Lymphatic Health

Dry brushing for lymphatic drainage and support

Med Establishment STUNNED By Brain Discovery THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Shalin Bhatt, a med student, discovered that there is a lymphatic connection with the brain (it was previously believed that there was no connection between the CNS and the lymphatic system).  This discovery shows us that NOT everything has been discovered by western medicine.  It also has implications for the function of the immune system and the gut-brain connection and much more.  

He calls his discovery the "Cerebrolymph Hypothesis" which he describes as an "anatomical framework for where CSF is produced".  CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) is produced in the deep brain region called the Choroid Plexus in the Ventricular System then it travels through the Subarachnoid Space (recently dubbed the Glymphatic System), then through the Meningeal Lymphatic Vessels into the last step (which is what he discovered) which is the Nerve-Adjacent Lymphatic Vessels Exiting Foramina.  This is where the fluid then enters the Peripheral Lymphatic System, the connection was not previously known.  This is essentially the "cleaning system" of the brain.  

This has implications for Alzheimer's research which has thus far focused on the proteins that build up in the brain, the Amyloid Plaques and and Tau Protein, but has not included the aspect of the dynamics of the cleaning process that would normally keep these proteins from building up in the first place.  This may lead to treatments that focus on repairing or maintaining the flow of lymph in the neck to treat or avoid Alzheimer's.  Shalin remarks that a lot of medical research is studying and validating traditional therapies (in this case acupuncture).  He mentions research showing benefits of acupuncture for Long COVID patients as well as Lymphedema and the associated brain fog.  Eastern medicine often considers the importance of flow in the body- could this be a concrete example?

This same researcher also published a theory recently called Glymphovasomotor Field Theory (GVF) which takes the idea that when a fluid moves (or circulates) that has ions in it, it creates an electromagnetic current, and applies it to the brain- if the CSF has ions in it and it moves through a structured flow pattern, maybe it creates an electromagnetic field- and maybe those fields effect neurons (which operate via electrical impulses).  This may have implications for consciousness.  

Medical Gaslighting and "Somatization Disorders" (Rebranded Hysteria)

The Curse of a ‘None of the Above’ Disease
This article talks about people suffering from health conditions that are under-diagnosed or mis-diagnosed, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and IBS, but more so people whose symptoms get dissmissed or written off as fake or psychosomatic.  Many doctors are quick to jump to this conclusion about patients without doing any testing, based just on their appearance and the symptoms they present with.  It is also common for doctors to have an inflated sense of how much they know and lack of recognition of the limits of their education and the field of medicine itself.  One example cited is that of stomach ulcers, "(o)nly a few decades ago, chronic ulcers were chalked up to stress and diet rather than an infection by Helicobacter pylori, because scientists thought it unimaginable that such microorganisms could endure stomach acid."  

 When Anxiety or Depression Masks a Medical Problem

 

What Do Doctors Have to Say About It?
From Dr Courtney Snyder (In a blog post about Mold Illness)
"Symptoms of mold toxicity impact many parts of the body. Often there are many symptoms that seem unrelated, which is why many who are unknowingly dealing with this, end up seeing multiple specialists and are left feeling their doctors think it’s “all their head.” The diagnosis of anxiety or panic, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD/ADD, pseudoseizures and conversion disorder are fairly common. I empathize with doctors who have been trained to relieve symptoms as opposed to seek deeper root causes. Still, I do think all physicians (myself included) can benefit from realizing and saying repeatedly, “There’s so much we don’t know,” or even “I don’t know why you are having your symptoms.” The lack of humility or inability to admit one doesn’t have the answer, sadly can lead to some doctors to discount symptoms as “psychiatric” or even blame their patients for feigning their symptoms."

Misdiagnoses Happen. Medical Gaslighting Should Not
Written by Dr Anne Maitland, one of the leading allergy/immunology doctors in the country, about how common it is for immunological disorders (even ones as well known as asthma, food allergies, and anaphylaxis) to be misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or missed altogether, causing an immeasurable but very large amount of unnecessary suffering.

"Missteps and misunderstandings, even by well-seasoned medical professionals, are human, but medical gaslighting is not. Medical professionals must take a step back and recognize that the interpretation of test results is only as good as the practitioner glancing at the numbers. Moreover, normal test results in patients with chronic pain, unexplained sensitivities to the world, or fatigue should provoke more investigation, rather than a weak handoff to a mental health provider. One potential remedy to avoid these misdiagnoses and medical misdemeanors may be to rebuild the patient-practitioner partnership: the medical home. We should be empowering the patient to take charge of their health care, and we should be reminding the practitioner to be a mindful partner in health, rather than a patriarchal purveyor of prescriptions and procedures."

The Martha Mitchell Effect

Martha Mitchell was married to the attorney general in the Nixon administration, John Mitchell.  She spoke up about the illegal activities that she was witnessing, but her claims were written off as delusional until the actual events of the Watergate scandal became public, when she was vindicated.  Sometimes a patient reports events to a doctor or other health care provider that the provider finds difficult to believe and considers to be delusions even when what the patient is reporting is actually true.  This is called the "Martha Mitchell effect" in reference to her experience of being wrongfully considered delusional.  This is particularly likely to happen when a patient's symptoms are the result of the malicious actions of another person, such as harm resulting from harassment or abuse.  This might include poisoning, stalking, gangstalking (group harassment), or gaslighting.  Abusers sometimes deliberately do things to their victims that make the victim sound crazy if they report it.  This is also more likely to occur if the patient reports harm from a medical procedure, treatment, or another medical provider, or from someone who is powerful or well known.

This effect was seen recently when some people presented to the hospital during the COVID 19 pandemic suffering adverse events from the COVID vaccines and were diagnosed as delusional when they were suffering actual side effects that were later acknowledged by the medical establishment and public health authorities.

Examples of medical gaslighting include:

The Incidence of Misdiagnosis in Patients with Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome
"A retrospective chart review was conducted. Among the 429 patients, 405 patients (94.4%) said yes to at least one of the questions, with only 24 patients (5.6%) not having been misdiagnosed with psychiatric illnesses. A total of 378 patients (88%) were told that they were “making it up”, 326 patients (76%) were told that they were attention-seeking, 286 patients (67%) were diagnosed with conversion disorder, 255 patients (60%) were told that “it was in their head”, and 16 patients (4%) were diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome by proxy or a factitious disorder.A retrospective chart review was conducted. Among the 429 patients, 405 patients (94.4%) said yes to at least one of the questions, with only 24 patients (5.6%) not having been misdiagnosed with psychiatric illnesses. A total of 378 patients (88%) were told that they were “making it up”, 326 patients (76%) were told that they were attention-seeking, 286 patients (67%) were diagnosed with conversion disorder, 255 patients (60%) were told that “it was in their head”, and 16 patients (4%) were diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome by proxy or a factitious disorder."

Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia
“Like Postural Tachycardia Syndrome IST is underappreciated by many in the medical profession and many doctors mistakenly consider it to be a psychological condition. People with IST can find themselves increasingly disabled and may experience high levels of anxiety.”

The Case of CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and Mold Illness
There are many examples of medical conditions that were first described by patients and doctors, for which no physical cause was found for many years.  They were given "placeholder" names as syndromes until such time as their biological mechanism could be figured out, which they eventually were.  There is a list of conditions including Sick Building Syndrome, Chemical Sensitivities, Environmental Illness, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT), Mold Illness, Biotoxin Illness, that had been identified accurately based on patient reports, and in some cases treatments were even discovered based on patient reports of benefits.  These conditions are now understood to be manifestations of Mast Cell Disease, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and genetic variants that limit detoxification of various compounds capable of inducing excessive inflammation, among other things.  The biological understanding came in time and validated the experiences that patients reported.  

Nagging Pain
This is a Slate article about a program of "boot camps" for people, mostly children, diagnosed with chronic pain (including Fibromyalgia and Central Sensitization) that attempts to "rewire" the symptoms out of the person through brutal and painful exercise and experiences.  Many of the children sent to these "camps" with a diagnosis of AMPS (for "amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome"), a made-up diagnosis based on an untested theory.  The treatment, which was also made-up based on a this theory, doesn't have any real scientific evidence to support it, just the theory.  The "evidence" that these boot-camp programs work are self-reported questionnaires given to participants at the end of the program.  Part of the program is aggressively drilling into the participants NOT to talk about or report pain or any pain symptoms, so then asking them to self-report is dubious at best.  Everything about this diagnosis, treatment, and these programs is exactly what a cult is and how cults function.  The "patients" are aggressively indoctrinated and brainwashed, their will is broken down, using the exact techniques that cults use- coercive control.  There are no "good" applications of coercive control.  

This is a list of some of the medical diagnoses that survivors of these "boot camp" style programs were later diagnosed with:
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or other Connective Tissue Disorders
MCAS
POTS
SCN9A channeloppathy (causing paroxysmal extreme pain disorder with severe dysautonomia including life threatening autonomic storming)
Yao Syndrome
Gastropareses
Adrenal Insufficiency

The following is a comment I submitted as written testimony for a legislative hearing in Oregon regarding reclassifying various pain disorders with Somatoform Disorders in the state's medical code system:

I wish to address the proposal to group Fibromyalgia and chronic pain disorders with Somatoform Disorders.  When a patient presents to the doctor with physical symptoms, including pain, there is nothing scientific about assuming that the patient has a mental health condition rather than a physical one, and that mental health treatment is appropriate.  Cursory testing does not rule out the presence of a physical condition.  Many legitimate physical conditions aren't correctly diagnosed for many years, and may be misdiagnosed many times in the process.  For example, on average a person with celiac disease is properly diagnosed 8 years after first presenting to a doctor with symptoms.  During those 8 years, it can be said that no physical cause has been found for the patient's distress, but it makes no sense to say that they have a psychiatric condition that they are miraculously cured of when they are finally correctly diagnosed with celiac. 

The fact that there are simply so many physical conditions with a significant lag time between the time when a patient presents with complaints and accurate diagnosis should cast doubt on the usefulness and even the existence of actual somatoform disorders.  I lost count a long time ago of the number of cases I know of in which a person presented to the doctor with pain and other non-specific symptoms, was patronizingly dismissed and told to get counseling, eventually given pain meds, and then finally given testing only to be told that they have late stage cancer.  In a number of cases they were actually told "if only you'd come in sooner, we could have treated it".  Many of those people died.  It is also worth noting that new disorders are still being discovered, that medical testing is never 100% accurate, and there are over 7,000 rare diseases listed by the National Organization for Rare Diseases.

Somatoform Disorders are basically the updated name for "hysteria", an archaic concept based more on the misogynist ideas of it's time than any physical reality.  At that time, medicine was considered "scientific", but not exactly in the way we see it now- as a practice based on the sciences of biology and chemistry.  At that time, eugenics was considered science, and was deeply enmeshed in the theory and practice of medicine.  This historical reality has been swept under the rug, but the pseudoscience of eugenics still lingers in the medical practices of today- and I believe that the concept of "Somatoform Disorders" is one example.

The practice of medicine requires that patients be listened to and treated as the experts about life in their own bodies.  Treating them as misbehaving children, putting on a show for attention, has no place in a scientific practice.  I myself was subjected to this gaslighting and abuse for years while struggling to survive an illness which is life-threatening on a daily basis.  I was shamed and shunned until I myself arranged to have a tissue sample from a previous biopsy prepared by the lab that was storing it according to the instructions I got over the phone from the leading pathologist in the country for the disease that I knew I had, and then shipped to her hospital by Fed Ex.  Once she gave me the diagnosis, I was taken seriously and received more than 10 additional diagnoses. 

The delay in treating my medical condition, which I had been both laughed at and yelled at for daring to suggest I had, caused my condition to degenerate such that I have lived on life support since then.  At my lowest point, I was on oxygen, unable to eat and dependent on IV nutrition to survive, requiring continuous infusions of 2 medications, needed a central line which has resulted in 2 DVTs and 15 blood infections, was mostly bed bound, my back broken in 5 places, unable to take any pain meds and needed to undergo my surgeries without anesthesia, had skin cancer removed, had all of my teeth removed due to breakage, have had multiple heart attacks, and more.  There are many, many other people like me.  Most haven't survived.  You could say that "Somatoform Disorders" have a very high fatality rate- but not for the same reason that other deadly disorders do.  Please, it's the year 2024- isn't it time that our medical system reflected that?

This recent study shows examples of people with legitimate physical disease who were misdiagnosed with psychosomatic and psychiatric conditions, and the long-term harm it did them:
“I still can’t forget those words”: mixed methods study of the persisting impact on patients reporting psychosomatic and psychiatric misdiagnoses
"Patient-reported psychosomatic and psychiatric (mis)diagnoses are associated with persisting adverse impacts in multiple domains including mental health, medical relationships, self-worth, and some healthcare behaviours. Health services and clinicians should consider these potential adverse impacts on patients and offer support to reduce any persisting negative impacts."

NAC and Glutathione

NAC, which stands for N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, is an amino acid that is used by our cells to make glutathione.  Glutathione is one of our bodies' primary antioxidants and an important part of our bodies' detoxification system.  All of our cells make it but it is in the highest concentration in the liver.  It also helps regulate the life cycle of a cell by triggering apoptosis (cell death) if 15% or more of the glutathione inside of the cell is oxidized.  Because it balances neurotransmitters it can be helpful in treating OCD, addictions, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia.  It is also used to treat COPD, asthma, brain fog, improve vision, treat acne, and break down mucus.  Glutathione is made from sulfur so eating sulfur-rich foods, including eggs, onions, and cruciferous vegetables, provides the raw materials our cells need to make it.

It does this by combining the NAC with two other amino acids, glutamine and glycine.  NAC is the least prevalent of these three amino acids so the cell can only make as much glutathione as it has NAC to make it with, which is why it's what's called the "rate-limiting step".  For this reason supplementing NAC can increase the amount of glutathione that is made by your cells. Glutathione is one of the primary antioxidants that our bodies make to protect itself from many harmful things, including oxidative stress, toxic substances such as alcohol, and some medications (most notably acetaminophen aka Tylenol).  

The reason to use N-Acetyl-Cysteine instead of just regular cysteine is because the N-Acetyl group protects the cysteine from stomach acid and allows it to be absorbed.  Mold exposure reduces our ability to make enough glutathione.  Arsenic exposure slows an enzyme needed to make glutathione (unhealthy levels of arsenic have been found in some foods including rice and apples).  If NAC becomes unavailable, which it might because the FDA is considering restricting it, glutathione can be taken directly as a supplement, which is best absorbed if it is liposomal (contained within tiny sacs that protect it from stomach acid.  Selenium, molybdenum, and riboflavin are important for our bodies to make adequate glutathione. 

NAC N-Acetylcysteine (DrBeen medical lectures)

No more NAC ?? Here’s how to replace it with another natural supplement - Dr Jake Podcast Ep 02

What Happens If I Can't Get N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)?

Applications of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) - From Addiction to Autism By Prof Berk

 

Medicinal Herbs, Plants, and Other Foods

The medicinal uses of plants, whether taken as herbs or foods, is something that has fascinated me and has made a significant difference in my family's health.  When doing a lot of dietary management to address certain health issues it can be easy to focus on removing foods from the diet, but adding healing herbs/foods into the diet can be just as powerful.  I've also seen others have amazing progress and healing from incorporating healing plant compounds in their diets.  Herbalism is not something I understand very well so I'll leave the explanations of the "hows" and "whys" to others.  Below are my notes for the plant compounds that we use (or have used) that have been helpful for us.

Herbal Wisdom
Herbs 101
Gaia Herbs
Herb Reference Guide
Free Herbalism Project (resource library and events)
The Herbarium
Frontier Coop Herb Guide
10 Culinary Herbs and Their Medicinal Uses
Herbal Radio by Mountain Rose Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs Blog
Mountain Rose Herbs YouTube Channel
California School of Herbal Studies Workshops
11 Plants Native Americans Used for Herbal Remedies
How to Make Glycerites (alcohol-free herbal extract)
Tea Brewing Guide for Beginners
How to Make Herbal Infused Butter
Herbal DIY
The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide

LISTED BY NAME OF HERB, PLANT, OR FOOD

Activated Charcoal - provides detoxification when taken orally.

Aloe Vera - Soothes burns, stimulates the production of collagen.

Apigenin - a phyto-nutrient found in parsley, chamomile tea, cruciferous vegetables, celery, and more)- induces autophagy, reduces some drug resistance (such as to chemo drugs), protects kidneys (especially from drug injury), decreases the buildup of amyloid plaques (that are found in Alzheimer's and some other disorders).

Arnica - Helps heal sprains, bruises, and other soft-tissue injuries.  The flowers can be infused into oil, or combined with other ingredients to make a salve or lotion.  With the exception of homeopathic arnica, it should not be used internally or on open wounds.   

Pharmacological Studies of Artichoke Leaf Extract and Their Health Benefits 

Arugula (also called rocket or roquette) - has anti-cancer properties (is cruciferous), high in calcium, potassium, folate, vit K1, beta carotene, low in oxalate, good for cardiovascular system and decreases risk of clotting, can increase libido and improve erectile dysfunction it increases nitrates which is part of nitric oxide which increases blood flow. 
Everything you need to know about arugula
"arugula contains very high nitrate levels (more than 250 milligrams per 100 grams). High intakes of dietary nitrate have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the amount of oxygen needed during exercise, and enhance athletic performance."

Asparagus is a natural diuretic and contains high levels of vitamin B6, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  It is high in folate which may reduce the risk of depression by preventing too much homocysteine from forming in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid that can block blood and nutrients from reaching the brain.

Astragulus - Immune system support
Astragalus polysaccharides can regulate cytokine and P-glycoprotein expression in H22 tumor-bearing mice.

Ashwagandha - (avoid if sensitive to nightshades)
Evaluation of the efficacy of Withania somnifera(Ashwagandha) root extract in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
"Treatment with W. somnifera extract improved OCD symptoms and was safe."

Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study
"The investigations support the use of WS as a mood stabilizer in clinical conditions of anxiety and depression in Ayurveda."

Avocados are a good source of potassium.  

Bacon/pork has high levels of B1 (thiamine).

Basil is rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium.  It can reduce anxiety.  

Beet is a rich source of betaine, also called TMG; "studies suggest that betaine, along with vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, helps reduce higher levels of homocysteine. Studies in rats suggest that betaine may help protect against harmful fatty deposits in the liver. These deposits can be caused by alcohol abuse, obesity, diabetes, and other causes. Preliminary studies in people have shown similar results.  One study found that a toothpaste containing betaine helped relieve dry mouth.  One study found that higher betaine intake protects against lung cancer by minimizing the adverse effects of smoking. A second suggests that betaine intake may lower the risk of breast cancer.  Be aware of potential drug interactions"  (All this info is from the Mt Sinai web page with citations).

Beets contain an antioxidant called alpha-lipoic acid that can be used as a chelator.  They also have folate, iron, manganese, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid, choline, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, and selenium.
Dietary Nitrate Provides Sustained Blood Pressure Lowering in Hypertensive Patients
"This is the first evidence of durable BP reduction with dietary nitrate supplementation in a relevant patient group. These findings suggest a role for dietary nitrate as an affordable, readily-available, adjunctive treatment in the management of patients with hypertension" (beet juice was used)

Berberine - Anti-microbial and improves insulin sensitivity.

A Potential Multi potent Natural Product to Combat Alzheimer’s Disease

Efficacy of Berberine in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
"this pilot study indicates that berberine is a potent oral hypoglycemic agent with beneficial effects on lipid metabolism."
Berberine – A Powerful Supplement With Many Benefits
"Berberine affects the body at the molecular level, and has a variety of functions inside cells. One of the main functions is activating an important enzyme called AMPK, which regulates metabolism."

Black rice - is actually a very deep dark purple, which comes from the very powerful antioxidant anthocyanin which is the same antioxidant responsible for the color of blueberries, acaí berries, eggplant, purple potatoes, concord grapes and so on.

Black Seed (Nigella Sativa) - Mast cell stabilizer.  It is also a broad spectrum anti-microbial, effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi.  It has anti-seizure and anti-inflammatory properties, acts as a diuretic, and fights cancer, diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure, and protects the brain and kidneys.  It is an analog (mimics the effects of) somatostatin, which is a hormone that regulates levels of insulin, growth hormone, and glucagon, which protects against cancer.  It increases phagocytosis (immune cells that fight infection).  It is protective of the kidneys.  It is a source of omega fats 3, 6, and 9,and also contains two very powerful phytochemicals Nigellone and Thymoquinone. 

The Remedy For Everything But Death

Broccoli - good source of sulforaphane. 
Broccoli Sprout-Derived Extract Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation
"humans can be protected against the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation - the most abundant cancer-causing agent in our environment - by topical application of an extract of broccoli sprouts.  this chemical extract is not simply a sunscreen. Unlike sunscreens, it does not absorb UV light and prevent its entry into the skin. Rather, the extract works inside cells by boosting the production of a network of protective enzymes that defend cells against many aspects of UV damage. Consequently, the effects are long-lasting; the protection lasts for several days, even after the extract is no longer present on or in the skin."

Broth - minerals, electrolytes, broken down proteins.

 

Bok choy - also contains vitamin C, vitamin E, choline, and beta-carotene. It is a good source of selenium which doesn't have many food sources.  It is high in iron and zinc.

Borage flowers and leaves are edible. The seeds are often pressed to produce an oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid normally used by the body to create prostaglandins. GLA increases the content of dihomo-linolenic acid (DGLA), which is converted to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Prostaglandin E1 is a hormone-like substance that plays a part in many biochemical and metabolic processes of the body.

Burdock Root - Contains butyric acid and lauric acid.

 

Cabbage is very high in vitamins A and K, fiber, potassium, magnesium, folate, and more.  it also brings a protective effect against radiation, leaving some to suggest it is helpful for those enduring cancer treatments (or other radiation exposure in our day-to-day lives).

 

Camel Milk (see this post)
Here is the post that I made about Camel Milk

 

Cantaloupe contains an abundance of antioxidants, including choline, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.  It may help in digestion and hydration. 

Carrots - good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene that can become vitamin A in the body. 

Cat's Claw - fights Mycoplasma.  Can stimulate Lyme Disease.

Celery contains electrolytes, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids. 

Chaga Mushroom - Immune support (Chaga mushrooms grow on birch trees so people with a birch tree allergy and/or Oral Allergy Syndrome associated with birch trees may want to be cautious with this one).

Chamomile - Calming and soothing to the nervous system.

Chanca Piedra- Supposedly breaks up oxalate stones.

List of research studies showing benefits of Chanca Piedra 

More on Chance Piedra (aka "Stone Breaker Tea")

Chia Seed - (mint family) Contains omega-3 fatty acids and other essential fatty acids such as: alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, the flavanoids: quercetin and kaempferol, and the isoflavone daidzin.  When made into a thick drink or pudding it can be soothing to the digestive tract.  Also contains tocopherols, polyphenols, carotenoids and phospholipids, and caffeic acids such as rosmarinic acid and chlorogenic acids such as ferulic acid.

Chili powder - Reduces pain.  The sensation of pain depletes a chemical called substance P, and when substance P is used up, the ongoing tissue damage of arthritis, shingles, cluster headaches, fibromyalgia, or lower back injury does not result in pain.

Chocolate -
Chocolate/cocoa and human health: a review
"the recent discovery of biologically active phenolic compounds in cocoa has changed this perception and stimulated research on its effects in ageing, oxidative stress, blood pressure regulation, and atherosclerosis. Today, chocolate is lauded for its tremendous antioxidant potential. However, in many studies, contradictory results and concerns about methodological issues have made it hard for health professionals and the public to understand the available evidence on chocolate's effects on health. The purpose of this review is to interpret research done in the last decade on the benefits and risks of chocolate consumption." Contains list of research studies.
Neurovascular coupling, cerebral white matter integrity, and response to cocoa in older people
"There is a strong correlation between neurovascular coupling and cognitive function, and both can be improved by regular cocoa consumption in individuals with baseline impairments. Better neurovascular coupling is also associated with greater white matter structural integrity."
Chocolate intake is associated with better cognitive function: The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study
"Habitual chocolate intake was related to cognitive performance, measured with an extensive battery of neuropsychological tests. More frequent chocolate consumption was significantly associated with better performance on the Global Composite score, Visual-Spatial Memory and Organization, Working Memory, Scanning and Tracking, Abstract Reasoning, and the Mini-Mental State Examination."

Chrysanthemum - Supports eye health. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that the herb corrects imbalances in liver and kidney function that cause blurred vision, dizziness, dry red eyes, excessive tearing, or spots in front of the eyes. Chrysanthemum also treats headaches accompanying infection, carbuncles, furuncles, and vertigo.

Chlorophyll - is a potent anti-inflammatory and supports function of the GI tract.  The composition of Chlorophyll is very similar to the composition of hemoglobin in humans (it has magnesium instead of iron).  It can reduce and sometimes completely reverse leaky gut, support a healthy microbiome in the gut, maintain an adequate protective mucus layer, can slow down the formation of fibrous tissue (aka scar tissue), and can slow cirrhosis of the liver.  

 

Cilantro - 
Coriander Leaf Extract Exerts Antioxidant Activity and Protects Against UVB-Induced Photoaging of Skin by Regulation of Procollagen Type I and MMP-1 Expression
"Our results support the potential of C. sativum L. to prevent skin photoaging."
Effects of Coriandrum sativum Syrup on Migraine: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
"Results of this study showed that C. sativum fruit is efficient in reduction of the duration and frequency of migraine attacks and in diminishing pain degree."

Coconut Flour - is very high in fiber with 33 grams (g) of fiber per 100 g of flour.

 

Colostrum -  immune system support including antibodies, lactoferrin (supports iron absorption), growth factors, and helps heal intestinal permeability. 

 

Cordyceps - supports lung function.

Curcumin (Turmeric) - Anti-inflammatory.

Curcumin, Compound In Turmeric, Found To Impair Fear Memories And Ease PTSD Symptoms

Curcumin changes gene expression to fight cancer

Epigenetic changes induced by curcumin and other natural compounds. 

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect of curcumin in connective tissue type mast cell
Cooking and Heating Turmeric Enhances Nutrients
Although heat often destroys enzymes in foods, cooking turmeric (also boiling and roasting it) at temperatures up to 350 F for 70 minutes actually increases the amount of some antioxidants including Ferulic Acid (protects the skin including from the sun), 4 Vinyl Guaiacol (enhances Nrf2), and Vanillin (anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial).

Echinacea - Basic immune system support.

Eggs have the highest quality protein other than breast milk, contain all vitamins except vit C, many minerals and trace minerals, EFAs, and phospholipids which support cell membranes.  

 
Elderberries - Immune support.  Extensive research shows that elderberries stop the production of hormone-like cytokines that direct a class of white blood cells called neutrophils to cause inflammation, and they increase the production of non-inflammatory infection-fighting cytokines as much as 10 fold.

Eyebright - Treats eye and nasal irritation and congestion.

Ginger - Anti-inflammatory, aids in digestion, and can reduce nausea.
Antiallergic Potential on RBL-2H3 Cells of Some Phenolic Constituents of Zingiber officinale (Ginger)

Gotu Kola - improves circulation in brain, memory, attention, motivation, and overall brain function.  Can reverse damage done to the neural dendrites, which are the part of the neuron that forms connections with other neurons.  Increases levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.  It can increase the activity of the enzyme telomerase as much as 8 times (this protects your DNA from damage and is thought to increase the life span).  Links to research articles supporting these claims can be found in the description box of this video.

Green Tea (extract) - Immune support, anti-viral, mast cell support, reduces insulin sensitivity.
Mast cell stabilizing and anti-anaphylactic activity of aqueous extract of green tea (Camellia sinensis)

Gymnemma - Helps control blood sugar levels.
Research treats the fungus among us with nontoxic medicinal compound
 
Holy Basil (aka Tulsi)

Types of Tulsi and the best way to use them for immunity and weight loss

Honey -
Honey: Bacteria's Worst Enemy

 

Horseradish -  helps to clear mucous, especially from sinuses.

Kale is high in vitamins A, B6, K, and C, and it also contains good amounts of calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and copper.  Surprisingly, steamed kale is actually 43% as potent as cholestyramine, a cholesterol-lowering pharmaceutical drug. And a compound in cruciferous veggies known as DIM (which is short for a long word I can’t pronounce) has been shown to protect against radiation and increase survival rates in some animal studies.

Kelp (Sea Kelp) - bioavailable source of iodine.  Aids in regulation of estrogen dominance.

Lactuca Virosa (Wild Lettuce) - Pain reduction.
Pain relief, said to be as powerful as morphine

 

Licorice -  boosts immunity, promotes healthy testosterone levels, adaptogenic (use caution if there are blood pressure issues).

Manuka Honey - Anti-microbial
Manuka honey can help treat drug-resistant bacteria

Milk Thistle - Supports detoxification in the liver
Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment inpatients with cirrhosis of the liver.

Mint - Calming to the nervous system and supports digestion.

Noni (fruit) - anti-oxidant, stimulates immune system, fights tumors.

Oil of Oregano -  potent antimicrobial action. 

Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) - fights mycoplasma, viruses, flu, is a natural antibiotic.

Olive leaf extract protects against lead-induced brain damage

 

Oregon Grape Root-  anti-inflammatory, boosts immunity, antibacterial, contains berberine.

Osha - boosts immunity, lung support, expectorant/encourages coughing.  This is a strong herb so use it sparingly.

 

Passionflower - calming to the nervous system (is a GABA re uptake inhibitor).

Pau D’Arco- Immune system support that helps keep the gastrointestinal system healthy, making it less hospitable to yeast, parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Studies have shown it to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties as well.

 

Peppermint -  supports healthy immune system.

Pineapple - is the only known source of an enzyme called bromelain. From the article "Bromelain is promoted as a dietary supplement for reducing pain and swelling, especially of the nose and sinuses, gums, and other body parts after surgery or injury. It is also promoted for osteoarthritis, cancer, digestive problems, and muscle soreness. Topical bromelain is promoted for burns."

Quercetin- Mast cell stabilizer (it's an anti-histamine), supports immune function and protects against viruses and other pathogens, potent anti-oxidant, protects against cardiovascular disease (regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels), can chelate metals, and is anti-inflammatory.  Dosing is 500 to 1000mg 2 to 4 times per day.  Quercetin increases the amount of zinc that gets into our cells.
Quercetin attenuates neuronal death against aluminum-induced neurodegeneration in the rat hippocampus.

Quercetin inhibits MAO activity

Bio availability of Quercetin in certain foods (foods high in quercetin include onions, apples, broccoli, berries, bell peppers, tea, and grapes.)

Raspberry Leaf- Good source of B vitamins, minerals, and vitamin C.  Especially good at supporting women's reproductive health.

Red Tea - Contains anti-oxidants, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium, copper, and manganese.

Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)- Reduces insulin resistance, supports immune system.
Ganoderma lucidum reduces obesity in mice by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota

Resveratrol-
Low dose resveratrol ameliorates mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction and enhances cellular reprogramming

Rhodiola - Adrenal support.  Rhodiola compounds stimulate the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin into ascending pathways that activate the cerebral cortex, stimulating analyzing, evaluating, calculating, and planning functions. The stimulant effect then moves to the prefrontal cortex, where it contributes to memory functions including encoding, sorting, storage, and retrieval.

 

Rooibos - anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine

Rosehips - anti-inflammatory, excellent source of vitamin C (1 rose hip provides 1,000mg vitamin C). 

Sauerkraut - One of the best dietary sources of vitamin C; also provides vitamin K2 (supports mitochondria and proper calcium metabolism), lactic acid (inhibits bad microbes and increases absorption of some nutrients), acetylcholine (supports healthy digestion), and also provides healthy microbes and support for the gut flora (it is both prebiotic and probiotic).  Increases vitamin U (S Methylmethionine) which reduces inflammation in the gut

Sage-

THE SCIENCE OF SMUDGING: HOW SAGE ACTUALLY CLEANS BACTERIA IN THE AIR

Spirulina - is an algae and is one of the most nutrient dense foods that we know about.  It has a very high content of calcium, potassium, beta carotene; it has all 8 essential amino acids (meaning the ones that our bodies can't make so we need to get them from our diet), well absorbed forms of iron and folate, and it has a lot of phytonutrients which support detoxification and immune function.

 

St John's Wort- Boosts serotonin levels so can help some people with depression and anxiety.  People sensitive to serotonin need to be very cautious about taking St John's Wort.
Medical Attributes of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Stinging Nettle Helps to clear excess histamine from the body, good for reducing allergic symptoms.

How To Harvest Nettle Without Getting Stung

Sulforaphane (Extract from Broccoli Sprouts)-
Chemical Derived from Broccoli Sprouts Shows Promise in Treating Autism

Broccoli Compound Eases Autism Symptoms by Mimicking a Child's Fever

Sulforaphane treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

"Sulforaphane, which showed negligible toxicity, was selected because it upregulates genes that protect aerobic cells against oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA-damage, all of which are prominent and possibly mechanistic characteristics of ASD."
Sulforaphane treats skin cancer

Thyme - is a powerful broad-spectrum antimicrobial, able to fight viruses including influenza and herpes, strep bacteria, and the fungus candida.  It is also a diuretic and anti-spasmotic.  It increases the formation of white blood cells and helps support respiratory and lung health.  It fights mouth and gum infections including thrush (candida) and gingivitis when used as a mouthwash or gargle.  It is effective against chronic sinus infections.  It stimulates circulation which in turn supports many body systems.  It has an overall balancing effect.  It can fight staph infection.  When added to a vaporizer it can clean microbes in the air.  It can be used in a hot pack to relieve body pain including arthritis and injuries.  A one percent solution can be use to clean fresh produce.  Use caution with thyme if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy.

Wakame- The fucoidan sugars in wakame are antiviral against herpes viruses; a study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine reported that taking an extract of wakame prevented and reduced the severity of recurrent herpes outbreaks.

Wild Blueberry- High content of the amino acid tyrosine, which is the precursor to dopamine.  Blueberries are also high in anti-oxidants.

LISTED BY CONDITION/SYMPTOM TREATED

Anti-Fungal- Garlic, thyme, grapefruit seed extract (GSE), pau d'arco, caprylic acid (found in coconut), coconut oil, and camel's milk..

Antihistamine- nettle, eyebright, rooibos tea,

Anti-Inflammatory- Omega-3 oils, ginger, camel's milk, curcumin, Oregon grape root
21 Anti-histamine Foods That Fight Inflammation And Stabilize Mast-Cells

Anti-Microbial- Manuka honey, oil of oregano (OOO), grapefruit seed extract (GSE), camel's milk, garlic, and berberine (Oregon grape extract is a common source).

Anti-Oxidants- Ellagic Acid (found in pomegranates, cranberries, red raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, walnuts, and pecans), sour cherry juice, pau d’arco, dried oregano, wild blueberry
Improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in mice consuming sour cherry juice (Prunus Cerasus cv. Maraska).

Anti-Parasitic- Diatomaceous Earth (DE), garlic, wormwood, and black walnut shells.

Anti-Proliferative (Anti-Cancer) - Ellagic Acid (especially for prostate cancer), Ojibwa tea, and curcumin.

Anti-Viral- Lauric Acid (from coconut), camel's milk, green tea, olive leaf extract (OLE), and wakame (a type of seaweed).

Cancer-
Sulforaphane and skin cancer

Connective Tissue Support- Aloe Vera juice, vitamin C, gelatinous broth, and diatomaceous earth.

Improves Insulin Sensitivity - berberine, green tea, goat’s rue, cinnamon, reishi mushroom, and bitter melon.

Mast Cell Stabilizers- Black seed (Nigella Sativa, aka black cumin seed), quercetin, green tea, mangosteen, lutein, rutin (found in buckwheat), fresh dill, raw red onion, and capers.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - chasteberry, ginko biloba

COMBINATION PRODUCTS
NeuroProtek- Mast cell support, especially in the brain.
A case series of a luteolin formulation (NeuroProtek®) in children with autism spectrum disorders

How quercetin and luteolin help

This article discusses how these two flavonoids protect the brain from the effects of inflammation, especially that caused by mast cell reactions. "Luteolin is found in parsley, thyme, peppermint, basil, celery and artichoke. Quercetin is commonly found in capers, whortleberries, apples and red onions. Both also are sold as supplements in health food stores nationwide."

Ojibwa Tea- Immune system support