Traditional Medicine vs Modern Medicine

It whitens teeth. Coconut oil possesses natural antibiotic and anti-viral properties that brighten dull or yellowed teeth and enhance the cleansing action of oil pulling, according to Dr. Bruce Fife. The detoxifying effect oil pulling has on the body can also reduce the appearance of skin rashes and other blemishes. "Removing bacteria and toxins from the body eliminates a great deal of stress that results in improved energy levels," said Dr. Fife. Because oil pulling involves "pulling" germs and toxins in the mouth that often leak into the bloodstream, affecting the entire body, Dr. Fife believes that it can improve skin health and appearance. But don't be mislead by random myths that the oil activates some unknown enzymes in the mouth that magically detox the body. The health benefits of coconut oil coupled with the cleansing action will have your skin glowing from the inside out. While dermatologist and author Dr. Debra Jaliman concurs that oil pulling is probably most helpful for the gums, as it stops the growth of strep bacteria, we shouldn't be quick to assume that it's a cure-all for other disease processes. However, nutritionist and naturopathic doctor Bruce Fife believes there are beauty benefits to oil gargling. Here are three: It whitens teeth. Coconut oil possesses natural antibiotic and anti-viral properties that brighten dull or yellowed teeth and enhance the cleansing action of oil pulling, according to Dr. Bruce Fife. It also improves gum health, eliminates bad breath and makes for a prettier smile. It clears up acne. The detoxifying effect oil pulling has on the body can also reduce the appearance of skin rashes and other blemishes. "Removing bacteria and toxins from the body eliminates a great deal of stress that results in improved energy levels," said Dr. Fife. And we all know how stress can lead to embarrassing skin problems. It can lead to a healthy, glowing complexion. Because oil pulling involves "pulling" germs and toxins in the mouth that often leak into the bloodstream, affecting the entire body, Dr. Fife believes that it can improve skin health and appearance. But don't be mislead by random myths that the oil activates some unknown enzymes in the mouth that magically detox the body. The health benefits of coconut oil coupled with the cleansing action will have your skin glowing from the inside out.

Former NFL linebacker Thomas Howard died early Monday morning following a high-speed car crash on a freeway in Oakland. The driver of the other car, 64-year-old Zeng Long Liu of Hayward, also died in the crash. Howard played his first five seasons with the Raiders and two seasons with Cincinnati. 'Dreaded phone call' I didn't lose a best friend or former teammate, I truly lost a brother today in Thomas Howard." Howard left the Raiders as a free agent in 2011 and started 15 games in his first season with the Bengals. Howard tore his ACL after his first game in 2012 and missed the rest of the season. Howard's father, Thomas Sr., also played nine seasons in the NFL as a linebacker.

What is Oil Pulling? Oil pulling is an age-old remedy that uses natural substances to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. How to Do Oil Pulling: How to do oil pulling: Put 1-2 teaspoons of oil into the mouth. I prefer to use 2 teaspoons of organic coconut oil. Spit oil into the trash can. I swish a few times with warm water to get any remaining oil out of my mouth. Brush well. I personally do this with coconut oil and brushing blend each morning before breakfast. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and has a milder taste that other oils and is my personal preference, though I’ve also seen it recommended by oral health experts. I’ve noticed whiter teeth since starting oil pulling, but most notably, my teeth are incredibly smooth! The most comprehensive resource I’ve seen on the topic is the book “Oil Pulling Therapy” by Dr. Bruce Fife. There are some scientific studies that support the benefits of oil pulling, including those showing its benefit on different types or oral bacteria, on dental caries, on plaque/gingivitis and on oral micro-organisms: TD Anand, C Pothiraj, RM Gopinath, et al. Effect of oil-pulling on dental caries causing bacteria. Effect of Oil Pulling on Plaque and Gingivitis. Journal of Oral Health & Community Dentistry: 2007 ;1(1):Pages 12-18 Effect of Oil-Pulling on Oral Microorganisms in Biofilm Models. Since I started using oil pulling while not pregnant, I feel comfortable continuing while pregnant, especially as oral health can decline during pregnancy, but I’d encourage anyone considering oil pulling to research it as well.

Provision of such herbal Echinacea Purpurea or Imunos, Imboost, Starmuno can be an alternative to improve the immune system and relieve common cold, influenza, and other respiratory infections. However, should the use of these medications remain consultation with a doctor so that its use be appropriate and well targeted. Stems, flowers, leaves and roots of Echinacea purpurea can be used as herbal extracts. But Echinacea should not be used in the long term can not be longer than eight weeks due to the body's natural immune system can be decreased. The effectiveness of echinacea has only 1-2 weeks delivery. Echinacea Echinacea purpurea Echinacea, the purple coneflower, is the best known and researched herb for stimulating the immune system. Thousands of Europeans and Americans use echinacea preparations against colds and flu, minor infections, and a host of other major and minor ailments. This native American herb has an impressive record of laboratory and clinical research. Thousands of doctors currently use echinacea for treating infectious diseases. Primary uses of echinacea

Colds, coughs and flu and other upper respiratory conditions Enlarged lymph glands, sore throat Urinary tract infections Other minor infections May help combat herpes and candida Wounds, skin regeneration and skin infections (external use) Psoriasis, eczema and inflammatory skin conditions (external use) History Echinacea has a rich tradition of use by North American Plains Indians who used it medicinally more than any other plant. It was prominent in modern American medicine in the early 20th Century, and was discovered by Europeans, who have used it extensively since the 1930s. Today millions of Europeans use echinacea as their primary therapy for colds, flus, infections, and for general immune-boosting effects. Health Benefits of Echinacea Echinacea increases the "non-specific" activity of the immune system. In other words, unlike a vaccine which is active only against a specific disease, echinacea stimulates the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infection. Unlike antibiotics, which are directly lethal to bacteria, echinacea makes our own immune cells more efficient in attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells, including cancer cells. Echinacea facilitates wound healing, lessens symptoms of and speeds recovery from viruses. Anti-inflammatory effects make it useful externally against inflammatory skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema. It may also increase resistance to candida, bronchitis, herpes, and other infectious conditions. State of Knowledge

Clinical (human) research Laboratory research History of use / Traditional use Safety record International acceptance Stars indicate level of knowledge on a scale from 0 - 5 Research Findings Over 500 scientific studies have documented the chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications of echinacea. The most consistently proven effect of echinacea is in stimulating phagocytosis, that is encouraging white blood cells and lymphocytes to attack invading organisms. Specific actions:

increases the number and activity of immune system cells, including anti-tumor cells: promotes T-cell activation; stimulates new tissue growth for wound healing; reduces inflammation in arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions; Mild antibiotic action: bacteriostatic, anti-viral, anti-fungal. inhibits the bacterial enzyme hyaluronidase, to help prevent bacterial access to healthy cells. Specific Studies: Clinical Study: an extract of echinacea showed an increase of 50%-120% in immune function over a 5 day period (Jurcic, et al. 1989). Clinical Study: an extract of echinacea significantly increased the resistance to flu and reduced the symptoms of lymph gland swelling, inflamed nasal passages and headache (Braunig, et al. 1992). Clinical Study: Of 4500 patients with inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis, 85% were cured with topical applications of echinacea salve (Wacker & Hilbig, 1978). Laboratory Study: Human white blood cells, stimulated by echinacea extract increased phagocytosis (consumption) of yeast cells by 20-40% compared to controls. (Wagner and Proksch 1985) Safety Echinacea has an excellent safety record and is very well tolerated by most people. There is no known toxicity. Echinacea should not be used in progressive systemic and auto-immune disorders such as tuberculosis, leicosis, connective tissue disorders, collagenosis and related diseases such as lupus, according to the German Kommission E. Its use in AIDS or opportunistic infections in AIDS patients is controversial. Using Echinacea Echinacea root is the part which has been used historically in European and American herbalism. Today nearly all parts of the plant are used, including the root, leaves, flowers, and seeds. Echinacea is available commercially in a number of forms - dried root or herb, liquid extract, powder, capsules and tablets, and creams and gels. Echinacea preparations are approved drugs in European countries. The officially recommended usage levels, and those used in research studies are:

Liquid extracts (or tinctures): very popular forms for ease of use. May be alcohol- or glycerine-based. Extract strength varies, so following manufacturers' directions is important. Recommended amounts range from one to five droppersful per use (0.5-5 ml.) three times per day. Capsules or tablets: may contain root powder or herb. Recommended usage level: 1/2 - 2 g per use three times a day. Echinacea tea:. The usage level for root and/or herb brewed as a tea: 1/2 - 2 g per use three times a day, Usage recommendations are from the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and official sources from Germany (Kommission E and Standardzulassung). Important Note: With long-term use, echinacea appears to lose effectiveness. Maximum periods of continuous use: 6 - 8 weeks. Echinacea is not a substitute for other medical interventions in rapidly accelerating infections. If the condition persists or worsens, seek medical advice. Many serious medical conditions are not appropriate for self-diagnosis or self-medication and require the supervision of qualified health care providers. Use caution when practicing self-care. Echinacea, Nature's Immune Enhancer by Stephen Foster. Healing Arts Press, 1991. Echinacea, the Immune Herb by Christopher Hobbs. Botanica Press, 1990. Botanical Influences on Illness by Melvyn Werbach and Michael Murray. Third Line Press, 1994. See chapters on Cancer, Candidiasis, Immunodepression, Infection, Wound Healing. Herbal Medicine by Rudolf Weiss. AB Arcanum, 1988. Selected References British Herbal Pharmacopeia, 1992. Kommission E Monographs: Echinacea. Kooperation Phytopharmaka, , Germany. Jurcic, et al. Zeitschrift fur Phytotherapie 10 (2), 1989. Braunig, et al. Zeitschrift fur Phytotherapie 13: 7-13, 1992. Wagner and Proksch 1985 In: Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, Academic Press, Orlando, p.113. Wacker & Hilbig. Planta Medica 33(1): 89-102, 1978. Chone & Mandakis. Deutsch Med. Wschr. 27: p. 1406 Luettig, et al. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 81(9): 669-75, 1989. Stimpel, et al. Infect. Immun. 46, 845, 1984; Steinmuller, et al. Int. J. Immunopharmac., Vol. 15, No. 5, pp. 605-614, 1993.

The Master Cleanse is a 10-day fast that is used for detox and weight loss purposes. It has also been called the Master Cleanser Diet after the original book that described it, the Lemonade Diet, the Maple Syrup Diet, and the Cayenne Pepper Diet after some of the ingredients used, and the Beyoncé Diet after its most famous fan. Stanley Burroughs The Master Cleanse was originally developed in 1940 as a stomach ulcer cure by alternative health practitioner Stanley Burroughs (1903-1991). Glickman’s book revived the diet’s popularity. Neither Burroughs nor Glickman was a physician or medical researcher. Burroughs promoted a number of alternative practices beyond the Master Cleanse, including light therapy, deep massage, and reflexology, and he was a practicing nudist and vegetarian. Moses and Jesus both reportedly underwent a pre-Burroughs 40-day version of the diet, not involving lemonade or laxatives. Not recommending the diet is rocker Eddie van Halen, who nearly died when his “intestines exploded” during the Master Cleanse, according to the National Enquirer. Does the diet work for weight loss? As an example, if you normally eat 2,150 calories, and you choose the extreme 650-calorie version of the Master Cleanse, you will have a 1,500-calorie deficit, losing three pounds of fat per week (and perhaps some water weight also). Many reputable diets prescribe a two-pound per week loss, so in this sense the Master Cleanse is actually not that radical: it just substitutes lemonade for real food and adds the shock effect of constant colon cleansing. Master Cleanse Dangers Most medical authorities don’t believe that a few days of fasting will harm you (and the Master Cleanse is more of a low-calorie, nutrient deficient diet than a fast). There’s no evidence that our bodies contain excessive toxins of the sort Burroughs discusses, and there’s no evidence that detox diets flush out anything bad in your body. How to Do the Master Cleanse In a nutshell, the Master Cleanse is this: The only nourishment that you take is a special lemonade concoction made from the Master Cleanse ingredients: lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and water, six to twelve glasses per day, each glass containing about 110 calories in sugar carbohydrates Buy Master Cleanse Master Cleanse kits are available from Peter Glickman, Coombs, Neera, and Maple Valley Syrup. The Master Cleanse Lemonade 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice. Burroughs recommends organic lemons, fresh, not bottled juice. 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. 1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Water. Burroughs recommends a 10-ounce glass of medium hot water, but also allows cold water to be used. Since Burroughs also allows plain water to be drunk during the fast in addition to the lemonade, this doesn’t seem important. An alternative to the lemonade endorsed by Burroughs substitutes 10 ounces of fresh sugarcane juice for the lemon juice and water. Burroughs allows the consumption of extra plain water and of mint tea. No other food or drink should be consumed at all, say both Burroughs and Glickman. Laxative herb tea. Internal salt water bathing solution. During the Diet Purchase lemons, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, laxative herbal tea, and sea salt in sufficient quantities to last the duration of your cleanse. The night before beginning the diet, drink some laxative herbal tea, and retire for the evening. In the morning before drinking any lemonade, drink a quart of salt water (remain near a toilet). During the day drink 6 to 12 glasses of the Master Cleanse lemonade concoction. The lower number of 6 glasses is recommended for those seeking weight loss. In the evening drink some herbal laxative tea. Post Diet: Breaking the Fast Burroughs outlines a gentle approach for coming off the diet without upsetting your digestive system excessively. Vegetarian Transition Process Day 3: Drink orange juice in the morning, eat raw fruit for lunch, and eat fruit or raw salad for dinner. Day 1: Drink several 8-ounce glasses of orange juice, sipping slowly, diluting it if there is digestive distress. Day 4 and beyond: You may return to your normal diet, but Burroughs recommends continuing to drink the lemonade concoction at breakfast on a permanent basis. Master Cleanse Recipe: The Omnivore Vegetarian Soup Ingredients: 1 green pepper, diced 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon salt Protein and the Master Cleanse The Master Cleanse provides several hundred calories of carbohydrate per day in the form of lemon and maple sugar, and Burroughs’ recommended vegetarian diet excludes “toxic dead animal flesh.” Master Cleanse Alternatives There are other cleanses out there, and many dieters spend time looking into the Master Cleanse vs. water fast, Master Cleanse vs. juice fast, and Master Cleanse vs. Colonix. Beyond the Master Cleanse Quotations from Stanley Burroughs Stanley Burroughs: 1903-1991