CALENDULA: the herb that fights yeast/candida, strengthens immune system and heals eye infections!

Marigold / Calendula Officinalis is one of my miracle herbs.

Marigold, also more commonly called Calendula, has been used medicinally for centuries. Traditionally, it has been used to treat conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eczema, gastritis, minor burns including sunburns, warts, and minor injuries such as sprains and wounds. It has also been used to treat cramps, coughs, and snake bites. Calendula has a high content of flavonoids, chemicals that act as anti-oxidants in the body. Anti-oxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation. Oxidation produces oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals that may suppress immune function.

Calendula has been considered beneficial in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing. It has been used to treat a variety of skin diseases and has been seen effective in treatment of skin ulcerations, eczema, juvenile acne and dry phthiriasis. Improvement has been seen in as little as 3-4 days of treatment according to the Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie.

Calendula is one of several herbs used traditionally to treat conjunctivitis and other eye inflammations as it helps to reduce the swelling and redness of eye infections. It is also believed that calendula may have some anti-spasmodic action, and as such, it has been used to relieve menstrual cramps.

Calendula is used to aid the healing of wounds and internal and external ulcers. It is an anti-septic and improves blood flow to the affected area. Some clinical studies validate the early treatment of stomach ulcers, although further research is needed (Chakurski 1981; Krivenko 1989).

One of the miracle formulas that I experienced years ago with marigold, was in an eye formula I made for my cat, who had developed an ulcer-like formation on his eyeball.  I initially took him to the Vet for treatment, and their only response was surgery.  So I treated him myself with herbal eyewashes three times a day.  Months later, I took him to a different Vet, and was told his eye organs (eyeball, cornea, retina) were completely intact and he had his full vision!

Calendula cream is good for acne and nappy rash. An infusion is good for digestion and relieves colitis and symptoms of menopause. As an anti-fungal agent, it can be used to treat athlete's foot, ringworm, and candida. The tincture applied neat to cold sores encourages healing.

Calendula contains chemicals, which have been shown in animal studies to speed up wound-healing by several actions that include increasing blood flow to the affected area and promoting the production of collagen proteins. Calendula also possesses anti-septic and anti-inflammatory effects due to its flavonoid content. In mouthwashes and gargles, calendula soothes sore throat or mouth tissue; in solutions, it has been uses to treat hemorrhoids.

Compresses of calendula blossoms are helpful for varicose veins. Results from recent animal and laboratory studies show that calendula may also have some anti-infective properties, particularly against fungal infections and against viruses.

Calendula's high-molecular weight polysaccharides stimulate immune system activity (Wagner 1985) and has been researched for immune system activity. It was initially determined to have some potential therapeutic activity against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): extracts significantly inhibited HIV-1 in vitro, and reduced HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in a dose- and time-dependent manner (Kalvatchev 1997).

Calendula today, is being investigated for it's anti-cancer properties. In conjunction with other herbs such as Echinacea purpurea, Scorzonera humilis L., and Aconitum moldavicum, there has been evidence of success in treating certain cancers (Heren's carcinoma) according to the Fedkovich Chernivtsi State University in the Ukraine.

In one small study of about 250 women undergoing radiation therapy after surgery for breast cancer, a commercial calendula ointment reduced the amount of skin irritation better than another commonly-used commercial preparation. Women who used the calendula ointment also reported less pain from the radiation. Investigations into anti-cancer and anti-viral actions continue.

SOURCE: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-marigold.html

How to NATURALLY Prevent Disease

We can employ three simple tools to avoid getting sick.  One, by making the best food choices, second, simple adjustments in our lifestyles, and thirdly, exercising better control of our emotional responses to life, aka: meditation.  And then there’s water.

Our bodies were created well-equipped to regenerate, rejuvenate and rebound on its own.  It can restore itself from illness and disease.  It can revitalize its energy when depleted.  But we compromise our body’s ability to survive by our bad food choices, our refusal to stimulate our blood circulation which feeds and revitalizes our organs, and by not taking more charge over our emotional responses to life situations.  Also, by not drinking enough water every day. Our liver requires 86% water to detox our body, the blood and kidneys require 83% water to function properly, our brain 75%, muscles 76%, skin 70%, bones 22% and connective tissue requires 60% water to maintain our health! You can completely change the internal environment of your body by consuming only alkaline water, drinking more alkaline beverages, and eating more alkaline foods. You can immediately have bowel regularity by drinking a glass of (alkaline) water within the first 20 minutes of waking every day (adults AND children) and a second glass within the next hour.

Drinking pure water every day is a key component of optimal health.  Too many of us drink other types of fluids, most of which aren’t good for our health.  Adults wake up needing to have their “morning coffee” in order to ‘wake up.’  Others go for the sugary, chemical variety of drinks like Starbucks, McDs and DDs.  Kids usually opt for sweet drinks like soda and fruit juice instead of plain water, and many teens tend to reach for sports and energy drinks instead.

According to a recent Harvard study, more than half of American children are dehydrated, which can have repercussions for their health and academic performance.

About one-quarter of children in the US do not drink water on a daily basis. Overall, boys were more than 75 percent more likely to be inadequately hydrated than girls.

This dovetails with previous studies showing that boys drink more sugary beverages than girls. According to one 2011 analysis, about 70 percent of boys aged 2-19 drink sugary beverages daily. As noted by lead author Erica Kenney, “These findings are significant because they highlight a potential health issue that has not been given a whole lot of attention in the past – which is that it could really be reducing quality of life and well-being for many, many children and youth.”                      (by Dr. Mercola)

We’ve spoken about the necessity of drinking pure water every day as a key component of optimal health.  Your body is comprised of about 65 percent water, which is needed for a number of physiological processes and biochemical reactions, including but not limited to: blood circulation, metabolism, and regulation of body temperature, and waste removal and detoxification.

Once your body has lost between one-to-two percent of its total water content, it will signal its needs by making you feel thirsty. Using thirst as a guide to how much water you need to drink is one obvious way to ensure your individual needs are met, day-by-day.  However, by the time your thirst mechanism actually kicks in, you are already in the early stages of dehydration, so you don’t want to ignore the initial sensations of thirst.  Also, the thirst mechanism tends to be underdeveloped in children, making them more vulnerable to dehydration. The elderly are also at heightened risk. Dr. Mercola shared with us that hunger—sugar cravings in particular—can also be a sign that your body is crying for water, so when you feel hungry, drink a glass of water first.

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The Truth about Thaksgiving

The Truth about Thanksgiving

Shared from Toni Braxton  

Exposes Black Friday 

"A s   S l a v e   T r a d e   D a y"

Toni Braxton has exposed Black Friday for the sadistic holiday it is and exposes what the true celebration of Black Friday celebrates and opts out. The term "Black Friday" originated with the practice of selling off slaves on the day after Thanksgiving.

The website Snopes disagrees. According to Snopes, the holiday didn't become well known until a century later when police officers in Philadelphia used the term to describe traffic jams and probably arrest a lot of black people. 

Think about it, it's Black Friday and its a term used to describe making money.

Black Friday stemmed from slavery? It was the day after Thanksgiving when slave traders would sell slaves for a discount to assist plantation owners with more helpers for the upcoming winter (for cutting and stacking fire wood, winterproofing etc.), hence the name ...Black Friday.

I bet the shopping stores and malls would sure hate it if black people stopped spending their hard earned money on the latest Jordan sneakers and other foolish items. Can you imagine would happen if on Black Friday, black people actually did something smart, like only spend money at black establishments. That could potentially enrich black businesses by a profit margin of let's say about 300 percent and keep the black dollar in black communities a little longer. Historically, it would be the longest period of time that black people hold on to the black dollar before giving it to billion dollar white businesses.

Snopes claims that Black Friday wasn't popularized until 1980's and that is a bold faced lie. Black Friday can be traced back to at least the 1860's. I don't trust these blogs. I believe that the term Black Friday certainly does come from slavery and since I don't celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas then there is no reason for me to celebrate Black Friday. Just another holiday that rich white people get to take money from poor black people. I think I will pass on that myself for real!

According to The Damien Zone, they fully back up Toni Braxton's claim and point out that her findings are accurate, even though countless blogs all over the internet desperately want to debunk it. I imagine that shopping malls and stores all over want to debunk this article and I wouldn't be surprised if Snopes.com was paid a handsome commission for debunking the story on their website. If black people wake up and know the truth, this could spell a disaster for corporations all over America who desperately take the last bit of change from poor consumers who will spend their last dollar at the malls and shopping stores.

Well guess what?  TONI BRAXTON IS RIGHT!

   The term Black Friday started in the slave trade and was again brought back into use in the 1930s and 40s when white merchants demanded a cut of black merchants weekly receipts - and historians know it.  Why is it being denied?

Source: http://www.nubianplanet.com/business/toni-braxton-exposes-black-friday-as-slave-trade-day/

The Immune/Lymphatic System, Ruled by the Zodiac Sign: Cancer ~ BOOK EXCERPT #2

I am still cranking out the final touches of the book, adding Appendices, waiting for reviews to come in, etc.  I expect it will take another month or so before the book will be totally complete.  I ask your indulgence and thank you for your patience, as you are probably no more excited than I am to get the book in your hands.

Here is an excerpt from the chapter on:

The Immune/Lymphatic System

The body employs many different types of immunity to protect itself from infection from a seemingly endless supply of pathogens. These defenses may be external and prevent pathogens from entering the body. Conversely, internal defenses fight pathogens that have already entered the body. Among the internal defenses, some are specific to only one pathogen or may be innate and defend against many pathogens. Some of these specific defenses can be acquired to preemptively prevent an infection before a pathogen enters the body.   The body has many innate ways to defend itself against a broad spectrum of pathogens. These defenses may be external or internal defenses. The internal defenses include fever, inflammation, natural killer cells, and phagocytes.  The external coverings and linings of the body constantly prevent infections before they begin by barring pathogens from entering the body. Epidermal cells are constantly growing, dying, and shedding to provide a renewed physical barrier to pathogens. Secretions like sebum, cerumen, mucus, tears, and saliva are used to trap, move, and sometimes even kill bacteria that settle on or in the body.  Stomach acid acts as a chemical barrier to kill microbes found on food entering the body. Urine and acidic vaginal secretions also help to kill and remove pathogens that attempt to enter the body. Finally, the flora of naturally occurring beneficial bacteria that live on and in our bodies provide a layer of protection from harmful microbes that would seek to colonize our bodies for themselves.

One of the primary functions of the lymphatic system is the movement of interstitial fluid from the tissues to the circulatory system. Like the veins of the circulatory system, lymphatic capillaries and vessels move lymph with very little pressure to help with circulation. To help move lymph towards the lymphatic ducts, there is a series of many one-way check valves found throughout the lymphatic vessels. These check valves allow lymph to move toward the lymphatic ducts and close when lymph attempts to flow away from the ducts. In the limbs, skeletal muscle contraction squeezes the walls of lymphatic vessels to push lymph through the valves and towards the thorax. In the trunk, the diaphragm pushes down into the abdomen during inhalation, to increase the abdominal pressure pushing lymph into the less pressurized thorax. The pressure gradient reverses during exhalation, but the check valves prevent lymph from reversing and being pushed backwards.

Another major function of the lymphatic system is the transportation of fatty acids from the digestive system. The digestive system breaks large macromolecules of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids into smaller nutrients that can be absorbed through the villi of the intestinal wall. Most of these nutrients are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, but most fatty acids, (the building blocks of fats), are absorbed through the lymphatic system.

            Alteratives are the category of herbs used in treating toxicity of the blood, infections, arthritis, cancer and skin eruptions.  This category of herbs may be used in various health conditions, spanning several body systems.  Alterative herbs help the whole body to assimilate nutrients and eliminate waste products of metabolism.  The choice of alterative depends upon matching the properties of the appropriate herb with the specific nature of the condition being treated.  Hence, red clover is used to treat cancer because of its effects on protein assimilation; echinacea is used to neutralize acid conditions in the blood associated with a stagnation of lymphatic fluids because of its antiseptic properties; sarsaparilla may be use when diuretic properties are needed, as with infections; cascara sagrada is used when a laxative is required to eliminate toxic conditions resulting from constipation; dandelion root combines hepatic (liver) tonic properties and diuretic properties and is particularly useful for treating chronic problems of blood toxicity; elder flowers have diaphoretic properties, and are thus used to purify the blood during treatment of colds and the flu.  Using liver herbs, together with intestinal cleansers, can work to directly release the burden of toxic overload that can, over time, have negative repercussions on all our body systems, and our state of metal health in general.

  

Conscious Living Solutions: are small things you can do to begin to create cycles of wellness.  Just take one or two suggestions at a time, incorporate them into your daily lifestyle and watch your energy increase, your health improve and illness and disease fall  away.  I PROMISE.

            Foods that boost the body's immune system can offer a lot of healthy options for those who wish to be more conscious in what they take in. To be sustained, the immune system heavily depends on the stomach for support. Malnourished individuals are more susceptible to disease as opposed to those who observe a healthy nutritious diet.  

Your Zodiac Sign and its Influence on Your Health

Cancer ~ June 22^nd  to July 22^nd 
Opposing Sign: Capricorn

Planet: Moon ~ is a ‘reactive’ planet, subject to sub-conscious predispositions, feelings about ‘self’ and conditioned responses.  It influences an urge to feel inner support as well as domestic and emotional security.
Element: Water ~ Water signs symbolize the cooling, healing principle of sensitivity, having empathy with others.
Quality:  Cardinal
Cell Salt: Calcium fluoride
Herbs: Tarragon and verbena

            The water element rules the reproductive and lymphatic systems and body liquids – including blood, mucus and lymph.  Water lubricates, flushes and cools the body.  Water signs are exceptionally sensitive to their environment, particularly to fungi, bacteria and viruses.  Cancer rules the breasts and the stomach.  This part of the anatomy has always symbolized nourishment and motherhood, and Cancer natives are characterized as protective and clinging.  Men of this sign have well-shaped chests and flat stomachs.  As the most perplexing of the signs, natives of this sign run the gamut of human emotion: they can range from the timid, shy, dull and withdrawn to the brilliant, friendly and famous.

            Tension, anxiety, and emotional stress are the leading causes of illness among Cancerians.  They have delicate stomachs and digestive problems, are prone to ulcers, gall bladder upsets, gas pains, nausea and gastritis.  The health is not robust, particularly in childhood, and many suffer from upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis.

            The Moon, Cancer's ruler, has dominion over the breasts and the alimentary canal, heightening the susceptibility of Cancerians in these areas. 

            As a cardinal water sign, Cancer symbolizes the cooling, healing principle of sensitivity and empathy with others, and correlates with the principle of action and initiating movements of energy in a definitive direction.

            The Cancerian’s “cell salt” is calcium fluoride, which unites with albumen and oil in the body’s system to keep elastic and connective tissues healthy.  It is also an important ingredient in tooth enamel, fingernails, bones, and the lens of the eyes.  Deficiency of this mineral can cause varicose veins, receding gums, curvature of the spine, and eye problems.  Food sources for calcium fluoride are egg yolks, whole grain rye, yogurt, beets, fish and oysters, as well as milk, cheese, kale, lettuce and tomatoes.  Cancerians are prone to skin disorders when there is a lack of calcium in their diet.  Starches and sugar cause them constipation, and salt produces bloating.  Natives of this sign should stay away from spicy, highly seasoned food, and should forego hot pepper sauce and horseradish.

            Alteratives are the category of herbs used in treating toxicity of the blood, infections, arthritis, cancer and skin eruptions.  This category of herbs may be used in various health conditions, spanning several body systems.  Alterative herbs help the whole body to assimilate nutrients and eliminate waste products of metabolism.  The choice of alterative depends upon matching the properties of the appropriate herb with the specific nature of the condition being treated.  Hence, red clover is used to treat cancer because of its effects on protein assimilation; echinacea is used to neutralize acid conditions in the blood associated with a stagnation of lymphatic fluids because of its antiseptic properties; sarsaparilla may be use when diuretic properties are needed, as with infections; cascara sagrada is used when a laxative is required to eliminate toxic conditions resulting from constipation; dandelion root combines hepatic (liver) tonic properties and diuretic properties and is particularly useful for treating chronic problems of blood toxicity; elder flowers have diaphoretic properties, and are thus used to purify the blood during treatment of colds and the flu.  Using liver herbs, together with intestinal cleansers, can work to directly release the burden of toxic overload that can, over time, have negative repercussions on all our body systems, and our state of metal health in general.

Here is the book launch web address below to pre-order the book: booklaunch.io/Zakiyyah/theenergeticsofherbs

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Book Excerpt: CIRCULATORY (Diabetes problems) SYSTEM (LEO)

I must apologize for not posting in a while, but I am working feverishly in getting my book out . . . which was due to be released today!!! I am still cranking out the final touches of the book, waiting for reviews to come in, etc., so that will take an extra couple of weeks before the book will be totally complete.  I ask your indulgence and thank you for your patience, as you are probably no more excited than I am to get the book in your hands.

Here is an excerpt from one of the chapters.

CHAPTER:  Circulatory System/Leo

The heart works closely with the lungs to gain oxygenated blood, with the digestive system to obtain nutrients, and with the kidneys, the body’s main filtering system.  Your blood constantly flows through your kidneys to be purified or filtered.  More than 500 grains of waste matter, acids and poisons have to be removed from the blood through the kidneys every twenty-four hours.  When they fail to do this filtering you might feel depressed and tired, restless at night, with headaches and pains in the back.  There might be scanty urine or a desire to urinate frequently.  Here is where diuretic herbs come into play.  Some diuretics increase the flow of urine by stimulating the cells in the kidneys to excrete more urine, while others improve the blood circulation in the kidneys so that the fresh blood brings more fluids and wastes to be eliminated, which then forms into urine.  Other herbs stimulate the secreting cells or nerves of the kidney tissue, which include buchu, uva ursi, juniper berries, corn silk, fennel, cubeb, and pipsissewa.  Diuretic herbs will be covered thoroughly in the chapter on the Excretory System.

Circulatory problems in diabetics are related to high sugar levels, which impairs the ability of the body to heal wounds.  When the pancreas aren't able to produce sufficient insulin to convert glucose' sugar into energy in the cells (diabetes), the glucose then continues to circulate and accumulate in the blood, which can become very dangerous for diabetics.  A number of organs are affected by diabetes: kidney, pancreas, spleen, liver and gall bladder.  Herbs like uva ursi, parsley root, gentian root, red raspberry leaves, buchu leaves, saw palmetto berries, kelp and bladder wrack all contain chemical ingredients that promote the body's ability to reduce high blood sugar.  

The heart regulates this flow of blood via the blood vessels.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the heart stores the Spirit, manifests in the face and opens into the tongue.  This means that the heart is the root of life and generates all changes in the spirit, which might manifest as heart palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, excessive dreaming, disturbed sleep and a feeling of unease.  It also means that one of the indicators of the health of the heart is the complexion.  If one has a normal reddish completion or a pale complexion, that might indicate an abundant, or insufficient, heart blood, respectively.  A purplish facial complexion would be indicative of stagnant heart blood.  Sometimes too much mucus may also contribute to the obstruction of blood, indicated by a thick, greasy tongue coating.

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WOMAN'S HERB: CHASTE BERRY (VITEX)

“The Women’s Herb.”  Ahhh, there are quite a few.  My favorite is red raspberry.  Another known for its benefit to women is slippery elm.  CHASTE BERRY (also called 
vitex) is yet another.

Chaste berry is used to support a healthy and regular menstrual cycle, and to treat many imbalances of the female reproductive system, including infertility (and preventing 
miscarriages) when used with red raspberry, false unicorn root and black haw.  It also helps the uterus expel the placenta after childbirth and for increasing breast milk.  

When combined with other herbs, chaste berries are known to support both menopausal and post-menopausal health, as it treats PMS and hot flashes.

Vitex is also used to bring significant relief for women who suffer from premenstrual breast tenderness and pain associated with “lumpy” fibrocystic breasts.

You can also use vitex to treat acne, nervousness, dementia, joint conditions, colds, upset stomach, spleen disorders, headaches, migraine, eye pain, body inflammation and 
swelling.

September herb workshops (pre-registration required) have already been scheduled before the Sept. 17th book launch event. Sign up for my email Newsletter and get a FREE 
excerpt from my upcoming book: “The Energetics of How Herbs Heal – without drugs or surgery.”  

Here is the book launch web address below to pre-order the book: booklaunch.io/Zakiyyah/theenergeticsofherbs

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ONE SHOT HERB for hi calcium, minerals and B vitamins: OATSTRAW

Oatstraw (Avena sativa) is the herb of longevity in the Auryuvedic system of India. It restores nervous system integrity, emotional flexibility, and sexual flow. Oats and oatstraw are exceptionally good at nourishing heart health and moderating cholesterol. Oatstraw infusion (not tea, not tincture, not capsules) provides lots of protein, all macro- and trace-mineral in high amounts, and very high amounts of B vitamins - excepting vitamin B12.

   A cup of oatstraw infusion contains more than 300 milligrams of calcium plus generous amounts of many other minerals. Its steroidal saponins nourish the pancreas and liver, improving digestion and stabilizing moods. Oatstraw is best known however for its ability to enhance libido and mellow the mood. Do be careful whom you share it with, or you may find yourself sowing some wild oats. 

Oatstraw infusion is another favorite of those who want to feel less anxious. Preparation is the same as for nettle infusion; remember to avoid tea bags and capsules. The taste of oatstraw is softer and more mellow; you will enjoy it warm with a little honey. It is especially useful for those whose anxiety is combined with excessive nervous energy. 

Oatstraw infusion builds deep energy for the next day, especially when you have been riding an emotional roller coaster. Oatstraw nourishes the nerves, easing anxiety and improving our ability to live with uncertainty. 

Oatstraw infusion (not tea, tincture, or capsules) has been an ally for depressed women since earliest times. Gentle Avena nourishes the nerves and helps you remember why life is worth living. Oatstraw infusions have helped when muscles that lack minerals -- especially calcium and magnesium -- go into spasms and quiver. If this sounds like your legs, reach for a big glass of nourishing oatstraw infusion.



Enjoy Susan Weed's video on how to make the Infusion!!!

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