor down? And here’s the clincher – take the stairs to get there instead of the elevator. Movement increases your circulation which in turn helps your body generate heat and keep you warmer.
4. Stretch. Simple as that – stand up, raise your arms above your head and reach for the sky. Then bend and touch your toes. Do this five times whenever you’re feeling a chill and you’ll warm up. Stretching is an easy way to enhance your circulation which is the key to warming up your extremities such as hands, fingers, feet and toes.
5. Use Handwarmers. Whoever invented those little packets was a genius. They’re inexpensive and once activated they work for hours. If you do a lot of typing on a keyboard, stop every once in a while and hold one of those hand warmers. When you’re not holding it, put it in your pocket, up your sleeve, down a sock or tuck into your shoe. Since one lasts for a while, just move it around throughout the day to whatever body part is feeling chilly. Be careful though – those little packets can get really hot and cause burns, so never use them directly against your skin.

Now you might think I left out the easiest options like turning up the heat or plugging in a space heater. You can do those things, but I’ll bet they don’t work as well as you may think. Turning up the heat means increasing your power usage – and your power bill, plus your body will adapt to the hotter environment pretty quickly and before long, you’ll be chilly again. Space heaters also use a lot of energy and they are dangerous. They get very hot, very quick and could cause burns or fire.

What do you do to stay warm at work? Did we leave anything out of our list?

by Jyll Renee, Master Herbologist

Nutrition is an important factor in the menopause years. Vitamin rich foods such as calcium will help to prevent osteoporosis and other bone problems. Calcium is found in foods such as seaweeds, yogurt, and milk products. Some herbs that contain calcium are comfrey, oatstraw, nettle, dandelion greens, mustard greens, horsetail, amaranth and watercress. We drink nettle tea daily at our house.

Iron is an important mineral to take during the menopause years. Iron deficient cells cannot get enough oxygen and exhaustion, fatigue and stress are the result. Some good source of iron are spinach, beets and beet greens, seaweeds, apricots, whole grains, wheat germ, bran cereal (especially oats), raisins, tofu, molasses, sunflower sees, and eggs. Herbs with high iron content: parsley, watercress, nettles, comfrey, alfalfa and horsetail. Here again the nettle tea would be very beneficial.

It is interesting to note that the adrenal glands are very important in the menopause years. The adrenals produce small amounts of estrogen once menopause begins and continue to do so until the age of 70. Unfortunately, many times the adrenals are overworked because of nervous disorders, severe depression, irritability, fatigue and unpredictable mood swings, the adrenals will fail to function properly during menopause. A homeopathic supplement called “Adrenal Gland” is wonderful during this time. Muscle test (kinesiology) daily to determine if your body is in need.

Vitamin E is a good supplement to take during this time. Vitamin E rich foods are whole grains, cold pressed oils, dark green leafy veggies, bee pollen and some nuts. Along with Vitamin E rich foods, Vitamin E supplements are often suggested during menopause.

Bee pollen is a concentration of nearly all known nutrients and contains 27 different minerals, enzymes and co-enzymes and many vitamins. This miracle of flowers and bees provide some of nature’s finest nutrition an awesome and uplifting food and a great source of energy from our blessed bees. Pollen is highly recommended for women during menopause years and seems to lift the spirits and energy levels. No more than 1-2 tablespoons are suggested daily out of respect for our friends the bees and all the energy they put into collecting these tiny golden grains (always eat it raw, sprinkled over salads, yogurt or in blender drinks).

Spirulina is considered the highest plant source of usable protein. It is included as a wonder food for women in menopause years. Spirulina is available in powder forms, and can be sprinkled on foods. It gives one the feeling of fullness and lessens the desire to eat more.

Ginseng or Astragulus is an excellent tonic for some women especially those who need “yang” or grounding energy. It is considered the “king of all tonics” It helps the body overcome fatigue and stress. It is recommended for women going through menopause years as a rejuvenator for the entire system and acts as a hormonal balancer. This herb is found in the “Moon Cycle”.

There are some foods that are best to avoid during menopause. These foods are really not worth the trouble they cause. If you must consume, please do so at a miniumim. They are: alcohol, sugar, caffeine, white flour, refined processed foods and salt.

Exercise is such an important part of a person’s life. Why there is a tendency to slow down as we get older, I don’t know why. Many forms of exercise are available these days, a few of my favorite are hiking in the woods with my dog, yoga, and bicycling. Zumba is a popular exercise today and burns tons of calories (dance to music–what a fun way to burn calories). Healthy bones aids in the prevention of osteoporasis. Many aches and pains will disappear. Plus you will look and feel marvelous!

An excellent herbal formula for the menopause years is called “Moon Cycle”.

“This time in our life is both confusing and exciting; menopause is a time of quiet power and mature strength. We have tasted and drunk from life’s deep well. We have made love, had babies, climbed mountains, danced and cried deeply. Our biggest ally is the crone, the old one, the wise woman of every culture. You may have to seek to find her, but she is there, buried deep within your heart waiting to be heard and understood. She carries the gift of herbs, wisdom, and acceptance. She invites the child within her to wake up and play. She is the mother of youth and the gateway to wisdom gained from life experience. And we, each of us, who are women of menopause, stand at her threshold awaiting her gifts if we only dare seek.”  ~Rosemary Gladstar

Embrace it!

Jyll Renee, Master Herbologist 
765.644.0312

 (Click here to learn more about Jyll Renee.)

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by Monique Sears

Do we have to feel rushed? Do your thoughts feel cluttered? Is stress making you unhappy?

Stop, take two long breaths, and consider daily meditation.

You are body, mind, and spirit. The spiritual side is often ignored in this analytical world. Even in church, we find our thoughts wandering when we should be worshipping in the moment. You can change that. Your brain is a tool. You can change your thoughts. By using affirmations during meditation, you can change your life. Meditation improves your physical, psychological, and spiritual well being.

Both guided and unguided meditation work well. Some prefer guided meditation because it allows them to follow a soothing voice into a meditative state, thru instructions, and back again. Without spending a dime, you can find numerous guided meditations online. Check the reviews to make sure it’s a proven meditation and focuses on the desired goal.

What is your goal of meditation? This question needs to be asked, even if that goal is as simple as inner peace. Do you want to contact your spirit guide, or angel? Do you want to reflect on an important work decision? Do you want to focus on a new and healthier you? Do you want to feel closer to God? Now you may meditate on one goal, and find yourself inspired or helped in other areas.

Are you ready for a short unguided mediation?

Turn your cell phone off, and do what you can to have this time for yourself. Begin with soft music playing. Sit comfortably, but with good posture, hands relaxed by your side. Close your eyes and relax. Focus and refocus on your breathing. If thoughts or doubts pop up, notice them, and refocus on each breath. Now it is time for visualization. Imagine a shimmering cord reaching down from you and into the earth. Allow your stress to flow down the cord, and away from you. Once you feel relaxation, imagine your soul energy as shimmering light radiating out. Visualize a brighter white light, the grace of God, the power of the universe coming down, meeting and combining with your light. Stay in this peace for a few minutes.

This is the time to repeat a positive statement in your mind. Focus on each word, your breathing, and each moment. Affirmations are positive statements. Your brain will learn to accept the affirmation as reality, even if it is not yet true. Positive thoughts change you, and they change the world around you. You can create your own affirmation by stating anything positive, as long as there are no negative undertones. For health, an affirmation may be: “Every cell in my body vibrates with energy and health.” For love, it may be: “I give our love, and it is returned to me.” After numerous positive thoughts, you slowly end the meditation. Imagine the cord drawing back from the Earth; imagine the light gathering within your body. Now open your eyes.

Taking part in meditation follows a tradition that dates back over five thousand years. Relaxation is only the beginning.

Meditation and How to Meditate Resources:

Unlock the Power – The Benefits of Carrots

1. Carrots need no description; they have been around for thousands of years and are a part of the diet in every culture of the world. Their texture and sweetness has also attracted our canine friends as well.
2. Many use carrots as a treat for their dogs but few understand all the benefits of carrots for both dogs and cats (while few use fresh carrots as a treat for cats, there are many benefits of using carrots in a balanced natural feline diet).
3. Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which are thought to help protect the heart and reduce the risk of cancer.
4. Our mothers encouraged us to eat carrots for good vision. They are the richest source of beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, which is essential for good vision, especially night vision. Adequate Vitamin A also helps protect humans from macular degeneration and could have the same benefit for our pets.
5. Foods high in carotenoids are thought to be beneficial for blood sugar regulation. They may be inversely associated with insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.

The benefits of carrots are many, however, one must keep in mind that too much of a good thing is not always best. Carrots have calories and too many carrots in the diet as snacks can encourage weight gain. “Everything in moderation” is the key.

*source: Holistic Select Blog, http://www.holisticselect.com/blog/index.php/pet-nutrition/carrots/, 1/26/2010

Nature offers many nutrients that support brain health and memory. Nature’s Sunshine has carefully blended selected plants and other natural substances to provide powerful support to thenervous system.

Brain Protex with Huperzine A

Brain Protex was formulated to promote longevity and nervous system health as it provides nourishment for the brain. It contains antioxidants that help combat free radical damage, and it provides protective herbs and phospholipids that may favorably impact age-related memory loss and boost mental acuity and alertness. It may also help prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important to memory.

This formula features:

• Ginkgo biloba (may boost cerebral blood circulation to help promote memory and concentration)
• Huperzine A, from Chinese club moss, supports cognitive function and memory. It inhibits the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine.
• Phosphatidyl serine, choline, ethanolamine and inositol—help maintain healthy nerve cell membranes and improve cognitive function.
• Rhododendron, a potent free-radical quencher used for longevity.
• Lycopene and alpha lipoic acid—two powerful antioxidants. ALA protects nerve cells.

Other tips for keeping your brain young:

• Take a walk. Exercise releases chemicals that are good for the brain.
• Take a few minutes each day to meditate or breathe deeply.
• Make plans! A recent study found that people who look forward to upcoming events have a 50% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Memorize something every day: a quote, a scripture, a short poem.
• Do puzzles (crosswords, jumbles, word searches, etc.) to help maintain nerve pathways.
• Snack on berries! Blueberries and raspberries contains anthocyanins—antioxidants that support communication between brain cells and help with memory.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract Timed-Release

Ginkgo leaves contain compounds that promote optimal circulation to the brain and extremities. It is also a powerful free radical scavenger, helping to protect blood vessels. According to many studies, ginkgo biloba supplements may improve cognitive
function and age-related memory loss. Each tablet contains 120 mg of concentrated Ginkgo biloba extract. This time-release formula lasts for 12 hours.

Ginkgo/Gotu Kola with Bacopa

Ginkgo is probably the best-known herb for boosting circulation to the brain. And many herbalists consider gotu kola “brain food.” Bacopa is an Ayurvedic compound that helps stimulate memory through nonspecific pathways. It is thought to help the body
maintain older neurons. Bacopa may also help the body create neurons more quickly. It may support memory and concentration.

Learn About Memory and Brain Health

Visit the Nature’s Sunshine Website

Source:  Nature’s Sunshine. (2010.) Manager’s Extra September 2010. Brain and Memory Health. Extracted in entirety with permission from http://www.naturessunshine.com/content/us/misc/magazine/Brain-and-Memory-Health-Sept-2010.pdfRelated

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