In both the Old and New Testament, many references are made to the use of medicinal plants. For example, during their sojourn in the desert, the Hebrews lamented missing onions, garlic, and many of the plants they used for food and medicine in Egypt. Here are some more popular healing foods from the Bible:

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While the holidays can be a joyous time, for many the season can be overwhelming, resulting in additional stress and anxiety. Adaptogens such as Panax Ginseng, Rhodiola, Astragalus, Holy Basil (Tulsi) and Maca Roots may be an effective way to help you navigate seasonal stress. To learn more, please read the article below.

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The Olive tree is quite beautiful, with flowing misty-green elongated leaves that have a silver sheen on the underside. Since the earliest of times, the Olive leaf has been referenced as a mythological symbol, as a nutritional food and as a healing medicinal, to name just a few citations. Olive oil is more widely used for cooking and eating than any other oil on earth. Even modern medicine extols its virtues as a heart-healthy food.

The outstretched Olive branch is a well-known sign of peace. In Genesis (8:11), Noah is told of the nearness of land when a dove flew over the arc with an Olive leaf in her mouth. The Egyptians extolled the leaf as a symbol of cosmic power. In the city of Phoenix, Arizona, there are parks filled with Olive trees, the ideal place to take a walk and cool down from the blazing hot sun.

Legend and folklore are not the only venues for extolling the virtues of the Olive tree. For many years, scientists have been researching Olive leaf’s properties as it relates to protection from disease. The leaves contain oleuropein, a bitter compound that affords the Olive tree a marked resistance to insects, bacteria and other parasites. Its use for helping with human health issues can also be found in older medical literature. For
instance, The Pharmaceutical Journal published an anti-malarial recipe in 1854 made from Olive leaves and
wine.

During the 1960’s there were many published studies in Europe reporting that the bitter compound, oleuropein, had many health benefits based on animal studies. These included lowering blood pressure, increasing coronary artery blood flow, relaxing abdominal muscle spasms and lowering blood pressure. A large American pharmaceutical corporation began other research on one isolated constituent of oleuropein, called elenolic acid. This compound was proven to have the capacity to destroy and inhibit the growth of an incredible array of pathogenic organisms including bacteria and yeasts and viruses when tested in-vitro (ie. in a petri dish). The organisms that were wiped out included common infectious illnesses such as cold and flu viruses, herpes and retroviruses like HIV. Types of bacteria and parasites included planterum, E. coli and malariae, to name a few.

Apparently, the old anti-malarial Olive leaf and wine remedy had some merit! When the in-vitro (in live
animals) studies commenced, no toxic effects were reported, even at high doses. However, the isolated elenolic acid, which was given in the form of calcium elenolate, did not circulate as a free compound, but became bound with proteins in the blood and was thereby inactivated. Perhaps the pharmaceutical company discontinued research at this point since whole plant compounds could not be patented and therefore not profitable to develop. In any event, their research paved the way to understanding just how useful Olive leaf extract could be.

Today, health care practitioners familiar with natural therapies advise people to consider Olive leaf extract for many conditions caused by virulent microorganisms such as colds and flu, herpes outbreaks, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Candida and Parasites. Furthermore, other than the occasional allergy, Olive leaf has no known toxic effect and therefore, can be used preventatively as well.

Ellen Kamhi Ph.D., RN, AHN-BC, RH(AHG), was interviewed by MysticMag. Here’s the full length of the article:

When and how did your love and career with Plants first blossom?

I have always been someone who can communicate with all kinds of entities, including plants and animals. Even as a child, I would have conversations with plants. Now, I teach a class called ‘Communicating with Plants,’ and there is a growing body of scientific data that supports  the reality of this phenomenon. It’s fascinating to see the research that shows how these interactions occur. My ability to communicate with plants was evident from a very young age.

I became more interested in the medicinal aspects of plants later on, after a personal experience with a severe back injury. When I was just 13 and teaching horseback riding, I fell off the horse in a double jump and injured my back so severely that I was confined to a wheelchair. The surgeon told me that I would never walk again without surgery. However, during this difficult time, I found that plants had a lot to say. They communicated with me and provided me with valuable insights on how to heal my injured back. They showed me that the surgeon’s prognosis was not necessarily accurate and that there were many natural ways to heal my body.

I visited the local library and searched the card catalogue for information about healing injuries. I was surprised to find a plethora of natural healing techniques for a hurt back and found an abundance of information. There were recommendations for using silica, calcium, and Castor oil packs, as well as teachings from Edgar Casey on managing pain. I also learned about various herbs that contain silica, such as horsetail grass. I was surprised that the doctor who treated me didn’t suggest any of these natural remedies. In hindsight, I realize that the doctor was likely focused on recommending surgery, as that is what they are trained to do. Unfortunately, many doctors are not well-versed in natural healing methods.

At the time I had to order the natural remedies through the mail because there was no Internet and no online ordering. My dad was supportive and helped me write letters and send checks to various companies across the country. I kept track of everything I did and documented each treatment and the effects it had on my back. When I went back to the surgeon six weeks later, I walked in without my wheelchair, and he seemed unhappy. I showed him my carefully kept chart and specific protocol, thinking he would be interested in learning from my experience, so that he could help others with this information. But instead, he dismissed it as ‘old wives tales’ and said that my recovery was just a spontaneous remission. It’s frustrating that even today, some doctors still believe in these outdated ideas.

However, I recently had the opportunity to sit on a Stakeholder Meeting for Research on Whole Person Health, sponsored by the National Institute of Health. We discussed how we can move towards integrating evidence based natural therapeutics into recognized standards of practice. Studies have shown that natural remedies can be just as effective, if not more so, than pharmaceutical interventions, and usually have a MUCH LOWER incidence of adverse effects, at a lower cost. Pharmaceuticals and surgery are still useful, and sometimes necessary, but usually later in the protocol process, rather than being the first go to option, as is now the case. . It’s time to expand our knowledge base and embrace the power of natural healing.

Do you believe in combining holistic medicine with conventional medicine, and if so, in which cases?

It’s fascinating to hear about the history of natural medicine and how it was once seen as something only for those living off the grid or with alternative lifestyles. It’s unfortunate that there was a separation between natural and mainstream medicine, but it’s encouraging to see that natural therapies are now being studied and recognized as evidence-based medicine. 

It is important for individuals to understand the potential herb-drug interactions and to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to their medication or supplement regimen. It’s always best to approach healthcare with an integrative approach, combining natural and conventional therapies as appropriate. I would say that natural therapies should be initiated FIRST, in most cases, before relying on pharmaceuticals. Natural therapies include changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle, so the individual needs to be willing to invest in “ SELF-CARE” , rather than relying on popping a pill. 

What are your views on EMF (Electromagnetic Field) meters and Shielding?

EMF or electromagnetic fields have become a growing concern in recent years as the use of technology and wireless devices has become increasingly widespread. While some people may not notice any adverse effects from EMF exposure, others may experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. With the advent of 5G technology, there are concerns about the potential health impacts of this higher frequency and more powerful form of EMF radiation.  Even though there are vast health and environmental concerns due to EMF exposure, The Telecommunications Act of 1996 limits the ability to object to the placement of cell towers or other cellular equipment. When this act was passed, the FCC  put together guidelines based on obsolete industry science, allowing what is now thought by scientists studying the health effects of  wireless  technology to be in the vicinity of millions of times higher than is recommended as a maximum exposure to rf radiation. The FCC guidelines are based on thermal effects only, and not on the non-thermal effects of rf radiation (also called non-ionizing radiation). The non-thermal may be quite damaging, based on over 27,000 scientific studies published in enumerable scientific and medical journals, and collected in EMF Portal, www.bioinitiative.org,    I DO suggest that sensitive individuals become aware of negative effects of EMF’s. If you go to my website,  https://www.naturalnurse.com/products/emf-shields/  I suggest an array of really high quality EMF deflecting products.

Have you witnessed a shift in consumer preferences over the last few decades, in regards to Alternative Medicine and available Therapies?

The pandemic definitely had an impact on the growth of functional and complementary medicine, as people were looking for ways to boost their immune system and stay healthy. This has resulted in an increase in the use of natural remedies, botanicals, supplements, massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, healthy food, and other natural therapies, as well as a rise in demand for practitioners who specialize in these areas. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the post-pandemic era, as more people become aware of the benefits of natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The focus of my work is training health care providers to be able to incorporate evidenced based natural therapies into their health practice, and guiding them towards the best training programs and certifications. 

However, I prefer not to use the term “alternative” to describe natural and functional medicine. It makes sense to integrate these therapies as part of standard practice, especially given their effectiveness and relatively low cost. It’s important to use all available resources to help patients achieve the best outcomes, and to be open to a variety of therapeutic approaches, rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals and surgery as first-line interventions. My focus is to educate health care providers in evidence based use of natural therapeutics and how to integrate these into their practice. I offer Career Paths in Natural Health for those who would like to investigate this process. https://www.naturalnurse.com/services/career-paths-in-natural-health/

How do you see the future of Natural Medicine within our society, in all its shapes and forms?

It is unlikely that natural and functional medicine will be hindered, especially given its growing popularity and efficacy. I feel it necessary to review the terminology and to distinguish between traditional medicine, which refers to practices that have been used for centuries and have a long history of safety and efficacy, and conventional medicine, which is the dominant form of medicine in many countries today and often involves the use of pharmaceutical drugs and surgery. 

It is also worth noting that many conventional medical treatments are based on natural compounds and substances, and that there is often overlap between different forms of medicine. Ultimately, the most important thing is to prioritize patient safety and effectiveness in choosing the best approach to healthcare.

Update: Originally published 11/12/2018; updated with references

High blood pressure is a common condition that can stress the heart and lead to heart disease. It can be caused by a variety of conditions. Almost 90% of all people with high blood pressure, have idiopathic, also called ‘essential hypertension’ and the cause is not well understood.

There are a variety of pharmaceuticals that are often prescribed for high blood pressure. Each class has a particular mechanism of action:

Diuretics (water pills) – reduces the amount of fluid in the blood vessels

Beta-blockers make the heart beat at a slower rate and with less force

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (also called ACE inhibitors) relax the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (also called ARBs) work in about the same way as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Calcium channel blockers relax blood vessels by stopping calcium from entering cells

As with all pharmaceuticals, these treatments may have side effects, that can interfere with quality of life, and which should be reported to your physician.

Common side effects include:

Never discontinue use of any medication without discussing with your physician. However, blood pressure can often be lowered through diet and lifestyle modifications. You can partner with your doctor and tell him or her that you will be making lifestyle changes and you would like them to monitor your progress and suggest how you decrease the dosage appropriately.

Here are some interventions that have been shown to naturally lower blood pressure.

Exercise

Daily exercise has been shown in many scientific studies to significantly lower blood pressure. One study found that low impact exercise, such as Tai Chi, worked almost as effectively as aerobic exercise in reducing blood pressure.

Weight resistance training can also be helpful, as well as something as simple as a daily half hour brisk walk! Although its not a good idea to ‘over exercise’ such as lifting heavy weights, when you are not used to doing so, moderate exercise is a real plus in any health and wellness endeavor, and also acts as a mood elevator.

Cut out Wheat Products and refined sugar

Excess sugar consumption leads to insulin resistance, which is directly linked to high blood pressure. One of the easiest ways to stop eating sugar is to eliminate ALL WHEAT PRODUCTS- such as bread, bagels, breakfast cereals and pasta. Many people with high blood pressure actually eat these kinds of foods many times a day at every meal! In fact, eating high sugar wheat products is often an addiction. Write a list of all the foods you eat in one day, and see how often it includes wheat. Eliminate all of those foods, and substitute rice cakes or RyVita crackers it you want something to munch on. Limit wheat consumption to once a week. You may find your blood pressure is much more controllable, and this one action often has the desired side effect of lopping off extra body fat!

Magnesium.

Sugar interferes with the ability of magnesium to properly nourish cells, which is essential for the normal relaxation of blood vessels, which controls blood pressure. Cutting out sugar and supplementing with foods high in magnesium, such as KALE and other dark green leafy vegetables can help. You also may choose to use a magnesium supplement. Read labels carefully!

Magnesium oxide is not a good choice, and is included in many low quality commercial vitamin pills. A good choice is magnesium glycinate, which can help support the availability of magnesium which can normalize blood sugar levels as well as blood pressure. _{(Schutten JC, Joosten MM, de Borst MH, Bakker SJL. Magnesium and Blood Pressure: A Physiology-Based Approach. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis. 2018 May;25(3):244-250. doi: 10.1053/j.ackd.2017.12.003. PMID: 29793663. )}

Garlic and onions

Both of these foods are in the same plant family, (Allium genus), and have a variety of healthy effects. They can lower cholesterol levels, especially LDL (bad cholesterol) and help balance blood pressure. _{(Ried K. Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive subjects, improves arterial stiffness and gut microbiota: A review and meta-analysis. Exp Ther Med. 2020 Feb;19(2):1472-1478. doi: 10.3892/etm.2019.8374. Epub 2019 Dec 27. PMID: 32010325; PMCID: PMC6966103. )} 

They contain natural components that can reduce inflammation and prevent the sticking together of blood platelets following high-fat meals that may lead to clotting. In addition they can help the body get rid of invading organisms that can cause a cold or flu!

Hawthorn

Hawthorn (Crataegus species) is a member of the rose family, with an extensive history of use as a natural medicine to support a healthy heart and to normalize blood pressure. Both the berries- similar to crab apples – and the leaves of hawthorn have been shown to decrease hardening of the arteries and to help improve blood flow by dilating and relaxing blood vessels. _{(Asher GN, Viera AJ, Weaver MA, Dominik R, Caughey M, Hinderliter AL. Effect of hawthorn standardized extract on flow mediated dilation in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults: a randomized, controlled cross-over trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Mar 29;12:26. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-26. PMID: 22458601; PMCID: PMC3350435.)}

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Hibiscus grows in many areas and is quite prolific in Florida. It’s easy to just pick a hibiscus flower, cut it up, and place it in a cup. Pour on boiled water and let it sit for 5 min and drink. Be sure the flowers have not recently been sprayed with toxic chemicals! Scientific studies have shown that hibiscus can significantly help to bring blood pressure into balance, _{(McKay DL, Chen CY, Saltzman E, Blumberg JB. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. J Nutr. 2010 Feb;140(2):298-303. doi: 10.3945/jn.109.115097. Epub 2009 Dec 16. PMID: 20018807.)} and also tastes tangy and delicious!

Move over, matcha. Moringa tea, and other products made from the moringa tree, are becoming popular in the healthcare community.

Also referred to as the “miracle tree”, which is native to India, moringa has been used for healing for thousands of years but its medicinal and nutritional benefits are just being discovered by modern researchers.

“I use moringa regularly,” Dr. Ellen Kamhi, author of The Natural Medicine Chest, tells Newsmax. “The leaves make a pleasant tasting tea, and the health benefits are outstanding.”

Researchers have found that the moringa tree’s leaves, flowers, seeds and pods contain essential amino acids, carotenoids, and a wide range of vital antioxidants and nutrients, including potent vitamins and minerals. Scientists have only begun to scratch the surface of its many health benefits.

Read the many benefits of this plant in its full article at: https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/moringa-immunity-blood-sugar-allergies/2021/06/24/id/1026309/

You also may want to read this article: Six Natural Ways to Help You Beat Allergy Season or Diabetes and Hypoglycemia Natural Help

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Herbal healing has been around for centuries and even in today’s high-tech society, it has an important role in keeping us disease-free and healthy…

Dr. Ellen Kamhi, Ph.D., author of “The Natural Medicine Chest,” says it’s important to shore up our immune systems whenever there is a threat of a viral invasion.

“The best approach is to do all you can do to help support the immune system since it controls our ability to fend off illness, whether it be a deadly disease, or even the common cold,” she tells Newsmax. Eat a healthy diet and reduce stress, while enlisting herbs as part of your anti-germ warfare, she says. “Besides elderberry, technically called Sambucus nigra, which has been proven not only to prevent the flu but to reduce its symptoms, there is an arsenal of herbs to help you stay well.”

Astragalus. One study by the National Cancer Institute demonstrated astragalus’ ability to strengthen the body’s immune response, especially against viral infections.

Oil of Oregano. Chock-full of disease-fighting vitamins and minerals, this herbal blend contains many active chemicals that provide beneficial support to our bodies, says Kamhi. “It is exceptional in its ability to destroy several different kinds of microorganisms including bacteria, fungus, virus and parasites,” she says.

Rosemary. This herb has been used as an anti-infective agent since ancient times. Kamhi reveals that it was burned in hospitals and sick rooms to purify the air and fight infections. “It was also used in courts to keep the judge and jurors from contracting plagues and fevers that the prisoner’s brought up from the dungeons,” she says.

Read the full article at: https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/natural-health-herbs/2020/03/03/id/956674/

You also may want to read this article: Healing Powers of Honey, Garlic, and Apple Cider Vinegar to learn more about the power of honey and apple cider vinegar to fight viruses

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Beets are an excellent food for your brain, heart, eyes, and more. They are loaded with antioxidants such as fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. A mere half cup of beets provides 17% of your daily requirement of folate. According to Dr. Ellen Kamhi, author of The Natural Medicine Chest, beets in various colors — from red to gold to white — can help protect against heart disease, birth defects, and certain cancers, particularly colon cancer.

Here are 5 ways beets can boost your health:

1. Fight cancer. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, beets inhibit the production of carcinogens and increase production of immune cells and body enzymes that help fight cancer development. Kamhi says it is the betacyanin, compound that gives this root vegetable their red color, that reduces the growth of cancer cells.
2. Boost your brain. Studies found that one cup of beet juice a day increases blood flow to the brain, keeping it sharp and building a line of defense against dementia associated with aging.

 
To read the rest of the benefits, please visit this page

You may also be interested in reading the benefits of other nutritious food such as papaya and sweet potato.

Prescription drug use in America is on the rise not only among middle-aged and seniors population but also among children and young adults. Consequently, this trend causes the increase of cases in patients with adverse effects of prescription medicine. To learn more, please read the article below.

Republished with permission from NewsMax Health Radar.

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Before we rush to take pharmaceutical medicine, let’s look at some natural remedies that have been used for thousand of years to heal various health conditions. In the following article, we will discuss the benefits of honey, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Additionally, there is a simple recipe of Organic Garlic Oxymel.

Republished with permission from NewsMax Health Radar.

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• Apple Cider Vinegar Image by Mike Goad from Pixabay
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• Honey Bees Beehive Image by PollyDot from Pixabay

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