Tag Archives: natural cures

Moringa: The Miracle Tree to Combat HIV, Purify Water, & Save the New World

AIDS

Dearest Readers: We live in a world where fear rules all. We are taught to believe and accept that sickness, degenerative aging, disease, and war over resources can only be the norm. I am very excited about this post by my lovely contributing writer Nicola. I really encourage you to share this article with people you know. The more that I continue along my path to live optimally, the more I believe that the Divine force that governs all has created the human body to heal itself, and has provided plant life that can address any sickness, ailment, or disease. Even those caused by our own neglect and abuse of our body temples. It’s up to us to believe, to choose courage over the fear and pharmaceuticals. I believe Moringa has a special place in a new world, where the majority of us begin to choose optimal health and sustainable living. I plan to write a sequel to this post which elaborates on the incredible and scientifically proven anti-aging power of Moringa. -XoXo Raw Girl

So I’ve come across another amaaazing plant, which is not only nutritious but highly sustainable and increasingly relevant (basically, what we NEED right now). The Moringa tree also known as Moringa Oleifera, is known by hundreds of other names in different languages, “la libertad” and “mothers best friend” are just two recognized in the Dominican Republic. With a name like that, this miracle tree is not likely to fall short of goodness, cause as you know…MAMA DON’T PLAY. Moringa Oleifera contains more than 92 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. Moringa  is said to cure about three hundred diseases and contains almost all the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables in a larger proportions. All of its nutritional benefits easily make it the most nutritional herb on the planet. There are no side-effects which also has tried, tested, documented and proved evidence to support the same. Moringa is being considered as a plant which has the potential to virtually wipe out worldwide malnutrition. This is due to its ability to grow under adverse subtropical conditions, such as that in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia where it is easily cultivated and grows abundantly.

The Moringa trees powerful qualities come in large part from but are not limited to it’s leaves. Moringa leaves are a solid rich green but not dark in appearance, that contain all eight essential amino acids and 18 of the 20 amino acids absolutely essential for good health! Not only that, it has seven times the Vitamin C content of oranges, four times the Vitamin A of carrots, four times the calcium of milk,  and three times the potassium of bananas. It also contains high amounts of iron, and phytochemicals. These humble but giving leaves are a complete protein in perfect proportions, which in plant form makes it super bio-available to your body and easy to assimilate. Some see Moringa as an ideal for a multivitamin supplement. While it is a very reliable source of whole nutrition, I would prefer the term “superfood” because supplement to me sounds so…manufactured. And Moringa, is grown naturally in even the harshest of climates.  In a three-week study, researchers saw a complete turnaround in the health in a Sub Saharan African community who used Moringa as food, as a water purifier, and for healing external wounds. Its durability is what’s making it a hot topic in fighting hunger and malnutrition around the world. Moringa contains high nutrients, low calories, and low sodium, and this makes it an ideal high energy food. I personally, have a friend whose mother started using Moringa to treat HIV/AIDS symptoms, and months later her HIV test has come back UNDETECTABLE. Yes, UNDETECTABLE! The high vitamin A content may be in part attributable to this, because it acts as an antioxidant, anti-infection, and strengthens the immune system. Moringa is not completely understood in its totality but it is indeed, a miracle tree.

What I found to be most amazing about Moringa in my research, is that it can actually PURIFY water. As we all know, clean water is becoming harder and harder to come by, and studies have shown that the Moringa seeds not only remove solid contaminants, but greatly reduce amounts of harmful bacteria. Moringa is a treasure. I could write a whole dissertation it seems on the Moringa tree and why this tree seems to be a savior of sorts for the future of our world. Below are some more of Moringa tree uses and benefits. -XoXo Nicola, signing in for Raw Girl

The Vitamin Component of Moringa Leaves

Moringa has Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 Pyrodixine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Vitamin K, High in Oleic acid (raises good cholesterol), Complete Protein

The Leaves

*Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, strengthens immunity, high Vitamin A content keeps the eyes, nose, mouth, and digestive tract strong.

The Seeds

*Water purification (how to: http://www.treesforlife.org/our-work/our-initiatives/moringa/other-uses/water-purification)

*Oil- great for hair, skin, and preparing food in, which also contains even more phytochemicals to boost your immunity

*External wound healer (rub on wounds)

The Root

*Use as a tea (treats colds), natural antibiotic, an aid in childbirth (lubricant/tea), used for treating liver disorders, and more.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcZzUkevbao]

Natural Cures: Diet Changes to Ease Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

all-natural remedies

fibromyalgiafullresolution.com

Recently, I started to do some research on the condition known as fibromyalgia to help a family friend. Prior to this research I had heard of this dis-ease but never knew exactly what it was. After learning the symptoms, which are definitely not pretty, I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Fibromyalgia is the name of a condition that consists of chronic, widespread muscular pain. It is said that there is no known cause for the pains that may be aching, stiff, throbbing, or burning in any location all over the body. As if fibromyalgia wasn’t bad enough to deal with on its own it is linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, and palpitations. Brain chemistry imbalance (of serotonin and neurotransmitters), hormone imbalance, disordered sleep, and nutritional deficiencies are issues that are quite common for those affected. Poor digestive functioning and the need for detoxification may need serious attention as fibromyalgia can sometimes lead to development of leaky gut syndrome or candida overgrowth. Since this is a disease that is dealing with inflammation, it is no surprise to me that diet especially paying attention to foods that rectify nutritional imbalances is one solution that can provide long-term relief to those suffering from this condition.

Some of the minerals and vitamins that need to be added to the diet include foods high in magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Foods high in magnesium are particularly important and include foods like: dark leafy greens, brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, papaya, bananas, lentils and more. Omega-3’s are particularly important in the form of cold water fish (if you are a meat-eater) or veg friendly flaxseed oil to assist in reducing inflammation.  It’s important to avoid foods that are aggravating and can increase inflammation like caffeine, meat, high fat dairy products, junk foods, sugar (which will also increase candida growth). Valerian Root is a great remedy to have on hand to ease sleep when experiencing pain or just insomnia, and incorporating fermented foods will combat any candida growth and keep the good bacteria going in the gut. Below are five dietary changes that may greatly help those suffering with fibromyalgia to get their symptoms under control. Always take care when implementing any changes to consult with your physician or naturopath/holistic practitioner. If you or someone you know has this condition and has tried the traditional medicine route, but never tried a diet/lifestyle change, I urge you to give it a chance. You have nothing to lose, and your health and livelihood to gain.  -XoXo Raw Girl

  1. Low-glycemic Diet. This is about managing blood sugar imbalances/ spikes in glucose levels to curb inflammation and ease pain.
  2. Vegetarian, Vegan or Raw Foods Diet. A BMC Complimentary and Alternative Medicine published study confirmed that when thirty patients were put on a mostly raw foods diet for four months that consisted of raw fruits and veg, flax oil, carrot juice and very limited whole grains, their condition improved. It’s no doubt that a vegetarian lifestyle in whatever extreme you choose may be very effective in reducing or even eliminating symptoms. Raw foods take it up a notch because you would be increasing the fiber, vitamins, and minerals in your diet, while avoiding a great deal of artificial sweeteners or chemicals in processed foods that may be aggravating the condition.
  3. Gluten-Free Diet. Some doctors believe that those with fibromyalgia are at greater risk for food sensitivities. Cutting out gluten in the form of wheat products, barley, rye, oats, may assist in calming your symptoms.
  4. Elimination Diet. This diet would be a trial and error where you discover what foods aggravate your condition and completely cut them out of your diet. This is important whatever dietary change you choose because each person has their own set of triggers. It’s up to you to find yours.
  5. Organic Diet. Just as those with fibromyalgia may have an increased disposition for food sensitivities, increased sensitivities to chemicals may be an issue as well. To combat this it’s important to try to reduce the number of pesticides, or chemically engineered additives that may be lurking in non-organic processed foods.

Natural Cures: Bitter Melon for Diabetes

bitter melon
Did you know that the number of people with diabetes rose from 1.5 million in 1998 to an epidemic 17.9 Million in 2007? How about that each year over 1.6 million new adult cases are diagnosed?  At this point it’s an anomaly to not know personally or have at least heard about someone that has had to deal with some of the devastating side effects of diabetes such as blindness, kidney failure, and even cognitive decline. Many people who have altered their diet to include a wide array of fruits and vegetables and have seem remarkable results, even those who were former sufferers of diabetes and all sorts of other degenerative dis-eases.  Diabetes is essentially marked by the presence of excess sugar in the bloodstream, which then results in an inability for the pancreas to secrete sufficient or sometimes any insulin.
            Bitter melon is a special vegetable that you probably have never heard of, that has been used with positive results in the attempt to treat diabetes naturally. This vegetable is very well known in Asia and has been shown to significantly lower blood sugar. Bitter melon is an amazing healing agent  has a structure similar to insulin, hence its natural ability to assist in the movement of glucose into cells which gives you the energy to do all the great things that you do! Bitter melon has been used as in traditional medicine for a long list of conditions such as: killing bacteria, parasites, and viruses, reducing inflammation, cleansing the blood, acting as an antibacterial agent against e.coli, and possibly destroying some strains of the herpes virus.
          What’s even more interesting is that this vegetable is widely used by the Okinawa people in Japan which have per capita some of the longest life spans in the world. This vegetable grows in tropical areas like East Africa, Asia, South Africa, and the Caribbean. Bitter melon is very rich in iron, phosphorous, contains twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and Vitamins A, C, B1 to B3. Which is not surprising due to its amazing healing effects. To make things even better,  it is a great source of dietary fiber. Bitter melon can usually be found at your local Asian supermarket, or bought as a supplement from a health food store. It can also be made into teas, tinctures, and soups.
         The mother of a friend of mine a few years ago was suffering from intense symptoms, and was later diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She started juicing bitter melon with lemon every morning, and in a matter of months the doctor was flabbergasted at the fact that she was no longer in need of any insulin. Moral of the story? Mother Nature has always provided us what we need and our bodies can heal if we choose to give it the right fuel.  I encourage you to try bitter melon out for yourself and recommend it to others who are battling diabetes. As the name suggests, it may be an acquired taste, but in order to live optimally we need balance. We need the bitter and the sweet, and sometimes the bitter may hold the key to our healing. – XoXo Nicola, signing in for Raw Girl 
**Be sure to take precautions; consuming a large amount of bitter melon juice may cause diarrhea or abdominal pain. If you have diabetes or other terminal diseases please consult with your doctor or holistic health practitioner.**

Kick Your Smoking Habit, Naturally…

Natural Cures

In this toxic world, unfortunately many of us have conquered healthy diet, but have resorted to polluting our body temple by other means. When it comes to smoking, it doesn’t help that movies and other advertisements continue to verbally promote that smoking is “cool.” Its too bad we never get to see the after effects in these films, because seeing James Dean struggle with lung cancer is definitely not cool.

Unfortunately often times these addictions are then addressed by prescribing stimulants or drugs, that may contribute to the damage in the long-run. Below is an interview with Dr. Yew of Yew360 Wholistic Health & Wellness, discussing how one can overcome nicotine addition the natural way. He has started a support program for those in the DMV interested in kicking their smoking habit naturally. If you or someone you know could benefit from this please see his contact info at the end of this post. -XoXo Raw Girl

What are some of the adverse affects that smoking can have from a holistic perspective?

Smoking on a physical level pollutes the body, congests the liver and lungs with tar, mucous, and a host of known cancer-causing substances.  Smoking is linked to approximately 90% of lung cancer incidents and resulting deaths.  It can either have an overstimulatory and/or depressant effect on the mind, causing increasing dependency on lighting up to feel good, and in some cases, to even function normally.  It also ultimately lowers the spirit, which is reflected in the lapse of willpower a lot of people have with quitting.  It’s used as a spiritual crutch, and if you eventually want those legs to get stronger, you have to do some therapeutic work and let those crutches go.

A lot of smokers try a range of things from patches to prescription drugs to break their habits. What are your thoughts on this?
The drugs (including the patches) are designed to lower the physical urges of cigarette smoking by stepping down the level of nicotine or nicotine-like substances smokers would normally take in.  Many find these methods to be ineffective because your body is still being supplied with some type of drug or potentially addictive substance, whether it’s still nicotine or a replacement, which is further stored by the body, contributing to its toxicity and congestion, which can have a negative effect on the nervous system.  On a correlated note, smoking is primarily caused by psychological and spiritual dis-ease, so if those aspects are not dealt with, relapses are subject to occur.

Have you had any clients successful kick their nicotine addiction naturally? How long can a process like that take?
It’s always a challenge dealing with clients who have a substance abuse addiction, especially with cigarettes, because nicotine can be more addictive than heroin.  So just as if I’m dealing with a heroin addict, if the treatment and counseling approach is not very consistent and hands-on, I’ve found that my clients have had trouble with applying the recommendations and following the regimens given.  Often, what we need most to make and stick with positive changes in our lives, besides a great practical plan, is motivation and a good support system – something many smokers lack in this stressful and individualistic society.  This is one of the reasons I’m starting this 30-Day Smoking Detox program, which will be a group effort.  It’s a new venture for me, so I don’t have any success stories to share as of yet, but I’ve been taught by some of the best who do have plenty of successful experiences, so I’m looking forward to some excellent results in making this difference.

What types of foods or lifestyle changes best support efforts to quit smoking?
Partnering with someone who has the same goal is a great start.  This way, you can exchange ideas to form a solid and practical approach to quitting, and you can be each other’s support system.  Making the effort to start with more easily applicable short-term goals is another way to keep things moving.  It helps to drop the discouragement factor by not overwhelming yourself, and therefore helps to build confidence and motivation on this mission – two of your best allies.  Highly caffeinated and sugary foods and beverages can be very disruptive agents when your agenda is disposing of addictive substances, so I would recommend avoiding them whenever possible.  Some of my clients have found licorice sticks (commonly referred to as chew sticks) to be beneficial in reducing cravings and agitation, while increasing calming and cooling foods such as fresh green lettuces, chards, and cauliflower can work in your favor too by strengthening your body’s natural resistance to stressors.

After one has successful quit, are there any foods or herbs that can assist with regenerating the lungs and clearing up any damage done?
There are plenty of foods and herbs that can help to regenerate the lungs.  Vitamins A, C, & E, which are abundant in papayas, mangoes, watercress, parsley, and green leafy vegetables across the board are essential to this process.  They synergistically help to hunt down free radicals that damage the body, fortify the immune system, and facilitate tissue repair.  There are also other herbs such as lungwort and fenugreek, which can tone the lungs and/or work towards removing mucous plaque and tar buildup.

Dr. Yew is looking for approximately five individuals who want to quit smoking here in the DMV to form a support group and complete a 30-day detoxification program with discounted natural products and services. If you are interested, or know of someone who may be, please contact him ASAP. Email is contact@yew360.com and phone # is (202) 413-4581. Sign ups for this group ends January 27th. For more info about his practice visit www.yew360.com

Dear Raw Girl: Fighting Lupus?

Dear Raw Girl

Hello Raw Girl! I came across your site after searching for vegan and dermatomyositis…I was diagnosed with Lupus about a year ago…they put me on meds and the symptoms didn’t improve and I got even more sick. By the grace of God I came across Jill Harrington’s Lupus Recovery Diet and became vegan. My symptoms improved and I thought I was *cured*…so I then began eating whatever I wanted. BIG surprise (not) my eyes are swollen and itchy. Turns out, I have this thing…so now I’m in the middle of a fast to get my body back on a fresh start and then STAY on the vegan diet. I’ve even started feeding my kids a more vegetarian diet. Wondering from your opinion…do you think my symptoms will improve again? Or is it too late? – Brittany Clarke

Dear Brittany:

Thank you for sharing this with me and trusting my opinion. First off, I want to say, whatever I express in this post is just that, an OPINION. Not fact, not necessarily the be all end all, just my own biased point of view. I am not a doctor so I cannot give you a specific medical opinion based on your body, but I can share with you my thoughts. Unfortunately there are many doctors with opinions, who speak into people’s lives, and their word is taken as truth. Time and time again, patients with terminal diseases have proven doctors wrong, and have far outlived their diagnosis just based on the power of will and positivity. That said, how bad do you want it? You made yourself well once before, so you clearly have what it takes to do it again if you visualize wellness and stick to your guns. I think you can do it.

I did some research through several natural cures books about Lupus, and diet is definitely key in keeping you well long term and reducing inflammation. They say no one knows the exact cause and conventional medicine usually treats issues that may lead to flare-ups such as medications, birth control pills, any pre-existing viral illnesses, or extreme stress. Attacking your condition from the holistic perspective you need to find out if you have any particular food allergies (apparently some food allergies can mimic lupus or worsen conditions), watch anything that may cause hormonal imbalances, assure that your digestion is optimal, make sure you address any potential nutritional deficiencies, and also that you avoid intake of more toxins and detox from heavy metals. So its important not only that you go vegan, you need to avoid the sugars and carbs that promote an internal acidic environment and inflammation, you also need to focus on really giving your body OPTIMAL  nutrition. Here’s some ideas based on my research that may help you.

  • Juice Fasting. The juice fast plan is great, 3 days is a good length on green juices, and you can even throw in their some organic herbal teas to help promote detoxification. Try once a month if more seems too much to start.
  • Buy organic whole foods. Avoid conventional veggies if possible so you don’t take in more toxins via pesticides etc. Thoroughly wash your veggies.
  • Vitamin E . For this you can include wheat germ, watercress (which has three times the amount of Vitamin E in lettuce) and all other leafy greens, nuts and seeds.
  • Essential Fatty Acids in ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil will help you reduce inflammation. You can add these to a salad. Or make a yogurt out of fruit and sprinkle ground flaxseeds on top.
  • Foods high in sulfur will help repair damage that flareups do to your joint cartilage. Foods such as: onions, garlic, asparagus, arugula, blue green algea (E3 Live would be great), bee pollen, broccoli, kale, maca, spirulina, watercress, cauliflower, and pumpkin seeds are contain a nice amount of sulfur.
  • Incorporate a supergreen supplement in your diet, some of which were mention in the sulfur food list above: spirulina, chlorella (which also helps body detoxify from heavy metals), and/or E3 Live (liquid blue green algae supplement).
  • Make sure your water is clean! Tap water may expose you to toxins and microorganisms which won’t help because your body is already in a compromised state.
  • Probiotics will help with digestion and maintain a healthy digestive environment.
  • Natural Pain Relievers. Evening primrose oil and black currant oil can help to reduce joint inflammation. White willow bark is a natural alternative that can be used for join pain. (I can vouch for this one, when I had my accident I took this and valerian root to help ease the pain.)

All that said, the gist of it is that I believe, YOU CAN DO IT. Make sure to listen to your body, seek medical supervision holistic or regular if you need it just to see where you are. Consider going to a holistic practitioner and testing for any food allergies and nutritional deficiencies you may have, and try to organize your life in a way that minimizes your daily stress. I sincerely wish you the health you deserve, and because you did it once before, you should know, you most definitely can do it again! This next time, though, make sure to stick with it. -XoXo Raw Girl

For tips on how to have a stress free fast, check out this previous post:

http://rawgirltoxicworld.com/2009/11/18/tips-for-a-stress-free-fast/

Have a question for the Dear Raw Girl segment?

Email rawgirltoxicworld@gmail.com and your answer will be posted on the blog!


Natural Cures: Dr. Yew’s Wholistic Tips for Accident Recovery

accident recovery

Hey gang: I know, I know. I’ve been M.I.A. again. This past two weeks, in addition to starting physical therapy on my neck & back, I managed to multi-task and was teaching fashion design to young teenage girls at a two week summer camp. Was rewarding, but in order to make it through, my back needed some serious TLC. I received two raindrop therapy sessions, and a prescription for natural pain killers from Dr. Yew, a Naturopath and co-founder of Yew-360 Wholistic Health & Wellness, which saved me from popping any of the high dosage, blood thinning meds prescribed by my regular doctor. Dr. Yew graciously agreed to share this info with you all, so check out his informative post below and visit his website: www.Yew360.com  –XoXo Raw Girl

Peace, fam!  I’m known as “Dr. Yew”, Naturopath and co-founder of Yew-360 Wholistic Health & Wellness.  I’d like to offer some input on the herbal approach to the mundane but underserved topic of injury recovery, particularly from accidents.

Now if you are from or in the “DMV” area, you know our roads are NO strangers to reckless drivers and car accidents.  For those of us who are trying to live as close to a healthy, natural lifestyle as our environment allows, one of the most disruptive forces is that of unpredictability.  Car accident victims become subject to emotional and physical trauma, and most often, to the same medical system we work so diligently to avoid!  In these instances, however, awareness is our greatest ally in our battle to do what’s best for our bodies, minds, and spirits.  In conjunction with that previous statement, there are many natural alternatives to the treatments given for the common aftereffects of a crash.  These effects can include pain, swelling, bruising, insomnia, and damaged tissue to name a few.  So don’t worry; here’s a few wholistic suggestions I’ve found to be useful in helping the recovery process:

  1. One of the primary post-accidental issues is preventing an internal clot that may cause a serious health threat such as a stroke.  This is administered via blood thinning drugs which can have a detrimental effect on the kidneys.  Many times, however, we’re not told to avoid the blood thickening fried foods, meats, dairy products, processed salts, etc., which may even be given to you by the hospital!   Aspirin is made from a constituent found in white willow bark, so prescription aspirins can be substituted by a strong white willow bark extract.  A good natural combination to help keep the blood fluid is garlic, hawthorne (leaves, flowers, and berries combined), and cayenne.  These are generally safe and effective plants that work to clear obstructions from the arteries and support the circulatory system.  They can also help to lower blood pressure as well.  Make sure you drink plenty of water!
  2. There are also herbs to help reduce pain and swelling that are much safer than the standard Vicadin, morphine, and other narcotic drugs offered.  Firstly, let me say it’s always useful to get a spinal evaluation from a chiropractor to help deal with pain that may especially be in the back, neck, head, or extremities.  This can save lots of money, time, and energy if something is out of place.  Along with the regular physical therapy, other remedies that may be useful are a strong homeopathic arnica supplement (to reduce general pain/bruising), a valerian and/or kava kava root extract (to help nerve/muscle pain & insomnia), and anti-inflammatory herbs such as goldenrod, mugwort, dandelion, gravel root or chickweed (to reduce acid that causes inflammation and bring down swelling).  Again, make sure you drink plenty of water!
  3.   Lastly, you want your body to be able to regenerate from any physical harm done by the force of the impact.  Most commonly, back and spinal injuries tend to be the culprit.  As my rebuttal, I turn to a Caribbean favorite – Irish moss!  Yes, a drink made from this works wonders because of its high nutritional content.  It provides a flurry of minerals the body needs to regain its power.  The recipe for “Raw Irish Moss” can be found on my website, www.yew360.com, and you can also add strengthening foods or herbs to this gel in making shakes, smoothies, or other foods to enhance its effect.  Some favorites include chia seeds, hemp seeds, avocado, aloe vera juice (promotes healing and inflammation reduction), African mahogany bark (excellent fortifying tea for the spine), moringa, spirulina, berries of all kinds, and bananas.