From Mrs. Cog's Corner

The content on this page is for discussion purposes relating to health and well being only and is not intended to be medical advice. Links and sources provided are for informational purposes and do not represent an endorsement of a person, product or treatment.

It is a well established fact that we get Vitamin D from exposure to sunshine. What is less known is that most Americans and much of the world's population are "D-ficient", leaving ourselves at risk for a myriad of health threats.

There are many benefits to ample levels of Vitamin D including giving the body the ability to absorb calcium thus building bone strength, preventing upper respiratory infections (colds), preventing cardiovascular disease and being effective at battling MS, Chrohn's, pain, depression and a many other conditions. Further, Vitamin D3 is recommended for young athletes to prevent muscular-skeletal injury, aid in muscle building and to reduce inflammation.

Vitamin D levels are measured in our bodies by a complicated sounding term: Serum 25 HydroxyVitaminD or 25HydroxyD for short. It has been proven that ordinary over-the-counter Vitamin D supplements (which are D2) are much less efficient at raising your 25 HydroxyD levels than Vitamin D3. Your body must convert regular Vitamin D from supplements or foods containing it to the chemical that is D3. When we are exposed to sunshine's (UVB) rays, our skin starts a reaction which causes our bodies to naturally produce D3

Sunshine is therefore the easiest and most natural source of Vitamin D3. The amount of sunshine needed to amply fortify one with enough Vitamin D3 not to need a supplement varies depending upon your age, skin tone, and geographical location to receive the sun rays. Recent studies have concluded that far more lives are lost to a lack of exposure to the sun (Vitamin D3) than too much.  As to confronting our programming that exposure to the sun is bad because it causes skin cancer, it is important to note that most fatal melanomas occur on body parts with the least exposure to sunshine and occupational exposure to the sun decreases the rate of melanomas.

For those times of the year when one does not get much sunshine (over the wintertime) it is recommended by proponents of Vitamin D3 that one takes a D3 supplement. Vitamin D3 supplements have been shown to significantly effect the symptoms and recovery time of respiratory infections (colds) and can sufficiently boost 25 HydroxyD levels to achieve maximum benefit. The outcry by established Western medicine which not only denies the benefits of supplementing this way, but has called for a stop to all future clinical studies of Vitamin D because they are a waste of time and money speaks volumes to me.

Despite the proclamation by the American Cancer Society that people should not take supplements to prevent cancer, there are recent clinical studies that would argue otherwise. One study shows 4,000 IU to 8,000 IU maintained daily cut the risk in half or more for several cancers, type 1 diabetes and MS. This recent study states 9,600 IU daily (in order to maintain the magic target of 40 ng/ml) was safe and furthermore that amounts up to 40,000 IU could be taken daily with no risk of toxicity.

As the debate over Vitamin D rages, it is important to note that while many sources in mainstream medicine claim supplementing Vitamin D is not beneficial to your health, other studies show just the opposite having been documented repeatedly as shown both above and below. In the end, it is vital you do your own research.

Read More:

Researchers say vitamin D may be cost-effective treatment or adjunct for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and low vitamin D levels. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140117090504.htm

Vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for heart disease with lower levels of vitamin D being associated with a higher presence and severity of coronary artery disease, according to research to be presented at the American College of Cardiology's 63rd Annual Scientific Session. http://www.naturalblaze.com/2014/03/vitamin-d-deficiency-increases-severity.html#sthash.SMG731fz.dpuf

Mother Nature got it right. Sensible sun exposure is important for maintaining an adequate vitamin D status. Once formed in the skin vitamin D can exit into the circulation to carry out its physiologic functions on calcium and bone metabolism. Some vitamin D however remains in the skin and is activated to interact with its vitamin D receptor to control cell proliferation using a variety of strategies including interacting with long non-coding RNAs to reduce risk of photocarcinogenesis. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24665943

Just one example of an important gene that vitamin D up-regulates is your ability to fight infections, as well as chronic inflammation. It produces over 200 antimicrobial peptides, the most important of which is cathelicidin, a naturally occurring broad-spectrum antibiotic. This is one of the explanations for why it can be so effective against colds and influenza. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/02/23/oral-vitamin-d-mistake.aspx

Breast cancer patients with high levels of vitamin D in their blood are twice as likely to survive the disease as women with low levels of this nutrient, report University of California, San Diego School of Medicine researchers in the March issue of Anticancer Research. http://www.naturalblaze.com/2014/03/vitamin-d-increases-breast-cancer.html#sthash.0aERe7cE.dpuf

Vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for heart disease with lower levels of vitamin D being associated with a higher presence and severity of coronary artery disease, according to research to be presented at the American College of Cardiology's 63rd Annual Scientific Session. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-03-severe-heart-disease-patients-vitamin.html

Case-control studies and laboratory tests have consistently demonstrated that vitamin D plays an important role in the prevention of breast cancer. Vitamin D supplementation is a much needed, low cost, effective, and safe intervention strategy for breast cancer prevention that should be implemented. It has been shown that vitamin D levels are lower in ovarian cancer patients. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23700865

Vitamin D insufficiency was common in adults with ID living in nursing homes. Both oral and intramuscular administrations of vitamin D3 improved vitamin D status without adverse effects. Based on this study, vitamin D supplementation with per oral 800 IU/day is recommended to all adults with ID living in nursing homes. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19845825

The health benefits of UVB seem to outweigh the adverse effects. The risks can be minimized by avoiding sunburn. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17156062

The active form of vitamin D essentially shuts down cancer cells by several mechanisms which inhibit proteins involved in metastases. Now Chinese researchers have found breast and colorectalcancer patients with higher levels of vitamin D at the time of diagnosis may have better chances of survival and remain in remission longer those who are deficient, according to a scientific review. http://preventdisease.com/news/14/050114-The-Higher-Vitamin-D-Levels-Better-Chance-Prevent-Survive-Cancer.shtml

From Mrs. Cog's Corner

The content on this page is for discussion purposes relating to health and well being only and is not intended to be medical advice. Links and sources provided are for informational purposes and do not represent an endorsement of a person, product or treatment.

Unknown to most Westerners, dandelions are one of the top six herbs in Chinese Traditional Medicine cabinet. A powerful diuretic, it is used to flush the kidneys and detoxify the liver. Additionally, dandelion greens are rated in the top four nutritional greens we can eat.

Dandelion leaves have the highest content of beta carotene in any green vegetable and are the third best dietary source of Vitamin A after beef liver and cod liver oil. They contain generous amounts of essential minerals and protein as well.

The dandelion root has been shown in clinical studies to kill cancer cells in melanoma and leukemia. Although this is not new knowledge in certain older traditions, most modern studies are conducted outside the U.S. and Europe.

It seems odd that our modern society would demonize such a natural powerful food rather than promote its benefits. I've known several people that became apoplectic upon discovering the growth of dandelions in what they perceived was a pristine suburban lawn. Out came the chemicals... and well, you know the rest. For more information you can start here: Why are Monsanto and Dow Waging War on Dandelions?

You can use, eat or drink just about every part of the dandelion. The roots can be lightly roasted and chopped for a wonderful organic tea. The greens are great in salads or as side dishes. The flowers are edible too. There is even a market for dandelion wine, made famous by Ray Bradbury's 1957 novel Dandelion Wine.

My personal preference is organic dandelion root tea which I buy here (loose leaf by the pound) and it lasts me for most of a year. I fill a tea mesh ball half full with the tea and put it in a cup of boiling/hot water. It is also my preferred way to consume powerful essential oils internally as I add a drop or two of clove oil (off the chart on the anti-oxidant scale) and cinnamon oil (a very powerful antibiotic and anti-viral) to a cup a day; several if I feel a cold or bug coming on.

Always a pleasure to learn from, Clara made a great video on preparing dandelions the old school way.

Great information out on the web on the benefits of dandelions and how to prepare, eat and drink them, links below.

Harvesting and Using Dandelion Roots: http://www.commonsensehome.com/harvesting-and-using-dandelion-roots/

Of course we all know that Dandelion’s are weeds that pop up in our lawns quite frequently and people go to great lengths to remove them but unbeknownst to most is the fact that this is an amazing herb with great medicinal value. An effective health remedy right in our own backyard! http://naturalhealthanswers.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/detox-your-body-with-dandelion/

Besides the stimulating bitter substances, dandelion roots also contain choline, another liver stimulant. Dandelion roots make wonderful colon cleansing and detoxifying medications because any time digestion is improved, the absorption of nutrients and the removal of wastes from the body improve as well. http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/dandelion-herbal-remedies.htm

Spring is one of the best times to do an internal cleansing.  It is similar to cleaning out your refrigerator.  If you spilled something in the ‘fridge, would you put more food in there without cleaning it out?  It’s the same for your GI tract AKA your GUT. http://www.janecaseyskitchen.com/spring-detox-dandelion-for-your-liver-and-god-for-your-heart/

One of my favorite wild edibles during the early Spring happens to be the bane of all lawn owners: The Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). This article details how to identify and prepare this commonplace but excellent tasting and nutritious wild plant — knowledge that is an excellent addition to your survival info store. http://www.tacticalintelligence.net/blog/dandelion-greens.htm

If you’ve already tried preparing the dandelion greens from the prior article than you know how delicious this wild plant can be. In this article I wanted to quickly present you with another pair of delicious recipes using a different part of this common every-day plant: the flowers. http://www.tacticalintelligence.net/blog/how-to-eat-dandelion-flowers.htm

The dandelion greens contain extremely important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium, folate, magnesium and manganese. They may contribute up to 535% of the suggested daily intake of vitamin K, not to mention over 110% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. It is believed that some of its flavonoids such as zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin have specific healing properties. Zeaxanthin seems to provide protection for the retina when confronted by the sun’s UV rays, while cryptoxanthin can potentially defend the body against the development of mouth and lung cancer cells. http://drleonardcoldwell.com/2013/12/04/dandelion-has-unsuspected-health-benefits-such-as-inhibiting-cancer-cell-growth/

The common dandelion proliferating summer lawns is often considered a weed. It was brought to the United States from Europe and Asia and introduced for its myriad health benefits, which have been utilized by Eastern cultures for centuries. Dandelion is a bitter herb and all parts of the plant are used medicinally in herbal preparations, teas and as foods. http://www.naturalnews.com/040713_dandelion_edible_weeds_health_benefits.html

To view results of clinical studies on dandelions: http://science.naturalnews.com/Dandelion.html, and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=dandelion

From Mrs. Cog's Corner

The content on this page is for discussion purposes relating to health and well being only and is not intended to be medical advice. Links and sources provided are for informational purposes and do not represent an endorsement of a person, product or treatment.

Right up there with dark chocolate, flavored coffee and tomato soup, one of the food items I wouldn’t want to do without is horseradish. Until recently I thought it came from the grocery store in a small overpriced jar. But it turns out horseradish is a hardy perennial and very healthy to boot.

Cog was downright alarmed when I explained just how invasive horseradish is. It seems once a taproot grows during its first year, it is nearly impossible to get rid of it. Ever! Any small bit, even a flake of the root left in the ground will come back as a full plant the following year. One blogger wrote of removing the large root with a cable and a truck only to have the plant reappear the following year.

It is for this very reason most gardeners recommend NOT planting it in the garden. Thank goodness it grows prolific and hardy in large containers. Cog has asked me if the wind could carry a speck of the root and replant itself in the yard. I’m gambling that I can control it in a very large pot on the deck and have planted my first root.

Horseradish grows in climate zones 2 through 9 and can thrive in as little as four hours per day of sun, but prefers plenty of sunshine. Growing about three feet high and spreading its big leaves as wide, this plant wants plenty of elbow room and will easily crowd out smaller neighbors.

Like its cousin wasabi, horseradish is considered a superfood. Containing ten times the anti-cancer glucosinolate found in broccoli, a little bit of the real thing goes a long way. Studies have shown horseradish enables the body to detoxify from toxins that trigger the growth of cancer.

Horseradish has long been used for sinus infections because it contains both powerful antibiotic properties as well as the ability to clear stuffy sinuses very quickly. It is recommended to treat various digestive disorders, urinary tract infections and as a remedy for kidney stones.

Simple enough to prepare, instructions on how to grate and store it can be found here on Simply Recipes or here on The Global Gourmet.

There are many ways to use it. Some of my favorites include mixing it with sour cream to eat with potato skins or baked potatoes or straight up on the side of roast beef. The most peculiar method is a weird family tradition of eating it atop peanut butter on a Ritz cracker, especially on the side of a bowl of tomato soup.

We’d love to hear how you all eat your horseradish!

Video below from DoomandBloom.net

For more reading:

An excellent pdf eBook including how to grow, harvest and prepare which includes recipes: https://herbsociety.org/horseradish/documents/01-24-11Horseradish_Guide_single_without_buttons.pdf

“The Oracle at Delphi told Apollo that the radish was worth its weight in lead, the beet its weight in silver, and the horseradish its weight in gold,” Arthur O. Tucker and Thomas DeBaggio wrote in “The Big Book of Herbs” (Interweave Press, 2000). http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/garden/01horseradish.html

To prepare Horseradish, first start with a well ventilated room because the fumes are potent - a whiff may be stronger than you expect! It is also recommended that you wear gloves when working with fresh horseradish because the roots contain highly volatile oils which are activated when crushed. https://www.netherlandbulb.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=wholesaleplants.plantDetail&plant_id=7173

As a medicine horseradish root has many curative properties: strong antibiotic, expectorant, bronchodilatator, antibacterial, coronary vasodilatator, it increases the blood pressure, it heats up the body, stimulates the body's immune system, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antianemic, antiscorbutic, diuretic. It can stimulate the appetite. It has a cardiotonic effect and is recommended to the people who suffer from high blood pressure. Also it is known that horseradish has aphrodisiacal properties. http://www.liveandfeel.com/articles/benefits-of-horseradish-plant-1715

http://www.gardeningblog.net/how-to-grow/horseradish/

http://suburbantomato.com/2012/06/growing-horseradish-in-a-pot/

http://www.harvesttotable.com/2009/01/how_to_grow_horseradish/