frankincense Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Homemade Frankincense Soap Bar Recipe

The AHA! Team — Fri, 23 May 2025 05:36:35 +0000

Recipe by: Kyra Oliver via Dr. Axe -This homemade frankincense soap bar recipe provides hydration and vitamins while cleansing your skin! It’s easy to make and free of harmful chemicals. Homemade Frankincense Soap Bar Creating your own natural skin care products can be both rewarding and beneficial for your skin. This Homemade Frankincense Soap Bar is a prime example: a natural, nourishing soap that’s simple to make and free from harmful chemicals. This soap combines the therapeutic properties of frankincense essential oil with the moisturizing benefits of pomegranate oil, all set in a gentle soap base. This homemade frankincense soap bar recipe is great for your skin. It provides hydration and vitamins while cleansing your skin. Plus, it’s easy to make and free of harmful chemicals. Try it today! Key ingredients Frankincense essential oil Derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, frankincense essential oil is renowned for its skin-enhancing properties. It boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and signs of aging. Additionally, its astringent qualities promote skin cell regeneration, leading to a smoother and more youthful complexion. Soap base The soap base serves as the foundation of your homemade soap. Opting for a natural, unscented base ensures that your soap is gentle on the skin and free from synthetic additives. Glycerin-based soap bases are particularly popular due to their moisturizing properties, which help maintain the skin’s natural hydration levels. Pomegranate oil Pomegranate seed oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It deeply hydrates the skin, enhances elasticity and promotes cell regeneration. Regular use can lead to a more radiant and youthful appearance. Soap molds Using soap molds allows you to shape your soap into aesthetically pleasing bars. Silicone molds are especially favored for their flexibility, making it easier to release the finished soap without damage. They come in various shapes and sizes, enabling you to customize your soap bars to your liking. How to make a homemade frankincense soap bar Making this homemade frankincense soap bar is easier than you might think. In fact, it takes just a half hour. To start, place the soap base in a glass bowl, and set the bowl in a saucepan filled with water. Heat on medium until the soap base melts completely. Once melted, remove the bowl from heat, and allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent the essential oils from evaporating. Next, stir in the frankincense essential oil and pomegranate oil, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed into the soap base. Carefully pour the mixture into your chosen soap mold. Allow the soap to cool and solidify completely at room temperature. Once set, gently remove the soap bar from the mold. Store your homemade soap bar in a cool, dry place at room temperature. These natural soaps not only cleanse, but also nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft, hydrated and rejuvenated. Other DIY soaps If you’re looking for other homemade soap recipes, here are some others to try: Homemade Hand Soap Homemade Laundry Soap Homemade Lavender Soap Bar Homemade Dish Soap with Lemon and Lavender Oil Homemade Body Wash Author: Kyra Oliver / Total Time: 30 min / Yield: 30 uses Ingredients ▢ 30 drops frankincense essential oil ▢ Soap base ▢ 5 drops pomegranate oil ▢ Oval bar mold or decorative soap mold Instructions Put soap base in glass bowl, and then place that bowl in saucepan with water. Heat stove to medium, and allow the base to melt. Remove from heat, and let it cool slightly. Add the frankincense and pomegranate oils. Mix well, and transfer to a soap mold. Let the mixture cool fully before popping bar out of mold. Keep it stored at room temperature. Nutrition Serving Size: 166g – Calories: 312 – Sugar: 5.2g – Sodium: 43mg – Fat: 16.6g – Saturated Fat: 13.4g – Unsaturated Fat: 3.2g – Trans Fat: 0g – Carbohydrates: 37.6g – Fiber: 4.1g – Protein: 4.7g – Cholesterol: 82mg To read the original article click here.

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Reviving the Ancient Healing Wisdom of Frankincense (Boswellia)

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:11:06 +0000

News Editors via Natural News – Frankincense oil may receive most of the fame and glory, but the humble Boswellia tree from which it is derived, can also create another powerful natural medicine. Oil and extracts of Boswellia have been used for thousands of years to treat numerous health conditions. (Article republished from GreenMedInfo.com) While many of us are familiar with the meditative, cleansing, and enchanting aromas of incense, the very word itself contains the powerful natural medicine from which it is derived. Frankincense, meaning “true incense” is a resin that comes from any tree species that belongs to the genus Boswellia. Spreading their branches through the Middle East, Africa, and India, this tree’s roots run deep in ancient usage and text. While all Boswellia species can produce frankincense, Boswellia serrata is the supernal species that is adorned in traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Unani for producing exceptional extracts. Boswellia has a documented history of usage that dates back thousands of years Boswellia has a documented history of usage that dates back thousands of years, but it is quite possible this radical resin shared an evolutionary history with humans that greatly precludes our current estimates and archived paleoanthropological data. Just as fashion follows a circular cycle, with skinny jeans now the “newest rage”, so too is it time for a Boswellia revival and resurgence. Currently, there are 30 clinical studies on pubmed.gov, and 28 of those studies used B. serrata (the other 2 studies did not list a specific Boswellia species in their abstract). With a strong modern-day scientific backing, coupled with traditional use, Boswellia is a bright beacon pushing contemporary usage of natural medicines onward and upward. A few of its best-known therapeutic roles today include treating chronic health conditions like asthma, arthritis, cancer, and gastrointestinal issues. It has also been shown to reduce edema (swelling) from brain tumors after patients underwent radiotherapy [Kirste, 2011]. “RESULTS: Compared with baseline and if measured immediately after the end of radiotherapy and BS/placebo treatment, a reduction of cerebral edema of >75% was found in 60% of patients receiving BS and in 26% of patients receiving placebo (P = .023). These findings may be based on an additional antitumor effect. There were no severe adverse events in either group.” [Kirste, 2011] According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in just 8 years (from 2001-2009), the prevalence of asthma jumped from 20 million people to 25 million people. That trend only seems to be increasing and if we extrapolate the data to 2017 there will be 30 million people with asthma, which is almost 10% of the population. Commonly used drugs, like inhaled corticosteroids or oral steroids may be effective, but at what cost? Serious long-term health consequences such as osteoporosis, cataracts, behavioral and mood changes, plus immunosuppression, are just to name a few [Dahl, 2006]. One of the reasons asthma is difficult to treat is because it involves an inflammatory enzyme pathway called the 5-LOX (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase). Through a series of biochemical reactions, this enzyme produces substances called leukotrienes from the oxidation of lipid substrates, predominantly from arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid [Safayhi, 2000]]. When leukotrienes are overly expressed, our immune system is excessively activated, and we enter a state of chronic inflammation, which can manifest as chronic diseases like asthma. One of the beautiful mechanisms by which Boswellia exhibits its benefits is through the prevention of degradation and oxidation to these fatty acids, thus reducing the inflammatory changes in the first place. Boswellia has also proven to be efficacious in other chronic illnesses like inflammatory bowel diseases. Collagenous colitis, which falls under the IBD umbrella, is characterized by chronic diarrhea and is typically treated with a polypharmacy approach. In a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical study, B. serrata extract (BSE) was found to be superior in remission rates (63.6%) versus placebo (26.7%) after a six-week treatment [Madisch, 2007]. In a clinical study on chronic colitis, the remission rates were thirty percent higher in the Boswellia group (14 out of 20 patients) versus the anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drug sulfasalazine (4 out of 10 patients) [Gupta, 2001]. In a clinical study on breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, a Boswellia cream was found to significantly reduce the skin-damaging side effects [Togni, 2015]. Radiotherapy can cause extreme irritation, inflammation, itching, pain, and redness, which can severely alter a patient’s quality of life [Shaitelman, 2015]. Managing these disruptive side effects is typically done with steroids to reduce the immune response, but why risk the consequences when Boswellia is a much safer alternative? While Boswellia extract may be a formidable force, so too are the volatile oils (essential oils) derived from the gummy resin. There are four main species of Boswellia There are four main species of Boswellia from which high-quality frankincense oils are extracted: B. sacra, B. carteri, B. frereana, and B. serrata. While the chemical constituents may vary by species, in general, frankincense oil contains beneficial terpene compounds (limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphene, myrcene) [Woolley, 2012]. Human data may currently be limited on essential oil applications, but animal and cellular studies have elucidated some of the mechanisms responsible for these anti-cancer properties. Frankincense oil has demonstrated cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-proliferative properties against various cancer cell lines, including pancreatic cancer (which generally has an overall survival rate in humans of less than five years) [Ni, 2012]. Without applying reductionist principles to the innate wisdom of this plant, Boswellia probably has countless ways by which it improves health and restore balance. Whether you prefer a Boswellia extract or frankincense essential oil – caveat emptor (buyer beware) – as the purity and efficacy of products can vary greatly. Make sure to do your research and work with a company you know and trust. Read more at: GreenMedInfo.com To read the original article, click here

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5-Steps to Relieve Tinnitus

The AHA! Team — Mon, 27 May 2024 08:03:23 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – My patient T.K. was a wreck. He looked like he hadn’t slept in a week. I asked him what was going on. “It’s nothing you can fix, doc,” he said. “I’ve been to three specialists, and they all told me the same thing… “I’ve got tinnitus, and I just have to live with it.” Luckily, I was able to help him. Tinnitus is an aggravating, nerve-racking, and unseen condition. The constant ringing in your ears robs you of sleep, makes you miserable as it drowns out your hearing, and, over time, makes you more prone to illness. Tinnitus also shatters your focus and concentration. Sadly, up to 25% of the U.S. population suffers from the condition.1 And that number skyrockets to up to 90% of people who are hearing-impaired. And standard medicine can’t do a darn thing to fix it. There’s no drug that cures tinnitus. But there are plenty of Big Pharma pills that can CAUSE it… The most common are analgesic drugs. These pain relievers are available by prescription and over the counter. Examples of analgesic painkillers include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like Advil, Aleve, and Motrin; the acetaminophen in Tylenol, Excedrin, and NyQuil; and old-fashioned aspirin. But it’s not just painkillers that damage your ears. Blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, cancer drugs, and certain antibiotics can cause or worsen tinnitus. Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants – Big Medicine’s “solution” to treat the symptoms – are known to actually increase the ringing in the ears.2 Another preventable cause of tinnitus is aspartame, the most common artificial sweetener on the market. Aspartame, which has been deemed safe by the FDA, is known as an “excitatory neurotransmitter.” It increases electrical activity in the brain, specifically in the auditory cortex. Use my 5-step protocol to relieve tinnitus For years, I’ve treated patients with a simple five-step protocol. Ditch your ear-damaging pain relievers. Taking an NSAID for the occasional aches and pain typically isn’t a problem. But if you find yourself reaching for one of these pills regularly, consider replacing it with a natural alternative… Tulsi (holy basil): This powerful adaptogen reduces inflammation. It also contains ursolic acid, which inhibits the production of the inflammatory COX-2 enzyme. I recommend taking 150 mg three times a day. Indian Frankincense — Indian Frankincense, also known as Boswellia, “significantly increases” both pain threshold and pain tolerance. Researchers even recommend it as a treatment for osteoarthritis.3 I suggest 400 mg three times a day. White Willow Bark. This plant contains salicin, the same compound found in aspirin. Studies show it relieves arthritis pain as well as lower back pain.4 I recommend 240 mg per day. Lower blood pressure with my favorite supplement. Studies show boosting CoQ10 can drop blood pressure an amazing 11 to 17 mmHg in systolic pressure and 8 to 10 mmHg in diastolic pressure.5 I recommend taking 100 mg daily until your blood pressure is controlled. At that point, you can drop to 60 mg. And make sure you take the ubiquinol form of CoQ10 – it’s the most potent. Protect your ears with omega-3. The Blue Mountain Hearing Study followed almost 3,000 people for eight years. The researchers found those with the highest intake of omega-3 had a 42% lower risk of hearing loss.6 I recommend taking 1,000 mg of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA each day. Look for a formula made from calamari oil. It has one of the highest concentrations of DHA available. Turn down the noise with ginkgo biloba. Over 40 clinical studies show ginkgo eases tinnitus. For example, one study had tinnitus patients take ginkgo or a placebo. After 12 weeks, the ginkgo group had reduced ringing.7 Take 80 mg three times a day. But make sure your ginkgo contains at least 24% “flavone glycosides” and 6% “terpene lactones.” Try this for trauma-related tinnitus. If your tinnitus was caused by exposure to loud noises, I recommend you use the brain-booster vinpocetine for relief. It’s widely used in Europe and Japan, but doctors in the Americas don’t know much about it. In one study, tinnitus disappeared in half of those who took it within one week of trauma. But even if you don’t take it right away, it can lessen the severity. Despite the time lapse since the trauma, 66% saw a significant decrease. I recommend 20 mg a day.8 To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Bhatt J, et al. “Tinnitus epidemiology: prevalence, severity, exposures and treatment patterns in the United States.” JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Oct 1; 142(10): 959–965. 2. Tang Z and Trussell L. “Serotonergic modulation of sensory representation in a central multisensory circuit is pathway specific.” Cell Rep. 2017;20(8):1844-1854. 3. Yu G, et al. “Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” BMC Complement Ther Med. 2020:20(1). 4. Chrubasik S., et al. “Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: A randomized double-blind study.” Am J Med. 2000. 5. Rosenfeldt FL, et al. “Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis of the clinical trials.” J Hum Hypertens. 2007;21(4):297-306. 6. Gopinath B, et al. “Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and fish and risk of age-related hearing loss.” Am J Clin Nutr. 2010; 92( 2): 416-421 7. Morgenstern C. et al., “The efficacy of Ginkgo special extract EGb 761 in patients with tinnitus.” Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2002; 40(5): 188-97. 8. Konopka W, et al. “Treatment results of acoustic trauma.” Otolaryngol Pol. 1997;51 Suppl 25:281-4. To read the original article click here.

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Homemade Lotion with Frankincense, Lavender & Peppermint Oils

AHA Publisher — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 07:00:37 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Did you know that almost anything you put on your skin can seep right through and into your bloodstream? Yes, that includes parabens and other dangerous chemicals in skin products. So while many of you have taken the clean eating movement seriously (and that is fantastic!), many are forgetting about the products that they are slathering on their bodies. Unfortunately, too many of these products are littered with chemicals and preservatives that head right into the bloodstream and travel throughout our bodies, wreaking havoc by causing inflammation and more. But it doesn’t have to be that way with natural skin care, including my homemade lotion for your face and body. Aging is an indication of the time moving forward and while we cannot stop time, we may be able to help reduce the signs of it through our skin. This lotion is easy to make and will soothe the skin while offering a healthy glow soon after the first application. How to Make Homemade Lotion To make this amazing homemade lotion, you can use a double-boiler or a glass heat safe bowl — you can also use a glass measuring cup — that fits inside a pan. Put the benefit-rich olive oil, beeswax and shea butter in the container you have chosen for heating over medium heat and slowly melt while stirring. If you are using a glass container and saucepan, make sure the sauce pan has enough water in it to cover about half the glass bowl. Olive oil has amazing moisturizing characteristics without being too greasy. Olive oil has been used since ancient times and it contains squalene, which is a phenolic compound that is filled with useful anti-aging antioxidants, hydrating qualities and may fight skin cancer. Beeswax is another amazing skin-healing ingredient, and it locks in moisture. Beeswax is filled with softening and emollient rich vitamin A, which can help rebuild damaged skin cells. And being comedogenic, it won’t clog pores — keeping the skin moist and blackhead free. Shea butter adds more richness to this hydrating skin-glowing lotion. With the ability to boost collagen, shea butter is a perfect ingredient to add to this blend. Once these ingredients have melted and are well blended, remove from the heat. After allowing the mixture to cool, add the essential oils. Frankincense is my go-to when it comes to skin. Not only is it an anti-aging and wrinkle-fighting ingredient, it helps heal bacteria-containing blemishes. Lavender partners right up with frankincense to help reduce acne-causing bacteria while providing useful relaxing benefits as well. And let’s not forget about peppermint oil, which travels with me wherever I go. While it can eliminate headaches in seconds by placing a drop on the forehead, it can eliminate aches from sore muscles and rejuvenate the skin. Peppermint essential oil is microbial, providing calming effects to inflamed skin such as a sunburn, eczema and psoriasis. Now you can try it out to see how you want the texture. For a creamier texture, you can use an electric mixer or hand beater for a minute or two. Once all ingredients have been well blended to the desired consistency and has cooled, place in a container. I like to use a glass mason jar, but you can also use a BPA-free plastic bottle with a pump. I like to keep my DIY lotion in the refrigerator during the warmer months to maintain consistency since the coconut oil can melt. You can decide what works best depending on where you live. I hope you enjoy this wonderful chemical-free lotion that is gentle enough to use every day! Homemade Lotion Recipe Here’s a homemade lotion for your hands, body and face. This DIY lotion is easy to make and will soothe the skin while offering a healthy glow soon after the first application. INGREDIENTS ¼ cup olive oil 3 tablespoons coconut oil 1 tablespoons beeswax 1 tablespoon shea butter 10 drops frankincense essential oil 10 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops peppermint essential oil INSTRUCTIONS Place the olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax in a glass bowl in a pan with warm water (or you can use a double-boiler). Heat the ingredients, while stirring, until they melt. Continue to stir until well blended. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Add the essential oil. Stir again until well blended. Check the consistency. For a thinner, creamier consistency, use a hand mixer (or electric mixer) for one or two minutes. Place in your favorite container. Dark glass is best for extending shelf life Apply, as needed, to the hands, face and body, avoiding the eyes. To read the original article click here.

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Top 9 Natural Allergy Relief Home Remedies

AHA Publisher — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 07:00:47 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, one in five people, or an estimated 50 million Americans, suffer from some type of allergies. The chances are high that you or someone you know deals with ongoing allergies, whether seasonal allergies, food allergies or another type, and could use allergy relief at least from time to time. Most people who struggle to find allergy relief go to the doctor to be treated and/or are routinely given pharmaceuticals ranging from acetaminophens to antihistamines, both of which may actually further aggravate the symptoms they were given for. If you prefer not to take prescriptions to keep your symptoms under a control, what can help allergies at home? Home remedies for allergies — including symptoms like congested sinuses, headaches, and watery or itchy eyes — include using frankincense essential oil, eucalyptus oil and quercetin. Below you’ll learn about nine amazing, all-natural home remedies for allergies that can help provide fast allergy relief. What Are Allergies? An allergy is defined as a type of “bodily reactivity (hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure,” or an “exaggerated or pathological immunological reactions (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states.” In other words, allergies are due to hypersensitivity of the immune systemthat causes damaging responses that can affect the whole body. Some of the most common causes of allergies are things like pollen found outdoors, animal fur, dust or particular foods. Allergy symptoms occur when your body responds to allergens by producing a chemical called histamine, which works by helping to counteract the allergen. The immune system causes allergic reactions by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that cause widespread symptoms. There are several broad categories of allergies, which include: Seasonal allergies (also called rhinitis or hay fever), usually worsening when pollen levels increase or change, such as during the spring or fall Perennial allergies, occurring year-round Food allergies, such as shellfish allergies Drug/medication allergies Indoor allergies, such as to mold or dust Skin or eye allergies Pet/animal allergies, such as to dogs/cats, insects, etc. Anaphylaxis, which is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction in response to a number of different allergens Symptoms/Causes Symptoms caused by allergies vary from person to person, depend on what causes the allergic reaction, and vary depending on how severe the allergy is. Common symptoms associated with allergies can include: Runny nose, itchy nose, congestion and stuffiness Skin rash, redness, hives, dryness, peeling or itchiness Tingling or itchy sensations in the mouth and on the lips Swelling of the tongue, lip, throat or face Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea and abdominal cramps Coughing, wheezing and trouble breathing (asthma symptoms can sometimes be triggered by allergies) Dizziness, lightheadedness and in severe cases loss of consciousness What Causes Allergies? There are so many different things that can cause allergies that it can be hard to pinpoint which are contributing to your symptoms. Some of the most common causes of allergies include: Pollen from trees, plants and grass Dust, including the kinds found around your home Certain foods, especially those known to cause the most food allergieslike gluten, dairy, tree nuts (especially peanuts), eggs, soy and shellfish Insect bites and stings Animal fur and dander Mold Certain medications, such as antibiotics Latex, such as the kind used to make latex gloves or condoms Fragranced personal care or beauty products (cause of so called “fragrance sensitivities“) Smoking, including cannabis, which is associated with asthma in some cases Conventional Treatments for Allergies Allergies are typically treated in the following ways: Over-the-counter products that serve as decongestants Antihistamines, which are drugs that prevent the release of the chemicals that cause allergic reactions Immunotherapy drugs Eye drops Skin creams, including those containing antihistamine or steroid compounds Corticosteroids to control inflammation Elimination diets (such as gluten-free or dairy-free diet) to manage food allergies Someone with severe allergies might also carry an emergency epinephrine auto-injector (Epipen) in case of an attack Some experts feel that the conventional treatment approaches above (besides an elimination diet) are not the best ways to manage allergies because they don’t fix the underlying causes. When it comes to allergies, what’s important to understand is that when your immune system produces an allergic reaction to something it’s because it senses that something is not right within your body. Instead of only addressing the symptoms of allergies (itchy skin or watery eyes, for example), you need to uncover the root cause and build your natural defense system for true allergy relief. When we take prescribed medications or over-the-counter products for allergies, these can disturb natural processes of your immune system and have other deleterious effects like altering our pH balance. To keep symptoms at bay, you will always have to take a drug because your body doesn’t learn how to adapt to allergens. Allergy drugs, drops, creams and other products can alleviate and hide symptoms, but they don’t address the fact that the problem still exists. Natural Allergy Relief Options What helps relieve allergies fast? Watching what you eat, getting plenty of fresh air and drinking enough water are some of the natural remedies that can relieve allergies by improving functions of the immune system. It may take several weeks for your symptoms to subside, but they are likely to be better kept under control when you tackle the root causes. Here are nine ways to get natural allergy relief. 1. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline Diet First and foremost, start eating an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce your risk for allergies and many other health problems. Caring for your body with nutrient-dense foods gives your immune system the ability to repair itself, bringing it back into balance so it can fight off common allergies in your environment. Here are some of the best foods and ingredients to incorporate into your diet to help you beat allergies: Garlic — What’s so fantastic about garlic? Garlic is a natural antibiotic that helps ward off infections, viruses and even allergies. Eating or juicing two raw cloves of this powerful antioxidant may literally keep the doctor away. Some people choose to take garlic supplements because they don’t want to smell like garlic, but the supplements do not work as well as the real herb does, so don’t be deceived by this. Raw garlic eaten every day helps fight off all types of allergies because it boosts your immune system immensely. Lemons — As most of us know, an alkaline body means better balance and immune function. Lemons and limes are excellent immune-boosting fruits and used for various afflictions, including allergies. Both of these fruits are loaded with vitamin C and immune-boosting antioxidants. Drinking lemon water throughout the day detoxifies the body and rids it of impurities. Mix the juice of one or two lemons or limes with olive oil to make a wonderful-tasting dressing for salads and veggie sandwiches. Green leafy vegetables — Leafy greens (including spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine, arugula and watercress) are great sources of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes that aid detoxification and help reduce inflammation. Probiotic-rich foods — Probiotic foods support immune health and can help repair a damaged intestinal lining. Examples include kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, natto, yogurt, raw cheese, miso and kombucha. Bone broth — Bone broth, made from beef and chicken stock, is rich in many minerals and amino acids that support the treatment of leaky gut, thereby helping strengthen the immune system. Coconut milk — The best alternative for cow’s milk is coconut milk, which is free of dairy, lactose, soy, nuts and grains. Almond butter and seeds — For people allergic to peanuts and peanut butter, almond butter is a safe and healthy alternative that provides healthy unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, minerals like riboflavin and magnesium, and even some antioxidants. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are also great sources of healthy fats and fiber. Gluten-free flours/grains — Instead of using wheat flour when you cook or bake, try coconut flour, almond flour, spelt flour, oat flour and rice flour, which are all gluten-free. Breast milk — Studies shows that exclusive breastfeeding seems to have a preventive effect on the early development of asthma and atopic dermatitis. Although it’s not abundant in many foods, vitamin D is also important for immune function and may help manage allergy symptoms. In fact, certain studies have shown that children who live farther from the equator are more likely to develop allergies and suffer higher rates of hospital admissions due to allergic reactions. You can get enough vitamin D by spending about 15 minutes in the sun most days without sunscreen and by eating foods like whole milk and some mushrooms for natural allergy relief. 2. Local Raw Honey (Bee Pollen) Considering how good it tastes, having some raw honey every day to help control seasonal allergies may sound too easy to actually work well, but don’t discount this ancient remedy. Taking a tablespoon of local, raw honey every day helps your body build a tolerance to the local pollen that is running amuck on your sinuses. Researchers involved in a study published in International Archives of Allergy and Immunology discovered that patients taking honey “reported a 60 percent lower total symptom score, twice as many asymptomatic days, and 70 percent fewer days with severe symptoms.” They also used 50 percent less antihistamines compared to the control group that took conventional meds. Try taking one tablespoon of raw local honey daily, such as by stirring some into tea, adding some to oatmeal along with cinnamon, or putting some in your smoothies. What makes raw honey so powerful at reducing allergies? One reason is because it contains bee pollen, which is known to ward off infections and allergies and boost immunity. The bees living in your area go from flower to flower collecting pollen that you are suffering from. It would make sense then that eating local raw honey will help build up your immunity to local pollen. Honey also contains many enzymes that supports overall immune function, which helps with allergy relief. 3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) You can now find high-quality apple cider vinegar in most supermarkets, which is great considering it can help break up mucus and support lymphatic drainage. Drinking a glass of water with a teaspoon of ACV and some fresh lemon juice is one of the best ways to wake up every morning. At the first sign of an allergy attack, put one teaspoon of ACV in your neti pot solution for a natural “sinus flush.” 4. Quercetin Quercetin is a polyphenol antioxidant that is naturally found in plant foods, such as cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli or cauliflower), onions/shallots, green tea and citrus fruits. Considered a bioflavonoid that stabilizes the release of histamines, it helps naturally control allergy symptoms. According to a 2020 study, quercetin has anti-allergic functions that are known for inhibiting histamine production and pro-inflammatory mediators. Another study found evidence that quercetin is effective at reducing congestion because it helps calm down hyperactivity of the airways. It is so powerful that researchers have found evidence suggesting that quercetin can help control peanut allergies, the leading cause of life-threatening/fatal allergy attacks. Various sources suggest that it is best to use quercetin as a long-term remedy, since it can take several months of use to start working. People prone to seasonal allergies should start to take it a few weeks before spring arrives when trees and plants start to bloom. 5. Neti Pot What is the best allergy relief for a runny nose? Neti pots are a natural remedy for allergies and many respiratory conditions because they help clear the sinuses and remove congestion. Use of neti pots has been shown to help improve quality of life in sufferers of respiratory illnesses and cause little to no side effects. Clearing the nasal passages of allergens and irritants, this form of “sinus irrigation” originated in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition hundreds of years ago. People living in India have been receiving astounding results from using neti pots for centuries, and now you...

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Nature’s Pharmacy: How to Use God’s Creation to Heal Disease

AHA Publisher — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 08:00:48 +0000

Lorie Johnson via CBN News – Alternative medicine is a type of treatment that continues to grow in popularity. Often it includes treatments that aren’t new and some people might even call them ancient. Since its inception, many have called modern medicine a gift from God. Sometimes, however, we look back to the treatments of our ancestors. Dr. Josh Axe, the founder of the most-visited natural health website in America, says equating healing with pharmaceuticals is a relatively new concept. “Up until 150 years ago when somebody used the word medicine it typically didn’t mean a synthetic medicine,” he told CBN News, “It typically meant an herb or spice, like ginger or frankincense, and all of these things that are referenced in the Bible that’s what was meant by medicine.” In his new book Ancient Remedies: Secrets to Healing with Herbs, Essential Oils, CBD, and the Most Powerful Natural Medicine in History Dr. Axe recommends herbs, supplements, essential oils and foods to treat about 75 different conditions. “For instance, if somebody is struggling with hypothyroidism, I go through those top five herbs so people know exactly what to do,” he said, “If somebody has Alzheimer’s, I go through what to do. If somebody has inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, hormone imbalance, I go through all of those things in there.” Dr. Axe says some natural treatments date back to the dawn of civilization. ‘It’s believed that Abraham taught a lot of these natural ways of healing, using different herbs and foods to support healing,” he said, “And that is the basis of Chinese or different types of Asian medicine.” Why Go Natural? Many people are content to use medicines that are made in a lab, however, if given the choice, might prefer something a little more natural. Dr. Axe points out that many of today’s man-made drugs often began as imitations of their natural counterparts. “For instance, take white willow bark. That’s where they got the idea for aspirin,” he explained, “White willow bark helps naturally thin the blood, reduces pain naturally, is anti-inflammatory. Well, aspirin is actually taken from that. But these pharmaceutical companies wanted to save money, so they started making it themselves, that is synthetic.” Dr. Axe says that process can result in side effects like nutritional deficiencies. “Diabetes drugs actually pull Coenzyme Q10 from your body and certain B vitamins,” he said, “So if you’re on a diabetes drug it increases your risk of a heart attack and stroke. If you have taken an antibiotic drug it kills the good bacteria in your body and also depletes your body of zinc.” Healing Any Disease Begins with This Dr. Axe maintains that regardless of the disease, the first step towards healing involves building a better gut since that’s where most of our immune system resides. “The foods that are most healing to the gut, number one, is bone broth,” he explained, “Bone broth is made up of 90 percent collagen and your gut itself is made up of 70 percent collagen so you have to have collagen in order for it to heal.” He said healing the gut not only involves adding the right foods to our diet, but also subtracting the wrong ones. “Gluten, dairy, and sugar are the things that will most weaken our immune systems.” Marijuana’s Sober Cousin Dr. Axe says we can also boost our body’s natural defenses against disease by balancing our hormones, lowering stress, and getting a good night’s sleep. He says marijuana’s sober cousin, CBD, can do all three. “There are two main compounds found in hemp, which are CBD and THC,” he said, “THC, that’s the compound that can cause hallucinogenic effects where people hear about getting high. CBD is a completely different compound.” So while drug companies churn out their pills, Dr. Josh Axe points to nature. He says we, like people centuries before us, can use the remedies there to cure what ails us. To read the original article click here. For more articles from CBN News click here.

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Frankincense Fights Inflammation

AHA Publisher — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 08:00:43 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – Frankincense is a life-saving treatment that gets to the root cause of almost every chronic disease of our times – inflammation. Inflammation is your body’s attempt to heal itself. But too much causes disease. In fact, most of the chronic ailments associated with aging are essentially inflammatory diseases. That includes cancer, heart disease, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Inflammation is so closely linked to these age-related diseases that it is commonly called “inflamm-aging.” It describes what happens to all of us as we get older. Every time inflammation turns on, your genes produce molecules known as cytokines. Cytokines are used by your immune system cells to signal each other about threats. They order white blood cells to the scene. When you’re young, cytokines only increase when there’s an infection or injury. But over a lifetime, your body accumulates so many you’re almost drowning in them. These cytokines cause cellular damage which causes more inflammation. It’s a cycle that keeps repeating itself. Eventually, you start to develop unmistakable signs of aging. Those high levels of cytokines are linked to frailty and loss of muscle mass as well as Alzheimer’s disease.1 They’re also directly linked to fatal heart attacks. In one study, high concentrations of cytokines in the bloodstream were the strongest predictor of death.2 And for many years, it has been known that cancer is linked to long-term inflammation.3 For instance, inflammation has been shown to be a critical key to the development of breast cancer.4 But new research shows the boswellic acids in frankincense battles inflammation. In one study, 52 rugby players had acute inflammation. They were given either a placebo or frankincense. After four weeks those taking Boswellia had a significant reduction in inflammation.5 Boswellia works in many different ways. It contains enzymes that block PGe2. This hormone-like chemical is produced in response to an injury. It makes blood vessels dilate and expand. This causes the injured area to become swollen and painful. By attacking PGe2, frankincense stops inflammation before it starts. Boswellic acids in frankincense are also potent inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). This is an enzyme responsible for inflammation. Knocking out 5-LOX enzymes helps prevent inflammation and pain. Look for a Boswellia serrata supplement standardized to at least 65% boswellic acids. I recommend taking 400 mg three times a day. Frankincense is also available as an essential oil. You can place a drop or two under your tongue. Or dilute a drop in a glass of water or a teaspoon of honey. 2 More Ways to Fight the Fires of Inflammation Here are two more ways to target and extinguish inflammation. Fight the fire with fat. Omega-3 fatty acids are rich in two of the most powerful inflammation fighting compounds – resolvins and protectins. Groundbreaking studies show these components drastically reduce the levels of cytokines that lead to chronic inflammation and even cancer.6Other studies show people who supplement with fatty acids containing at least two grams of EPA and DHA per day produce fewer cytokines.7 I recommend you get at least 1 gram of omega-3 every day, with 600 mg from DHA and 400 mg from EPA. The best sources come from pure calamari and squid oils. Shut down your inflammation command center. Curcumin remains one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories ever discovered. It targets your body’s inflammation command center – a molecule called nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). NF-κB is the switch that activates more than 400 pro-inflammatory genes in your body. NF-κB can cause you to produce COX-2 and iNOS, two enzymes present in inflammation. So if you inhibit NF-κB, you can maintain a healthy inflammatory response. You can always cook with fresh turmeric root. Or you can supplement. But be sure your supplement contains piperine, a black pepper that increases absorbency. I recommend 1,000 mg a day. You can always supplement. Look for one made from the inner bark of the plant. Take 500 mg a day. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS 1. Michaud M. “Proinflammatory cytokines, aging, and age-related diseases.” J Am Med Dir Assoc.2013;14(12):877-882. 2. Rauchhaus M, et al. “Plasma cytokine parameters and mortality in patients with chronic heart failure.” 2Circulation. 2 2000;102(25):3060-3067. 3. Rakoff-Nahoum, S. “Why cancer and inflammation?” 2Yale J Biol Med. 2 2007;79(3-4):123-130. 4. Liu M, et al. “The canonical NF-κB pathway governs mammary tumorigenesis in transgenic mice and tumor stem cell expansion.” 2Cancer Res. 2 2010;70;10464. Epub 2009 Apr 6. 5. Franceschi F, et al. “A novel lecithin based delivery form of Boswellic acids (Casperome®) for the management of osteo-muscular pain: a registry study in young rugby players.” 2Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2 2016;20(19):4156-4161. 6. Kang JX and Weylandt KH, “Modulation of inflammatory cytokines by omega-3 fatty acids.” 2Subcell Biochem. 2 2008;49:133-143. 7. Endres S, et al. “The effect of dietary supplementation with n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the synthesis of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor by mononuclear cells.” 2N Engl J Med. 2 1989;320:265–271 To read the original article click here. For more articles from Al Sears, MD click here.

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Change of Direction in Immune Defense: Frankincense Reprograms Inflammatory Enzyme

AHA Publisher — Tue, 12 May 2020 07:00:47 +0000

Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena via EurekAlert – Research team has clarified the anti-inflammatory effect of a natural product from frankincense resin. Once upon a time, the Three Kings brought precious gifts to the new-born baby Jesus: as well as gold and myrrh, they also had frankincense in their bags. “Even today, frankincense is a valuable gift,” says Prof. Oliver Werz of Friedrich Schiller University – although he is not really thinking about the biblical meaning of frankincense. “The resin extracted from the bark of the frankincense tree contains anti-inflammatory substances, which make it suitable for the treatment of diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis or neurodermatitis, among others,” he explains. Pharmacist Werz and his team have been investigating the anti-inflammatory effect of frankincense resin and its components for several years. Now, together with colleagues in the US, the Jena University researchers have succeeded in uncovering the molecular mechanism of boswellic acid, a substance which is responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of frankincense. They present their results in the current issue of the specialist journal “Natural Chemical Biology” (DOI: 10.1038/s41589-020-0544-7). Crystal Structure Analyses Reveal Where Active Substances Target the Inflammatory Enzyme The enzyme 5-lipoxygenase plays a key role in the effect of frankincense. “It has been known for more than 40 years that this enzyme promotes the formation of leukotrienes, an important group of inflammatory mediators in the human body,” explains Werz. However, in its current paper, the research team has for the first time been able to clarify and image the crystal structure of this central inflammatory enzyme with bound inhibitors. The images of the crystal structure allow detailed studies of the enzyme and its interaction with active substances, as well as the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. And that is exactly what Werz and his colleagues have done. In addition to zileuton, an anti-inflammatory drug already on the market, which is a synthetic preparation used to treat asthma, the researchers have combined the enzyme with various natural products and analysed the crystal structures of the resulting complexes. The result initially surprised the researchers: while other natural products, in a similar way to zileuton, dock directly to the active site of the enzyme and thus inhibit its function, boswellic acid binds to another site of the enzyme molecule, far from the active site. “However, this binding leads to structural changes in the active site and this also inhibits the enzyme activity,” says Werz. Domino Effect in the Enzyme Structure Therefore, these structural changes triggered by the frankincense component already have an anti-inflammatory effect. “But the influence of boswellic acid goes far beyond this,” says Dr Jana Gerstmeier. The pharmacist from Werz’s team is one of the study’s two lead authors. “This binding creates a domino effect, which also causes a change in the specificity of the enzyme,” Gerstmeier adds. Instead of catalysing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes, 5-lipoxygenase produces anti-inflammatory substances under the influence of boswellic acid. “That means, in simple terms, that the frankincense component reprograms the inflammatory enzyme into an anti-inflammatory enzyme.” According to the authors of the study, these findings can now be used on the one hand to test the boswellic acids from frankincense in relevant disease models and perhaps later to develop them as a drug to treat inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, thanks to the newly discovered binding site on 5-lipoxygenase, other potential drugs can be developed and their effectiveness as anti-inflammatory agents tested in experiments. To read the original article click here.

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