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The Healthiest tea you've never heard of

January 7th, 2015 at 7:20 pm

“Magical grass” or “miracle grass”, is a perfect herbal tea for the overworked individual, helping to reduce stress related tension and improve immune and gut system functions.

Used since ancient times Jiao Gan Lan or gynostemma is one of a few adaptogenic Chinese leafy herbs that are easy to prepare as a tea because they don't need to be decocted (simmered) and can be simply infused in hot water.

Gynostemma is also slightly sweet, with a mildly bitter green tea-like taste. It has definitely become one of my personal favorites over the last few years.

What is Gynostemma?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum, or Jiaogulan (the Chinese name), is a five leafed climbing vine plant in the same family as melons and cucumbers. Although it is from the family Cucurbitaceae is does not bare edible fruit.

Jiaogulan is a perennial plant that can be planted and grown in moderate climates, classified under USDA zone 8, which includes Southern and Western coastal regions of the U.S. Most of the gynostemma today is imported from China but, if you happen to live in such mild climates, it can be easily grown in a garden and used fresh or dried as a tea infusion.

The first recorded notation of the plant was by the herbalist Li Shi-Zhen in 1578 who identified gynostemma for use in treatment of traumas and tumorous growths.

In the 1970's Jiaogulan was originally researched and studied by scientists for its sweet components and benefits as a natural sugar substitute. During this time it was discovered that the leaves actually contain high amounts of saponins, four of which are also found in panax ginseng root another famous adaptogen. In the research provided by Dr. Masahiro Nagai and Dr. Tsunematsu Takemoto gynostemma tea benefits were shown to not only include four identical ginseng saponins but also 17 other related saponins.

For this reason it is also called "southern ginseng" and is a more affordable alternative to the high price of some ginseng extracts. Today jiaogulan is known to have over 82 different saponin compounds, which is extremely unusual for a leafy green plant.

In many parts of Asia it is still regarded as a quintessential herbal tea to promote a healthy long life, enhancing immunologic, respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine and metabolic systems.

Gynostemma Tea Benefits

There are only a number of leafy herbs that work as adaptogens which are herbs that help the human body adapt to stress and gynostemma is one of them.

In fact, the herb contains the widest spectrum of saponins out of all the plants varieties.

The primary active ingredients that attribute to these adaptogenic qualities are the saponins called gypenosides.

As an adaptogenic leaf, jiaogulan, helps the body adapt to stress and promotes equilibrium within the cells and vital organ systems.

Because of it's double-directional stress modulating activity it has either a calming effect on the central nervous system or an energy lifting one depending on the state of fatigue or over-excitement.

It is well known for its spirit-lifting effects and is great for those who suffer from depression.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory

The gypenosides in gynostemma tea maintain powerful antioxidant effects helping to boost the immune system by increasing the activity level and number of white blood cells.

Gynostemma tea benefits can provide antioxidants that protect the cell membranes from the negative influence of oxidation which can lead to chronic inflammation.

Jiao Gu Lan has been shown to reduce fatigue and stimulate the release of insulin. Jioagulan is also known in Traditional Chinese Medicine to clear heat, support clear thinking, calm the nerves, moisten the lungs as well as reduce inflammation.

Gynostemma for Weight Management

In Asia gynostemma is extremely popular in assisting those in weight management programs and is known to be useful for those needing to loose or gain body weight.

One of the ways in which it helps individual's loose excess weight is by accelerating the body's metabolism. This is achieved through its actions at adjusting blood fat and blood sugar levels. In addition jioagulan naturally assists in the digestive process, helping to normalize bowel movements and cleanse the intestinal tract.

Saponins are known to have foaming soap-like qualities and were originally used as an early source of detergents in many cultures around the world. The high saponin content in gynostemma, in a sense, acts as a cleanser as it moves through the digestive system, ridding the body of wastes and toxic microbes.

Gynostemma tea benefits provide direct energy conversion of carbohydrates which is specifically helpful for athletes. It is also known to assist body builders or underweight people by increasing their capacity to gain lean muscle mass.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Gynostemma tea benefits also help to normalize blood pressure and stabilize the heart rate. Acting as a natural vasodilator, regular consumption of the tea or extract improves cardiac efficiency by increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the circulatory system.

The saponins in gynostemma pentaphyllum are also known to be helpful for atherosclerosis, reducing triglycerides and lowering cholesterol by preventing it from being absorbed by the body.

A study was conducted in Japan whereby 30 people experienced an 85% decrease in LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as the "bad" cholesterol.

Additional studies show that it reduces the accumulation of blood platelets, thins the blood and decreases plaque buildup.

Precautions: If you take blood thinners or are on heart medication it is recommended that you consult your physician before using this herb.

Gynostemma Tea Benefits List

Acts as an adaptogen and stress reducer
Enlivens the body but does not contain caffeine
Possesses anti-inflammatory properties via its immune supporting affects
Improves respiratory functions
Promotes a sense of peace and well being
Acts as a soothing digestive aid
Known to be beneficial for weight management
Helpful for cardiovascular health and improved circulation
Supports healthy normal liver functions
Contains anti-aging antioxidants

How To Use Gynostemma

Gynostemma Tea

The most traditional way to consume gynostemma is as a hot herbal tea. It has a delicious flavor and has long been enjoyed as a tea by the people in the southern regions of China, where it is called "magical grass". Steep 1t-1T in a cup-5oz of hot water. Here is a wonderful product we sell.

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According to a new study this ONE thing is destroying the environment and human health

December 31st, 2014 at 5:31 pm

There are quite a few threats to the health of the environment and human right now, global warming, climate changes, loss of the rain forest, depletion of trees, landfill issues, new diseases and resurgence of old diseases, the extinction of bees and other species and so very many more. Now according to a brand new study by Portfolio 21, this one insult may be most important:

The arguments for biotech-derived food or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have again been called into question. A new study by investment group Portfolio 21 explains that, despite their widespread adoption mostly in North America, GMOs are not saving farmers money, they're not producing higher yields, and as many of us have suspected, they are causing no end of injury to the environment and human health.

According to their study, benefits concerning GMOs have no real basis in fact.

According to the report, rather than reduce the chemical load, GMOs now require an increasing amount and variety of chemicals to avoid being choked out by weeds and pests that have developed resistance to these man-made deterrents. they claim that farmers are having to douse more chemicals than ever on their crops just to remain viable, and even this will eventually fail as the newest chemicals lose their effective edge.

"Genetically modified agriculture reinforces many of the most damaging aspects of monoculture and mechanization," explains the report. "These include biodiversity loss, agro-chemical use, and accelerated soil exhaustion. Additionally, the foreign genetic material can spread beyond its intended area through cross-pollination and interbreeding, as well potentially migrate across species."

99.7% of GMO crop chemicals end up poisoning environment, water supplies

If all these chemical inputs were actually helping crops grow more quickly and produce greater yields, it might be contended that the benefits outweigh the risks. But most of these chemicals, up to 99.7%, end up seeping into soils and flowing through waterways into public water supplies, poisoning the environment for humans.

Chemical fertilizers have a similarly low success rate at reaching their target organisms. According to the report, up to 80% of applied nitrogen, for instance, which is essential for plant growth (and is synthetically added to conventional and GMO crops), ends up contaminating crop fields and water supplies, killing off sea life and creating so-called "dead zones."

"Less than 20% of synthetic nitrogen used in agriculture finds its way into crops or animal products used by humans," the report explains. "The rest is released into the surrounding environment, sometimes with cascading effects on water systems such as 'dead zones' caused by nitrogen-fueled algae blooms."

Beyond this, GMOs increase agricultural dependance on fossil fuels significantly, upping the amount needed to produce food from one calorie of fossil fuel per 2.3 calories of food to roughly 23 calories of fossil fuel per 2.3 calories of food. Fossil fuels are heavy polluters, and more of them are entering the environment as a result of biotechnology.

Many of you may not be aware but voting with your dollars by purchasing only organic food can really help stop this frightening trend. It is truly important that the earth be protected and respected and that this corporate greed end while there is still time. Please take this seriously and do your part. I also recommend you take a look at this product to protect YOU and your family from all the toxic fall out.

Happy NEW Year! Make some new and better choices!

The full Portfolio 21 report is available here:
Portfolio21.com.

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This just IN! This natural compound reverses HPV! Happy Holidays!

December 24th, 2014 at 5:55 pm

Happy Holidays!

This just in! A new report published just days ago, demonstrates reversal of HPV after a few months of ingesting this natural compound!

A mushroom mycelia to be exact is the source for AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), for which a number of published human and animal studies suggest increases the number and activity of Natural Killer (NK) cells, dendritic or CNS cells and cytokines, to support the overall immune response. Judith A. Smith, at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School (Texas, USA), and colleagues completed a study of 10 women, HPV-positive with the Cervista HPV HR Test, who were treated orally with the Japanese mushroom extract AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) once daily for up to five months. Five achieved a negative HPV test result - three with confirmed eradication after stopping AHCC - and the remaining two responders continue on the study. Observing that"HPV is associated with 99% of cervical cancers as well as many other life threatening cancers," the lead author submits that: “What we need is a safe, effective treatment for HPV before the cancer occurs."

Here is an excellent source of the compound! FREE shipping

This is certainly a promising lead. Call or message for more information!

Thank you for another great year! Happy Holidays!

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This just in! This compound shows real promise for childhood AUTISM!

December 17th, 2014 at 5:15 pm

First: Happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish Friends, Clients and Followers!

Autism is a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affects 1 in 88 children. Autism is a spectrum of disorders and can appear in childhood at many different stages and different levels of severity.

An encouraging brand new study carried out at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine suggests that sulforaphane, a chemical derived from broccoli sprouts, may be of benefit in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Andrew Zimmerman, MD, who is now a professor of pediatric neurology at UMass Memorial Medical Center, and colleagues enlisted 40 teenage boys and young men with moderate to severe autism, aged 13 to 27, to take part in the study.

Twenty-six of the subjects were randomly selected to receive, based on their weight, 9 to 27 milligrams of sulforaphane daily, and 14 received placebos. Before the start of the trial, the patients' caregivers and physicians filled out 3 standard behavioral assessments: the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale (CGI-I).

These assessments measure sensory sensitivities, ability to relate to others, verbal communication skills, social interactions and other behaviors related to autism. Behavioral assessments were completed again at 4, 10 and 18-weeks while treatment continued. A final assessment was completed for the majority of participants 4-weeks after the treatment had stopped.
Impressive results showed that the majority of those who responded to sulforaphane showed significant improvements by the first measurement at 4-weeks and continued to improve during the rest of the treatment. After 18-weeks of treatment, the average ABC and SRS scores of those who received sulforaphane had decreased 34 and 17%, respectively, with improvements in bouts of irritability, lethargy, repetitive movements, hyperactivity, awareness, communication, motivation and mannerisms.
After 18-weeks of treatment, according to the CGI-I scale, 46, 54 and 42% of sulforaphane recipients experienced noticeable improvements in social interaction, aberrant behaviors and verbal communication, respectively.

The scores of those who took sulforaphane trended back toward their original values after they stopped taking the chemical. The study's investigators caution that it would be very difficult to achieve the levels of sulforaphane used in this study by eating large amounts of broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables.

I have researched and clinically treated this disorder as well as this particular study and recommend this product available in my Natural Pharmacy. FREE Shipping. It is most important to select a fresh quality product that contains the active compounds. Please contact me if I can be of assistance in seeing if this would be an appropriate intervention in your situation. Also: Please pass this information on to others who may benefit. Thank YOU!

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This Just IN! Food Allergies? THIS may be to blame!

December 10th, 2014 at 6:52 pm

Image:Avery Weight Tronix

Do you have food sensitivities or food allergies? You may be surprised to learn that some chemicals may be setting up your immune system to behave erratically with regard to foods, creating allergy like problems according to the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology based in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

New study by the ACAAI finds chemicals used for water purification can lead to food allergies :

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (December 3, 2012) – Food allergies are on the rise, affecting 15 million Americans. And according to a new study published in the December issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), pesticides and tap water could be partially to blame.

The study reported that high levels of dichlorophenols, a chemical used in pesticides and to chlorinate water, when found in the human body, are associated with food allergies.

"Our research shows that high levels of dichlorophenol-containing pesticides can possibly weaken food tolerance in some people, causing food allergy," said allergist Elina Jerschow, M.D., M.Sc., ACAAI fellow and lead study author. "This chemical is commonly found in pesticides used by farmers and consumer insect and weed control products, as well as tap water."

Among 10,348 participants in a US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006, 2,548 had dichlorophenols measured in their urine and 2,211 were included into the study. Food allergy was found in 411 of these participants, while 1,016 had an environmental allergy.

"Previous studies have shown that both food allergies and environmental pollution are increasing in the United States," said Dr. Jerschow. "The results of our study suggest these two trends might be linked, and that increased use of pesticides and other chemicals is associated with a higher prevalence of food allergies."

While opting for bottled water instead of tap water might seem to be a way to reduce the risk for developing an allergy, according to the study such a change may not be successful.

"Other dichlorophenol sources, such as pesticide-treated fruits and vegetables, may play a greater role in causing food allergy," said Dr. Jerschow.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an increase in food allergy of 18 percent was seen between 1997 and 2007. The most common food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish.

It is very important to get food allergies and sensitivies and the resultant inflammation calmed down. It is also possible by balancing the immune system and using immunomodulators to reduce these ill effects. Visit my Natural Pharmacy-ALLERGY or Immune Aisles for suggestions on how to do this, and GREAT products with free shipping, or schedule an appointment for individualized help with this important topic.

Next week: An important topic: This compound shows great promise for Autism. Sign up s you receive it by email, if you haven't already.

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Memory Problems? Avoid THIS and More!

December 3rd, 2014 at 6:35 pm

Happy December! We have posted some great forums planned for this month if you will click above. We also have gift certificates and visit packages available! This week some new research may help explain why so many Americans struggle with weak memories.

Results of a study conducted at the University of Southern California (USC) has shown that adolescent rats that freely consumed large quantities of liquid solutions containing sugar or high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in concentrations comparable to popular sugar-sweetened beverages experienced memory problems and brain inflammation, and became pre-diabetic. Scott Kanoski, an assistant professor at USC's Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and colleagues investigated the effects of sugar and HFCS on 76 rats. Adolescent or adult male rats were given 30-day access to chow, water, and either (1) 11% sucrose solution, (2) 11% HFCS solution, or (3) an extra bottle of water (control). Approximately 35-40% of the rats' daily calories were obtained from sugar or HFCS. The rats then underwent a series of tests. Results showed that in adolescent rats, HFCS intake impaired hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory in a Barne's maze, whilst moderate learning impairment was also observed in the rats in the sucrose group. Further investigation revealed that protein expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 and interleukin 1β was increased in the hippocampus of the adolescent rats fed HFCS, while liver interleukin 1β and plasma insulin levels were elevated in both adolescent-exposed sugar groups. On the other hand, intake of HFCS or sucrose in adults did not impact spatial learning, glucose tolerance, or neuroinflammatory markers. "The brain is especially vulnerable to dietary influences during critical periods of development, like adolescence," said Kanoski, "Consuming a diet high in added sugars not only can lead to weight gain and metabolic disturbances, but can also negatively impact our neural functioning and cognitive ability."

While this is an animal study, the detrimental effects of sugar on the human body is well researched and documented in the medical literature. It is difficult to extrapolate from animal data to humans but since reducing sugar only has positive health implications why not do a month trial and see for yourself?

For research regarding a potent natural memory enhancer, read on!

Known best as the substance in turmeric that gives the curry spice its characteristic yellow color, curcumin has been found by previous studies to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anticancer, and lipid-lowering effects. AB Scholey, from Swinburne University (Australia), and colleagues enrolled 60 healthy men and women, ages 60 to 85 years, in a study in which subjects received either 400 mg per day of curcumin, or placebo, for four weeks. One hour after the first dose, parameters of attention and memory improved in the group receiving curcumin. As well the curcumin-supplemented group reported an average 1.82% decrease in fatigue, whereas fatigue increased by 17% in the group receiving placebo. Self-reported calmness and contentedness also improved in the group receiving curcumin. Submitting that: "the first study to examine the effects of curcumin on cognition and mood in a healthy older population or to examine any acute behavioral effects in humans,” the study authors write that: "Results highlight the need for further investigation of the potential psychological and cognitive benefits of curcumin in an older population.” Since curcumin or turmeric have such an awesome health and safety profile, this is one supplement that everyone should take regularly. Visit my store to see the Curcumin I recommend with a great price and FREE shipping.

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This natural substance grows back eyelashes and eyebrows and MORE!

November 26th, 2014 at 6:25 pm

Image: Hair Artist Organization.org

Early this week I met a young lady who seemed to be wearing the longest eyelashes I had ever seen. Compared to her, Kim Kardashian looks " Au Naturelle". When I queried her about this, thinking it was a new fashion trend, she told me "these aren't fake lashes, I am using Latisse". YIKES I thought, Latisse is a drug that can cause permanent vision damage, and damage to the pigment of the iris, why would anyone do this when there is a natural alternative?

This benign oil is often overlooked for its benefits for the skin and hair because of its extremely thick and sticky, and maybe slightly messy consistency. However, if you're looking for a cheap, natural remedy for several common skin and hair complaints, then castor oil is definitely worth a trial.

Castor oil can be used for regrowing and thickening hair, eyelashes and eyebrows

Many women swear by castor oil as an antidote for overplucked eyebrows or eyebrows that have been lost due to chemotherapy or alopecia..

I read about castor oil in Natural News consumers should choose an organic, hexane free and cold pressed castor oil. Many reports demonstrate not only thicker lashes and brows but darker ones as well..

Castor oil is high in ricinoleic acid. This acid is a very effective natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. This can help keep any fungus or bacteria from inhibiting hair growth, a coomon problem. It may also have something to do with changing or lengthening the growth cycle. Lastly, since the oil is also very thick, it may help to prevent hair loss simply by helping to coat the hair and protect it from breakage, or even provide nourishment directly to the follicle causing it to thrive.

Castor oil is also high in omega 9 fatty acids, which are nourishing to both the hair and the follicle, as well as the surrounding skin. Castor oil has a unique ability to be deeply penetrating, and this helps it to deliver its nourishment deeply into the pores and the follicles that produce hair.

It also has a high gloss, so it lends a lush glossiness and shine to the hair. A little goes a long way, and it is best to only add a tiny bit to the very ends of your hair instead of putting it up near the scalp if you're just looking for a natural hair smoother.

Simply put about two drops on your hands and rub, then smooth through the ends. If you use too much, there is a fine line between subtle shine and a heavy greasiness so go very light until you figure out the amount that works right for your hair type.

If you're looking to regrow the hair on your head, you can use castor oil as a scalp treatment. However it can be tricky to get on the scalp without thinning it out with a lighter oil. You can add some melted coconut oil, apricot kernel oil or another lighter oil to help get it spreadable enough.

If you'are simply looking to help thicken hair that is thinning at the edges of your hairline, you can use pure castor oil,massaged in gently. . Another use is to apply the oil to eyelashes at night time to help thicken and strengthen them, as well as to help prevent thinning and shedding.

Castor oil can reduce scar tissue reduction and smooth cracked lips

Many attest to the wonders castor oil offers for keloid types of scars and other scars that involve a lot of hardened scar tissue. This is presumably due to its ability for deep penetration through multiple skin layers.Naturopathic medicine uses castor oil packs for a variety of illness due to this penetrating ability!

Because castor oil softens the skin so much, the thought is that this softening helps to break down deep scar tissue so it may be smoothed out. In addition, castor oil has shown promise as a white blood cell stimulating agent. Studies have also shown that castor bean oil helps reduce the inflammatory response in subcutaneous tissue. This may be why it seems to speed wound healing, and may also contribute to its ability to reduce scarring more quickly. I also LOVE this for scar healing.

Castor oil is also excellent for the lips. Lips in Chicago needs constant protection against the elements. Although our lips regenerate and recover quickly, they also dry out and begin to peel when they are dehydrated.

Castor oil not only smooths the lips with fatty acids, but it also helps protect them due to its naturally thick and immovable nature. In other words, it doesn't budge without being wiped off. It also imparts a natural shine to the lips, which makes it ideal for both improving the appearance and health of the lips. It is a great substance to use to make your own lip balms.

Happy Thanksgiving. If you are subscribed, please check your inboxes for a special thank you from Mike and I.

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

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THIS JUST IN: This Oft Maligned Substance May PROMOTE Liver and Gallbladder Health

November 19th, 2014 at 6:48 pm

image courtesy of fitday.com

Many people struggle with chronic liver and gallbladder disease. These are common consequences to impaired digestive flora which I see everyday in my practice. While there are many causes of chronic liver and gallbladder disease often they are responsive to natural approaches which do not involve drugs or surgery and strengthen the system as a whole...

That being said, drinking 3 or more cups of coffee each day may help to keep the liver and gallbladder disease away new research suggests. Dr. Qian Xiao, of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, and colleagues used data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2010) to investigate the effects of coffee consumption on liver function. The study population included 27,793 participants, aged 20-years or older, who provided coffee intake in a 24-hour period. Blood levels of several markers of liver function, including aminotransferase (ALT), aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transaminase (GGT) were measured in order to determine liver health. Results showed that participants who reported drinking 3 or more cups of coffee per day had lower levels of ALT, AST, ALP and GGT compared to those who did not drink coffee. Lower levels of the liver enzymes were also recorded in participants drinking only decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that there are chemical compounds in coffee other than caffeine which may help to protect the liver. This is not the first study to suggest that coffee may have health benefits, previous studies have found that drinking coffee may help to lower the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

About 80 percent of people who have gallstones or gallbladder sludge have no symptoms (non-symptomatic gallstones). However, in a minority of cases, gallstones trigger severe abdominal pain (symptomatic gallstones). In these instances, the gallstones can cause the gallbladder to become inflamed and this leads to gallbladder disease.

The majority of the research* shows that coffee consumption is linked to a reduced risk of symptomatic gallstones (or gallbladder disease), and coffee may have a beneficial effect.

Some studies provide insights into possible mechanisms: For example, coffee may exert different effects depending on the stage of gallbladder disease. There is some evidence that coffee, and caffeine in particular, may trigger the contraction of the gallbladder. Increased gallbladder contraction may prevent small crystals becoming large, symptomatic gallstones in early disease; but if large, symptomatic gallstones are present, gallbladder contraction may cause pain.

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

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Acupuncturist

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Arlington Heights, IL

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by	Taryn DeCicco, ND

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This Common OTC med linked to BLINDNESS!

November 12th, 2014 at 8:00 pm

Image: Various Home Remedies.com

Age-related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition affecting as many as 15 million Americans and millions more around the world. The disease attacks the macula of the eye, where our sharpest central vision occurs. This is the vision we use to drive, read, recognize faces and perform daily tasks. AMD does not cause complete blindness, only central blindness. It spares the peripheral vision (around the edges), leaving only dim images or black holes at the center of vision.

AMD is the number one cause of severe vision loss and legal blindness in adults over 60 in the U.S.

A new study has found that use of a commonly prescribed OTC drug use ten years ago was associated with a small but statistically significant increase in the risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Barbara E. K. Klein, M.D., M.P.H., of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, and colleagues conducted the study to examine the association between aspirin use and AMD.

The researchers used data from the Beaver Dam Eye Study, a longitudinal population-based study of age-related eye diseases conducted in Wisconsin. Examinations were performed every 5 years over a 20-year period (1988-1990 through 2008-2010).

Study participants (n = 4,926) were 43 to 86 years of age at entry in the study. At subsequent examinations, participants were asked if they had regularly used aspirin at least twice a week for more than 3 months. The average duration of follow-up was 14.8 years.

For the study, the researchers measured the incidences of different types of AMD (early, late, and 2 subtypes of late AMD [neovascular AMD and pure geographic atrophy]).

There were 512 incident cases of early AMD and 117 incident cases of late AMD over the course of the study.

The researchers found that regular use of aspirin use 10 years prior to the retinal examination was associated with late AMD (age- and sex-adjusted incidence, 1.8 per cent for users vs. 1.0 percent for nonusers).

When examining the relationships by late AMD subtype, neovascular AMD was significantly associated with such use (age-and sex-adjusted incidence, 1.4 per cent for users vs. 0.6 per cent for nonusers), but not for pure geographic atrophy. Aspirin use 5 years or 10 years prior to retinal examination was not associated with incident early AMD.

"Our findings are consistent with a small but statistically significant association between regular aspirin use and incidence of neovascular AMD. Additional replication is required to confirm our observations. If confirmed, defining the causal mechanisms may be important in developing methods to block this effect to prevent or retard the development of neovascular AMD in persons who use aspirin, especially to prevent CVD," the authors conclude.

The study appeared in the JAMA. I do not advise not taking aspirin if prescribed by your doctor but you may wish to discuss these findings with him or her. If taking aspirin for pain you may want to visit our store aisle for recommended products and FREE shipping as well as volume discounts over $99. For vision support visit our VISION aisle.

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

**Share the HEALTH!**
FREE Shipping and Save 10-20% on over 500 TOP Professional Products	Like US? Join us on FB!	We LOVE to Tweet! Join us on Twitter!	Visit our Natural Health Library for many GREAT Articles!	Don't Miss a thing! Subscribe now to get our new articles via email.	Send this article to a friend!

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by	Taryn DeCicco, ND

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A Natural CURE for Vaginal Dryness

November 5th, 2014 at 7:12 pm

image courtesy holisticvanity.ca

This just in!! Urogenital or vaginal atrophy an actual thinning and drying of the mucous membranes is a common disorder affecting 40% of post menopausal and younger women.

A orange berry like fruit that grows on seabuckthorn shrubs has been used for thousands of years in ancient Chinese medicine and more recently to hydrate the skin, moisturize the eyes and to rejuvenate the body.

Researchers from the University of Turku and Aromtech have discovered that seabuckthorn improves the tissue integrity that is health of vaginal tissue in a clinical study of women experiencing chronic vaginal dryness.

In this study of 116 women, the authors concluded that vaginal health was improved as compared to a placebo as clinically evaluated by a gynecologist and patient questionnaires.
Vaginal dryness can lead to painful intercourse and chronic vaginal and urinary infection.

This is great news for many women!! I recommend our seabuckthorn suppositories for three to four months. You can also take the oil as a supplement.

This breaking news will be published in the European journal Maturitas shortly.

Best of Health!

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

**Share the HEALTH!**
FREE Shipping and Save 10-20% on over 500 TOP Professional Products	Like US? Join us on FB!	We LOVE to Tweet! Join us on Twitter!	Visit our Natural Health Library for many GREAT Articles!	Don't Miss a thing! Subscribe now to get our new articles via email.	Send this article to a friend!

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by	Taryn DeCicco, ND

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