The Immortal Kombucha - Time to Try

Its been a busy day, and I really haven't got as close to appropriating the omni health encompassing kombucha tea as I had planned. However, as stated in yesterday's post I did discover some essential details in terms of properly preparing and ingesting the 'tea' in order to benefit from its curative, if not thoroughly preventive properties.

Before delving into the recipe, lets briefly review a bit about the organism-based infusion. Kombucha can be traced back some 2000 years to regions in China, Russia, Japan and Korea. Word has it that -

the name 'kombucha' originated in Japan in 415 AD. Reportedly, a Korean physician called Kombu or Kambu treated the Emperor Inyko with the infusion. It became known by a combination of the name, 'Kombu' and the word, 'cha,' meaning tea. However, in modern Japan, kombucha tea is known as 'kocha kinoko' which translates as tea mushroom. Kombu means ' 'kelp' in Japanese and the name 'Kombucha' is used to refer to a hot drink made from powdered kelp. Now that we're thoroughly confused, I suppose I can begin with the recipe...

I found this particular recipe at:
The Happy Herbalist Website - http://www.happyherbalist.com/ Refer to the site for photos and special instructions on making the infusion.

1.Heat a good three quarts of water.
Boiling is not recommended as it tends to reduce the oxygen and carbon necessary for proper kombucha fermenting. Use water of known quality. Heating the water to dissolve the sugar and extract the tea

2. Add Tea. 5-7 tea bags or 2-3 tsp. loose tea usually 15 grams

3.Steep 15 minutes. NOTE: refer to the specific tea brewing recommendations inside

4. Add Sugar 1 cup Sugar (6-8 ounces / 200-300 grams)

5.Allow to cool to room temperature Keep
Covered and careful of contamination at this stage as the brew is a highly Sweet and Appetizing
Be Sure everything is at the same temperature

6. Pour cooled, room temperature liquid into fermenting container

7. Add Kombucha Mushroom (which is also at room temperature)'

8. Add 2 cups Previously Fermented Kombucha Brew as a Starter. (25%)
[use the liquid that came with the mushroom starter ] or use 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. (to reduce the pH and protect the ferment from pathogens). Do not use un-pasteurized non-distilled apple cider

9. Cover with a clean cloth, paper towel or coffee filter Set aside in a quiet undisturbed spot. Every time the liquid is disturbed the mushroom will begin to start forming over again and not form properly. (K-Tea may still be good)

10. Ferment. 6 - 8 days normal brew cycle at 80F constant temperature, 8-14 days in the 70�s). 60F or below is not recommended. First time may take longer. Temperature Range: 68-83 degrees Fahrenheit. (20 - 26 degrees Centigrade) K-Tea should be sparkling semi-sweet cidery taste. The pH 2.7 to 3.2.

Save 1-2 cups (8-16 oz/240-500 ml) to begin another batch. Each batch should produce another mushroom (SCOBY). Save one mushroom and tea safely away in the event of some disaster. Use either mushroom to start another batch.

Well, if nothing else, its worth a try. Also soon as I find out who sells it, I'll let you know.

Best to all

Green Tea? No, I Only Drink Kombucha, its the ' Immortal Health Elixir'.

Actually, it was the ancient Chinese who called kombucha tea-drink the 'Immortal Health Elixir' as they believed that the mixture balanced the spleen and stomach (referred to as the 'Qi), and aided in digestion and metabolism, which were thought to be helpful in healing. Indeed, throughout the ages, the kombucha plant form has been used as a curative in a number of areas within and around Asia, from Manchuria to Russia. In more recent times, beginning in the 1950s, Russian scientists examined the kombucha 'mushroom'. The organism actually is not mushroom or fungus, but a lichen, bacterium xylinium and natural yeast growth combination.

What scientists found was that a specific komboucha derived fermented drink, or 'tea' contains a numbers of substances that are beneficial to the body such as gluconic acid, which has the capacity to dissolve gall stones, and combat viral infections; hyaluronic acid, a component of connective tissue; chrondroitin sulfate, present in cartilage; and mucoitin-sufuric acid, an element that makes up the stomach lining and the vitreous humor of the eye. The 'tea' also contains B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (folic acid), lactic acid; dextrogalyal and usnic acid, which is an element with strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral functions.

At the present, modern researchers have provided evidence that shows kambucha tea significantly strengthens the immune system and can be essential to the treatment and cure
of acne, aging skin, AIDS, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, candidiasis, chronic fatigue, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea and other digestive disorders, hair loss, hemorroids, high chloesterol, hyppoglycemia, incontinence, kidney and gall stone problems, menopausal problems, multiple sclerosis, PMS, prostate problems, psoriasis, and weight problems. It has also been said 'to increase energy and promote a general feeling of well-being. Hmm, where can we find this stuff?

Come back tomorrow and I'll have the sources where the item can be found as well as the recipe.
I'm actually looking forward to learning a lot more about kombucha, too.

Take care All

Sources:
'Prescription for Natural Health', JF Bauch, MD, PA Bauch, CNC - Avery Publishing, New York, 1997
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kombucha

Clean Your Colon, Slim Down and Live Healthy

Did you know that everything we eat ends up in our colon as toxic materials. Eventually these toxins can, and will, in many cases develope into diseases such as candida, obesity and cancer. Another serious threat to colon health are parasites. Indeed, at any given moment, illness causing parasites are present in the body.

Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, famous surgeon and the father of Kellogg's Corn Flakes, believed that the bowel could be the origin of most health problems, hence his creation of a bran cereal to aid in colon function. He maintained that 90% of disease is due to improper functioning of the colon.

- And me, basically, a nobody believes the same thing. In the late 1980's I ventured to Milan and Pavia, Italy on a kind of vacationa nd decided to try to make a life of it. The consensus among the Italians that I met on my travelled appeared to be was that fried foods and carbonated beverages were 'male, male per il fegato' - Bad, bad for the liver. Over the years, I've come full circle to understand their view as truth. However, I further beg to consider such anti-nutritional poisons equally dangerous to the health of the colon. If one is to think of indigent cultures whom do not rely or even have access to the near nutrition absent inventions of greedy corporations to feed the privately funded medical industry, and you will find that they enjoy optimal health and long life. Gee, go figure.

Probably the most simple way to begin to cleanse the colon is to begin to drink Senna tea in the evening. Many cultures, such as the Chinese and Italian encourage the gentle cleansing of the colon by ingesting a hot beverage after the evening meal such as an espresso or green tea. Senna is the active ingredient of most laxatives so only a small amount of leaves are needed.

An additional way to cleanse the colon with the gaurantee of the absorption of vital minerals, antioxidants and vitamins, is to institute a daily regime that begins with a supplemental drink by the name of Meta Greens, by Univera Life Sciences. While there are a number of so called colon cleansers on the market, natural Senna and Meta Greens are the two with which I am familiar and trust.

Knowledge is Power in the end.

Take good care,

Marcia

Aloe Vera - Our MD in a Bottle?

Aloe, or Aloe Vera has been well known for centuries for its healing properties.

Descriptions of the use of aloe has been discovered in written history of many different cultures and as far back as the Greek, Egyptians, and Roman eras. References have also been found in writings from the Indian and Chinese early cultures. Ancient records show that the benefits of Aloe Vera have been known for centuries, with its therapeutic advantages and healing properties surviving for over 4000 years. The earliest record of Aloe Vera is on a Sumerian tablet dating from 2100 BC.

In the 1930s and 40s, extensive research in Britain and the former Soviet Union showed that aloe vera gel when applied topically had an ability to aid in healing wounds, ulcers and burns by 'sealing the damaged flesh with a protective coat and speeding up the rate of healing'. Researchers believe that this is partly due to a compound called aloectin B that stimulates the immune system and thus promotes healing within and outside of the body.
Use of the raw gel has been reported to be effective in treating blisters, insect bites, rashes, sores, herpes, urticaria, athlete's foot, fungus, vaginal infections, conjunctivitis, sties, allergic reactions, and dry skin.

Further Other topical uses include acne, sunburn, frostbite (it appears to prevent decreased blood flow), shingles, screening out x-ray radiation, psoriasis, preventing scarring, rosacea, warts, wrinkles from aging, and eczema. According to the same source, Internally, aloe is showing real promise in the fight against AIDS, and the virus has become undetectable in some patients who used it on a regular basis, due to its immune system stimulant properties. It also seems to help prevent opportunistic infections in cases of HIV and AIDS. It appears to be of help in cancer patients (including lung cancer) by activating the white blood cells and promoting growth of non-cancerous cells. The National Cancer Institute has included Aloe Vera in their recommendations for increased testing because of these apparent cancer fighting properties. Taken orally, aloe also appears to work on heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain and asthma, and studies have shown that it has an effect on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics. Other situations in which it appears to work when taken internally include congestion, intestinal worms, indigestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, liver problems such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, kidney infections, urinary tract infections, prostate problems, and as a general detoxifier. Most recently, researchers have discovered that aloe is also effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Is there any condition it can not combat? Definitely, aloe is an item that belongs in every medicine cabinet.

source: http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbAloeMed.htm

Product Review: Aloe Gold

Aloe Gold® by Hilltop Gardens®

Protection throughout.
Good health begins with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract because any damage that occurs there goes throughout the body. Aloe vera is known predominantly for its topical benefits when applied to a scrape or a burn. However, it is actually just as beneficial when ingested. Using Aloe Gold® on a daily basis can help reduce the damage and help increase the repair of the GI system.*
For added defense, active botanical compounds – Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and green tea extract are added to help support the growth of beneficial intestinal flora, promoting healthy digestion.*
Supports nutrient absorption*
Supports digestive health*
Boosts immune and antioxidant defense*

Suggested Use: Drink one to two ounces before a meal, up to three times a day or as needed. Keep in a cool, dry place before opening. Best served chilled. Shake well. Refrigerate after opening. This product is best used within 60 days after opening.

Warning: Not intended for pregnant or lactating women. As with all nutritional products, consult your physician before using this product if you are taking medications. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Supplement Facts

Serving Size 1 ounce (29.6mL) Servings per container approx. 30
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Calories 5
Total Carbohydrate 1 g <1%*>

Stay well in mind and body,

Marcia

Go tu Kola. Say What?

How's that again?

Yes, you heard it right, gotu kola (centella asiatica) has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in India, China, and Indonesia. It was used to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis. Some people use it to treat respiratory infections such as colds, and it has a history of use for that purpose in China. It has been called "the fountain of life" because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of using the herb.

Travelling back into history we find that gotu kola has also been used to treat syphilis, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, mental fatigue, epilepsy, diarrhea, fever, and asthma. Today, American and European herbalists use gotu kola for disorders that cause connective tissue swelling, such as scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis (arthritis occurring in conjunction with psoriasis), anklylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine), and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies confirm some of the traditional uses and also suggest possible new applications for gotu kola, such as lowering high blood pressure, treating venous insufficiency (pooling of blood in the veins, usually in the legs, boosting memory and intelligence, easing anxiety, and speeding wound healing.

Gotu kola contains a compound known as 'triterpenoids', compounds which have been observed to aid in the healing of wounds. Research has indicated that triterpenoids strengthen the skin, increase the concentration of antioxidants in wounds, and restore inflamed tissues by increasing blood supply. Because of these properties, gotu kola has been used externally for burns, psoriasis, prevention of scar formation following surgery, recovery from an episiotomy following vaginal delivery of a newborn, and treatment of external fistulas (a tear at or near the anus).

In the case that you are lucky enough to come across this miracle product this would be the recoommended dosage for an adult:

The adult dosage of gotu kola may vary depending on the condition being treated. An appropriately trained and certified herbalist, such as a naturopath, can provide the necessary guidance.
The standard dose of gotu kola varies depending on the form:

Dried herb—to make tea, add ¼ to ½ tsp dried herb to a cup of boiling waterfor 10 minutes, 3 times a day

Powdered herb (available in capsules)—1,000 to 4,000 mg, 3 times a day
Tincture (1:2, 30% alcohol)—30 to 60 drops - Interestingly, I have yet to find tinctures in American pharmacies. That's not to say that are not any.

Standardized extract—60 to 120 mg per day; standardized extracts should contain 40% asiaticoside, 29% to 30% asiatic acid, 29% to 30% madecassic acid, and 1% to 2% madecassoside; Doses used in studies mentioned in the treatment section range from 20 mg (for scleroderma) up to 180 mg (in one study for venous insufficiency; although, most of the studies for this latter condition were conducted using 90 mg to 120 mg per day).

The recommended dosage for people with insomnia is ½ tsp of dried herb in a cup of water taken for no more than 4 to 6 weeks.

This product is relatively common in India. However, it is available in speciality herbal shops in the US as well as online.

Thanks for reading,
Marcia

http://www.rishiherbals.in/

Want to Stay Young? Hold Your Breath... Really

Oxidation in the life cycle is essential in the process of overall survival. However, oxidation, i.e., a decreased presense of antioxidants, or the inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes, can be be injurious to the aging body from the result of oxidative stress and may damage or kill cells.

The process of oxidation causes damage to cells when they produce free radicals, which in turn start chain reactions throughout a specific area such as the liver or the skin. Such damage to cells can cause individual cell death and if enough cells are lost, the result can be tissue (cell network) and/or organ failure, ultimately leading to death of the organism. Most cell damage due to oxidation (though also to other types of toxic damage) occur in later life. However, with awareness and preventive measures oxidation levels can be significantly decreased.

The death of cells occurs by two methods, apoptosis and necrosis.

Apoptosis or 'programmed cell death' is a process of self-destruction of the cell nucleus. Apoptosis is an individual or single cell death in that dying cells are not contiguous but are scattered throughout a tissue. It is not considered to be a traumatic cell death, as is necrosis. Apoptosis can be likened to the dropping off of petals of trees during the change of seasons. It is a process that is essential to the growth and development of the embryo in the womb.

Necrosis is a progressive failure of essential metabolic and structure oriented cell components located typically within the cell's nucleous (specifically, the cytoplasm). It generally involves a group of attached cells or occurs at the tissue level. Upon 'death by necrosis', so to speak, the cell tissue tries to regenenerate the same type of cells that have died. if the type of injury is minimal the tissue may adequately replace the 'lost' cells. In the case of severely damaged organ tissues or long-term chronic conditions, the tissues may not have the capacity to regenerate the same [healthy] type of cells; so instead what you get is a flawed or in some way, impaired cell, a 'second', if you will. A serious example of this would be chronic liver damage induced by alcholism. What happens here is that the body no longer can generate replacement liver cells with more cells. Instead only connective tissue is replaced. Thus occurs the decline or organ function.

While overall aging involves the continuous generation, injury and or damage, and repair of cells individuals do have the capacity to prolong general cell heath and repair by incorporating a regime that includes fresh and natural foods that are rich in antioxidants. Nutritional supplements and vitamin therapy are effective ways to preserve cell health.

Sources of antioxidants

Thousands of antioxidants naturally occur in plant foods. The most well known are vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, and selenium. While they all work to prevent oxidative damage, they each have their own method of getting the job done. They also work best as a team, each doing its part to provide well-rounded protection against cancer.

Among the best sources of antioxidants are brightly colored fruits and vegetables including, though not limited to:

Prunes
Berries
Raisins
Oranges
Red grapes
Cherries
Kale
Beets
Red bell peppers
Spinach
Broccoli.

Anti-oxidant Dietary Supplement Overview

The Damage Reducing Power of Antioxidants
Antioxidants have been in the news a lot in the last few years, and for good reason. Antioxidants help stop free radicals from damaging and destroying cells. AgelessXtra® provides a nutritious fruit blend containing grape, cranberry, cherry, and blueberry juices known for their rich colors, high ORAC potential, and flavonoid content. Xtra™ delivers antioxidants to your body at far greater levels than a typical diet can provide. In fact, independent scientific studies have shown that one serving of Xtra provides the antioxidant protection of up to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables!
Use Ref# 1308779

Here's to good health,
Marcia

References:

Content Source: National Library of Medicine (other articles)
Article Topics: Ecotoxicology and Environmental health
This article has been reviewed and approved by the following Topic Editor: Emily Monosson (other articles)
Last Updated: November 20, 2007

How Old is My What?

Growing old(er) is an inevedible fact that me must, if not fully accept, tolerate on some level. On a measurable scale, aging can be attributed to the body's ability or inability to preserve, mend or renew damaged cells throughout the process. Recently clinical researchers have established the chronological ages that various parts of the body begin to go on the decline.

In an article that ran in the Daily Mail, leading research clinicial, Angela Epstein revealed the ages when specific parts of the body begin their downward progression. Gulp... In order to avoid an information overload of sorts, I'd like to share only a few today.

BRAIN - Starts to decline at age 20 Get this. We start with around 100 billion neurons or nerve cells. In our 20s the number starts to decline. By age 40 a person could be losing up to 10,000 per day. Such cellular losses have a significnat on impact on memory, co-ordination and overall brain function.

EYES - Starts to decline at age 40 If you're not wearing glasses by now, its a fine time you get some. OK, lol. Long-sightedness, which affects the ability to see objects up close is the typical complaint.

HAIR - Start to decline at age 40 Hair is composes of tiny pouch like follicles. Typically hair grows from each follicle for about three years, then it sheds and a new strand grows in. In males, hair loss begins at about age 30. In terms of hair color, most have at least some grey by age 35, due to decline in melanocytes (color device). But even I can't name a soul who made it that long with 100% of their original hair color.

BONES - Start to decline at age 35 Throughout the life long aging process bone material is broken down by cells called osteoclasts and replaced by bone building cells called osteoblasts ( Note, clasts vs. blasts) a process called 'bone turnover', explains Robert Moots, Professor of Rheumatology at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool, England . In Children bone growth is rapid. The skeleton itself takes just two years to renew itself completely. In adults this same process can take up to ten years. Until a person reaches their mid 20s their bone density is still increasing. But at 35 bone loss sets in as part of the natural ageing process.

If anyone has any concern as to whether they are experiencing any of the above bodily 'occurances', it may be a good idea to absorb and aspire to understand them in order to control and slow down the aging process on an individual level. This can be done and no point is too late as long as its not... 'too late'.