Don't be discouraged by the title, it's a positive review of all the bee products. Yet it's still bewildering to have such an abundant amount of positive, anecdotal evidence and numerous in vitro/in vivo studies validating their benefits.
Jury’s out on honey’s health benefits, but buzz grows!
Aromatherapy Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusion
Diffusion is an effective way to disperse essential oils into the air. Once released into the air, an oil's specific aroma can be used to create a desired atmosphere, like the fresh and invigorating aroma of Citrus paradisi, which can also be a mood boost. In addition, the beneficial properties of the oil are released into the air and inhaled, similar to the pathway essential oils take in nature when plants release them into the air.
For more information about the aromatherapy benefits of essential oil diffusion, check out ACHS President Dorene Petersen's article, "Aromatherapy Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusion", on Perfume Pharmer.
In her article, Dorene shares two aromatherapy essential oil blends for diffusion, a Respiratory System Formula and Inhalation Formula. The ingredients for the Inhalation Formula include eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus oil and peppermint Mentha piperita var. vulgaris oil. Download the specific quantities and blending directions from the Perfume Pharmer. Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how the blend works for you!
For more information about the aromatherapy benefits of essential oil diffusion, check out ACHS President Dorene Petersen's article, "Aromatherapy Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusion", on Perfume Pharmer.
In her article, Dorene shares two aromatherapy essential oil blends for diffusion, a Respiratory System Formula and Inhalation Formula. The ingredients for the Inhalation Formula include eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus oil and peppermint Mentha piperita var. vulgaris oil. Download the specific quantities and blending directions from the Perfume Pharmer. Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how the blend works for you!
Earth Hour 2011: Reaffirm Your Commitment to the Preservation of the Planet
Earth Hour 2011 takes place at 8:30 pm (local time) on Saturday, March 26, 2011. For one hour, participants worldwide will switch off their lights, a sign of their commitment to climate action and year-round preservation initiatives.Earth Hour is organized by the World Wildlife Federation and has about 5 million supporters worldwide. We hope you're one of them. Earth Hour helps raise awareness of sustainability and conservation issues important to you and your community, like water and the World Water Day initiative, which helps raise awareness about the importance of access to fresh, clean water.
But we can do more. Earth Hour is a start! It's about raising awareness and working together!
As part of the American College of Healthcare Sciences' mission to provide leadership in holistic health education through comprehensive professional online and on-campus education and high quality natural products, we're committed to sustainable practices and principles (the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe College Store is Oregon Tilth Certified Organic), and work to preserve and share knowledge in natural medicine (free natural health and organic gardening downloads).
Here's a link to more information about our commitment to sustainability at ACHS.
What's your commitment to Earth Hour beyond the hour?
You can start by signing the Earth Hour pledge here. Local Earth Hour events are listed on the Earth Hour website here. Then tell us about your commitment beyond the hour ... will you start a tree-planting initiative? Pledge to conserve energy in your home and business? Switch to soy-based inks? Opt to ride your bike to work a few days per week or take local transportation? Help raise awareness about access to clean water worldwide? Lead a workshop in your community about growing organic herbs, fruits, and veggies? Let us know so we can share it with our network!
How to deal with potential Radioactive exposure
For readers wondering what they might do if one day they hear a radioactive cloud is likely to be wandering over the UK the article below by Azlan White, kindly emailed to me by White Dove healing Arts Ltd, will give you plenty of seaweed to digest and much else besides. Show it to your GP?
RADIATION DETOX & PREVENTION by Azlan White on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 8:39pm-
Information from www.radiationdetox.com Here's some of the information we do know from the only book in the world on the topic. Keep this information in the back of your mind as it may one day help save you or someone you know.
Most people are aware taking potassium iodide (KI) or potassium iodate (KIO3) tablets will help block your thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine should there ever be a dirty bomb explosion or nuclear power plant mishap such as the Three Mile Island incident. In 1999, another such accident happened in Tokaimura, Japan where several individuals died from radiation exposure in a fuel processing facility. What people don't recognize is that potassium iodide or iodate tablets only protect the thyroid gland and do not provide protection from any other radiation exposure, so taking them should not give you a false sense of security.
It's important to detox your body after radioactive exposure! One question is, what do you do if KI or KIO3 tablets aren't available during an emergency? Interestingly enough, according to research by Ken Miller, health physicist at the Hershey Medical Center, he found that an adult could get a blocking dose of stable iodine by painting 8 ml of a 2 percent tincture of Iodine on the abdomen or forearm approximately 2 hours prior to I-131 contamination. Potassium iodine tablets are best, but if they're not available this is the next best thing.
An entirely different problem arises after you've been exposed to radioactive contamination because now you have to get rid of any radioactive particles you may have ingested through the air you breathed, water you drank, or food you ate. Some people suggest Epson salt, Clorox or clay baths to remove any residues on your skin and to leach out any heavy metals you may have absorbed, but the big worry is internal contamination.
To gain some insights into what to do, we have to turn to the story of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.At the time of the atomic bombing, Tatsuichiro Akizuki, M.D. was Director of the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Francis's Hospital in Nagasaki and he fed his staff and patients a strict diet of brown rice, miso and tamari soy soup, wakame, kombu and other seaweed, Hokkaido pumpkin, and sea salt. He also prohibited the consumption of sugar and sweets since they suppress the immune system.By imposing this diet on his staff and patients, no one succumbed to radiation poisoning whereas the occupants of hospitals located much further away from the blast incident suffered severe radiation fatalities.
Much of this positive result has to do with the fact that the sea vegetables contain substances that bind radioactive particles and escort them out of the body. This is why seaweed sales usually skyrocket after radiation disasters, and why various seaweeds and algae are typically used to treat radiation victims. In Chernobyl, for instance, spirulina was used to help save many children from radiation poisoning. By taking 5 grams of spirulina a day for 45 days, the Institute of Radiation Medicine in Minsk even proved that children on this protocol experienced enhanced immune systems, T-cell counts and reduced radioactivity. Israeli scientists have since treated Chernobyl children with doses of natural beta carotene from Dunaliella algae and proved that it helped normalize their blood chemistry.
Chlorella algae, a known immune system builder and heavy metal detoxifier, has also shown radioprotective effects. Because they bind heavy metals, algae should therefore be consumed after exposure to any type of radioactive contamination.In 1968 a group of Canadian researchers at McGill University of Montreal, headed by Dr. Stanley Skoryna, actually set out to devise a method to counteract the effects of nuclear fallout. The key finding from their studies was that sea vegetables contained a polysaccharide substance, called sodium alginate, which selectively bound radioactive strontium and eliminated it from the body.Sodium alginate is found in many seaweeds, especially kelp, and since that time the Russians have been seriously researching the use of their own kelps from Vladivlostok, from which they have isolated the polysaccharide U-Fucoidan, which is another radioactive detoxifier.
MISO! - miso soup was so effective in helping prevent radiation sickness, the Japanese have also done research identifying the presence of an active ingredient called zybicolin, discovered in 1972, which acts as a binding agent to also detoxify and eliminate radioactive elements (such as strontium) and other pollutants from the body.
The kelps and algaes aren't the only natural foods with radio-detoxifying effects. In terms of fluids to drink, BLACK AND GREEN TEA have shown "radioprotective effects" whether consumed either before or after exposure to radiation. This anti-radiation effect was observed in several Japanese studies, and studies from China also suggest that the ingredients in tea are radioactive antagonists.
In short, after any sort of radioactive exposure you want to be eating seaweeds and algaes along with almost any type of commercial heavy metal chelating formula to bind radioactive particles and help escort them out of the body. Whether you're worried about depleted uranium, plutonium or other isotopes, this is the wise thing to do which can possibly help, and certainly won't hurt.
Many nutritional supplements have been developed for the purpose of detoxifying heavy metals, most of which contain the algaes and plant fibers and other binding substances.Basically, an anti-radiation diet should focus on the following foods:· Miso soup· Spirulina, chlorella and the algaes (kelp, etc.)· Brassica vegetables and high beta carotene vegetables· Beans and lentils· Potassium, calcium and mineral rich foods· High nucleotide content foods to assist in cellular repair including spirulina, chlorella, algae, yeast, sardines, liver, anchovies and mackerel· Cod liver oil and olive oil· Avoid sugars and sweets and wheat· A good multivitamin/multimineral supplement
Yet another benefit of the sea vegetables rarely discussed is their high mineral content, which is a bonus in the case of radioactive exposure. Consuming natural iodine, such as in the seaweeds, helps prevent the uptake of iodine-131 while ironinhibits the absorption of plutonium-238 and plutonium-239. Vitamin B-12inhibits cobalt-60 uptake (used in nuclear medicine), zinc inhibits zinc-65 uptake andsulfur is preventative for sulfur-35 (a product of nuclear reactors) incorporation by the body. Since nuclear workers are potentially exposed to radioactive sulfur, this means that workers in the atomic power industry need a higher content of sulfur in their diet. MSMsupplements provide a source of dietary sulfur, but thiol supplements such as cysteine, lipoic acid and glutathione serve double-duty in this area because they help detoxify the body and attack all sorts of other health problems as well.
The immune system is usually hit hard after radiation exposure, and a number of steps can be taken to help prevent opportunistic infections after a radioactive incident.
Though the full dimensions of the protective mechanism is still unknown, Siberian ginseng is one form of ginseng that exerts a definite radioprotective effect and has been demonstrated to lessen the side effects of radiation. It was widely distributed by the Soviet Union to those exposed Chernobyl radiation and is commonly used to help cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Consuming Reishi mushrooms is another proven way to bolster your immune system after radiation exposure and helps reduce the damage from radiation. It's been used to decrease radiation sickness in animals and help them recover faster after potentially deadly exposure. Panax ginseng has prevented hemorrhaging after radiation exposure, prevents bone marrow death and stimulates blood cell formation, so it's another supplement to add to one's protocol.
In short, yeasts, beta glucans, bee pollen and various forms of ginseng have all been shown to bolster the immune system after radiation incidents.
In terms of radiation burns, aloe vera has a proven ability to treat serious radiation burns and offers other radioprotective effects, and can easily be grown in your house.
The amino acid L-Glutamine can be used to help repair the intestine in case of the gastrointestinal syndrome usually suffered due to radiation exposure, and a variety of substances can help rebuild blood cells to prevent hematopoietic syndrome. Those particular foods include beet juice, liver extract, spleen extract, and shark alkyglycerols.
Most oncologists don't know that shark liver oil, with alkyglycerols, can help platelet counts rebound in days.
Depleted uranium is currently in the journalistic spotlight because US weapons are made from this material, and after being fired leave a legacy of depleted uranium dust in the environment, which anyone can absorb.Because the kidneys are usually the first organs to show chemical damage upon uranium exposure, military manuals suggest doses or infusions of sodium bicarbonate to help alkalinize the urine if this happens. This makes the uranyl ion less kidney-toxic and promotes excretion of the nontoxic uranium carbonate complex. In areas contaminated by depleted uranium dusts, it therefore makes sense to switch todrinking slightly alkaline water and to favor a non-acidic diet to assist in this detoxification. Any of the heavy metal detoxifiers, such as miso soup, chlorella, spirulina and seaweeds, are also commonsense warranted.
Another thing you can do is use homeopathics for radiation exposure. People commonly argue over whether homeopathics work or not, but if you assume the position that they produce no results whatsoever then you must also assume that they certainly won't hurt you, which means the only loss from using them is a few dollars. Frankly, there are countless cases and double-blind studies where homeopathic tinctures do provoke physical healing effects in the body. Therefore they are a viable adjunct treatment option. One homeopathic, in particular, is URANIUM NITRICUM (nitrate of uranium) which homeopaths suggest should be used in cases of depleted uranium exposure or uranium poisoning. Not just soldiers or civilians exposed to battlefield dusts, but uranium miners and radiation workers may find it quite useful.
While we've discussed just a few of the many supplements and protocols you can use to help detox the body of the lingering results of radioactive contamination, including the residues of depleted uranium, the last thing that might be of interest is that there is a plant that is a natural geiger counter. The spiderwort plant is so sensitive to changes in radiation levels (its petals change color upon exposure) that it's often used as a natural radiation detector (dosimeter), just as they use canaries in mines as detectors of poisonous gas. Some people like knowing that they have an ongoing monitoring system for radiation in the environment, and this is just another tip available in "How to Neutralize the Harmful Effects of Radiation or Radioactive Exposure."
RADIATION DETOX & PREVENTION by Azlan White on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 8:39pm-
Information from www.radiationdetox.com Here's some of the information we do know from the only book in the world on the topic. Keep this information in the back of your mind as it may one day help save you or someone you know.
Most people are aware taking potassium iodide (KI) or potassium iodate (KIO3) tablets will help block your thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine should there ever be a dirty bomb explosion or nuclear power plant mishap such as the Three Mile Island incident. In 1999, another such accident happened in Tokaimura, Japan where several individuals died from radiation exposure in a fuel processing facility. What people don't recognize is that potassium iodide or iodate tablets only protect the thyroid gland and do not provide protection from any other radiation exposure, so taking them should not give you a false sense of security.
It's important to detox your body after radioactive exposure! One question is, what do you do if KI or KIO3 tablets aren't available during an emergency? Interestingly enough, according to research by Ken Miller, health physicist at the Hershey Medical Center, he found that an adult could get a blocking dose of stable iodine by painting 8 ml of a 2 percent tincture of Iodine on the abdomen or forearm approximately 2 hours prior to I-131 contamination. Potassium iodine tablets are best, but if they're not available this is the next best thing.
An entirely different problem arises after you've been exposed to radioactive contamination because now you have to get rid of any radioactive particles you may have ingested through the air you breathed, water you drank, or food you ate. Some people suggest Epson salt, Clorox or clay baths to remove any residues on your skin and to leach out any heavy metals you may have absorbed, but the big worry is internal contamination.
To gain some insights into what to do, we have to turn to the story of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.At the time of the atomic bombing, Tatsuichiro Akizuki, M.D. was Director of the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Francis's Hospital in Nagasaki and he fed his staff and patients a strict diet of brown rice, miso and tamari soy soup, wakame, kombu and other seaweed, Hokkaido pumpkin, and sea salt. He also prohibited the consumption of sugar and sweets since they suppress the immune system.By imposing this diet on his staff and patients, no one succumbed to radiation poisoning whereas the occupants of hospitals located much further away from the blast incident suffered severe radiation fatalities.
Much of this positive result has to do with the fact that the sea vegetables contain substances that bind radioactive particles and escort them out of the body. This is why seaweed sales usually skyrocket after radiation disasters, and why various seaweeds and algae are typically used to treat radiation victims. In Chernobyl, for instance, spirulina was used to help save many children from radiation poisoning. By taking 5 grams of spirulina a day for 45 days, the Institute of Radiation Medicine in Minsk even proved that children on this protocol experienced enhanced immune systems, T-cell counts and reduced radioactivity. Israeli scientists have since treated Chernobyl children with doses of natural beta carotene from Dunaliella algae and proved that it helped normalize their blood chemistry.
Chlorella algae, a known immune system builder and heavy metal detoxifier, has also shown radioprotective effects. Because they bind heavy metals, algae should therefore be consumed after exposure to any type of radioactive contamination.In 1968 a group of Canadian researchers at McGill University of Montreal, headed by Dr. Stanley Skoryna, actually set out to devise a method to counteract the effects of nuclear fallout. The key finding from their studies was that sea vegetables contained a polysaccharide substance, called sodium alginate, which selectively bound radioactive strontium and eliminated it from the body.Sodium alginate is found in many seaweeds, especially kelp, and since that time the Russians have been seriously researching the use of their own kelps from Vladivlostok, from which they have isolated the polysaccharide U-Fucoidan, which is another radioactive detoxifier.
MISO! - miso soup was so effective in helping prevent radiation sickness, the Japanese have also done research identifying the presence of an active ingredient called zybicolin, discovered in 1972, which acts as a binding agent to also detoxify and eliminate radioactive elements (such as strontium) and other pollutants from the body.
The kelps and algaes aren't the only natural foods with radio-detoxifying effects. In terms of fluids to drink, BLACK AND GREEN TEA have shown "radioprotective effects" whether consumed either before or after exposure to radiation. This anti-radiation effect was observed in several Japanese studies, and studies from China also suggest that the ingredients in tea are radioactive antagonists.
In short, after any sort of radioactive exposure you want to be eating seaweeds and algaes along with almost any type of commercial heavy metal chelating formula to bind radioactive particles and help escort them out of the body. Whether you're worried about depleted uranium, plutonium or other isotopes, this is the wise thing to do which can possibly help, and certainly won't hurt.
Many nutritional supplements have been developed for the purpose of detoxifying heavy metals, most of which contain the algaes and plant fibers and other binding substances.Basically, an anti-radiation diet should focus on the following foods:· Miso soup· Spirulina, chlorella and the algaes (kelp, etc.)· Brassica vegetables and high beta carotene vegetables· Beans and lentils· Potassium, calcium and mineral rich foods· High nucleotide content foods to assist in cellular repair including spirulina, chlorella, algae, yeast, sardines, liver, anchovies and mackerel· Cod liver oil and olive oil· Avoid sugars and sweets and wheat· A good multivitamin/multimineral supplement
Yet another benefit of the sea vegetables rarely discussed is their high mineral content, which is a bonus in the case of radioactive exposure. Consuming natural iodine, such as in the seaweeds, helps prevent the uptake of iodine-131 while ironinhibits the absorption of plutonium-238 and plutonium-239. Vitamin B-12inhibits cobalt-60 uptake (used in nuclear medicine), zinc inhibits zinc-65 uptake andsulfur is preventative for sulfur-35 (a product of nuclear reactors) incorporation by the body. Since nuclear workers are potentially exposed to radioactive sulfur, this means that workers in the atomic power industry need a higher content of sulfur in their diet. MSMsupplements provide a source of dietary sulfur, but thiol supplements such as cysteine, lipoic acid and glutathione serve double-duty in this area because they help detoxify the body and attack all sorts of other health problems as well.
The immune system is usually hit hard after radiation exposure, and a number of steps can be taken to help prevent opportunistic infections after a radioactive incident.
Though the full dimensions of the protective mechanism is still unknown, Siberian ginseng is one form of ginseng that exerts a definite radioprotective effect and has been demonstrated to lessen the side effects of radiation. It was widely distributed by the Soviet Union to those exposed Chernobyl radiation and is commonly used to help cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Consuming Reishi mushrooms is another proven way to bolster your immune system after radiation exposure and helps reduce the damage from radiation. It's been used to decrease radiation sickness in animals and help them recover faster after potentially deadly exposure. Panax ginseng has prevented hemorrhaging after radiation exposure, prevents bone marrow death and stimulates blood cell formation, so it's another supplement to add to one's protocol.
In short, yeasts, beta glucans, bee pollen and various forms of ginseng have all been shown to bolster the immune system after radiation incidents.
In terms of radiation burns, aloe vera has a proven ability to treat serious radiation burns and offers other radioprotective effects, and can easily be grown in your house.
The amino acid L-Glutamine can be used to help repair the intestine in case of the gastrointestinal syndrome usually suffered due to radiation exposure, and a variety of substances can help rebuild blood cells to prevent hematopoietic syndrome. Those particular foods include beet juice, liver extract, spleen extract, and shark alkyglycerols.
Most oncologists don't know that shark liver oil, with alkyglycerols, can help platelet counts rebound in days.
Depleted uranium is currently in the journalistic spotlight because US weapons are made from this material, and after being fired leave a legacy of depleted uranium dust in the environment, which anyone can absorb.Because the kidneys are usually the first organs to show chemical damage upon uranium exposure, military manuals suggest doses or infusions of sodium bicarbonate to help alkalinize the urine if this happens. This makes the uranyl ion less kidney-toxic and promotes excretion of the nontoxic uranium carbonate complex. In areas contaminated by depleted uranium dusts, it therefore makes sense to switch todrinking slightly alkaline water and to favor a non-acidic diet to assist in this detoxification. Any of the heavy metal detoxifiers, such as miso soup, chlorella, spirulina and seaweeds, are also commonsense warranted.
Another thing you can do is use homeopathics for radiation exposure. People commonly argue over whether homeopathics work or not, but if you assume the position that they produce no results whatsoever then you must also assume that they certainly won't hurt you, which means the only loss from using them is a few dollars. Frankly, there are countless cases and double-blind studies where homeopathic tinctures do provoke physical healing effects in the body. Therefore they are a viable adjunct treatment option. One homeopathic, in particular, is URANIUM NITRICUM (nitrate of uranium) which homeopaths suggest should be used in cases of depleted uranium exposure or uranium poisoning. Not just soldiers or civilians exposed to battlefield dusts, but uranium miners and radiation workers may find it quite useful.
While we've discussed just a few of the many supplements and protocols you can use to help detox the body of the lingering results of radioactive contamination, including the residues of depleted uranium, the last thing that might be of interest is that there is a plant that is a natural geiger counter. The spiderwort plant is so sensitive to changes in radiation levels (its petals change color upon exposure) that it's often used as a natural radiation detector (dosimeter), just as they use canaries in mines as detectors of poisonous gas. Some people like knowing that they have an ongoing monitoring system for radiation in the environment, and this is just another tip available in "How to Neutralize the Harmful Effects of Radiation or Radioactive Exposure."
Grapefruit Seed Extract Q & A
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is an item commonly available in health food stores and a commonly held perception is that the product is “natural.” However, as it turns out, the “natural” designation may be inaccurate. The study “Identification of Benzethonium Chloride in Commercial Grapefruit Seed Extracts” (Takeoka, Dao, Wong, Lundin, Mahoney, 2001) states “the composition of commercial GSE is not defined, and its methods of production are proprietary and not specified,”[1] which leaves some question about its safety for internal use.
Several studies have found part of the “proprietary” ingredients include potentially harmful preservatives. In fact, to our knowledge, no authenticated GSE has been found to be free of preservatives; therefore, it is unclear if tested GSE has been found effective because of the effects of preservative ingredients, such as benzethonium chloride, methylparaben, and triclosan.
Each of these ingredients—benzethonium chloride, methylparaben, and triclosan— has a profile on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database and we encourage you to conduct some personal research into their potential effects on the body. (Skin Deep is a personal care safety guide compiled by researchers at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.)
For example, the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database links benzethonium chloride with potential cancer risks and moderate risk for neurotoxicity and organ system toxicity[2]. Similarly, methylparaben and triclosan have both been linked to cancer, as well as endocrine disruption[3] and potential skin, eye, and lung irritation[4].
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) triclosan fact sheet lists triclosan as an antimicrobial pesticide used commercially, industrially, residentially, and as a materials preservative included in items like hand soaps, toothpastes, adhesives, fabrics, and carpeting[5].
However, triclosan is a potential endocrine disruptor in humans. A 2006 study (Veldhoen et al.), “investigated whether exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of the bactericidal agent, triclosan, induces changes in the thyroid hormone-mediated process of metamorphosis of the North American bullfrog,” and found low levels of exposure to triclosan disrupted thyroid hormone-associated gene expression, potentially altering “the rate of thyroid hormone-mediated postembryonic anuran development”[6].
In addition, triclosan has been found to inhibit photosynthesis in diatom algae, a major group of algae that contributes much of the photosynthetic activity necessary for a healthy ecosystem.[7] Through photosynthesis, diatom produce food and oxygen for other organisms, contributing “an estimated 80 percent of the oxygen in our atmosphere, making them essential to life on earth” (Beyond Pesticides, 2010)[8]. This of special concern when you consider triclosan may remain in the environment for 30 or more years[9].
Read the full-length article "Health Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract: Follow Up Q & A" from the March 2011 edition of ACHS' The Reporter online here.
References
[1] Takeoka, G., Dao, L., Wong, R., Lundin, R., Mahoney, N. (2001). Identification of Benzethonium Chloride in Commercial Grapefruit Seed Extracts. J. Agric. Food Chem. 49, 3316-3320.
[2] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE. Retrieved from http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=700675
[3] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). METHYLPARABEN. Retrieved from http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=703937
[4] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). TRICLOSAN. Retrieved from
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=706623
[5] Environmental Protection Agency. (2011, February 16). Triclosan Facts. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/triclosan_fs.htm
[6] Veldhoen, N., Skirrow, R., Osachoff, H., Wigmore, H., Clapson, D., Gunderson, M., et al. (2006). The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development. Aquatic Toxicology 80(3,1), 217-227. Abstract obtained from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T4G-4M0S2Y9-1/2/1607f34b5f4663b9c487f0481cab2162
[7] Ricart, M., Guasch, H., Alberch, M., et al. (2010). Triclosan persistence through wastewater treatment plants and its potential toxic effects on river biofilms. Aquat. Toxicol. 100 (4): 346–53. Abstract retrieved fromhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T4G-50X2N91-1&_user=10&_coverDate=11%2F15%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=414efe7118e37abee086f61c1531b2be&searchtype=a
[8] Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog. (2010, November 15). Triclosan in Waterways Harmful to Important Microorganisms. Retrieved from http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/?p=4523
[9] Singer, H., Muller, S., Tixier, C., Pillonel, L. (2002). Triclosan: occurrence and fate of a widely used biocide in the aquatic environment: field measurements in wastewater treatment plants, surface waters, and lake sediments. Environ Sci Technol 1;36(23):4998-5004. Abstract retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12523412
Several studies have found part of the “proprietary” ingredients include potentially harmful preservatives. In fact, to our knowledge, no authenticated GSE has been found to be free of preservatives; therefore, it is unclear if tested GSE has been found effective because of the effects of preservative ingredients, such as benzethonium chloride, methylparaben, and triclosan.
Each of these ingredients—benzethonium chloride, methylparaben, and triclosan— has a profile on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database and we encourage you to conduct some personal research into their potential effects on the body. (Skin Deep is a personal care safety guide compiled by researchers at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.)
For example, the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database links benzethonium chloride with potential cancer risks and moderate risk for neurotoxicity and organ system toxicity[2]. Similarly, methylparaben and triclosan have both been linked to cancer, as well as endocrine disruption[3] and potential skin, eye, and lung irritation[4].
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) triclosan fact sheet lists triclosan as an antimicrobial pesticide used commercially, industrially, residentially, and as a materials preservative included in items like hand soaps, toothpastes, adhesives, fabrics, and carpeting[5].
However, triclosan is a potential endocrine disruptor in humans. A 2006 study (Veldhoen et al.), “investigated whether exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of the bactericidal agent, triclosan, induces changes in the thyroid hormone-mediated process of metamorphosis of the North American bullfrog,” and found low levels of exposure to triclosan disrupted thyroid hormone-associated gene expression, potentially altering “the rate of thyroid hormone-mediated postembryonic anuran development”[6].
In addition, triclosan has been found to inhibit photosynthesis in diatom algae, a major group of algae that contributes much of the photosynthetic activity necessary for a healthy ecosystem.[7] Through photosynthesis, diatom produce food and oxygen for other organisms, contributing “an estimated 80 percent of the oxygen in our atmosphere, making them essential to life on earth” (Beyond Pesticides, 2010)[8]. This of special concern when you consider triclosan may remain in the environment for 30 or more years[9].
Read the full-length article "Health Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract: Follow Up Q & A" from the March 2011 edition of ACHS' The Reporter online here.
References
[1] Takeoka, G., Dao, L., Wong, R., Lundin, R., Mahoney, N. (2001). Identification of Benzethonium Chloride in Commercial Grapefruit Seed Extracts. J. Agric. Food Chem. 49, 3316-3320.
[2] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE. Retrieved from http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=700675
[3] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). METHYLPARABEN. Retrieved from http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=703937
[4] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). TRICLOSAN. Retrieved from
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=706623
[5] Environmental Protection Agency. (2011, February 16). Triclosan Facts. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/triclosan_fs.htm
[6] Veldhoen, N., Skirrow, R., Osachoff, H., Wigmore, H., Clapson, D., Gunderson, M., et al. (2006). The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development. Aquatic Toxicology 80(3,1), 217-227. Abstract obtained from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T4G-4M0S2Y9-1/2/1607f34b5f4663b9c487f0481cab2162
[7] Ricart, M., Guasch, H., Alberch, M., et al. (2010). Triclosan persistence through wastewater treatment plants and its potential toxic effects on river biofilms. Aquat. Toxicol. 100 (4): 346–53. Abstract retrieved fromhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T4G-50X2N91-1&_user=10&_coverDate=11%2F15%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=414efe7118e37abee086f61c1531b2be&searchtype=a
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How to Use Propolis for Arthritis
It's to be noted that another effective method I've used and thousands of others for hundreds of years is bee venom therapy. Thank you Charles Mraz and the American Apitherapy Society for teaching me!
How to Use Propolis for Arthritis
Overview
Propolis is a type of resin that bees use to construct and strengthen their hive. This versatile substance has also been used for centuries as a treatment for inflammation, pain and compromised immunity. These effects are a result of the combination of resin and plants the bees use to make propolis. Propolis is generally regarded as safe to use and its anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Speak with your doctor before using any remedy for pain and inflammation.
Step 1
Discuss your intentions of using propolis with your physician. Although it is considered relatively safe to use, propolis may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to bees or pollen. It's also unlikely that propolis will cause an interaction with any medications you are currently using, but you still should discuss using this supplement with your doctor.
Step 2
Apply a topical cream that contains propolis extract, available at your local health food store. Use the cream as directed by the manufacturer to help reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. A 2007 article published in the "Journal of Venom and Animal Toxins" explains that propolis is an inexpensive yet effective topical treatment for both acute and chronic inflammatory processes such as arthritis. Propolis is particularly useful for treating these conditions when they occur in the joints between bones, where arthritis often appears.
How to Use Propolis for Arthritis
Livestrong, 2/3/2011
How to Use Propolis for Arthritis
Propolis is a type of resin that bees use to construct and strengthen their hive. This versatile substance has also been used for centuries as a treatment for inflammation, pain and compromised immunity. These effects are a result of the combination of resin and plants the bees use to make propolis. Propolis is generally regarded as safe to use and its anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Speak with your doctor before using any remedy for pain and inflammation.
Step 1
Discuss your intentions of using propolis with your physician. Although it is considered relatively safe to use, propolis may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to bees or pollen. It's also unlikely that propolis will cause an interaction with any medications you are currently using, but you still should discuss using this supplement with your doctor.
Step 2
Apply a topical cream that contains propolis extract, available at your local health food store. Use the cream as directed by the manufacturer to help reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. A 2007 article published in the "Journal of Venom and Animal Toxins" explains that propolis is an inexpensive yet effective topical treatment for both acute and chronic inflammatory processes such as arthritis. Propolis is particularly useful for treating these conditions when they occur in the joints between bones, where arthritis often appears.
Step 3
Take a propolis supplement in capsule or extract form according to directions. Propolis supplements are available at your local health food store and can help reduce your arthritis inflammation. According to MedlinePlus, an exact dosage of propolis currently does not exist, however, for most uses the website Puritan recommends that you take 500mg once or twice a day. Take the supplement with a full glass of water and with food because it can cause slight nausea if taken on an empty stomach.
Step 4
Recognize that even if you don't have an allergy to bees or pollen, you may still experience some mild side effects when using propolis. In rare cases, propolis in topical form may cause skin irritation and itching. Additionally, using propolis cream can cause some people to develop psoriasis or eczema. If you have any of these conditions when using propolis, stop using the cream and speak with your doctor about alternative approaches.
References
- MedlinePlus: Propolis
- Drugs.com: Propolis
- Puritan: Propolis
- "Journal of Venom and Animal Toxins": Propolis: A Review of it's Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Actions
Different Types of Construction Tools and Their Utilities
The tools and equipments used for construction purposes are known as construction tools. Some of the best equipments are used by the corporate companies for constructing buildings. These tools are essential for the quick completion of projects. Several excellent tools are available today which is vital for constructing buildings.
Essential Construction Tools
Though there are several apparatus which aid in constructing buildings some of the most essential tools are as follows:
- Crane: Used mainly for deconstructing buildings, crane is one of the most important equipments which are used widely. Cranes are also used to lift resources from one place to another easily. These machines are categorized as heavy construction tools. There are different types of cranes used for various purposes.
- Crawler: Also known as a bulldozer, the crawler is a tractor with a dozer blade. It is used for constructing large buildings.
- Loaders: Loaders are used for constructing buildings and roads. Loaders are also known as front loaders, scoop loader, front end loader, bucket loader and so forth. Loaders use buckets to move resources to different places. The different materials transported by the loaders include sand, gravel, wood chips, dirt and so forth.
- Forklift: Forklift is one of most handy constructive tools that are used for lifting heavy equipments. The forklifts are available in different capacities and sizes. It is mainly used for moving heavy equipments in warehouses and manufacturing units.
- Excavator: The excavators are constructive tools used for various purposes like digging holes, fountains, handing materials, demolishing buildings, digging trenches, heavy lifting and so froth. This heavy building equipment is also known as the digger with a cab installed on a pivot and has a bucket as well as an articulated arm.
- Road roller: Constructive tools also include road rollers or roller compacter which is used to compact concrete, dirt, gravel and asphalt. The road roller is used mainly for constructing roads and other construction purposes.
- Concrete mixers: Widely used equipment is the concrete mixer which is used to prepare concrete mixture by mixing cement, sand, gravel and water. Earlier this homogenous mixture was prepared manually but now with the help of this apparatus, concrete mixer can be made quickly and easily. The mixer contains a rotating drum which mixes the concrete.
- Scrapers: A scraper is multifaceted equipment that is used for various purposes and is quite efficient for digging, excavating and hauling.
- Backhoe: Backhoe is used for demolition purposes and for digging holes. It is an apparatus that is used in most of the construction sites.
- Sand screeners: The sand screeners are quite essential to sieve the sand and segregate it from dirt and other foreign objects. There are many types of sand screener including vibratory screening machines supplied by the construction tools manufacturers in the online portals.
In addition to the above tools and apparatus, there are many other types of equipment which are essential in any building construction site such as saws, nail gun, tool belt and so forth. The use of these construction tools is imperative for better and faster completion of building projects.
