Even More Doctors Against Vaccines

Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions. – Albert Einstein

You might be surprised at the number of doctors who are against vaccines. It is not due to their medical training that some physicians refute the safety and efficacy of vaccines, but rather in spite of it. The practice of medicine is, after all, a business and the objective for most physicians is to make money. Thankfully, not every doctor is solely motivated by financial gain. Some doctors take the time to do the research, those who are more interested in healing than turning a profit.

See part 1: Doctors Against Vaccines – Hear From Those Who Have Done the Research or part 2: More Doctor’s Against Vaccines.

Kelly Brogan, M.D.

Dr. Kelly Brogan received an MA in Brain and Cognitive Science/Systems Neuroscience before attending the medical school at Cornell University. She is board certified in Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine/Consultation Psychology, and Integrative Holistic Medicine. Her research has focused on holistic women’s health with an emphasis on psychiatric care.

The information is OUT THERE, brilliant scientists, physicians, and researchers without financial ties and agendas have weighed in and presented their concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy, however, the average citizen resists and clings to a hyper-simplified, seemingly “safe” stance.

“Well, I’m not against vaccines, I mean, they’ve done a lot. I’m sure there are some risks, but they’re extremely rare.” 

I understand, now, that, my collection of PubMed articles substantiating concerns about inefficacy, neurological, autoimmune, and fatal risks of these poorly conceived and anachronistically relevant immune modulators is not meaningful to someone who is not interested. The questions raised by this information are not provocative to someone who needs, above all, to believe that the government, the CDC, and doctors mean well, are doing their due diligence, and that they are holding themselves to a basic standard of ethical delivery of healthcare. They are not meaningful to someone who needs to outsource their power.

 …The CDC can report, as they do, that brain inflammation and death are known side effects of every vaccine, but most do not appreciate what brain inflammation looks like. That this can look like ADHD, autism, learning delay, and that autoimmune disorders can take years to manifest. Tracing the thread back to the vaccine exposure can only be done with studies that assess vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations. These have not been done.

…I’m sure you don’t know a single person who has died of the flu, and if you think you do, I can almost guarantee you that the diagnosis was not confirmed in a way that ruled out the 150-200 infectious pathogens that cause flu-like syndromes, none of which would be “covered” by the vaccine. Despite the astronomical figures the CDC flashes before us of “flu deaths”, there were 18 (yes, 1-8) confirmed in 2001, for example. Access to these figures is suspiciously concealed, but in the end, forget the stats, and use some common sense to see the fear mongering and sales marketing for what it is.

…Even the former Chief Vaccine Officer at the FDA states: “there is no evidence that any influenza vaccine thus far developed is effective in preventing or mitigating any attack of influenza.” Liking the idea of being protected from the flu does not equate to being protected from the flu. That’s essentially what your vaccine-promoting doctor (or pharmacist) is engaging in – promoting an idea.

Dr. Richard Moskowitz, M.D.

Dr. Richard Moskowitz received his B.A. from Harvard Cum Laude, then finished medical school at New York University School of Medicine. He obtained medical licensure in Colorado where he opened a private general family medicine practice. He emphasizes homeopathic methods and he has done research in homeopathy.

Consider the process of falling ill with and recovering from a typical acute disease, such as the measles, in contrast with what we can observe following administration of the measles vaccine.

We all know that measles is primarily a virus of the upper respiratory tract, both because it is acquired by susceptible persons through inhalation of infected droplets in the air and because these droplets are produced by the coughing and sneezing of a patient with the disease. Once inhaled by a susceptible individual, the virus undergoes a prolonged period of silent multiplication, first in the tonsils, adenoids, and accessory lymphoid aggregations of the nasopharynx; later in the regional lymph nodes of the head and neck; and eventually, several days later, it passes into the blood and enters the spleen, the liver, the thymus, and the bone marrow, the “visceral” organs of the immune system. Throughout this “incubation” period, which lasts from 10 to 14 days, the patient typically feels quite well and experiences few or no symptoms of any kind.

By the time that the first symptoms of measles appear, circulating antibodies are already detectable in the blood, and the height of the symptomatology coincides with the peak of the antibody response. In other words, the “illness” that we call the measles is simply the definitive effort of the immune system to clear this virus from the blood. Notice also that this expulsion is accomplished by sneezing and coughing, i. e., via the same route through which it entered in the first place. It is abundantly clear from the above that the process of mounting and recovering from an acute illness like the measles involves a general mobilization of the immune system as a whole, including inflammation of the previously sensitized tissues at the portal(s) of entry, activation of leukocytes, macrophages, and the serum complement system, and a host of other mechanisms, of which the production of circulating antibodies is only one, and by no means the most important.

…By contrast, the live but artificially attenuated measles-virus vaccine is injected directly into the blood, by-passing the normal port of entry, and sets up at most a brief inflammatory reaction at the injection site, or perhaps in the regional lymph nodes, with no local sensitization at the normal portal of entry, no “incubation period,” no generalized inflammatory response, and no generalized outpouring. By “tricking” the body in this fashion, we have accomplished precisely what the entire immune system seems to have evolved to prevent: we have placed the virus directly into the blood and given it free and immediate access to the major immune organs and tissues, without any obvious mechanism or route for getting rid of it.

…Far from producing a genuine immunity, then, my suspicion and my fear is that vaccines act by interfering with and even suppressing the immune response as a whole, in much the same way that radiation, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and other anti-inflammatory drugs do. Artificial immunization focuses on antibody production, a single aspect of the immune process, disarticulates it, and allows it to stand for the whole, in much the same way as chemical suppression of an elevated blood pressure is accepted as a valid substitute for genuine healing or cure of the patient whose blood pressure has risen. It is the frosting on the cake, without the cake. The worst part of this counterfeiting is that it becomes more difficult, if not impossible, for vaccinated children to mount a normally acute and vigorous response to infection, by substituting for it a much weaker, essentially chronic response, with little or no tendency to heal itself spontaneously.

 Dr. Robert Rowen

Dr. Robert Rowen attended John Hopkins University before completing medical school at the University of California in San Francisco. He was board certified and recertified in Emergency Medicine and Family Practice. Dr. Rowen served in Alaska on the Alaska State Medical Board and is known for helping to push through a law in Alaska that protects alternative medicine. He is a pioneer in the field of oxidation therapy.

If vaccines were the cat’s meow, why would the American government have granted vaccine makers total immunity from liability if the vaccine harms your child or you?

…Measles has been quite stubborn to be wiped out. In China, in one province, 99% of children are vaccinated but measles runs strong. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Clearly measles vaccine doesn’t work as advertised. In fact, in our own country, outbreak after outbreak has occurred in what has been called a fully vaccinated population.

…Vaccines give you plastic immunity. They build up only one line of your immune system, the antibody system, and put the main immune system (cellular immunity) to sleep. You need both for fully developed immunity.

…Plastic immunity can be seen in the fact that vaccine immunity wanes with time. I had wild measles. You don’t see people like me getting measles but many, many vaccinated people do get measles after the “plastic immunity” wears off.

…Why do we need “cellular immunity’? Just look at an AIDS patient. He has no “cellular” immunity. He is a walking bag of antibodies, which is what vaccines promote – antibody resistance, not cellular resistance.

…We have a generation of immune cripples amongst our youth. Asthma, eczema, and other immune diseases are rampant. Autism has exploded. These conditions are reaching crisis.

…Natural Killer T cells come from the thymus. They regulate your immune system. Natural infection keeps up these cells. Vaccination might wipe them out. The depletion of thymocytes might wipe out whole lines of cells that could provide key immunity for you.

Many people have focused on autism, and totally neglected the horrors that vaccines are wreaking on the rest of the body, particularly this frightening story about the thymus gland, and how derangement might lead to future hypersensitivity, like found in asthma and eczema.

…I don’t agree with the forced vaccine program. Herd immunity is now shown to be a failure. Plastic vaccine immunity wanes with time, rendering possibly a whole generation of vaccine-abused people vulnerable to diseases their bodies might have difficulty handling as adults, while deranging their immune systems for life. Please look to vaccine failure BEFORE condemning moms who rightfully don’t want to place their precious children in harm’s way with Pharma’s now discredited potions.

Dr. David Ayoub, M.D.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXWBxxVk_h0

Dr. David Ayoub received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and specializes as a radiologist.  Vaccines are his current research interest.

[When] I got started my interest initially was similar to everyone else’s. We were very concerned about thimerosal or mercury in vaccines.

…First of all, and I think what doctors should remember is that, you always listen to the patients first. And I had been in the community a few years and had made several friends, parents of autistic children. And what the parents were saying over and over again is that we look at our children’s heavy metal toxicity profiles, typically hair analysis or post provocative urine heavy metal profiles; that they were seeing a lot of aluminum and they wanted to know what it meant.

…Since the mid-20s aluminum was used to try to boost the host immune response to the antigen that’s injected into the child

…Based on the periodic table [aluminum] it’s just shy of a heavy metal, so it’s called a light metal. But nonetheless, it is in the metal grouping, and it’s a common compound and one of the things you hear by so-called experts to try to allay people’s fears about aluminum. “Well, you know aluminum makes up 8% of our Earth’s crust. It’s in the air. It’s in the soil. It’s in the water.” and so forth. And that may very well be true. It is a very common substance outside of the body, but it has absolutely no biological role in the body. It is not necessary or essential for any biological function of any animal, or plant for that matter. So it probably belongs outside of the body if there’s no role for it physiologically, biochemically. But the things that we’ve known about the basics of aluminum going back probably two centuries now is that it is a poison.

Dr. Rashid A. Buttar, DO, FAAPM, FACAM, FAAIM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zJrkPJXAh0&list=PLF071080672F9E532&index=1

Dr. Rashid Buttar is an osteopathic doctor who graduated from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences. He has trained in Emergency Medicine as well as General Surgery. He is board certified in Preventive Medicine and Clinical Metal Toxicology as well as board eligible in Emergency Medicine. Previously, he served as a Brigade Surgeon and Director of Emergency Medicine in the U.S. Army before opening up a private practice. His research is in metal toxicology.

It’s a toxicity issue. That’s it. It’s not a hard thing; it’s not a complicated thing. It’s not a multifactorial thing. It’s very simply toxicity. The problem is that a particular toxin causes an entire sequence of events to take place that results in food allergies, viral loads, parasitic infestation, the fungal problems, the allergies, the gut dysbiosis, the hepatic issues. All these things, these are all fires, but there’s one common spark –  just one, and that’s the toxicity spark. The biggest component to that is mercury. Now there’s other metals that play into this, but mercury itself is the second most toxic metal known to man. This is widely known information; there’s no secret about this. EPA has already said it, that mercury in itself being the second most toxic metal that’s in its inorganic form. When you attach it to an organic compound like methyl or ethyl, it becomes even more destructive.

…Depending on who you talk to, it’s about a thousand times more destructive than inorganic mercury. If you have a closed environment say like a human body, relatively closed obviously it’s dynamic because you have things going in and out. But you have a closed environment, you put in a poison, you are going to get the poisoning of the whole system. If you can just take that poison out, theoretically that whole system should come back online.

Take a wrench you throw it in an engine, everything gets all screwed up, right? That’s what mercury does: it causes the metabolic processes to shut down. It causes the hormonal cascades to drop off.  It causes depletion of certain other minerals by competitive inhibition. It causes a dysregulation of every physiological system that you can imagine.

Conclusion

Most of us have heard the old adage that doctors make the worst patients. They are the “worst” simply because they understand the nature of the relationship. Doctors know that practicing medicine is ultimately about the bottom line. A doctor also understands the patient-doctor relationship. It is the physician who works for the patient, not the other way around. They are, after all, in the business of medicine.

When their health is on the line, most physicians ask a lot of questions, research their maladies, and refuse medical treatments when the risks seem to outweigh the benefits. Doctors are not so naïve as to blindly trust their doctor. Why should you?

Check out part 1 of this series, Doctors Against Vaccines – Hear From Those Who Have Done the Research. If you’ve been vaccinated, check out How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children.

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The Phantom Menace – The Superbug

It sounds like the latest Star Wars movie or a villain from Marvel Comics, but this “phantom menace” is not fiction. It’s a deadly superbug with a twist. Classified as a Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, this class of bacteria is not only antibiotic resistant to last-resort antibiotics, it has the ability to pass on its antibiotic resistance to other bacteria in the body. Like other superbugs, the phantom menace is associated with healthcare centers (like hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities) and results in a high mortality rate of 50% or more.

From 2010 through 2015, the CDC has confirmed 43 phantom menace cases in the U.S. from 19 states. The CDC reports that the majority of patients were exposed and infected outside of the United States. While 43 is a very small number, the CDC is concerned because they believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. These types of superbugs are believed to be on the rise and under diagnosed.

The phantom menace bacteria pass on antibiotic resistance through a plasmid, a small DNA molecule with the ability to replicate independently. It includes an enzyme that breaks down antibiotics. It is this plasmid that can transfer antibiotic resistance to other bacteria in our bodies. Basically, the non-superbug bacteria become infected with a resistant gene from the superbug bacteria and then continue spreading the resistant gene creating new strains of superbugs.

The worst-case scenario is not far fetched. The Washing Post quotes Lance Price, director of the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center at George Washington University’s Milken Institute of Public Health, as saying, “History shows that these mobile resistance genes can spread around the world quickly, silently riding in people, animals and food.”

The superbug gene, MCR-1, is becoming more common in China and has recently shown up in Demark, fueling the concern that it will spread worldwide. Researchers in China tested marketplace meats and slaughterhouse pigs looking for the gene. It was found in 20% of the pigs and 15% of the meat.

Once again this very real threat is man-made. Researchers have concluded that drugs given the pigs in China provided the breeding grounds for the bacteria. If we continue the inhumane and dangerous practice of factory farming, feeding animals both prophylactic and indicated antibiotics, we will continue to breed new threats to worldwide health.

If we as individuals continue to use antibiotics when they are not needed along with antibiotic soaps, hand wipes, and cleaning solutions, we are part of the problem. We are aiding bacteria in their natural progression toward antibiotic resistance.

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Herbs That Can Help Get Us Through Winter

The cold winter months not only bring in coughs, colds, and flu, we find it harder to stay warm and our circulation tends to be less effective at throwing out toxins. Not least, we feel less energized and able to find that extra bit of energy. Here are 5 key herbs to help with all those winter aspects.

Cinnamon Stick

A fragrant winter favourite, this herb is able to bring circulation as far as cold fingers and toes. It is also a potent antiviral and antibacterial, making it a vital herb for the worst of the flu season. Not only does it fight these microbes, its constituent, cinnamaldehyde, provides welcome pain reduction and is sedative. It continues to be useful post colds and flu, during the often debilitating convalescence stage. It is also a blood sugar stabilizer useful for helping calm down any post-festive sweet tooth over-indulgence.

Ginger Root

This is ‘the’ classic for warming up circulation and helping colds and flu and it is often twinned as an herbal tea with cinnamon to warm and detoxify. However, it is most effective as an antiviral and antibacterial when freshly grated and eaten raw. (You can add a little honey if you wish or simply chew a teaspoon of it as it is.) The gingerol, zingerone, and shogael and other constituents are 6-15 times stronger in the fresh root, and if the aim is to work as an antimicrobial, do not make as a tea or cook with it. Reserve the latter for digestive assistance and circulatory help.

Siberian Ginseng Root (eleuthero)

(This adaptogen is not a ginseng and can be used as a daily food.) It is perfect for the winter months as it increases the body’s ability to resist infection, lessening the likelihood of picking up colds, and stops the “cold” wearing us down and making us more exposed to microbes. In fact, because of this, we are less likely to gravitate to eating weight-gaining carbs and other cold-weather foods. As an adrenal building herb, it enforces energy conservation generally and fortifies against “winter” stress in all its varying guises, from cold, to support while detoxing.

Elderberry

These anti-viral berries are of increasing interest as findings show they appear to “inactivate” any given flu and virus strain. It helps to shorten and reduce its symptoms and severity. Of course, it has been made and used as a home remedy as a syrup for centuries, to treat tickly coughs, colds, and fevers. If taken at the onset, nastier versions like flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia are less likely to progress. It is good taken throughout the colder winter months on a weekly basis, and daily during a cold.

Nettle Leaves

The leaves are a good winter detox choice. In winter it is harder to sweat and naturally get rid of accumulated toxins. Nettle’s high levels of flavonoids and potassium makes it excellent for moving on waste products via the increased urine production. Nettle is also a specific to help clear the skin, so it is perfect for preventing “detox skin”, where toxins can congregate. Use either as an organic powder of 1 tsp (5g) in smoothies or as an herbal leaf tea.

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Author:

Jill R. Davies, HNH, Phd, FAMH, is a qualified herbalist and naturopath of over 30 years. She is the author of 14 books on herbal medicine. Jill lectures in naturopathy and herbal medicine at CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).



Mass Shootings, Medical Tragedies, and the State of Our Nation’s Mental Health

The shooting in San Bernardino, California was the 57th mass shooting in the U.S. this year, if mass shootings are defined as a shooting wherein three or more people are killed. The U.S. has, it seems, an unusually high number of deeply disturbed Americans who are either not getting help or not getting the kind of help that they need.

America’s use of psychiatric medications has been increasing rapidly. At present 1 in 5 Americans are taking psychiatric medications. There is a belief supported by advertising that many people have a “chemical imbalance” and medication is needed to restore the balance. With so many people taking medicine for their mental health, one would think that Americans with access to modern psychiatric healthcare should be the most well-adjusted people on Earth. Unfortunately, this doesn’t bear out. The U.S. has a surprisingly high number of people who were receiving treatment for relatively minor mental problems, like depression, who end up doing horrific things, like shooting up their school or place of work, killing their classmates, coworkers, friends, family, or strangers.

Before the 1950s, Americans had easier access to firearms. Before medications were used to treat mental illness, premeditated acts of extreme violence were nearly unheard of. The rise of mass shootings has risen along with pharmaceutical approaches to treating mental health problems.

What isn’t commonly known by the general public is that psychiatric medications can have horrible side effects. So horrible, that the side effects raise the question of whether these drugs should ever be used.

In May, 1998, 15-year-old Kip Kinkle was withdrawing from Prozac when he killed his father, then his mother. He then wrote a letter describing his mental state.

My head just doesn’t work right. God damn these VOICES inside my head. … I have to kill people. I don’t know why. … I have no other choice.”

Bringing two knives, three guns and over a thousand rounds of ammunition he arrived at his school cafeteria trying to kill everyone he could. He wounded twenty-four students and killed two, before being tackled by an injured student, Jacob Ryker.

On Tuesday, December 26th, 2000, after increasing his medication, Michael McDermott went on a shooting rampage at his workplace at Edgewater Technologies, killing seven co-workers.

In March, 2005, 16-year-old Jeff Weiss shot and killed nine people, five of them students at Red Lake Senior High before turning his weapon on himself. Jeff had been under treatment for depression and had been on Prozac.

On June 20, 2001, Andrea Yates drowned her five children in her bathtub. She was being treated for post-partum depression with postpartum psychosis. She was taking Effexor and Remeron.

Matty Sorry shot and killed ten fellow college students before shooting and killing himself. The official Finnish government report revealed that he had been taking antidepressants.

On April 10, 2001, 16-year-old Cory Bathsguard took a rifle to his high school and held 23 classmates and his teacher hostage. He had recently switched to the new antidepressant Effexor. Claiming he had no memory of the event, Cory says he woke up feeling sick and later woke up in custody.

Before the 1960s, these kind of mass shootings didn’t occur. At present, they are occurring with greater frequency, and antidepressants are being prescribed for “chemical imbalances” more frequently. An estimated ten percent of the population is taking antidepressants. Patients are told that they have a chemical imbalance, but that’s never been proven. It is actually a marketing slogan. Brain chemistry is poorly understood, but this hasn’t dissuaded psychiatrists from prescribing drugs to alter brain chemistry for nearly every mental malady. As can be expected, this can have unpredictable consequences. A significant number of people taking psychiatric medications end up living their worst nightmares, doing things they would normally never do.

When most people think of possible side effects to psychiatric medication, they are likely to think of innocuous consequences like a loss of appetite, dry mouth, or nausea. Overwhelming homicidal and suicidal urges are side effects that aren’t commonly known, but are side-effects nevertheless. But did you know that these infamous gunmen were also on psychiatric medication?

When Charles Whitman killed 16 people, and wounded 32 he was on amphetamines and barbiturates.

17-year-old Eric Harris was on Luvox when he and his partner Dylan Clebold killed 12 classmates and a teacher at Columbine High School.

When John Hinckley attempted to kill President Ronald Reagan, he was taking Valium.

They [psychiatric drugs] induce violence. They induce self-violence. They induce distortions of reality leading to hallucinations. They induce a whole variety of psychiatric problems, which are then typically treated with more psychiatric drugs.” – Dr. Rima Laibow

Conclusion

For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence.” – Listed Warning of Side Effects

 With side effects like these, the treatment is worse than the disease.

When mass shootings occur, American media is bombarded with political pleas to enact stricter gun control. Although firearms are deadly, there are numerous ways to kill. If guns were to be made illegal, not only would that arm criminals while disarming law-abiding citizens, it would do nothing to address the real problem – murderous intent. With some planning and determination, mass murders can still happen without firearms. They have already happened.

Obviously, not all murders are caused by medications, but it happens regularly, and the crimes are blamed on the perpetrators, not on the pharmaceuticals with known side effects. When homicidal impulses are a possible side effect for legally obtainable medication, it is clear that what is needed isn’t more gun control, but rather prescription pharmaceutical control.

To keep the mind healthy and running well, to prevent brain ailments and diseases  from depression to Alzheimers, keep the gut healthy and stay away from drugs! If you are currently taking prescription medication for “chemical imbalances in the brain” get off of all medications if this can be done responsibly and safely and detoxify. The brain and the gut are inexorably linked. For a better understanding, check out The Fascinating Bacteria in our Gut, and How it Affects Our Whole Lives and Mental Health, Physical Health & B Vitamins – Nature’s Valium. For a healthy gut, read Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases.

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Let Food Be Thy Medicine: Seven Healing Foods for Health

Many foods give you some health benefits, but certain foods are positively jam-packed with powerful nutrients that support optimal health. These amazing foods give you the most bang for your buck, making every bite count. Maximize nutrient density and health benefits with the following incredibly nourishing, delicious, and easy to prepare foods!

Salmon

Oily fish like salmon is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosohexanoic acid (DHA). These omega-3s play a starring role in the picture of health because they support a balanced inflammatory response in the body. This is important for both short and long-term inflammation. For example, when you get hurt, a temporary inflammatory response is needed to heal the injury. This short-term inflammation is intended to subside after the healing process is complete. However, without adequate EPA and DHA, the body is unable to return to normal and inflammation persists, leaving the entire body in a pro-inflammatory state. It is this long-term “silent” inflammation that is problematic and can take a serious toll on your health. If proper levels of EPA and DHA are not maintained, your whole body, including the liver, brain, heart and muscles, pays the price. By getting enough EPA and DHA in your diet, you can support the balanced inflammation levels that foster a healthy body and mind. If your immune system is in good shape, try salmon rare or medium rare for the best health benefits.

Berries

Vibrantly colored berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, not only pack a color punch, but pack on the health benefits, too. Full of antioxidants, these red and purple fruits support cardiovascular, visual, mental and skin health, just to name a few. The antioxidant pigments are actually what give berries their trademark colors. Red and purple berries are bursting with anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments known to be free radical fighters. Free radicals wreak havoc on the body, damage tissues, and accelerate the aging process. Eating berries every day is a tasty way to rejuvenate your skin, eye, brain, and heart health.

Ginger and Turmeric Roots

Close botanical relatives that are often found together in flavorful Indian foods, ginger and turmeric contain health-promoting compounds that have been prized for centuries. Ginger, used as a digestive tonic, contains antioxidants galore. Gingerol, the active compound in ginger, is responsible for modulating inflammation and supporting cell health. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric. Curcumin is another nutrient that supports balanced inflammatory levels in the body, which are key for maintaining overall health.

Garlic

Another herb that has historical roots in ancient times, garlic has a reputation not only for warding off vampires, but also as valuable household remedy. Recent research provides evidence for its health-supportive properties. Allicin, garlic’s best-known active compound, has been studied for its ability to support cardiovascular, immune system, inflammatory and cellular health. It may not freshen your breath, but garlic can help to refresh your health.

Citrus Fruit

The flesh and peels of citrus fruits contain flavonoids, which are compounds plants produce for various purposes, such as protection from pests, disease, and sun damage. Flavonoids protect human health in similar ways by supporting the health of the skin, heart, bones and other cells. In addition to health-boosting flavonoids, citrus fruits are full to the brim with vitamin C.  One of the body’s most important antioxidants, vitamin C supports immune, cardiovascular, and cellular health. In fact, without vitamin C, the immune system cannot function properly. Whether you eat them whole or  juice them, citrus fruits are a sweet way to take care of your health year-round.

Nuts

Vitamin E is naturally found in high concentrations in whole nuts, with some of the best sources being almonds and hazelnuts. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in the body, protecting against free radical damage and supporting cellular health. This vitamin supports the health of the immune and cardiovascular systems, as well as the body’s detoxification process. From the outside-in and the inside-out, eating nuts is a great way to get your vitamin E levels up. So, go nuts!

It is easy to incorporate all of these versatile and nutrient-dense foods into your diet. This recipe includes all of the power-packed foods above in one delicious meal!

Salmon Berry Salad with Almonds and Citrus Vinaigrette (serves 2)

Ingredients

  • 2, 6 oz. salmon filets
  • 1 small clamshell of organic spinach and arugula blend
  • ½ cup organic blackberries, rinsed and dried
  • ½ cup organic raspberries, rinsed and dried
  • ½ cup organic blueberries, rinsed and dried
  • 1 TBSP olive oil
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. ginger powder
  • ½ tsp. turmeric powder
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • Dash of salt and pepper, to taste

Dressing

  • 1 large orange, juiced
  • 3 TBSP olive oil
  • 3 TBSP balsamic vinegar
  • 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  1. Place salmon skin-side down on foil, top with olive oil, garlic, ginger and turmeric powders, cayenne, salt and pepper.
  2. Place salmon under broiler and cook for four minutes per side. Oven broilers vary, so watch closely; salmon overcooks quickly.
  3. While salmon is in the broiler, place arugula and spinach, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries in a large bowl. Toss together lightly.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.
  5. When salmon is done cooking, place on top of berry salad mixture, top with almonds and drizzle with dressing. 

For more recipes, check out Natural Grocers.com.

Further Reading:
Sources:
  1. Wilson, L. (2013). EPA & DHA: The Fats of Life. August-September 2013 Health Hotline.
  2. Allbritton, J. (2009). Blueberries. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department.
  3. Allbritton, J. (2010). Age Decelerating Antioxidant-Rich Foods. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department.
  4. Pratt, H. (2013). Garlic. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department.
  5. Briggs, S. (2008). Citrus Bioflavonoids. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department.
  6. Allen, J. (2004). Vitamin C. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department
  7. Allen, J. (2003). Vitamin E Fact Sheet. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department.


Herbs With Healing Properties You Can Grow at Home

Growing herbs in your home is not only easy, it is highly recommended. This is especially true if you are growing them for medicinal purposes. Although you can buy herbs, you won’t know how the plants were raised or how the herbs were stored. Nothing beats the quality of homegrown herbs.

It doesn’t really matter if you have expert gardening skills as herbs require nothing but basic knowledge and some free space. If you have a garden in your home, it is wise to reserve some of the available space there for herbal medicines, as they can truly help when you are feeling ill. The best part is that the following are all easy-to-grow and require very little in terms of care.

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

The flavour of this plant is so unique,  that people either hate it or love it. It is used in several Thai and Mexican dishes, but most notably in Indian curry.  You can easily grow it in a moist, cool garden. Cilantro is a digestive aid and it also helps you detox heavy metals.

Callendulla or Marigold

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

The other name for Calendula is pot marigold. It is a powerful antiseptic and antifungal tool. Use the petals  for wound care and soothing the skin. Numerous cosmetic products use the plant for its properties, which is proof of its quality. This annual blooms throughout the entire season and looks charming in an outdoor garden, where it can receive plenty of sun.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

PeppermintYou are well-aware of the boost of freshness you get from peppermint flavoured toothpaste. Did you know that peppermint is also a very powerful ally against digestive discomfort (peppermint tea) and aching muscles (peppermint liquid/lotion)? You will do well to include this moist-loving plant in your garden. Just keep in mind that the leaves of the plant should be harvested before they flower or they will taste bitter.

 

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

RosemaryThe main benefit of rosemary is its power to bring more oxygen to your brain for better memory. According to expert gardeners, this herb is the equivalent of caffeine. The best part is that the evergreen plant is very drought tolerant and will likely survive any environment.

Lavender (Lavandula)

LavenderAccording to some studies, lavender is not only a perfume plant, it may also be used to benefit the nervous system. Adding some lavender oil to your bath will most certainly reduce tension, stress, and even insomnia. In order to grow lavender, you will need to provide a dry environment that is hot and sunny.

You can benefit a lot from each of these herbs, especially if you have invested time and effort in growing them at home. Do consider all of the benefits, and plant them today. Be sure to check out Handy Gardeners’ Blog for more articles on gardening.

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The Holy Trinity of Modern Day Housing: Environmentally Friendly, Sustainable, and Energy Efficient Houses

We no longer worry about whether our home is keeping up with the Joneses. These days we are more concerned with our impact on the planet and future generations.

The environmentally friendly home that’s sustainable and energy efficient has become the sought after ideal. But finding or creating the “holy trinity” (environmentally friendly, sustainable, and energy efficient) house isn’t a simple matter. This guide will help steer you in the right direction. To give you a kick start of inspiration, I’ve also included a couple of examples of funky and stylish houses that tick the green boxes.

Choose Your Location Wisely

“Location, location, location,” is an apt usage of the phrase when it comes to building an environmentally friendly home. A wrong choice can have catastrophic consequences for your dreams of an environmentally friendly and energy efficient home.

For example, think about whether there will be a place for solar panels to get plenty of sunlight. Consider air drainage and wind currents if you’re thinking about wind turbines and your gardening options. If you plan to have a plot of organic veggies, select a site that will be suitable for growing foods.

Install Solar Panels

Don’t think that just because you’re making your home environmentally friendly you’re going to be losing out financially. These days, you can actually save money by going green.

Solar panels are a perfect example. They used to be prohibitively expensive, but it’s now cheaper to install solar panels than it is to buy the average car. Solar can provide as much as 85% of your home’s energy. It’s a no-brainer for those looking to be a little more eco-friendly.

Focus on the Roof

When it comes to the roof of a green home, most people limit their thoughts to the aforementioned solar panels. But making your roof green goes beyond that. For example, did you know that white roofs are the most energy efficient? This all goes back to the lesson you probably had while in grade school. White is a reflective color, which means the hot sun rays won’t impact your home as much. This in turn keeps down air conditioning costs by keeping your home cooler during the summer.

Insulating Your Home

If you want to get close to net-zero performance, insulation is a key factor. You can keep your bills low by ensuring your home doesn’t lose energy in key places. For example, you can use GreenFiber Cocoon to insulate your home. This eco-friendly solution is made almost entirely from recycled newspapers that have been treated with a natural fire retardant to ensure safety. It’s also super practical for existing homes, as you can simply blow the material into walls through very small holes.

Do You Need the Space?

Many of us dream of large and spacious homes, but this is often in direct contrast of the eco ideal. Small homes are far easier to keep energy efficient and they’re also far more manageable.

A small overall space doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll feel cramped or boxed in. Architects and designers know that people are asking for homes that fit the environmental bill, which means that many seemingly compact homes are actually surprisingly spacious inside.

Use Eco-Friendly Materials and Products

Building a sustainable and environmentally friendly home isn’t always easy, especially when most companies don’t place planet earth at the top of the priority list. But luckily the pot of options is growing increasingly larger.

Paint: When choosing your new home’s paint, always go for a brand that is low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These chemicals are incredibly harmful to both you and the environment, but, unfortunately, they are still quite common in your average pot of paint.

Reclaimed & Recycled Materials: Many people hold the misconception that recycled or reclaimed products won’t look as “nice” as their brand new equivalents. These days, however, the recycled trend has given us funky products that end up being excellent talking points over a dinner party. For example, why not use a doormat made of wasted float rope? Or how about a lamp made out of agricultural waste? You can even buy stools made of a mixture of sand, bacteria, and urine!

Steel: Steel is an ideal building material for several reasons. It’s incredibly resilient (It won’t rot or twist. It’s termite resistant). It has an impressive strength to weight ratio. And it is very versatile.

Steel is also an environmentally friendly choice. Its lightweight nature means little of it is required compared to other material. Steel is also 100% recyclable and will go the distance It’s extremely unlikely you’ll ever need to replace or do any structural work to houses built with a steel framework.

Energy Star: When buying electrical products for your home, always look for the Energy Star. This guarantees that your chosen item is energy efficient, which can make a huge difference to the amount of energy your home uses.

Energy Star products are now common. Most are affordable and perform to perfection. In other words, there’s no excuse!

Examples of Awesome, Sustainable Homes

Sustainable homes aren’t yet the norm, but they’re no longer rare futuristic sights or impractical pipe dreams of the eco-friendly. There are countless examples across the globe of homes that aren’t just soft on the environment, but also have the wow-factor and are sustainable to boot.

Waste House in Brighton, UK was Built entirely (well, almost) from discarded waste. This Brighton abode is the seminal example of the sustainable home. It’s amazing what 20,000 toothbrushes and 4,000 DVD cases can do!

Energy Neutral Residence 2.0 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is the perfect weapon to the argument that style and sustainability can go hand in hand. Its insulation is based on a NASA prototype and uses a discarded tree as part of the design. An on-site wind turbine provides the little energy used.

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