Health Benefits of Tumeric

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  Tumeric is a powerful herb known for its anti-cancer and tumor suppressing properties. The active ingredient in Tumeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye. The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that Tumeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease.

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Here are 20 reasons to add Tumeric to your diet:

1.) It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful and disinfecting cuts and burns.

2.) When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3.) Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs and mice.

4.) May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5.) Reduces risk of childhood leukemia.

6.) It is a natural liver detoxifier.

7.) May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8.) May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9.) It’s a potent natural anti inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without side effects.

10.) Shown promise and slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis and mice.

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11.) It’s a natural painkiller and Cox-2 inhibitor.

12.) May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13.) Has long been used and Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14.) Because of it anti-inflammatory properties, it’s a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15.) Boost effects of chemo drug paclitaxel & reduces its side effects.

16.) Promising side effects are underway on Tumeric and pancreatic cancer.

17.) Studies ongoing in the positive affects of Tumeric on multiple myeloma.

18.) Has been shown to stop growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19.) Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20.) May help and treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Article source: healthdiaries.com

The Natural Antibiotic: Oregano

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Scientific data
  “Oil pressed from oregano leaves that contain the active ingredient carvacrol may be an effective treatment against sometimes drug-resistant bacterial infection.” Georgetown University researchers have found that oil of oregano apperars to reduce infection “as effectively as traditional antibiotics.” Oil of oregano at relatively low doses was found to be efficacious against Staphylococcus bacteria and was comparable in its germ-killing properties to antibiotic drugs such as streptomycin, penicillin and vancomycin.” [Science Daily 10/11/2001]
  “The body of positive evidence for oregano oil as a major antibiotic is growing. Among 52 plant oils tested, oregano was considered to have ‘pharmacologic’ action against common bugs such as Candida albicans (yeast), E. coli, Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” [Journal Applied Microbiology, Volume 86, June 1999]
“Pseudomonas is a type of germ that is getting more difficult to treat as it has developed strains that are resistant against antibiotic drugs. Of recent inrerest are reports showing that carvacrol from oil of oregano kills spores, such as Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis (anthrax).” [Archives Microbiology, Volume 174, October 2000; Quarterly Review Biology, Volume 73, March 1998]

  “Oil of oregano is not to be confused with common oregano in the kitchen spice cupboard, which is usually marjoram(Origanum majorana or O. vulgare) rather than true oregano(Origanum compactum). The growing problem of antibiotic resistance has health authorities concerned. Already various germs are showing resistance to vancomycin, particularly to intestinal bacteria.
  “Vancomycin is considered to be the most potent antibioticavailable and is withheld from use as a drug of last resort.” [Southern Medical Journal, Volume 94, August 2001]
Note: Drug resistance does not develop against naturally-occurring antibiotics such as garlic and oil of oregano.”

  Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia in all ages(particularly the young and old), often after “damage” to the upper respiratory tract(e.g., following viral infection). It also causes middle ear infections(otitis media). The organism often spreads causing bacteremia and meningitis. The New England Journal of Medicine, April 7, 2005 cities the growing prevalence of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in cities across the US.
  There is an ever-increasing need for us to fortify our immune systems, as well as look to natural methods to support and protect our bodies and maintain the balance of nature. The bugs are outsmarting the drugs!
  Dr. Diane Horne(of Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, a clinical microbiologist who has worked in hospital settings for the past 25yrs) chose to investigate the affect of therapeutic grade[essential oils]…These oils are steam distilled at low pressure and temperature. This preserves the complex chemical constituents of the oils. The plans harvested have been grown on organic farms without pesticide, herbicides or fungicides and are free of any synthetic chemicals. The oils she tested are thyme(Thymus vulgaris), oregano(Origanum compactum), geranium(Pelargonium graveolens), tea tree(Melaleuca alternifolia) and thieves(a blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary).
  She tested these oils with these 3 bacteria: Methicillin-resistant Stapylococcus aureus(MRSA), Escherichia coli(the most common cause of urinary tract infections), Acinetobacter calcoaceticus(cause of many nosocomial, hospital aquired infections).

   These were Dr. Horne’s results:
Olive Oil, Oregano, Thyme
   Area of inhibition: MRSA
   Thyme = 100%; Oregano = 100%
   Area of inhibition: E. Coli
   Thyme = 100%; Oregano = 100%
   Area of inhibition: Acinetobacter
   Thyme = 100%; Oregano = 95%

  Thyme and oregano are consistently the most effective in inhibiting the growth of all 3 bacteria; MRSA, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.
  These findingsconfirm what is already in the literature. Essential oils, the life-blood of the plant, are antibacterial.

Plant and essential oil background
  Oregano(Origanum compactum)
  Botanical family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae(mint)
  Origin: U.S., France, Germany, Turkey
  Extraction method: Steam distilled from leaves
  Key constituents: Carvacrol

  Medical Properties: Anti-aging, powerful antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant, antiseptic to the respiratory system.
  Uses: Arthritis/rheumatism(chronic), digestive problems, whooping cough, balance metabolism, strengthen vital centers.
  Body systems affected: Immune and Respiratory systams, Muscles and Bones.
  Fragrant influences: Creates a feeling of security.
  Application: Dilute 1 part EO with 4 parts vegetable oil: (1) apply 1-2 drops on location, (2) chakras/Vita Flex points, (3) diffuse, or (4) take as diatary supplement.
  Oral use as diatary supplement: Generally regarded as safe(GRAS) (therapeutic-grade essential oil only) for internal consumption by the FDA. Dilute one drop oil in 1 teaspoon honey or 4 oz. of beverage(i.e., rice milk). Not for children under six yrs old; use with caution and in greater dilution for children six years and over.
  Caution: High in phenols, oregano may irritate the nasal membranes or skin if inhaled directly from diffuser or bottle, or applied neat.

Hello world!

My name is Theresa, I’m a wife and Mom of 3 beautiful children. I moved to a very small & remote town in Maine over 3 yrs ago now, & we certainly live the country life. I’m starting this blog to share my experiences living here, recipes, and the things I’ve learned about how to live off the land…and to share some pictures of the world around me. I love nature and photography, making herbal remedies and homemade medicines, foraging, canning, preserving, and cooking.