In other parts of the world, and increasingly in the states, the medicinal benefits of cayenne are well known. In fact, there are over three thousand studies on the health benefits of capsaicin (cayenne’s active ingredient) and cayenne pepper, according to Dr. Patrick Quillin.

It regulates blood pressure, strengthens the pulse, feeds the heart, lowers cholesterol, thins the blood, cleans the circulatory system, heals ulcers, slows hemorrhaging, speeds healing of wounds, rebuilds damaged tissue, eases congestion, aids digestion, regulates elimination, relieves arthritis and rheumatism, prevents the spread of infection, numbs pain, and more.

Contents:

• Recipes for Cayenne Use
• Scoville Heat Units
• Natural Remedies with Cayenne
• Recommended Supplements

If I were allowed only one emergency herbal medicine, it would be cayenne tincture because it stimulates circulation throughout the entire body. Cayenne helps the capillaries, veins, and arteries regain their elasticity of youth. Moreover, when the venous structure becomes filled with mucus, the blood “thickens” and has a harder time circulating. Cayenne moves blood like no other herb. Cayenne tincture should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet. In fact, any holistic health advisor or practicing naturopath should have cayenne as a major component in many of their healing protocols.

Recommended: How To Heal Your Gut

While cayenne is amazing by itself, when it is combined with another herb, the results are worth more than the sum of its parts. Capsaicin helps every other herb function better because it stimulates the circulation of blood, which helps get the beneficial bio-chemicals and nutrition to the cells.

Cayenne is an extremely effective treatment for heart and blood circulation problems, palpitations, and cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat). It’s a miracle for congestive heart failure and is beneficial for someone who has any type of circulatory problems, such as high or low blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, high triglycerides, and even varicose veins.

Two teaspoons of cayenne pepper, ground or dried, has 11 calories, an almost none-existent glycemic index, 8.3% of your USRDA of highly bio-available vitamin A. You also get 7.1% of the USRDA of vitamin E, 5.2% of Vitamin B-6, 3.9% of fiber, 3.6% of vitamin C, 3.5% of manganese, and 3.2% of vitamin K.

Daily Cayenne for Prevention and Maintenance

A daily maintenance dosage is 3 teaspoons of cayenne tincture (one teaspoon three times a day). The best benefits of cayenne are realized when taken straight in a liquid form or eating a whole pepper, but for obvious reasons, most people will need to build up to this over time. Other alternatives include mixing the powder into food as a seasoning and drinking cayenne teas. You can also take cayenne capsules.

Recommended: Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included

Recipes for Cayenne Use

Obviously you can put cayenne into any food that calls for hot spice, but there are many other ways to realize the health benefits of cayenne.

Super Vitality Morning Juice Drink

Juice ¼ a cup of ginger, and ¼ a cup of lemon.  Add ¼ a cup of pure cranberry and ¾ a cup of spring water or distilled water. Add cayenne to taste. Drink up!

You can also sweeten it up with stevia.

Lemon, Ginger, Cayenne Tea

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add 3 tablespoons of ginger (grated, or  finely chopped, and you can also use a garlic press) and ¼ a cup of lemon juice and boil for 30 seconds. Then add the cayenne. Let it steep for five to ten minutes until the ginger is strong and aromatic.

Recommended: Best Supplements To Kill Candida and Everything Else You Ever Wanted To Know About Fungal Infections

Topical Cayenne Cream

This is amazing for pain relief such as sprains, arthritis, tendonitis, etc. It is also a very effective hair regrowth balm.

In 3 cups of olive oil, mix together 4 tablespoons of ground cayenne, 4 tablespoons of turmeric, and 4 tablespoons of ground ginger.  Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and then cook over low heat (or use a double broiler with medium heat) for approximately 10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of beeswax and stir until the beeswax has melted. Remove from heat as soon as the ingredients are blended well (Optional, but highly recommended: add 4 ounces of DMSO). You may also use coconut oil instead of beeswax.  Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes and then whisk the concoction thoroughly, Finally, refrigerate for another 20 minutes. If not already in glass, transfer cream to a glass jar with a sealed lid and store in the refrigerator. The cream stays potent for about 3 weeks. Apply as needed for pain, but with this cream, rub in as much as you can and then let it dry before rinsing off. Warning: The turmeric stains badly! You can make this recipe without the turmeric and it still works very well (it’s just more powerful with turmeric).

Tincture

This recipe is one part cayenne to two parts alcohol. The stronger the alcohol is the better it is for the tincture. Vodka works, but Everclear is better. Add ingredients to a jar with a lid and place in a dark place. Shake or stir every other day. The tincture will be ready in four weeks. Once your tincture is ready, strain through cheesecloth (a coffee filter works, too) into a dark colored jar. If you do not have a dark jar, store in a dark place.

Deep Tissue Repair Oil

This formula offers pain relief and speeds up the healing process for muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is very beneficial, too, for arthritis patients, torn ligaments, pulled muscles, headaches, sore muscles, and maladjusted vertebrae. It works better than anything I’ve ever used as a massage oil; it completely relaxes the body and has a wonderful compounding effect with a good massage. It will often get rid of, or at least reduce, a headache almost instantly if you put a drop on both of your temples and rub it in (or if the headache is near the back, rub into the upper trapezoid close to the base of your skull). Used in conjunction with the Bone, Flesh, and Cartilage Formula for serious injuries and the healing benefits are remarkable. Mix ingredients together in dark colored glass jar:

• 8 oz. Wintergreen Oil
• 4 oz. Cold Pressed Organic Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 oz. Menthol Crystals
• 2 oz. DMSO
• 1/2 cup Arnica Flowers (Dry)
• 1/2 cup Calendula (Marigold Flowers)
• 1/4 cup Ginger Root
• 4 tablespoons of Cayenne (or even better, the hottest you can find)

Leave for three weeks and then strain with a cheesecloth and store in a dark colored bottle. To use, apply directly to skin. It doesn’t typically take much; this recipe is potent.

You can also purchase our Deep Tissue Repair Oil here.

Shillington’s Herbal Snuff

For sinus infections, toothaches, gum disease, and migraines, this recipe works wonders. All ingredients should be ground and dried. Mix seven parts goldenseal root powder with seven parts bayberry bark powder, one part cayenne pepper powder, and one part garlic powder. Apply directly to infected tooth, gum infection, or sniff hard for sinus infections, deep infections within the jaw, or migraines. Now hold on for dear life.

You can also purchase Shillington’s Herbal Snuff here.

Poultice

Mix equal parts cayenne pepper (powder), mullein leaves, and slippery elm powder. Add apple cider vinegar to dampen the mixture.

Capsules, Liquid, or Powder

It depends on the application. Powdered cayenne pepper is simple to use and has a great amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Liquid cayenne can have increased potency due to the nature of tinctures, and in emergency situations liquid cayenne can be much easier to administer. Capsules are great for getting many of the benefits of cayenne without the taste, but do be careful. Too many capsules of cayenne on an empty stomach can cause nausea just like taking it in another form. The only difference is a ten minute delay.

What Type of Cayenne To Use

The spiciness of peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units (S.H.U). While this article mentions cayenne almost every time it refers to the spicy peppers, any hot pepper with a high Scoville heat unit has the awesome health benefits we’re discussing within the article.

Most cayenne sold in stores is about 35,000 S.H.U. This is not strong enough to get the best results for injury applications, pain relief, or heart and stroke conditions. But it’s fine for daily use to help prevent health issues and promote vitality.

For amazing results using cayenne, or for emergency treatments, or injury pain relief and healing, go with 100,000 S.H.U. or more. Habanero peppers that you can find in most grocery stores are about 350,000 S.H.U. And tinctures sold on Green Lifestyle Market are over 100,000 SHU.

The more potent your cayenne tincture, the less you will need to use. This is important because it may not be possible to get a person in the middle of a stroke or a heart attack to drink a full cup of cayenne tea.

For cayenne capsules check out:

Cayenne Pepper • (500mg) 100c – Now Foods

Cayenne Extra Hot 100,000 HU • 100c – Nature’s Way

And for liquid cayenne check out:

Capsicum annuum (cayenne extract) – Wise Woman Herbals (8 & 16 ounces)

Shillington’s Cayenne Tincture (1 ounce)

Natural Remedies with Cayenne

The list of ailments cayenne can help with are staggering, but there are caveats to be aware of, aside from the burn. Be sure to check out the warnings at the end of the article.

Shingles

For relief from shingles, cayenne may be ingested and applied as a cream. Capsaicin compounds block pain signals from nerves just under the skin. Apply to blisters several times a day. We advise you first test the cream on a small area of skin to insure there is no adverse reaction.

Diabetes

Diabetes wreaks havoc on the circulatory system. Neuropathy and tissue death of the extremities may result. Current research suggests capsaicin encourages regeneration of damaged nerves and improves circulation, which helps prevent infections such as foot ulcers that may lead to complications and subsequent amputations.

Animal trials of capsaicin injections (for animals with Type 1 diabetes) show decreases in blood sugar levels, restoration of normal insulin, and when neuropeptides are added, an elimination of symptoms for several months.

Metabolism/ Weight Loss/Fat Oxidation

Cayenne pepper is an appetite suppressant that also boosts metabolism.

In a 3-month study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2003, participants who were given 135 grams of capsaicin a day burned more body fat than those participants who were given a placebo.

While it can be taken in capsule form, other research has shown that eating it with food–actually tasting it, is most beneficial for weight loss.  Tasting it also resulted in fewer food cravings.

It is important to note that long term use may decrease cayenne’s effectiveness in weight loss, as the study conducted showed that the greatest benefit was seen in those who did not regularly eat spicy foods.

Psoriasis

Capsaicin helps relieve the pain and itching of psoriasis by blocking the communication system of sensory nerves. Studies have also shown that capsaicin cream, used for a week or more, can result in healing the skin–no more psoriasis plaques. Be sure to avoid mucous membranes and the eyes.

Colds and Allergies

Cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in quercetin, a bioflavonoid that prevents the release of histamines and other inflammatory chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. It also helps break up and loosen mucous, eases the pain of a sore throat, clears sinuses, and helps kill infection including viruses.

High Cholesterol

According to an Australian research team published in the British Journal of Nutrition, cayenne pepper dilates blood vessels and can lower cholesterol. Capsaicin causes LDL to resist oxidation for a longer period, which reduces the risks of heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke. Capsaicin also cleans the arteries, helping to flush excess LDL cholesterol and fatty triglycerides.

Blood Pressure

Cayenne is a popular home treatment for mild high blood pressure. Due to its ability to improve circulation and dilate blood vessels, cayenne works very quickly to bring down blood pressure in people who are not using drugs (like smoking tobacco) that raise the blood pressure. For the same reason, ingesting cayenne can help those who suffer from cold hands and feet.

Arthritis

Ointments applied topically offer temporary relief and some long-term benefits for those suffering from the pain of arthritis. Taking it internally offers benefits as well and is better for long-term results, but the effects are not as noticeable or as fast.  Capsaicin triggers the release of endorphins in the brain, which has a pain relieving effect similar to that of morphine. Check out the cayenne cream recipe above for immediate arthritis relief or try the Deep Tissue Repair Oil.

Cancer

Multiple clinical studies in conducted in Japan, England, and the United States has shown capsaicin forces cancer cells to self-terminate. Ingest regularly and also, for skin cancer, apply topically. Along with a detox, a healthy diet full of fresh organic raw produce and a few other natural cancer cures, cancer is rarely something that anyone need fear. Check out our issue that we dedicated to natural cancer remedies for more information.

Ulcers and Digestive Issues

Due to the fact that cayenne pepper is spicy, many people were under the impression that it causes ulcers. This was due to the fact that most people who eat conventionally get their spicy food in the form of junk food that causes ulcerities. Avoiding junk food is imperative to anyone who wants to heal their digestive system, and capsaicin actually heals stomach and intestinal ulcers. Capsaicin improves digestion by stimulating the peristaltic movement of the intestines, helps to regulate stomach secretions, works as a pain reliever to relieve ulcer caused pains, and can reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Capsaicin also kills the bacteria that cause ulcers including H. pylori.  More than just a treatment for ulcers, it treats health issues such as abdominal cramps, acidity, gas and bloating. It also helps with urine elimination and bowel evacuation.

Heartburn

The spice can relieve heartburn and indigestion, but apple cider vinegar works faster and is much easier to take. For a serious case of indigestion, try 4 ounces of apple cider vinegar with a pinch of cayenne.

Headaches & Migraines

Cayenne tea in the morning (or cayenne in any food) can prevent headaches, including migraines. But if you need to get rid of an existing migraine, or you need to stop one that is just getting started, snorting cayenne, while “hardcore” and not for the faint of heart, is one of the few migraines remedies that has been shown to provide immediate relief for most people.

Hemorrhaging, and Open Wounds, Cuts

During the civil war, where shrapnel injuries were common, amputations were performed regularly. Some of the doctors would apply ground cayenne to the open wounds gushing with blood. But do not ingest cayenne when bleeding badly, as this is not the best time to utilize its blood thinning properties. But when used externally on a wound, cayenne pepper is a vasoconstrictor, which means it tightens the blood vessels.

On an open wound, slap copious amounts of cayenne pepper and hold it down with pressure for one minute. Within the first 10 seconds, the smaller veins and arteries will stop bleeding, and in about 60 seconds, larger arteries will slow or stop bleeding as well.

With cases of severe menstrual issues or post childbirth, women can develop uncontrolled bleeding. An old remedy was to mix one cup of warm water with 6 tablespoons of cayenne pepper. Use a turkey baster to inject the cayenne mixture into the vagina hold it in for as long as the person can stand it.

Capsaicin has other healing properties as well,and should be used to speed the healing. It reduces the likelihood of infection in small cuts. Again, it’s a great topical pain reliever.

Fainting

When a person is feeling faint, light headed, and about to pass out, or just need a wake-me-up, taking cayenne orally in liquid or powdered form will snap the person to attention, and can even revive one who has completely fainted and is unconscious.

Circulation – Cardiovascular

Cayenne helps arteries, veins, and capillaries regain elasticity. It also helps regulate the flow of blood in the whole body from head to feet. Cayenne strengthens the pulse and boosts the overall health of the entire cardiovascular system. For increased energy, better detoxification, reduction of cold hands and feet, and to promote overall healing, better blood circulation is a requirement.

Heart Attack & Stroke

A heaping tablespoon of cayenne tincture (or extract) in a glass of warm water, or 10 dropperfuls (half oz.)is the treatment/dosage needed for someone having a heart attack or a stroke. If drinking a glass of fluid is not possible, apply cayenne drops directly into the mouth. This is where a more powerful extract like habanero could come in handy. The higher Scoville units of around 100,000 to 400,000 are ideal.

It’s best to know if the person suffering is on blood thinning medications before using cayenne, but with a very serious stroke or a heart attack, it really is worth the risk. See below for precautions to be aware of.

For anyone with heart conditions or at risk for a stroke, we recommend you always have Shillington’s Heart Formula. Keep it with you at all times in case of an emergency, and take two dropperfuls three times a day

Hair Regrowth

The most common cause of alopecia is poor blood circulation. Cayenne pepper, when applied topically, increases blood circulation. Start with ¼ a cup of fresh onion juice, ¼ a cup of fresh ginger juice, and 1/4 a cup of olive oil or coconut oil (may need to melt at a low heat in order to mix). Add two tablespoons of cayenne powder or a liquid cayenne. Mix well, and apply directly to scalp. If hair is long, take the time to message into scalp. This remedy works amazingly well, but it takes a few months to see the results. It’s also really good for your hair! Refrigerate when not in use, but try to use it all up within a day, as the fresher the juice, the more potent the formula.

Skin Conditions

Cayenne prevents and treats acne by increasing blood flow to the skin and by killing pimple causing fungi and bacteria. Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamin C, vitamin Em and several anti-oxidants that help to heal the epidermis. Apply topically, and ingest as well, because ingesting cayenne pepper has shown to result in a considerable decrease in acne on the skin.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are inflammation of the veins in the anus and rectum. Cayenne pepper is a powerful anti-inflammatory. You can apply directly to the affected area for best results. This will burn. It will itch. It is not pleasant. But it works faster than ingesting cayenne. We recommend doing both if you can handle it (and if possible).

Sinus Infection

Cayenne pepper is an excellent home remedy for a sinus infection. It helps to break and flush out mucus. Take a few pinches of cayenne pepper powder and dab inside your infected nostril. It’s better if you apply this remedy at night just before going to the bed.

For a serious and/or chronic sinus infection, try Shillington’s Herbal Snuff. With goldenseal root powder, bayberry bark powder, cayenne pepper powder, and garlic powder, it’s going to burn like holy hell, but it clears the sinuses and kills the infection. You can make your own (see recipe above) or purchase Shillington’s Herbal Snuff here.

Sore Throat

A very effective remedy for sore throats is to gargle with apple cider vinegar, a pinch of unrefined sea salt, and cayenne. This will not only help kill the bacteria, fungi, or virus causing the sore throat, but it will also attract blood to the tonsils to help healing.

Toothaches

Toothaches are caused by an infection. Kill the infection and attract blood flow to the area with a remedy that is pretty tough to take, but it works amazingly well! Take a pinch of cayenne, a few drops of clove oil, a crushed clove of garlic, and some oil of oregano, and mush and mix it all together. Apply directly to the pain, and smear around it as well. Breathe through your mouth and hold it as long as you can, but no more than 5 minutes. It’s painful, but not nearly as painful as a bad toothache, and it will provide immediate relief. Do this three times a day and your toothache will be a thing of the past.

Side Effects and Warnings

You need to stop taking cayenne (and garlic, and any other foods that thin the blood) 7 days before surgery due to the blood thinning properties.

If you are allergic to latex, bananas, kiwi, chestnuts, or avocados, you may also be allergic to cayenne.

Anyone taking blood thinner medications should avoid cayenne and other peppers with high levels of capsicum due to increased the risk of blood vessels rupturing, which may lead to uncontrolled hemorrhaging.

If large amounts of cayenne are ingested after a heart attack or stroke, there is the possibility of an increased risk of an injury known as reperfusion. When blood supply is cut off from tissues long enough, tissue death can occur due to lack of oxygen. When the blood supply is then restored, this leads to inflammation and tissue destruction in part from oxidative damage from the increase of blood and oxygen back to the tissues. It has not been proven, but in theory one could increase the damage from reperfusion injuries by increasing blood flow to the dead tissues. In our opinion the risks are worth the benefits, but the theory is sound and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention it.

The Best Herbs and Spices

I have four herbs and spices I consume regularly: Garlic, turmeric, cayenne, and ground papaya seed. Cloves and cinnamon are two more spices that I plan to do a better job of incorporating. I eat papaya seeds raw, never cooked, as the benefit is the enzymes which are killed by heat. I eat many of the other seasonings raw, too. For instance, I cook rice and beans with many seasonings and then add more after the beans are done cooking and have cooled off so I can get the raw-food health benefits. Find a good, high quality source for these herbs and spices and get them into your diet as much and as often as you can, and your health will improve dramatically.

Recommended Products:

• Mother Earth Organic Root Cider – Barrier Island Organics
• Shillington’s Cayenne Tincture
• Capsicum annuu\m (cayenne extract) – Wise Woman Herbals
• Shillington’s Heart Formula
• Shillington’s Blood Detox Formula
• Shillington’s Tooth and Gum Formula
• Cayenne Pepper • (500mg) 100c – Now Foods
• Cayenne Extra Hot 100,000 HU • 100c – Nature’s Way
• Shillington’s Herbal Snuff here

Further Reading:

• Cinnamon – Ceylon Vs Cassia, Health Benefits, and Other Interesting Facts
• How To Use Turmeric To Kill Cancer
• Garlic – The Most Amazing Herb On the Planet

Sources:

• How Effective Is Capsaicin for Diabetes?
• The Dangers of Cayenne for Heart Attacks and Strokes
• Cayenne Pepper Heat Units
• Cayenne Pepper Cures ~ The Fire Of Life! Ancient Remedies, Healing Treatments &…
• PatrickQuillin.com

If I were allowed only one herbal remedy to treat medical conditions, it would be raw, organic garlic.

Garlic is nature’s antibiotic and more. Garlic kills (removes, eliminates, reduces) bacteria, colds, flus, viruses, parasites, inflammation, warts, fungi, and plagues.

The Benefits of Garlic

• Kills kidney infections
• Kills urinary tract infections
• Inhibits leukemia
• Kills and expels worms
• Increases insulin production
• Kills athletes foot (apply externally and take internally)
• Dramatically lowers cholesterol
• Helps with weight control and weight loss
• Reduces and regulates blood sugar
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Kills cancer cells (has been proven in numerous lab studies)
• Treats acne (apply externally and take internally)
• Soothes psoriasis (apply externally)
• Kills cold sores (apply externally)
• Removes heavy metals from the body
• Strengthens the immune system
• Kills strep throat
• Kills tooth infections

Things to Know when Using Garlic

Garlic Breath

If you stink when consuming raw garlic this should quit happening when the digestive system gets healthier.  Garlic + toxins = stink.

When the toxins are all gone, so is the stink. It is very beneficial when your eyes water while cooking with garlic or onions. The properties that make your eyes water actually cleanse and help kill eye infections. Garlic is great for just about every health condition.

Related: How To Heal Your Gut

Chopping Garlic Before Eating

Two components of garlic, a sulfur-based compound called alliin, and the enzyme alliinase, are kept separate within garlic. But when the cells are ruptured these elements are released, allowing them to come in contact and form a powerful new compound called allicin. This compound is responsible for many of the health benefits garlic is known for, along with its pungent smell and bite. The more the garlic is chopped (minced, pressed, etc.), the more allicin is produced. After cutting the garlic, let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the chemical process to take place.

Personally, I take a different approach to receive the same results. To maximize the effectiveness of garlic, try chewing it for at least one minute while breathing in and out of your mouth. Chew for as long as you can, continuing to let the air in as you go.

How Cooking Affects Nutrients

Heating garlic without letting it sit has been found to deactivate the enzyme that is responsible for the formation of alliicin. However, if you have allowed your garlic to sit for 5-10 minutes, you can cook it on low or medium heat for a short period of time (up to 15 minutes) without destroying the alliicin. This is because letting it sit not only ensures the maximum synthesis of the alliicin, but also makes it more stable and resistant to the heat of cooking. – The Worlds Healthiest Foods

Cooking for:

• 5-15 minutes — minimal loss of nutrients
• 15-30 minutes — moderate loss of nutrients
• 45+ minutes — substantial loss of nutrients

Garlic Burns

Yes, it can actually burn you. When using garlic topically, be cognizant of this and remove garlic when finished with treatment. Don’t leave raw garlic pieces on the skin too long. When using garlic to remove a splinter for instance (see below) you may want to check every 15 to 20 minutes to make sure the skin is not burning.

Garlic left on an open wound can burn within a few minutes.

Personal Story from Michael Edwards

In Los Angeles there was a spider with a bad attitude in our apartment. He bit me nine times over the course of four nights. I do not know what kind of spider it was, but he was nasty, and five of those bites got very infected. I’m not one to get infections easily, but the spider that bit me was a potent little bastard! The bites were on my left arm near my elbow. I couldn’t move my elbow and I was starting to look like an Ebola virus victim. One of the bites was so bad that there was almost a third of a cup of green and greenish yellow, thick, oozing puss that I spent 5 hours carefully extracting, only to have it fill up the next day. I was taking tons of supplements and eating well; I was doing everything I could to ensure I did not get an infection, but this toxin the spider bit me with was unrelenting. I was also using some of the most potent herbs I knew of, putting them directly into the huge hole left behind from the puss extraction. During the third time (seven days after the bite) of removing the puss (I was cutting open my arm and literally digging into the infection, scooping out this nasty pussy junk), I noticed streaking. Blood poisoning. So I decided to take drastic measures. I knew it would burn me badly, but I filled up the hole with garlic. I shoved a total of four large minced cloves into the infection, which gives you an idea of the massive size of the hole that was there on my arm just below my elbow. Then I bandaged the wound.

It itched so badly that night, but my whole arm hurt and itched so much already that the garlic itch didn’t matter to me. I taped my hands in my sleep so my fingers wouldn’t claw off the bandage while scratching in my sleep.

The next day I awoke to a huge purple welt. It was three times the diameter of a quarter, and it looked like something had eaten a huge chunk of my arm. It was ghastly! But it was also uninfected! I had no itch, and very little pain right there, unlike the other bites.

The other bites had to be drained for infection a few times, even well after the wound closed. I did not do the garlic trick with them, as the scar that I thought might be permanent was massive and disturbing to look at. It took a month for the other spider bites to heal, and it took 6 weeks for the garlic wound to completely heal leaving a very large scar.

But here is what I found most interesting: today, one year later, every single spider bite left a scar, except the big one. The one I put the garlic into is less visible than the others. As massive and nasty as it was during the slow healing process, the permanent damage done was less than that of even the relatively insignificant other bites.

Related: Best Supplements To Kill Candida and Everything Else You Ever Wanted To Know About Fungal Infections

Growing Garlic

This amazing herb is easy to grow and is the best organic pest repellent you can have in your garden. Growing it interspersed throughout your yard will keep away unwanted visitors. In the fall, plant cloves with the tips pointing up, four inches deep, and six inches apart in direct sun. Watch them pop up in the spring and harvest when the tops start to turn brown. Hang them in bundles or braids in a dry place. Next year, plant the biggest cloves to keep improving the strain, and then eat the smaller ones.

Companion Planting

Garlic, in close proximity, will benefit cabbage, cane fruit, fruit trees, roses, and tomatoes. Keep away from beans, peas, sage and asparagus.

When planting garlic around vegetable companions, scatter the onion and garlic plants to minimize infestation by onion/garlic pests such as onion maggots.

The Garlic Game

When everybody in the house is sniffling, coughing and blowing their noses constantly, its time to play the garlic game. First you get the game materials together. Every player needs one large glass of water and a handful of peeled garlic cloves. Spin a clove to see who goes first. The first player puts one clove of garlic in their mouth and chews as fast as he or she can, then swallows it down with a sip of water. Player 2 does the same. The first one to refuse garlic loses and has to eat 3 cloves or stay sick as a penalty.

Whoever eats the most garlic wins. Anyone who eats an entire bulb is the ultimate winner. However, I do recommend you have some food in your stomach before playing this game, as raw garlic on an empty stomach can cause nausea and vomiting.

You may think that chewing raw garlic is intense and hard to do, but try it. It’s not as bad as you think, and it’s nowhere near as intense as our chili pepper contest.

Recommended: How to Cure Lyme Disease, and Virtually Any Other Bacterial Infection, Naturally

More Things Garlic Can Do

This miracle herb has a few more tricks up its sleeve:

Treat Alopecia

Thanks to the allicin, garlic (and onions for that matter) have been shown to reduce hair loss and help regrow hair. Slice garlic and let it set for a couple of minutes to maximize the allicin. Take the sliced garlic and rub on the scalp, squeezing as you go for the most benefit. You can also infuse oil with garlic and massage it into your scalp.

Remove a Splinter

Place a slice of garlic over the opening of the splinter entry and cover with a bandage.

Glass Repair

For cracked glass, rub some crushed garlic clove juice on the crack. Wipe away any excess.

Got Any Other Garlic Tricks?

It’s a powerful substance. Be careful, use common sense, and listen to your body when treating ailments and conditions with garlic. It’s an amazing herb and should be treated with the respect it deserves. If you know of anything else we should include in this garlic article, please let us know by leaving a comment.

Recommended Reading:

• Cinnamon – Ceylon Vs Cassia, Health Benefits, and Other Interesting Facts
• Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones
• Cayenne and Capsaicin, Natures Miracle Medicine

Definition of Genetic: adjective – Of or relating to genes (a unit of heredity) that is transferred from a parent to its child and is thought to cause physical and/or mental characteristics in the child: all the cells in a body should contain the same genetic information.

Definition of Heredity: The passing on of physical or mental characteristics from a male and a female to their children and their children and the following generations.

Simplified Definition of DNA: It is material in a body that carries all of the genetic information.

What Causes Autism, Down Syndrome, and Other Genetic Disorders

Pharmaceutical Companies tell patients and parents that genetics are solely to blame for every medical failure that comes about from using their expensive, toxic, and destructive drugs and procedures. But more and more people are seeing what plenty of research shows, these super drugs and vaccinations being pushed down our throats are actually the cause of the modern day diseases such as Autism, Down syndrome, and the many other epidemics.

In 1998, I discovered the basic physical common denominator of all disease: “stoppage.” In 2007 I realized the 3 basic physical reasons why all stoppage occurs:

1. A person is DOING something they shouldn’t be doing.
2. A person is NOT DOING something they actually should be doing.
3. Lastly, they are doing both #1 and #2 at the same time.

For most people this seems overly simplistic. And of course (as usual) most of the authorities would vehemently disagree with these principles, if only because applications using them are inexpensive and just too easy.

A few of the many real life examples I have come across in my practice:

A person is DOING something they shouldn’t be doing.

At the urging of their medical doctor, a mother and father of a small boy have him vaccinated at an early age. One of the main ingredients in this shot is Thimersol, of which 49% is the heavy metal Mercury. Mercury, besides being highly toxic in itself, can cause the nerves and the brain to short circuit. This brings about weird physical and mental behavior in children and creates Autism in its many forms.

A person is NOT DOING something they actually should be doing.

A woman doesn’t exercise at all while pregnant. The birth is very difficult, the baby is physically stressed and often even damaged. Often she will end up having to have a cesarean section rather than a natural child birth simply because she wasn’t in a good enough physical condition.

A person is NOT DOING something they actually should be doing while doing something else they should not be doing.

A husband and wife are alcoholics or drug addicts and spend a great deal of their time boozing or doping up, rather than consuming nutritious food and drink. Alcoholics and drug addicts are well known to be suffering from malnutrition due to their bad diets. While not addressed or promoted broadly, it is a scientific fact that alcohol and drugs taken to any excess can create abnormalities in the DNA. Now scientists are beginning to discover what many of us naturopaths have long known; diet, too, can have a significant effect on DNA. Is it really any surprise that because of this one fact, Down Syndrome is also on a dramatic rise in this current society?

Because every case is different, and some bodies are more susceptible to damage than others, or some just don’t have the recuperating powers or the stronger immune systems that others have, the above is not broadly recognized or promoted, and is actually suppressed in many circles. The amazing thing is, these conditions cannot only be prevented, and in most cases these diseases can actually be stopped and reversed.

It stands to reason that in order to begin the healing process and the reversal of any one of these Genetic disorders, one need only…

Treatments and Remedies; The Protocols For Reversing Autism, Down Syndrome, and Other Genetic Disorders (Listed in order of importance)

1. Add Proper Nutrition

   One needs to put the proper building blocks there so that when the correction starts happening, the right nutrients are available for the rebuilding process.

2. Remove the Toxins

   The mercury, the food additives, the pesticides, the hormones, the steroids, the alcohol & drug residues, and the radiation buildup all have to go. These are what created the stoppage in the first place. Complete detoxification is a must!

3. Use of GOOD Bio-chemicals

   Vitamins and herbs that increase circulation and deliver nutrients to the nerves and the brain will also stimulate and improve their function. These are essential. The main ones for doing this are vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B3 (niacin), a vitamin B complex, gingko biloba, cayenne, horseradish, garlic, and ginger (not a complete list by any means, but a good start).

4. DMSO Therapy

   DMSO has four main characteristics:

   1. It will penetrate any organic cell wall.
   2. It takes whatever you mix with it through the cell wall as well.
   3. It is a free radical fighter second to none. Free radicals are particles that destroy cells.
   4. Most exciting and extremely important: There is every evidence that it realigns the body’s DNA back to the original blueprint (form).

5. Oxygenation Therapy Used Along With Inversion Therapy

   Oxygenation therapy by means of food grade hydrogen peroxide when used with inversion therapy (hanging upside down) will START that which has been stopped. This part of the process will reset and turn on the switches that were turned off when the damage was done.

6. A Quality Exercise Protocol

   Any game such as tennis, or any sport that requires coordination, played every day for an hour or three, no matter how badly played to begin with, is absolutely vital when it comes to reprogramming the body.

The above is very inexpensive to do and so will not be popular with those who are money motivated. Not only are they listed in order of importance, they were also placed in the proper sequence for getting the best results. It will not be appreciated by those who believe that throwing money at a problem is the way to solve everything. However, using the above program, with some hard work and dedication anyone will see dramatic improvement in conditions, and in most cases the above protocol will remedy them altogether.

There is no limit to the number of times a person can be put through the entire program. Once completely done in sequence, extra emphasis can then be placed on one or more of the protocols thereafter. After the first time through, each step can be done over and over again as needed. It is not uncommon to put a person through the detox part of the program at least 4 times in the first year, and once or twice a year from thereon out. Step one (the addition of excellent nutrition) should not only be done throughout, but must be maintained even after one has attained the desired results and is no longer on the program. Though not to the same degree of importance, the same is true for step 6 as well.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition

You can’t build a bowl of clay pottery without clay. You can’t run a car without fuel. And you most certainly cannot build or rebuild a healthy body without excellent nutrition. Without the proper building blocks, neither a building nor a body gets built with any permanence or strength to it. If you create a structure with junk materials, you’ll get a junk building that soon decays and crumbles into ruin. If you attempt to build a body on junk food, you’ll get a body that decays and is always sick, tired, and diseased. It only stands to reason that the opposite is also true. If you add great nutrition to your daily regimen, you will now have the “building blocks” necessary to start building a healthy body. This is especially true when attempting to bring a body back from a condition of disease, and into a state of health. When building or rebuilding anything, you’ve got to have the right tools and the right building materials!

First and foremost is to eat only 100% organic, all natural foods. Nowadays, the GMO companies (Monsanto, ADM, Dupont, etc.) are trying to get the organic standards changed so that even GMO soy can be legally labeled organic. There is a great deal of evidence pointing to the fact that even many so called organic standards have been compromised or soon will be if they haven’t been already. We all should make friends with our local farmers and start supporting our local farmer’s markets. Additionally, start gardening! This is tremendous fun for the kids (gets them away from the TV), and the health benefits are noticed immediately. You’ll be amazed at how much better the taste of your produce is, and the whole family’s health will start improving overnight. If you live in a big city, join a local co-op.

Don’t forget, raw fresh produce is the healthiest food you can eat! By volume, most of your diet should be produce, and consume more vegetables than fruit.

Many people simply can’t do this due to the location where they live. Many simply have no access to high quality food. This is why I created my Total Nutrition Formula. I wanted a formula that had the best of the best in it and that was accessible to everyone. I wanted a nutritional supplement that could do it ALL, and this recipe does exactly that. Also very important to me was making the recipe “public domain” = publishing the exact formula, and making it fully available for anyone to make on their own if they so wished. Anyone wanting the exact recipe has only to go to: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Herbal_Remedies/ and look in the “FILES”. There are no exceptions. Every single one of my recipes, formulas, and health tips are there and FREE for the downloading.

Why is the Total Nutrition Formula so good and so vital?

The most important ingredients in Total Nutrition is spirulina, a blue green algae. Spirulina is one of the most concentrated, nutritious foods on the planet. It is the highest natural source of complete protein (77% = much higher than many meat sources), plus we use only 100% organically grown spirulina. It is extremely high in beta carotene and is also a rich source of all the B-vitamins. It is one of the best sources of organic minerals, yet it is easily metabolized and assimilated, even by those with major digestion difficulties.

The second most important ingredient is chlorella, a close second  to spirulina in overall nutritional content. Another of the algae, it is an extremely concentrated food where the cell wall has been cracked to make the nutrients quickly available. But that’s only half the story. Chlorella is very special, in that it acts as a  natural chelation agent that will bond with heavy metals to facilitate their removal from the body. It is a vital tool for autistic children who have been exposed to high levels of mercury and is essential when it comes to removing all heavy metals from the brain and other areas of the body.

The third major ingredient is astragalus. In Oriental herbology, astragalus shares the #1 spot with ginseng. Astragalus not only has a reputation for preventing cancer, but it is legendary for rejuvenating digestive organs and balancing blood sugar levels. Astragalus also corrects metabolism and can therefore bring about weight-loss or weight-gain depending on the needed improvement. This makes it equally great for weight lifters and weight reducers. It strengthens and builds the immune system, promotes the healing of wounds and injuries, reduces edema and is well known for dramatically increasing energy levels and assisting those who wish to handle diabetes. Astragalus also has the added benefit of helping to balance hormone levels in both men and women, plus it is an adaptogen second to none, (adaptogen = a natural, herbal substance that helps the body adapt to stress and which also brings about a normalizing or balancing effect upon all bodily processes – the two top adaptogens are ginseng and astragalus). It is a marvelous herb.

The are many other important ingredients in the recipe. Alfalfa, barley, and wheat grasses are rich in natural vitamins. Purple dulse seaweed is the greatest source of organic, assimilable minerals and trace minerals on the planet. Beet root and spinach leaf have the highest easily assimilable levels of organic iron, which is essential to blood building. Rose hips, orange peels, and lemon peels are the best sources of vitamin C, and together these three offer a completely balanced C-complex source. The citrus peels are also one of the highest sources of pectin, which has been proven to remove heavy metals (mercury, lead, etc.) from the body, and they even remove radioactive contaminants like the deadly strontium 90. The non-active saccharomyces cerevisiae nutritional yeast is a non-active yeast that is grown on beets and in pure molasses. It is the second highest source of complete protein in nature (50%), is the richest source of B-complex vitamins, and is also a rich source of iron and many other minerals. The yeast we choose is heated high enough to absolutely destroy any yeast activity, but not high enough to lessen the B vitamin content. It is totally NON-active and safe for those with Candida Albicans or on yeast free diets.

The Importance of Detoxification.

For almost every disease a quality detox should be done along with the other parts of the program. They should also be done at regular intervals thereafter to handle day-to-day contact with common toxins in the environment. A very important fact I’d like to state right up front, and this will not be popular with the conventional authorities, is a point about safety. Unlike contemporary medicine and drug therapies, it is very difficult to hurt yourself using herbal remedies, regardless of what mistakes are made. Herbal regimens are very safe, even if you don’t stick to recommended amounts. One really has to go out of his or her way to do any kind of actual damage. It happens, but it is exceptionally rare. And any harm that might be done is almost always temporary and usually limited to discomfort such as a headache or an upset stomach. As a matter of fact, when it comes to herbs, doing more is usually better. Because drugs are truly that dangerous, pharmaceuticals need to have specific dosages and very exact scientific protocols. But a piece of information that is kept top-secret by the medicos is that these drugs damage and toxify the liver and other organs, requiring the necessity of detoxification. Herbal remedies are not rocket science, but unlike pharmaceuticals, they don’t have to be.

As previously covered, mercury, food additives, pesticides, hormones, steroids, drug residues, and radiation buildup all have to go. Most often, these are what created the stoppage and the genetic damage in the first place. Complete detoxification of the entire body is a must!

There are a large number of detox programs out there, but only a few of them are excellent. Many of them are either barely effective, ineffective, or just plain junk.

My own Total Body Cleanse is crucial when it comes to doing a deep and thorough cleanse that not only cleans out the elimination organs, but gets rid of enough toxins so that a permanent healing can then take place throughout the entire body. The basic theory behind the TBC is that the complete detoxification of the major elimination organs and corrective glands of the body, will then allow the body to repair itself using the excellent nutrition previously introduced and continuously being supplied to the body. You have to get the junk out, and the only way to do this is through the elimination organs. The place to begin is with a complete cleanse and detox of the bowels, followed by a liver and kidney detox. While cleansing, it is also necessary to increase circulation and nutrients to the nerves and the brain in order to stimulate and improve their function. This is essential. The main vitamins and herbs for doing this are vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin B–complex, gingko biloba, cayenne, horseradish, garlic, turmeric, cilantro, and ginger. Also, supplementing with MSM, co-enzyme Q-10, minerals from my Body Balance+ Formula (potassium & iron), and plant enzymes will also bring quicker results.

For more information on Total Nutrition Formula, including how to make your own,check out OLM’s Total Nutrtion article.

For more information on DMSO, and trust me, you want to know more because this stuff is amazing, check outOLM’s DMSO article.

DMSO = Dimethyl Sulfoxide – a Sulfur Compound

DMSO is a bio-chemical from pine trees that is made in the pulp and paper industry. It is also found naturally in garlic as one of garlic’s 70+ sulfur compounds. DMSO has four main characteristics:

What DMSO Does

1. You can put a drop of DMSO on your big toe and taste it in your mouth in about 12 seconds. It has a bit of a garlicky / oyster taste. It goes through the cell walls of the body so fast that a dropper-full of it taken internally through the mouth never reaches the stomach when swallowed. Most of it is absorbed directly into the mouth, the rest in the throat. This gives one an unusual feeling of heat as it goes directly through the individual cells of the mouth and then penetrates into all other areas of the body.
2. One has to pay attention and use caution when using DMSO because it has the ability to take other things with it when it penetrates each and every cell wall of the body. This is very beneficial when you mix certain herbal formulas with it as it carries the awesome bio-chemical properties of the herbs into the body and gets them to where they’re needed most. But, very importantly, you don’t want to take DMSO right after you change the oil on your car either, because it will take any unwanted toxins into your body as well. Just as it will take good things into the body, so will it take the bad. However, when used with highest quality detox herbs, especially chelating herbs like garlic, fruit pectin, and cilantro, there is nothing that removes toxins and heavy metals from the body quite so thoroughly and as quickly as DMSO. Easily passing the blood/brain barrier, DMSO when mixed with these awesome detox herbs becomes the ultimate therapy and tool for detoxifying the brain and other vital organs of the body.
3. DMSO effectively wipes out free radicals (destructive, single, unconnected atoms). When toxins start moving around inside the body, they have the ability to create free radicals. DMSO instantly bonds with these wild atoms, neutralizing and rendering them harmless.
4. Last, but not least, is the apparent ability of DMSO to realign DNA back to the original blueprint (the body’s original intended form). DMSO is a tool that allows the basic characteristics of the cell (through growth or healing) to go back to its original form before it was damaged by an outside source. Damaged cellular structure is actually encouraged to regrow back into its purest and most basic, original form. It is the physical catalyst that allows complete healing to occur. Using DMSO, people beyond count have attested to amazing results such as scars disappearing, organs being rejuvenated, vitality being restored, hair regrown, and wrinkles vanishing. It also works well against viruses. Autism, Down Syndrome, and other genetic disorders have been completely reversed!

Why aren’t the benefits of this marvelous compound being screamed from the rooftops? How and why has this information been suppressed for the last 60+ years?

Well, for one thing, it is extremely inexpensive to make. For another, it is a natural substance and cannot be trademarked, copyrighted, or patented. In other words, there’s no money whatsoever to be made from any research into this vital, extremely valuable tool. And yet, DMSO was actually outlawed in Canada a short while ago without any concrete proof that it created any negative effects whatsoever. The giant pharmaceutical companies swing so much weight in governments nowadays, that they have been able to suppress this incredible knowledge for over half a century. Unbelievable!

DMSO Miracle

My most dramatic experience in using DMSO was when I was actively practicing in my clinic in New Mexico. A neighbor brought me his black Labrador that had been attacked by a pack of coyotes and was missing half of his shoulder. The muscles, and the skin & hair had all been torn from the shoulder leaving only a gaping hole the size of my fist with severed veins just hanging loose. My neighbor was just hoping we could save the dog’s life, but I informed him we could do much better than that. For the next 6 months we mixed and applied an herbal preparation using my Total Healing Poultice Powder and DMSO. We crudely loaded the wound up with this mixture, bandaged it up (changing it weekly), and at the end of 6 months, the flesh, muscle and tissues had all grown back, the skin had reformed over the wound. Even the hair had grown in again leaving no scar whatsoever. The dog had no limp, and there was no way anyone could even tell he’d ever been injured at all. All traceable signs of the wound were gone.

How to Take DMSO

Start with 1 dropperful of USP Grade DMSO a day taken internally through the mouth. When the person stops stinking (garlicky smell), raise the amount to 2 dropperfuls and so on up to 5 dropperfuls. When the stink stops at 5, this part of the program is done.

When shopping for DMSO, be sure to purchase the product from a reputable company and the bottle must be glass! We’re looking for a reliable and consistently high quality source to sell at Green Lifestyle Market but have not had success yet.

Recommended Reading:

• Total Nutrition – Make your own Homemade Multivitamin and Mineral Formula
• Homemade Calcium and Magnesium
• Homemade Vitamin C
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included

As a clinician, it is imperative that I understand all different types of unique health problems and metabolic challenges. On a biochemical level what may be a superfood for one individual may be poison to another. Histamine intolerance is an area where this is the case.

People who are unable to effectively metabolize histamines must restrict their consumption of many foods that I typically recommend on a regular basis. If you have a histamine intolerance, consuming histamine rich foods can lead to chronic health issues such as allergies, asthma, sinus problems, eczema, chronic pain, menstrual problems, and much more.

I always wondered about what was happening with individuals who told me they were “allergic to the sun.” Interesting research is indicating this is a histamine response, as UV light can trigger histamine release. Other research is indicating that those susceptable may have problems with high-intensity exercise, especially done in a warm environment. Individuals with periods of high estrogen may have higher than normal histamine responses and high stress increases histamine levels and decreases the bodies ability to metabolize the histamine.

What is Histamine?

Histamine is an in important neurotransmitter and immune messenger molecule. It is involved in processes involving hydrochloric acid secretion for digestion, triaging water reserves to key areas of the body and the inflammatory response. Histamine receptors are located all over the body and have many important functions including:

• Histamine H1 receptors: Smooth muscle and endothelial cells affecting skin; blood vessels (Benadryl and Claritin block activity of these receptors)
• Histamine H2 receptors: Cells in the intestines control acid secretion, abdominal pain, and nausea; heart rate
• Histamine H3 receptors: Central nervous system controlling nerves, sleep, appetite and behavior
• Histamine H4 receptors: Thymus, small intestine, spleen, colon, bone marrow and white blood cells; inflammatory response

One of the major effects of histamine is causing the blood vessels to swell and dilate. When the body senses that it is threatened, it will secrete higher amounts of histamine. This allows the white blood cells to quickly move through the bloodstream and find the potential threat or infection. This is an important component to a healthy immune response.

When Does Histamine Become a Problem?

Histamine only becomes a problem when we have metabolic disturbances that do not allow us to effectively metabolize histamine properly. When histamine is formed it is broken down by specific enzymes. In the central nervous system it is metabolized by hitamine N-methyltransferase (HMT), while in the digestive tract it is broken down by diamine oxidase (DAO).

The experts state that DAO is the major enzyme involved in histamine metabolism. The enzyme converts the histamine into imidazole acetaldehyde which does not trigger any sort of reaction in the body. DAO is responsible for ensuring a steady histamine level required for the balance of numerous chemical reactions taking place in the body.

Some individuals have altered DAO production due to a number of different factors including:

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) – some gut microbes produce high amounts of histamines as a byproduct of their metabolism.

Copper, Vitamin C, and B6 Deficiency: Copper and Vit C are crucial components of the DAO enzyme and B6 is a key cofactor that enables DAO to degrade histamine.

Leaky Gut Syndrome: Intestinal permeability creates major inflammatory stress in the body which can contribute to poor DAO function.

Genetic Polymorphisms in DAO enzyme – this can be seen on the 23andme SNP’s. A homozygous DAO would make someone more susceptible to developing a histamine intolerance.

Use of Certain Medications

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Antidepressants (Cymbalta, Effexor, Prozac, Zoloft)
• Immune modulators (Humira, Enbrel, Plaquenil)
• Antiarrhythmics (propanolol, metaprolol, Cardizem, Norvasc)
• Antihistamines (Allegra, Zyrtec, Benadryl)
• Histamine (H2) blockers (Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac)

According to expert Dr. Amy Myers MD, “Histamine blockers, a class of acid-reducing drugs, seem like they would help prevent histamine intolerance. These medications can actually deplete DAO levels in your body.”

According to Chris Kresser L.AC, “Histamine is different than typical food sensitivities or allergens in that it is a cumulative problem.” So we begin to have symptoms when we either take in too many histamine molecules or we reduce the DAO enzyme to the point where the histamines overload the system. These symptoms will last until the body metabolizes the histamines and removes them from the system.

Who Has Histamine Intolerance

According to available research, histamine intolerance manifests in approximately 3% of the population. In up to 20% of these cases the symptoms occur mostly when histamine containing foods are used in combination with DAO inhibitors such as alcohol. Approximately 80% of individuals with histamine intolerance are women and most of them are over 40.

The three biggest factors involved with histamine intolerance include leaky gut syndrome or related disorders such as Crohn’s disease, Irritable bowel, celiac, gluten sensitivity, etc. The second factor is a genetic polymorphism with the DAO enzyme. Heavy alcohol and/or medication usage is another strong risk factor.

Diagnosing Histamine Intolerance

This is a challenging condition to diagnose for a number of reasons. The first is that there are so many popular foods, many of which are considered health foods, that are high in histamines. Also, some individuals have a unique gut flora that is producing high histamine levels.

Most doctors are not familiar with histamine intolerance and never consider this as a contributing factor in the individual’s health challenges. In fact, many physicians including myself, typically recommend a diet high in histamine containing foods. This includes fermented foods which have incredible health benefits for those with adequate histamine metabolism.

Research has also shown that people react quite differently to elevated histamine making it that much harder to pinpoint. As a clinician, I have learned that when individuals react very poorly to fermented foods it is a sign of histamine intolerance. Most people respond very well to small amounts and gradually increasing levels of fermented foods. Individuals with histamine intolerances often break out with hives, eczema, rashes, puffy eyes, headaches, etc.

Common Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance Include:

• Headaches/Migraines
• Difficulty falling asleep, easy arousal
• Hypertension
• Vertigo or Dizziness
• Arrhythmia, or accelerated heart rate
• Difficulty regulating body temperature
• Anxiety
• Nausea, Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Flushing
• Nasal Congestion, Sneezing, Difficulty Breathing
• Abnormal Menstrual Cycle
• Hives
• Fatigue
• Tissue swelling

Histamines travel throughout the bloodstream and therefore can effect the gut, lungs, skin, brain and entire cardiovascular system. This is why there are such a wide array of health problems associated with it and it is quite challenging to pinpoint and diagnose if you are not aware of the condition.

Testing For Histamine Intolerance

The 23andme genetic test will look at genes associated with DAO enzyme production. When an individual has a homozygous mutation they will most likely struggle with histamine metabolism. This may not occur until after a stressful season of their life when their gut barrier breaks down and their adrenal glands are unable to keep up with the demands placed upon them. This creates a vicious cycle of chronic inflammation and inflammatory stress that depletes the body of vital reserves and exposes the genetic weaknesses of the individual.

There are lab tests that can be done that analyze the ratio of histamine/DAO. A high histamine/DAO ratio indicates that one is ingesting too much histamine and is not producing enough DAO to effectively metabolize it.

Without getting the blood test you could do a histamine challenge by consuming a number of different fermented foods and high histamine foods and see if this aggravates your symptoms. If so, try a low-histamine diet for a week and if you notice significant improvements you most likely have histamine intolerance.

To improve your tolerance to histamine, it is critical to heal the gut and address the dysbiotic issues that are at the root of the problem. I would recommend working with a qualified health practitioner to assess and create a specific plan to address the bacterial imbalance.

Foods High in Histamines:

Some foods naturally have more histamine content while others accumulate histamines while they age. Fermented and dried foods typically have the highest levels of histamines. A low histamine diet must be focused around getting foods at their peak level of freshness. Here is a list of high histamine foods:

• Fermented alcoholic beverages, especially wine, champagne and beer
• Fermented foods: sauerkraut, vinegar, soy sauce, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, etc
• Vinegar-containing foods: pickles, mayonnaise, olives
• Cured meats: bacon, salami, pepperoni, luncheon meats and hot dogs
• Soured foods: sour cream, sour milk, buttermilk, soured bread, etc.
• Dried fruit: apricots, prunes, dates, figs, raisins
• Most citrus fruits
• Aged cheese including goat cheese
• Nuts: walnuts, cashews, and peanuts
• Vegetables: avocados, eggplant, spinach, and tomatoes
• Smoked fish and certain species of fish: mackerel, mahi-mahi, tuna, anchovies, sardines
• Processed foods of all types – Preservatives are high in histamines

Histamine-Releasing Foods

These foods do not necessarily contain histamine but they block the action of DAO and therefore they potentiate the effects of elevated histamines.

• Alcohol
• Bananas
• Chocolate
• Cow’s Milk
• Nuts
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Shellfish
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Wheat Germ
• Many artificial preservatives and dyes

DAO-Blocking Foods

• Alcohol
• Energy drinks
• Black tea
• Mate tea
• Green tea 

Low Histamine Foods

• Freshly Cooked Meat & Poultry (frozen or fresh)
• Freshly Caught Fish
• EV Olive Oil
• Pasture-Raised Eggs
• Gluten-Free Grains: brown rice & quinoa
• Fresh Fruits: Other than citrus, avocado, tomato, pineapple, bananas and strawberries
• Fresh Vegetables (except spinach and eggplant)
• Coconut Milk, Rice Milk, Hemp Milk, Almond Milk
• Coconut Oil & Grass-fed Butter/Ghee
• Organic Coffee
• Almond Butter
• Leafy Herbs
• Herbal Teas

Unique Variables with Histamine Intolerance

People with histamine intolerance react in a multitude of different ways as shown in this study. Some people cannot handle any high histamine foods while others can handle certain types but not others.

As an example, an individual may tolerate avocados, berries, and lemons quite well but have significant reactions with any sort of fermented foods or wine. You will have to find the unique ways that you react and understand what triggers reactions and what doesn’t.

Overtime, as histamine content is reduced and the individual improves their gut health, reduces inflammation, improves liver function and stabilizes their adrenals they will be able to handle more of the histamines. For some, this will mean they will be able to incorporate small amounts of all the higher histamine foods. For others they will only be able to handle certain foods while others will continue to trigger reactions.

What This Means to You

If you struggle with major symptoms listed above when you have the various high histamine foods you may have this problem. In particular, if you struggle with fermented foods and probiotic supplements this is a classic sign of histamine intolerance.

Chances are you do not have this problem, but you may come across a friend or a client (for those of you who are health coaches and doctors) who will have these signs and symptoms. If so, have them try a low-histamine diet for a week and see if it makes a difference. If so, then continue on the diet and work with a functional medicine practitioner to support the gut and detoxification systems.

If you are suffering from an acute histamine reactions, taking 10 grams of liposomal vitamin C and taking DAO enzymes or high dose proteolytic enzymes can help to reduce the effects of this. A diet rich in the flavoinoid luteolin has been shown to reduce mast cell activation. This is found in carrots, bell peppers, thyme, rosemary, peppermint, oregano, romaine lettuce, artichoke, pomegranate, chocolate, rooibus tea, buckwheat sprouts and cucumbers among other things.

Sources For This Article Include:

• http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11175/everything-you-need-to-know-about-histamine-intolerance.html
• http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/85/5/1185.long
• http://lsialab.com/gb/Histamine_Intolerance_Test
• http://healthypixels.com/?p=1044
• http://www.dramymyers.com/2013/10/03/everything-you-need-to-know-about-histamine-intolerance/
• http://www.iainfoctr.com/articles/histamine.php
• http://www.foodintolerancetest.ae/what-is-food-allergy.php
• http://lewyland.blogspot.com/2013/09/health-revolution-part-1-diving-into.html
• http://drsaulmarcus.com/mentalillness/neurotransmittertesting.html
• http://www.therootofhealth.com/food-allergies-intolerances/

Burn Fat and Build Muscle with a Cyclic Ketogenic Diet

What constitutes an optimal physique?  This is different based on each individual’s unique genetic potential but researchers would agree that we should have a moderate to thin structure and good muscular development.

While many have sought after a thin physique, the mantra of the 21^st century is that strong is the new thin!  We want to have a good body fat percentage (6-15% for men and 15-30% for women) and have developed well-toned musculature.

Ketogenic Diet and Fat Metabolism

A ketogenic diet is a very low carbohydrate, moderate protein, and high fat based nutrition plan.  A ketogenic diet trains the bodies metabolism to run off of fatty acids or ketone bodies.  This nutrition plan has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.  This leads to improved muscle development and fat metabolism.

The ketogenic diet is built around good fats such as grass-fed butter, coconut products, avocados, nuts/seeds, pasture-raised animal products and extra-virgin olive oil.  This diet should also focus on low-carbohydrate fruits, vegetables and herbs as staple components.  The fat levels will be between 60-80% of calorie intake.

How Ketones Are Formed?

The body has two major energy sources, it burns glucose or ketone bodies.  The majority of people burn glucose primarily because they are constantly supplying a steady form of sugar, starches, and proteins that can be turned into blood sugar.  When one either fasts or goes on a low-carb, moderate protein, and high fat diet they switch their energy source to fat.

In particular, the fatty acids are broken down into ketone bodies.  The three major forms ketones produced in the body include Acetoacetate, Acetone and Beta-HydroxyButyric acid.  These are released into the blood from the liver when insulin levels are low and hepatic liver metabolism is increased.

Healthy Cell Membrane

The cell membrane is the double outer layer of fatty acids.  This structure is made up of a blend of saturated, monounsaturated and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs).   The cell membrane and particularly the HUFAs are very susceptible to free radical damage.  This free radical damage causes something called “lipid peroxidation” and negatively effects hormone sensitivity.

Elevated lipid peroxidation leads to issues like insulin resistance and poor blood sugar metabolism.  Insulin resistance and poor blood sugar metabolism leads to fat storage and muscle tissue breakdown.  This is the antagonist to healthy aging and a desirable physique.

The two biggest dietary factors that reduce lipid peroxidation include

1. The Anti-oxidant Content of the Diet
2. Carbohydrate Level of the Diet

Research has shown that a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet reduces oxidative stress in the body¹.  The reduction in oxidative stress on the cell membrane allows for the formation of healthy insulin receptors and normalized blood sugar regulation.  This improves insulin sensitivity which further reduces inflammation and fat storage in the body.²  The more sensitive the body is to insulin, the less stress it puts on the rest of the system and the easier it is to build muscle and burn fat.

Protein Sparing and Healthy Muscle Tissue

A healthy body is not thin and weak.  A desirable physique is strong and has well-developed muscle tissue that is genetically congruent for the individual.  The antagonist to this is again poor blood sugar sensitivity and insulin resistance.

High carbohydrate diets increase the level of muscle cell inflammation and reduce protein synthesis.  For many body types this leads to a catabolic or cannablistic state where the body eats up the muscle tissue.  This leaves the individual with a very thin and under developed physique.

A properly formed ketogenic diet maintains circulating branched chain amino acids (BCAAs).  These BCAA’s (leucine, isoleucine and valine) and especially leucine are critical for protein and muscle synthesis in the body.  Blood leucine levels, a powerful regulator of muscle protein synthesis, increases on a ketogenic diet.  Meanwhile, insulin levels decrease on a ketogenic diet as does muscle inflammation ³

The result of this is that the muscle cells will have an environment that promotes proper development and optimal function.  The keto-adapted state improves the efficiency of protein utilization.  The   greater economy of protein allows for less to be consumed while still maintaining healthy blood leucine levels for proper muscle development and recovery.

Practical Considerations

There is a popular idea that the body needs carbohydrates and protein immediately after exercising in order to properly recover.  However, with the application of a properly formulated ketogenic diet to achieve a keto-adapted state this is not necessary.  Keto-adapted individuals can often fast for periods after a short high intensity workout and see improvements in strength and muscle development.

In my late teens and early twenties, I would eat around 5,000 calories a day with over 200 grams of protein.  I used to have to eat before and after I exercised.  My diet was probably 50% carbohydrate, 25% protein and 25% fat.  This nutrition plan resulted in good strength gains but also destroyed my gut, desensitized my cells to insulin leading to blood sugar instability and chronic inflammation.  The elevated carbohydrate and protein levels also promoted the development of cancerous growths in my body.

This resulted in severe health problems and a 5+ years of learning better strategies to improve my health.  I noticed incredible improvement with the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting.  I also learned to focus on super hydration with anti-oxidants in the morning hours.  I typically drink 64oz of water before 12pm and use anti-oxidant extracts such as lemon and/or anti-oxidant supplements in the morning hours.

Now, I eat 2 meals a day between a 4-8 hour eating window and consume around 3500-4000 calories with approximately 60-70% fat, 20-25% protein and 10-15% carbohydrates on average.  Some days, it is 70%, 25%, 5% while other days it is 60%, 20%, 20%.   I work out intensely in the morning and NEVER eat afterwards.  I eat my meals between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. on most days.

The results – I am stronger in my upper and lower body and feel significantly better than I did in my teens and 20’s.  The pic below is not me…haha!

What This Means to You

As a clinician, I believe that everyone on the planet will benefit from a well-formulated cyclic ketogenic diet.  This will look different for each individual.  Some will do great with 80% fat, 15% protein, 5% carb.  Some will need a more carbohydrate and protein, or maybe just one or the other, etc.

I am not strict about counting calories or percentages of macronutrients and the numbers I provided were approximations based on the foods I typically consume.  I would encourage you not to be dogmatic with macronutrient counting but instead be strongly considerate of the quality of fuel you are putting into your body and you should categorize it as primarily fat, primarily protein, protein/fat, protein/carb or primarily carbohydrate.

There are many key variables that play a role in the proper formula for success.  These include your unique genetics, your exercise, activity and stress levels, your sleeping habits, levels of inflammation and the health of your thyroid, adrenals and liver/gallbladder.

By cyclic ketogenic diet, I am referring too a state of cylcling in and out of ketosis.  I will typically have a larger carbohydrate meal (using healthy starches like sweet potato, quinoa, brown rice, or a good sweetener like fruit, raw honey, or coconut nectar) once a week.  This pulls me out of ketosis for a short period and then I enter right back in the following day while I am doing my morning fast.

Some individuals do well with the inclusion of a higher carbohydrate meal 2 or 3 times a week while others will do better staying in ketosis for a month at a time.  You will have to experiment to find what you feel best with.

Would love to hear about your experiences with a cyclic ketogenic diet in the comments box below.

Sources For This Article Include:

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17009256
• http://www.sott.net/article/249143-Ketogenic-Diet-high-fat-low-carb-Has-Neuroprotective-and-Disease-modifying-Effects
• http://www.jissn.com/content/1/2/7
• Volek J, Phinney S.  The Art & Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance.  Beyond Obesity LLC.  2012.  Pg 32-33.
• http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/cyclical_ketogenic_diet.htm
• http://biohackme.net/blood-sugar-insulin-ketosis/
• http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/sclark91.htm
• http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/keto.htm

Many in the natural health community point to the laws against raw milk as an example of how our healthier choices are being stripped away from us. For most of us, it’s no secret that pasteurizing and homogenization of milk turns it into a product that feeds parasites, causes allergies, and should be avoided. But within our natural health community there is considerable debate about whether or not raw milk is good for you. Some say it is a powerful super-food that can cure what ails you. Others say that we were not meant to ingest milk products as adults, and any and all animal milks are bad for you. Another common and very logical argument is that humans should drink human milk and cows, with their multiple stomachs and radically different digestive systems, should drink cow milk. End of story. It certainly makes sense that cow’s milk is formulated for cows and this is why cow’s milk is bad for humans. But raw milk advocates say that when milk is pasteurized and/or homogenized, the enzymes needed for humans to digest cow’s milk are destroyed. They argue that raw milk is easy to digest and very beneficial.

Podcast: Green Divas Interviews Michael Edwards about Raw Milk

Is Raw Milk Dangerous?

It certainly can be! When you are drinking cows milk from a conventional dairy farmer, you are drinking milk that was often contaminated with e-coli, salmonella, and a host of other pathogens. Not to mention puss, antibiotics, growth hormones, and many other ingredients you don’t want any part of. This is milk from cows that are stuck in a small pen virtually their whole lives, fed acidifying grains, injected with a wide array of drugs, and continually impregnated, while having it’s calf taken away at every birth. Factory farming practices are the source of e-coli and salmonella outbreaks, and these mutated superbugs do not exist naturally in nature. Raw milk from a conventional farmer is not fit for human consumption, and is in fact very dangerous. It should be illegal. But, for that matter, many of the conventional farming practices we use should be illegal.

It’s a whole other story when you drink raw milk from a healthy cow. If the cow was grass fed, and is healthy, the milk is healthy. If you have not developed an allergy to milk (due to consuming conventional milk), raw, whole  milk from a small farm that does things the right way can have amazing health benefits. And yes, we mean whole milk, not skimmed. The fat has nutrients needed to help digest the milk, and the fat is very beneficial to us. But it’s not easy to find raw milk. Even if you can find it, you may not be able to just walk up and buy it. Many people get their raw milk legally by purchasing a share of a cow, and therefore take their share of the milk produced. In some states there is a loophole allowing people to purchase raw milk for animal consumption only. Below is a chart showing raw milk laws as of May 2014, information courtesy of  Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund.

Where and How Can You Buy Raw Milk?

Raw Milk Retail Sales Legal States that allow sales in retail stores but require a permit allowing sales on/off farm and at farmer’s markets.	Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, South Carolina, California, Maine, Oregon*, Washington, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania	* Goat & sheep milk only
Raw Milk On-farm Sales Legal with License	Massachusetts, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Texas, New York, Utah	* Sales are legal at retail store if producer owns and operates store** Sales are legal at retail store if producer has majority ownership in store
Raw Milk On-farm Sales Without License Legal	Arizona3, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon1, Illinois, Mississippi1,2, New Hampshire3,4,6, Vermont3,4, Kansas, Missouri4, Oklahoma3*	* Limit on volume of goat milk sales
Raw Milk Via Herdshares(Otherwise Known As Cowshares) Legal by statutea, regulationb, court decisionc, or written policyd	Alaskab, Michigand, Tennessee,a,8 Coloradoa*, North Dakotaa, Wyomingb*, Idahoa*, Ohioc	* Farms operating share program need to be registered with the state
Raw Milk Sales for Human Consuption Illegal	Alabama7,8, Indiana7,8, Montana, Virginia7, Deleware, Iowa, Nevada*, West Virgini, Florida8, Kentucky2,5,7, New Jersey, Georgia8, Louisiana, North Carolina8, Hawaii, Maryland, Rhode Island2,5	1 – Limit number of lactating animals 2 – Only sales for goat milk are legal 3 – Limits sales by volume 4 – Delivery is legal 5 – By prescription only 6 – Sale at farmer’s markets legal 7 – No law on herd shares either for or against 8 – Sale of raw milk for pets legal

For more information on raw milk sales, check out State-by-State Review of Raw Milk Laws. Please verify your own state’s laws before purchasing raw milk. This information is not legal advice. If you choose to consume raw milk, we ask that you do your best to ensure a higher level of humane treatment is given to the animals. For conventional farms, and many organic farms, a dairy cow’s life is an incredibly sad existence. The practice involves continually impregnating the cow, taking away her children, and taking all of her milk for sale. This is simply inhumane. My conscience would feel better about eating a steak than drinking a glass of milk from this kind of farm. When shopping for raw milk, whether it be from cows, goats, or sheep, pay a higher price for the healthiest and most humane product you can find. And regardless of how powerful you think the health benefits of milk are, don’t forget, nothing beats a diet with a foundation of raw fresh produce.