Pain tells us we are doing something wrong. That’s how life is supposed to work. But we live on credit in every way. Even our health. Taking a pill for a headache is like using a credit card with interest you pay later.
Many studies have shown that THC does kill cancer cells. Therefore, smoking marijuana is a popular treatment for treating cancer.
A new study by Salazar et al. in The Journal of Clinical Investigation demonstrates that THC causes tumor cells to begin to degrade themselves from the inside (a process called autophagy, i.e. “self-eating”). Check out THC Gives Cancer Cells the Munchies Too for more information.
And we at Organic Lifestyle Magazine absolutely believe that marijuana should be legalized.
But there is a problem with smoking marijuana as a cancer treatment. Smoking marijuana introduces carcinogens into the body causing a host of problems, and when the THC is gone, the body is in a state ripe for more cancer.
Smoking anything is bad for you. And while there are certainly benefits to smoking marijuana, there is a better way to get the THC into your body. THC oil is a great option. You can purchase it (illegally in most states), and you can also make THC oil yourself.
If you’re making pot brownies, or any other recipe to get you high, or for any other reason to get THC into your body, you need to extract the THC. THC is fat-soluble. It will pass right through the system if you simply throw some weed into your brownie mix.
You need to cook THC in oil. Coconut oil is a good choice: coconut oil can be heated to a certain point and still maintain it’s healthy beneficial properties (extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil is good up to 350°F).
Chop, grind, or otherwise cut the marijuana into fine pieces and put it into a pan with oil. Heat it below 350°F for 10 minutes. Add the oil to your recipe (you may include the leaves or discard them with a strainer).
Of course, we recommend you know where your weed comes from! Organically grown is not just for food. People that grow marijuana often add a nasty cocktail of chemicals to disguise the fact that their marijuana is lacking in quality.
An asthma attack can feel like a huge weight is sitting on your chest or like a giant is squeezing the life right out of you. The truth is, asthma can be deadly; a quarter of a million people die from asthma each year.
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways. The bronchial tubes become inflamed and swollen. Then bronchial spasms tighten and compress the airways. The narrower passageways are further compromised by an increase in secretions.
Most asthma sufferers are allergic to foods and/or environmental irritants. Environmental triggers include chemical irritants or industrial particles in the air in the workplace, drug reactions, cigarette smoke, air pollution, animal dander, dust, mites, cockroaches, and more. Many are sensitive to sulfites in food and drink. Respiratory infections such as a cold or bronchitis often can cause an attack. For some, asthma is triggered by exercise.
The first step or natural remedy to treating asthma is to stop ingesting cow’s milk and milk products. Known to increase mucous, cow’s milk is also one of the primary allergens in our Western diet. When milk is removed from the diet, chronic respiratory infections, ear infections, and asthma are often resolved without further treatment.
Vegan, gluten-free diets and rotation diets have also shown good results, but the primary consideration is allergen free and nutrient-dense foods. Eliminate all artificial flavors, coloring, and additives (MSG is a known trigger) and be sure to eat organic to avoid pesticides and fungicides.
Since most asthma sufferers are known to have several allergies, all allergens should be removed from the diet and environment. Never smoke or allow smoking indoors and follow an elimination diet to see if allergies to other foods are a factor.
Asthma, allergies, and inflammation are all a sign of an unhealthy gut. If you suffer from asthma and any other chronic conditions, please see How To Heal Your Gut.
Asthma sufferers may be deficient in vitamin D—most people are. If don’t you spend enough time in the sun or if you live at a high latitude, chances are you are deficient. Obesity increases the probability of deficiency as does dark skin. Other vitamins known to affect the severity or number of attacks are vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B6. IN most cases one should take B complex rather than just one of the B vitamins for a long term treatment. And essential fats are…essential. The body needs omega 3’s to stop the inflammatory process.
A healthy diet and lifestyle are crucial and, of course, exercise is a major component of a healthy lifestyle. If your asthma is triggered by exercise, take heart. Andrew Weil, M.D. suggests you find a form of exercise that minimizes your symptoms due to built-in, intermittent breaks (tennis, golf, softball, etc). Along the same lines of thinking, we would recommend interval training as well as exercise that focuses on breathing technique such as Tai Chi and yoga. Dr. Weil suggests you learn to warm up slowly to the point you almost feel the tightness, then stop and stretch. If you are already into your workout, slow down. Revving up the pace and slowing down the pace before asthma strikes can eliminate the need for medication.
Cold air can trigger an attack. Breathe through your nose and cover your face to avoid this problem.
You must learn to breathe correctly, to fully expand your lungs, to exhale and inhale the way nature intended. Dr. Weir also suggests doing manipulative work such as deep tissue massage like Rolfing to break up the restrictive patterns of nerves and muscles that have developed due to chronic asthma.
Alternative treatments for acute attacks abound. Mullein leaves can be steeped in boiling water. The vapor is inhaled to bring relief as does the mist from eucalyptus oil in a steamer. Eucalyptus, horehound, lungwort, pleurisy root, and elecampane can all be brewed into a tea in any combination. Green tea is often recommended for its natural theophylline.
Asthma is the result of a toxic, unbalanced body. Remember, the primary cure for asthma is changing your lifestyle. Detox and change your diet. Eat fresh, raw, organic fruits and vegetables. Avoid allergens. And realize that reaping the benefits of this lifestyle change, while immediate in many other aspects, may take months to produce a noticeable change in asthmatic response. But the results will come.
Natural remedies work much better to control asthma when the diet is clean and breathing is done right. These protocols may be perfect for you if you are wanting to stop using an inhaler or other medication, but take things slowly and be careful.
Ginger reduces inflammation along with many other beneficial properties that can help alleviate asthma. Make ginger tea or juice ginger immediately at the onset of symptoms, and do the same for migraines as well. Here’s a recipe:
This is a new twist on an ancient way of experiencing the benefits of turmeric. Ideally, use all fresh, unadulterated herbs whenever available.
Mix it all up and drink. For the drink to be warm, warm up the coconut milk only, but be careful not to cook the other ingredients. Add them in when the coconut milk is not too hot to drink so as to preserve enzymes and other fragile micronutrients.
Eucalyptus, frankincense, peppermint, lavender, clove, and thyme oil have all been shown to help with asthma, but eucalyptus oil, in particular, is interesting thanks to eucalyptol, a chemical that breaks up mucus and phlegm. Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to warm water in a hot water pot or a steam inhaler. Lean over and inhale the steam. You can use a towel to catch the steam and breathe more in. This will expand constricted airways and relax lung spasms.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar has tons of health benefits, and if you’re prone to asthma (or have a sore throat or a sinus infection), try sipping it. Just sip it throughout the day, and especially if you feel the onset of an attack. It will also help balance the body’s PH which can reduce inflammation. We highly recommend Barrier Organics Root Cider; check out our review here.
Shillington’s Huff and Puff Formula is lobelia and mullein in a base of apple cider vinegar and grain alcohol. Lots of people use this formula instead of an inhaler. It is not only useful during an asthma attack, this formula can help detoxify the lungs, helping them to heal, and function better in the long run, too.
Shillington’s Herbal Snuff – Snorting goldenseal root powder, bayberry bark powder, cayenne pepper powder, and garlic powder will clear out the sinuses and open up the lungs, but it’s not pleasant and, therefore, is not for the faint of heart. But neither is an asthma attack. This snuff also works very well for migraines.
When COQ10 & Vitamin C are taken together, they are a powerful synergistic combination of antioxidants. Vitamin C is involved in the metabolism of histamine, and in studies with asthmatics, vitamin C decreased post-exercise nitric oxide and cysteinyl leukotrienes. There is considerable evidence to support that vitamin C can successfully treat asthma. Studies also show that patients with corticosteroid-dependent bronchial asthma can benefit from COQ10.
As stated, diet is key but anyone suffering from chronic asthma most likely needs to heal their gut as well. Check out the further reading below for more information.
The only way to restore your body to good physical health is by living a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition, detoxification, and exercise are all essential. The human body is miraculous. It is a system of checks and balances, a system built to endure and heal itself, if given what it needs. It doesn’t need a quick fix or a magic bullet.
Health is never achieved by covering up pain or symptoms of disease. It is never achieved through treatment of a disease without addressing the needs of the whole body, even if that treatment is a natural remedy. Remember, health is systemic and holistic. All health and all disease are created on a cellular level.
Yes, natural remedies are a safer, healthier choice than pharmaceutical treatments but they will never be a substitute for overall health. If you effectively treat an ailment with natural remedies but ignore your overall health, your body will eventually manifest disease in new ways, possibly more serious ways. Pain and acute illnesses tell us something is wrong. Are you listening?
Before you try a natural remedy, you need to know a few things.
First, herbal supplements, vitamins, minerals, tinctures, etc. are not all created equal. I have never found decent Echinacea at Whole Foods. I’ve never seen a high quality multi vitamin at GNC. Most of the herbs sold are weak and ineffective. Most of the vitamins sold are indigestible or downright toxic. We highly recommend Thorne and Standard Process supplements, Medi-herb and Dr. Shillington for tinctures, and Rose Mountain Herbs for organic and wildcrafted herbs.
Secondly, our bodies are unique. For instance, you may find you respond better to acupressure than aromatherapy. Personally, aromatherapy does very little for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. I’ve seen it work. I’ve seen a pregnant woman sniff sage oil and start contractions, months before she was full term.
Be smart. Be safe. Do it right. If you suffer from a chronic illness or poor health, take the leap, change your lifestyle. You have only one body.
And finally, our disclaimer: Natural remedies may backfire. While prescription and over the counter drugs have a far greater likelihood of dangerous side effects, since big pharma has such a stranglehold over our society, we have to warn you that that no remedy is always safe. And we also recommend you consult with your doctor or health care practitioner for any serious health issue. Hopefully, your doctor is a naturopath. Remember, your health is your responsibility, and no one else’s.
Michael Edwards
Editor in Chief
Hair loss is caused by genetics, hormones, or poor circulation of the scalp (usually all three). Excess dandruff can cause hair loss, but this, too, is a sign of poor scalp circulation. Poor scalp circulation is a sign of overall poor blood circulation. Poor blood circulation is a sign of poor health.
Spending a few hours a day upside down while massaging the scalp would be the fastest way to promote hair growth, but it’s not very practical.
It is possible to stop hair loss and even reverse it with proper health and increasing blood flow to the scalp. The natural remedy for hair loss, first and foremost, is to restore the body to optimum health, making sure the kidneys are functioning properly, the liver is detoxified, the colon is clean and healthy, the body is not overrun by Candida, and blood circulation is not impeded by toxins.
Also, make sure you are consuming a diet high in plants like potatoes, bell peppers, sprouts, and cucumbers, all of which are high in silicon.
Make sure your diet is not deficient in iron, zinc, B vitamins, omega 3s, trace minerals, amino acids, or salt (not refined salt, but colorful mineral rich sea salt).
In addition, you can speed up the process with a few of these natural hair loss remedies:
Onion juice has been used for centuries treat thin graying hair and alopecia. Onion juice has many benefits to the hair follicles:
Onions are rich in sulphur and other compounds that are great for killing infections. Onion juice kills germs, parasites, some fungal infections; all can cause hair loss. Onions remove hydrogen peroxide buildup and reduce inflammation while providing enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and other nourishment to regenerate hair floccules.
Studies have shown that daily onion juice applied topically can reduce and reverse greying and regrow hair. You can juice or crush the onion. Apply the onion juice daily to your scalp and lightly massage or brush it in. Leave the onion Juice on the scalp for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Start with a small amount, it’s tricky and it’s messy.
Baldness, or at least some hair loss, is unavoidable for some. But in most cases, hair loss is a sign of poor health and is therefore reversible. Restoring the body’s health can be a difficult lifestyle change, but the rewards are worth the effort. Hair regrowth is merely one of the benefits.
A very common cause of alopecia in men and women is hypothyroidism. If you have symptoms that could indicate a thyroid problem, check out Hypothyroidism – Prevention and Natural Remedies.
If you suffer from diabetes, ask yourself this: “If I was stranded on an island with absolutely nothing to eat except the healthiest whole fresh foods in the world, and no diabetic medication of any kind, would I live or would I die?”
If the answer is “live” then there is hope for you.
Type 1 diabetes is insulin dependent diabetes caused by a failure of the pancreas to properly produce insulin. Rebuilding the pancreas is essential.
This can be a very long process, depending on how long the body has been injected with insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistant diabetes, where the body’s cells are resistant to insulin. Each and every cell in the human body needs fat to function properly. If the fat that makes up our body’s cells is insulin resistant fatty triglycerides, then the body’s cells are insulin resistant. Over indulgence in fructose and processed fatty foods causes this condition. Therefore, rebuilding the whole body using healthy fats will reverse type 2 diabetes.
With either type 1 or type 2 diabetes , the protocol is the same because healing the body from such an extremely unhealthy condition is the same. Though these diseases are very different, as Raymond Francis says, there is only one disease: cell malfunction.
A complete total body detox is essential for anyone with diabetes. Check out this complete detox regimen, titled Cure Cancer Naturally, and Pretty Much Any Other Disease. Within this program there is a call for Dr. Budwig’s Flaxseed Oil and Quark, which is absolutely necessary for rebuilding the body with the right kinds of fats. Fruit is the one exception to this protocol; it should be avoided the first month. The regimen should be followed for three full months.
Anyone with diabetes should take chromium and enzymes every day for the rest of their life. Thorne’s Satiecin is a good way to get chromium. High quality systemic enzymes should be taken three times a day on an empty stomach. Vitalzym makes a good product. Digestive enzymes should be taken with all meals. Plant based digestive enzymes should be eaten whenever plants are consumed.
After three months of the detox program, raw fresh fruits and vegetables should be the foundation of your diet. If meat is to be consumed, then a Paleolithic diet can keep cancer away, but hydrochloric acid enzyme supplements should be taken whenever meat is ingested. Thorne Bio-gest is a good option for this.
If the goal is to finally be able to eat whatever you want, forget it. If you have diabetes, it will always be your Achilles heel, just like someone recovering from cancer is most likely to get cancer again if they do not take care of themselves. But if living without insulin shots or avoiding an early grave is the goal, this regimen can bring anyone with diabetes to a level of heath not known prior to the disease.
Clear, clean, vibrant skin is the best visual indicator of overall health. Acne is not just unsightly; it is a sure sign of a body that is undernourished and full of toxins. Though it comes as no surprise, the conventional medical community does not recognize the link between diet or general health and acne, other than a possible link to a few foods.
Other than the palms of our hands and the bottoms of our feet, our bodies are covered with hair follicles. Each of these pores contains sebaceous glands that secrete sebum, a waxy, fat substance that coats the skin. This oil protects our skin from bacterial infection, helps keep it “waterproof”, and keeps skin moisturized.
When sebum gets clogged inside the pore it forms what we call a whitehead or a blackhead. Blackheads occur in follicles that have a wider opening of the pore, which allows the sebum to come into contact with air. The plugs of sebum undergo a chemical reaction resulting in the oxidation of melanin, which gives the material in the follicle the typical black color. Whiteheads are follicles that are filled with the same clogged sebum, but have very small openings to the skin surface. Since the air cannot reach the follicle, the sebum is not oxidized and remains white. When a pore becomes infected it forms what we call a pimple.
Sebum does not cause acne. Infection causes acne. Hormones, poor diet, bacteria, toxin accumulation, poor nutrition, Candida, and allergies can all contribute to the infection. For instance, an overly toxic liver can cause toxic accumulation in our pores which can irritate the sebaceous glands. When the diet is poor, the fats ingested typically cause inflammation which, in combination with toxins, can cause irritated inflamed pores ripe for infection from bacteria or Candida. In addition, with a poor diet, bacteria and Candida constantly overwhelm the body. This is why treating skin conditions such as acne with topical solutions like antibacterial soaps often have limited effect. Topical solutions do not treat the source of the problem.
While conventional medicated skin care products can reduce and in some cases even eliminate acne, using them is like taking aspirin for a headache. It may work, but it’s treating only the symptom, not the cause. Chemically laden conventional skin care can seriously age the skin. And the skin can become dependent on its use. For instance, oily skin seems to be controlled by the chemical cocktail that causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Or dry skin feels better for an hour or two, but the sebaceous glands don’t produce more oil. The goal is infection free skin with healthy sebaceous glands that produce the right amount of sebum. This is an internal balance. A healthy diet and skin care that nourishes the skin allows infection to heal, an end to inflammation, and healthy sebaceous glands that work properly.
We have tested Terressentials, Lusa Organics, and Tilvee skin care products. They are the best products we have found. Products of this caliber do not strip away the skins nutrients. They do not toxify the skin or the body. Using high quality, chemical free healthy skin care products along with a healthy diet is the right way to care for skin. But there are some natural remedies for acne that can significantly reduce pimples and blackheads as well as or better than any conventional skin care product without the chemical toxins.
It should be noted that the skin care industry is rampant with “organic washing”. Even reading the ingredients carefully does not necessarily ensure you are buying a chemical free product because companies don’t have to list all of their ingredients. Even if a skin care product says “Made with organic ingredients,” there is a good chance the product contains toxic chemicals. Buy 100% organic skin care products
Tea tree oil is antifungal, microbial, and antibacterial. It has been proven to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide (the most common medication for acne) in treating acne, with less drying, stinging, and redness.
Neem oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and immune-system stimulating; and works as an antihistamine, antiseptic, or spermicidal.
Oil of oregano is also antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitical, and antiviral.
Any of these oils can be applied directly to an affected area. But use caution. All of these oils, undiluted, can cause skin irritation. If applying these oils to a large area, any one or a combination of these essential oils can be diluted with aloe vera gel in a 5 to 1 ratio (incidentally, aloe vera is great for healing and nourishing skin).
Oil cleansing has multiple benefits. It nourishes the skin, naturally disinfects, and makes skin supple, smooth, and more pliable, which makes it easier for sebum to slide out of the pore without getting clogged.
Castor oil is an excellent cleanser but can be a little harsh if used full strength on the facial area. The standard instructions say to mix 25% Castor oil with 75% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, but we recommend unrefined coconut oil instead. Coconut oil has amazing health benefits and is very good for the skin. Coconut oil is solid up to 76 degrees, so heat it slightly to liquefy. Try adding some neem oil or oil of oregano to the coconut oil and you’ve got a gentle but powerful antiseptic.
Rub the oil mixture gently all over the face and then steam for 5-10 minutes. Wipe the oil with a steamed hot cloth.
Consider adding a small amount of one or more of the aforementioned essential oils for cleansing as well.
Diet is what it’s really all about. In most cases (almost all cases) eliminate gluten, refined foods, MSG, and dairy and the acne disappears. Focus on raw, fresh, organic produce. Slow kidneys are another common reason why acne happens, and the aforementioned diet will help the kidneys too.
Even if you suffer from oily skin, give essential oils and oil cleansing a try. Oil dissolves oil. Furthermore, oily skin is often a symptom of the body over compensating for dry skin. When the body is not as healthy as it could be, the oils secreted may not have the proper nourishing, moisturizing effect.
Balance the gut and detoxify the kidneys first. Then, if need be, balance the hormones. Then, after a little more time, you can forget all those topical remedies; you won’t need them.