Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Mushrooms Boost Brain Power

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If you’re a fan of mushrooms, rejoice! These nutritious little fungi have several known benefits to our health, including lowering your chance of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. And now, there appears to be yet another advantage to eating mushrooms. New research shows that they may help protect the brain from degenerative conditions such as dementia.

The study, which took place at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, found that regular consumption of certain types of mushrooms may be associated with brain changes that reduce the risk of developing dementia.1 After analyzing 10 different types of mushrooms, the investigators determined that they promoted the increased production of nerve growth factors in the brain, which contributes to the formation of new neurons in the gray matter, an important factor in our ability to retain and retrieve memories.

The Mushroom Course

What kinds of mushrooms were most beneficial? Unfortunately, not the white or…

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Nā ʻŌhana | Traditional Indigenous Kinship Practices at Home:  Being Child-Centered During the Pandemic

In our traditional kinship systems, children were the at the center of the family system. Everything we did was with, and for, the children. Women had babies on their back, breasts, and hips while […]

Source: Traditional Indigenous Kinship Practices at Home: Being Child-Centered During the Pandemic

Urban Gardening | 8 Vegetables You Can Grow In Your Tiny Apartment All Year Round

Growing Your Own Vegetable is Not Only Fun but you’ll know What Exactly Went into the plants at every stage which is not the case with store bought food. While growing plants in a busy city and apartment might seem like an impossible-task, There are fruits and veggies you can grow in pots that can sit pretty on a super small-porch, fire-escape, or even in a well-lit indoor area. And, unlike traditional gardens, you won’t have to deal with many intrusive weeds either!

NOTE: The materials and the information contained on Natural ways channel are provided for general and educational purposes only and do not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. None of the information on our videos is a substitute for a diagnosis and treatment by your health professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provide.

Current Events | MIT biologist says fear mongering on coronavirus will go down as biggest fraud to manipulate economies

On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global epidemic. The virus, which originated from Whuan China, has claimed over 4,000 lives with 100,000 infected cases reported worldwide. However, some think the panic over the coronavirus is overblown and could potentially do more damage to citizens and overburden our already fragile healthcare systems.  […]

Source:  Fear Mongering About Coronavirus

Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | LAVENDER’S MEDICINAL AND AROMATHERAPY USES

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There are few scents in this world that evoke the feeling of clean – lavender is one of them. Its common and scientific name originates from lavare, the Latin word for wash or bathe. Lavender was popular as a linen-washing herb in Europe, no doubt due to its pleasant aroma, but it also possesses antiseptic qualities and can help to keep insects at bay. Discouraging or killing insects was paramount before the invention of glass windows and screens, a time when humans often shared the same roof with flea and lice-ridden livestock. Maude Grieve writes in A Modern Herbal (no longer especially modern, as it was written in 1931):

Dried Lavender flowers are still greatly used to perfume linen, their powerful, aromatic odour acting also as a preventative to the attacks of moths and other insects. In America, they find very considerable employment for disinfecting hot rooms and keeping away…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | The Essence of Ginger

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No modern medication can rival the range and variety of therapeutic effects that can be induced by ginger. However, the full awareness of the health benefits and value of the herbal ginger remedies is rather limited because of the monopolistic health-care systems and a historically biased regulatory environment in most countries. Out of the hundreds of species in the plant family Zingiberaceae, the ginger remains the most famous and popular herb. Ginger is a rhizome, according to the correct botanical classification, though the underground stem of the ginger is often mistaken to be a root. Many different varieties of the ginger herb exist in the wild and in cultivation, these varieties range from mild to spicy in taste, and all of them require tropical conditions and fertile soils to grow at an optimal rate. The ginger herb has traveled out from Southeast Asia to the new world, over a period…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Tea Tree Oil: Benefits, Uses

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From antiseptic mouthwash to natural deodorant, tea tree oil is an essential oil with a multitude of uses and benefits. It tends to be pale yellow or colorless, with an aroma that is similar to eucalyptus or camphor and boasts antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Here’s a deep-dive into all that it can do.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of an evergreen shrub called Melaleuca alternifolia. The plant is native to Australia and used by Aboriginal people for cleaning wounds and other skin problems.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has a 100-year history as a natural remedy. The Bundjalung Aboriginal people would crush the leaves to create a paste to apply to the skin. They also made tea from the leaves to soothe a sore throat.

Amazing Antibacterial Properties

The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil have been studied since…

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Current Events | Coronavirus And The Sun: A Lesson From The 1918 Influenza Pandemic

Terrified, people from all around the world are waiting for news of the outbreak of coronavirus, that keeps taking its death toll. The first case of Covid-19 was identified over three months ago, and so far, it has killed thousands of people, forcing the lockdown of numerous countries. Coronavirus is a worldwide subject of conversation […]

Source: Coronavirus And The Sun: A Lesson From The 1918 Influenza Pandemic – Healthy Food House

Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Suggested Herbal Supports for Influenza/Influenza-Like Illness in the Event of a Pandemic | The Science and Art of Herbalism

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Compiled By: Lora Krall, Nurse Herbalist

With the recent incidence of seasonal influenza on the rise and the additional concern of possible coronavirus infections, the need for a list of possible options to support those who may become ill with these respiratory viruses is essential.  This list is by no means complete but is designed to offer the herbalist a list of options in order to support those of a specific disadvantage due to (race, socioeconomic conditions, isolation, gender, ethnicity, etc..), in situations of possible limited availability of certain plant preparations and to expand the list of options for those in your care.  In the event of a pandemic, herbalists will be KEY supports to our communities.  It is wise to be prepared.

Additionally, none of these herbal suggestions are meant to be sole support for someone who is ill.  In order for herbs to really support the body, some…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | 8 Herbs That Calm Your Mind

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I had to share this video.

When we filmed Remedy, I had the honor of sitting down with the godmother of American herbalism, Rosemary Gladstar, at her magical home in Vermont. I have to admit, I was nervous going into this interview because she’s, well, one of my heroes 🙂

Today, I’d love to share a quick video from our encounter with you.

One of the questions I asked Rosemary was – what can we all do to overcome the stress and anxiety that seems to pervade our news and daily interactions these days? In other words, how do we keep ourselves peaceful, healthy and thriving in these chaotic times we find ourselves in?

Her answer blew us away…

In the clip below, Rosemary shares a handful of herbs that you can use to keep your body centered and at peace – including one slightly controversial plant if you’re feeling adventurous.

BUT…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | A Powerful Stimulant For Body And Mind: Sage Oil

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Native to the southern European and Mediterranean regions, the Sage herb was highly valued in both the ancient Greek and Roman societies, which considered it to be sacred. For centuries, it has been believed that Sage had the ability to grant a longer life, and in China, it was traditionally used as a remedy for addressing infertility and symptoms of menopause. According to historical records, in some communities, the Sage herb also had culinary applications and was used as a preservative for foods such as meats. The oil of the Sage herb was also considered to be beneficial for both the mind and the body, hence it was used to quicken the senses by addressing negative emotions, such as sadness, and shifting them into positive moods, such as the sense of courage. It was believed that Sage Oil had a positive influence on the individual’s inner lifeforce, thus it was…

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Matt Kahn | From Coronavirus to Consciousness

With the widespread panic of pandemic flu in the air, whether creating the anticipated perception of illness in your mind to fight, track, and avoid, or experiencing symptoms that have you more sincerely worried for your wellbeing than ever before, there is always an equal opportunity to allow any form of collective hysteria to act as wake up calls to greater consciousness — within you and the planet.

Although perhaps not visible to most, this outbreak is evidence of how quickly consciousness is already waking up worldwide. I am not suggesting that due to consciousness awakening, a dormant virus known as Corona has manifested in many lives. What I can point out is how clearly the narrative of this global news story has put a lot of people into a constant state of fear. When steeped in fear, you enter survival mode where you must rely on the impulses and demands of your ego versus the instincts of your evolving soul’s wisdom. While I affirm the ‘fear of pandemic’ is more of a pandemic than perhaps any virus could be, there is no doubt that an outbreak of fear has entered our local and collective atmospheres. Thankfully, it will be unable to slow the progress of an awakening consciousness that cannot be opposed or denied. The faster consciousness wakes up, the more it speeds up the fabric of time. The faster the fabric of time speeds up, the less opportunity there is for fear to operate with any degree of influence over our awakening consciousness.

Using this notion of time distortion, the unconscious patterning of fear stays in power when the fabric of time slows. As the fabric of time slows, progress halts. The only way the fabric of time slows is when the evolution of consciousness is paused in some way. And, of course, the only means through which this occurs is when human beings align with fear.

I am not saying there isn’t a coronavirus. I’m just very clear on its highest purpose. The fabric of time is a constant ticking mechanism of measurement, and yet, within each passing moment is a field of infinite spaciousness that can be molded to match the whim of intention. This means a clock never stops ticking, but you can either slow or speed up the ticking of time to allow days to pass as seconds or seconds to span the dawn of days. And yet, this slowing of time can only occur, if humanity is more aligned with fearing the worst, than utilizing this climate of uncertainty as a space through which the consciousness of all continues to unite and awaken as One. So how do you use this pandemic of fear as a catalyst for greater conscious awareness? Just as many are using herbal remedies to address the onset of any symptom, from a vibrational perspective, our first line of defense is gratitude. First, I’ll explain why this is such an effective tool and then provide an interactive mantra to help you anchor its frequency throughout your field.

In order for gratitude to be a remedy for fear, it has to be opposite of fear in some way. Since fear is the withholding of your light, gratitude is the willingness to share your light for the benefit of yourself and wellbeing of others. Such a shift occurs through the cultivation of courage. Just as courage is the feeling of owning the beauty of your own inherent power, fear is a sensation felt when your power has been given to something artificial or outside of the effect of your will. Because gratitude contains a felt sense of celebration, through the expression of gratefulness, you are, in fact, stripping anything of the power you unknowingly gave away and reclaiming it as the embodied courageous presence of your soul.

In order to anchor the vibration of gratitude,
it must be authentic in its expression.

The only reason fear plays such a powerful role in anyone’s life is due to how authentically afraid anyone is capable of being. Here are some real world examples of how you can authentically choose gratitude, even during uncertain times like these: Now more than ever, people are covering their mouths when coughing and washing their hands on a regular basis. Without needing fear as a motivator, we can be grateful that such a virus has inspired a greater mindfulness in cleansing ourselves and being mindful of the purity of other people’s space of experience. While many schools have temporarily closed, it gives families opportunities to come together and receive the emotional support that allows such a pivotal moment in Earth’s Ascension to highlight the importance of cultivating each relationship to its highest frequency of resonance. Even for those who can’t afford childcare, there have been many teenagers in Washington state who have organized to offer free babysitting while parents go to work in support of their families.

While there is obviously a strong vibration of mass hysteria, many are stopping to ask deeper existential questions that wake each of us up out of the narrative of a dying matrix, swiftly moving us over into parallel timelines of rapid growth, acceleration, and expansion. While the matrix of an outdated paradigm was created as ‘patterns of doing’ to such an unconscious degree, this made it nearly impossible for any sentient being to pause throughout the day and realign with Source in moments of restorative beingness, our daily rhythm of ‘do, do, do’ has been interrupted by an opportunity to dive headfirst into an inner dimension of being, where there is nowhere to go, no one to be, and nothing to do but connect, align, grow, and expand during this pivotal time of rebirth. When you or someone you know is not so mesmerized by the changes taking place, these important times can be used as opportunities to get to know who you are emotionally and vibrationally, which helps align the subtle bodies of your energy field into greater harmonic concordance.

Lastly, when you express gratitude, you are acknowledging the presence of something as inherently containing value. Beyond each perception of how something contains value in the outer world, the prime value in anything, including the coronavirus is the consciousness dwelling within it. When you react fearfully to any form, you are subconsciously asking that form to stay informed, so you can continually respond fearfully towards it. If not wishing to react fearfully to any particular form, we implement the vibration of gratitude to courageously acknowledge the value of consciousness within it, which creates a deeper relationship between you and the form in view. When aligning with the consciousness of any form, through moments of gratitude, as co-creators of our reality, you are commanding the form in view to become its highest consciousness, which in this example, would invoke the coronavirus to dissolve back into its original form of pure eternal light. To support your strongest immune system, wake up out of the matrix of fear, and reclaim the glory of your long-awaited courage, clarity, consciousness, and power, please repeat the following words:

Thank you coronavirus for being the wake up call this world has needed. Even just the fact that I am saying thank you and coronavirus in the same sentence is already helping me dissolve spiritual superstitions that claim I’ll manifest what I speak out loud. Of course, such fanciful thinking could only be the inner workings of fear disguised as spiritual concept, and if I needed this type of pandemic environment to fully wake up, then so be it.

Thank you coronavirus for the mindfulness being instilled in so many beings. As we wash our hands, may we cleanse our realities from broken paradigms of corruption. As we explore more time for ‘being’ than lifetimes of endless ‘doing’, may the world take pause from unhealthy habits of survival mode to explore life from a deeper state of peace, harmony, and oneness. As friends and families come together, may this bring neighbors and communities together in intended peaceful assembly as our new 5D earth continues to be birthed in the glory of my awareness and presence.

Thank you gratitude for showing me how to create relationships with the consciousness in all forms, so not to be hypnotized by the power I unknowingly give to things outside of me. Thank you gratitude for showing me that the power of my perception is stronger than any pandemic of fear. In knowing it is so, I allow all patterns, characters, and agendas of scarcity, victimhood, fear, abuse, survival mode, greed, and corruption to be cleared out of my energy field, returned to the Source of its origin, transmuted completely, and healed to completion now. From this moment forward, as the co-creator of my reality, I command all power I unknowingly gave away to be swiftly returned to my energy field, I strengthen my immune system with higher frequencies of embodied integrated light, as I transmute the echo of unconscious form by acknowledging and praising the consciousness within it.

Because the consciousness of all is the consciousness I AM, I allow each moment of gratitude to return each form in view to the purity, holiness, and perfection of eternal light, now that I am ready, willing, and able to step forward as the truth and transmission of Source in form. May this intention heal my being, uplift each circumstance, and transform reality for myself, my family, my relationships, my friends and neighbors, for humanity at large and beyond.

Thank you gratitude for transforming coronavirus back into light. Thank you for reminding me the power that is always within me. And so I’m healed, transformed, and reborn as the light of consciousness I AM now.”

As we remember the word, ‘Corona’ means crown, we are undergoing a radical process to en-sure the fabric of time remains accelerated to restore balance and consciousness in every heart. As each of us reclaim the power of our crowns, we are taking back the throne of Heaven’s kingdom from a patterns of imbalance and unconscious addictive cycling that was only designed by the highest consciousness to be the very catalyst of awakening waking up within you. It doesn’t have to be done with aggression or fear, but with the courage of your highest truth that relates to the consciousness in things, no matter how anything seems or appears.

This is what it means to wake up from the matrix. If you are reading these words, I can confirm your waking up is well underway. Instead of fearfully interacting with uncomfortable feelings, physical symptoms, or scary news headlines, let’s us employ the power of gratitude to unite with the consciousness in each form, so to transform it back into light by honoring the value it offers. On behalf of the Universe, the Akashic Records overseeing the Earth’s Ascension, and all Galactic Councils holding space for the awakening sovereignty of each sentient being, I am here with you every step of the way. Victory to the light I AM now.

Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | A Natural Antibiotic: Thyme Oil

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I originally posted this article a few years ago when my husband became extremely ill with MRSA he had contracted from the apartment complex we manage. I feel that with the current situation at hand with the COVID-19 outbreak this post about thyme oil is appropriate.

A Natural Antibiotic: Thyme Oil

Superbugs like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus {MRSA} are on the rise and, unfortunately, are becoming resistant to the drugs used to treat them. When faced with a microbial infection, using natural antibacterial agents may not only be more effective but also safe and risk-free.

Apart from using spices like garlic, I recommend you try essential oils derived from herbs like thyme oil. Not only do they have antibacterial properties, but they also provide a number of health benefits. Before I go into thyme oil’s antimicrobial functions, let me share some information on the essential oil.

What Is Thyme Oil?

Oil of…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Oregano Essential Oil: For Colds and Respiratory System

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Organic Oregano Essential Oil is derived from the Origanum Compactum plant, a species native to Morocco where it is more commonly known as Zaatar – a valued domestic plant with a strong, spicy, tangy aroma and a multiplicity of therapeutic benefits. There are approximately 3 to 4 dozen species of the perennial Oregano herb, which is also sometimes referred to as Wild Marjoram due to its relation to the herb Marjoram. The name Oregano, however, is derived from the Greek term origanon, which means “acrid herb.” When the word is further dissected, the etymology given is that the word compounds the Ancient Greek terms “oros” meaning “mountain” and “ganos” meaning “joy.” When combined, they mean “mountain brightness” or “joy of the mountains.”

Both the herb and the essential oil of Oregano have been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes. Greek physicians including Hippocrates and Maimonides prescribed it for…

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La’au Lapa’au | Lemon Oil; Refresh and Purify

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Lemon Essential Oil is reputed to have powerful anti-microbial activity. It can also boost energy and metabolism, uplift the mood, enhance skin quality, and disinfect surfaces. It can be used in numerous body care products ranging from skin and hair care to emotional care through aromatherapy.

CAUTIONS

Lemon Essential Oil is photosensitive and is not to be applied to skin that will be exposed to sunlight within 12 hours.

It is highly recommended that glass bottles be used for all the recipes in this article, as citrus oils break down plastic bottles.

USING LEMON OIL IN A DIFFUSER OR ROOM SPRAY (ELIMINATE GERMS AND REFRESH)

Used in aromatherapy, Lemon Essential Oil can reduce fever and flu while relieving throat infections and coughing. By clearing the nasal passages, it promotes easier breathing for those with respiratory issues or infections. This rejuvenating, clean-smelling essential oil is commonly used to enhance concentration and…

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Gardening | Planting Trees in Square Holes Makes Them Grow Faster and Stronger

Square holes encourage roots to spiral out into native soil, planting trials show It may seem counter intuitive, but round holes are not the best shape for planting trees. According to botanist James Wong, square holes encourage roots to “flare out” into native soil, while round holes encourage them to […]

Source: Planting Trees in Square Holes Makes Them Grow Faster and Stronger

Foodstyles | No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups, Great Vegan Snack 

People have become more health-conscious these days, and they pay much attention to their diet and the foods they choose. Therefore, many prefer to make their own, homemade alternatives to their favorite meals and snacks, instead of buying them or eating them at a restaurant. Today, we suggest the recipe of delicious granola cups that […]

Source: No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups, Great Vegan Snack – Healthy Food House

Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | 5 Herbs for Anxiety – Experience Life

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It can be difficult to catch a breath these days. Between our always-on work and media culture, an accelerated pace of life, and timeless challenges like raising kids and providing eldercare, life in the 21st century can be anxiety-provoking. To say the least.

“We live in unacceptably stressful times,” says integrative psychiatrist Henry Emmons, MD, author of The Chemistry of Calm. “People are so uniformly stressed that they are looking for quick relief, often in the form of alcohol or prescription drugs. We need better options.”

Fortunately, we have them — and have had them for some time. “Plants have been used to relieve anxiety for thousands of years because anxiety has always existed,” he explains.

Anxiety originates in the brain’s amygdalae, two almond-sized structures (one in each hemisphere) that modulate the body’s response to stress. Functional-medicine physician and herbalist Aviva Romm, MD, likens their function to a surveillance system:…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Lemongrass: A Resourceful Herb and Essential Oil

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Lemongrass {Cymbopogon citratus}

Also, Known As:

  • Citroengrass
  • Fever Grass
  • Lemongrass
  • Sereh
  • Te Limon
  • Zacate Limon

Cymbopogon citratus, generally known as lemongrass, is a resourceful herb, a natural source of aroma, mosquito repellent as well as a plant that is widely used to decorate gardens. Lemongrass belongs to the grass or Poaceae family (formerly known as Gramineae) and has several functions – an effective herb, aromatic or container garden, or as a medication for various conditions. One may find a number of the variety of lemongrass and each of them possessing dissimilar chemical compositions. However, citral is the major chemical ingredient found in all varieties of essential oils of lemongrass.

Lemongrass is native to tropical regions and grows in clusters. The plant has globular stems that eventually become leaf blades. This herb belongs to the herb family which also includes citronella and palmarosa and possesses a lemon essence. When the leaves of the herb are compressed…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Is CBD Oil Right for Me? A First-Time Buyer’s Guide

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With the resurgence of the cannabidiol industry in the 21st century, hundreds of companies have literally launched overnight to address the increased demand for CBD oil. With each of them making very similar claims, it can be difficult to determine if CBD oil is right for you.

CBD retailers are competing against each other online for the title of “Best CBD oil company.” Because of this, it can be very overwhelming to accurately determine which is the best CBD oil to buy.

Before making a purchase, it’s important to consider a wide variety of factors.

As a first-time buyer, education is the key factor in determining if CBD oil is right for you. This guide will serve as a trusted source of information, as it’s important to have a basic understanding of what’s actually in your CBD tinctures, capsules and topicals.

Understanding Which CBD Oil is Right for You: The…

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Current Events | Google, Facebook, Neuralink Sued for Weaponized AI Tech Transfer, Complicity to Genocide in China and Endangering Humanity with Misuse of AI

This is the most significant and important lawsuit of the 21st century, and it impacts the entire world. CEO’s and Founders Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Sergey Brin, Larry Page and Sandar Pichai are also named as defendants along with their companies. […]

Source: https://theaiorganization.com/google-facebook-neuralink-sued-for-weaponized-ai-tech-transfer-complicity-to-genocide-in-china-and-endangering-humanity-with-misuse-of-ai/

11 Health Dangers Of Sitting Too Long, And How It’s Slowly Crippling Your Body 

Experts are constantly warning us about the dangers of prolonged sitting. Our sedentary lifestyles, combined with regular stress, seriously endanger our health, so many people have developed different conditions as are a result of it. We sit behind our desks at work, come home and immediately turn on the TV to watch a show, our […]

Source: 11 Health Dangers Of Sitting Too Long, And How It’s Slowly Crippling Your Body – Healthy Food House

Permaculture | Want to double world food production? Return the land to small farmers!

All over the world, small farmers are being forced off their land to make way for corporate agriculture, writes GRAIN – and it’s justified by the need to ‘feed the world’. But it’s the small farmers that are the most productive, and the more their land is grabbed, the more global hunger increases. We must give them their land back!

Source: Want to double world food production? Return the land to small farmers!

Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Consumption of Mixed Berries Containing Anthocyanins May Improve Post-prandial Insulin Response in Overweight and Pre-diabetic Adults

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Diabetes mellitus has become a significant public health concern in the modern era. It is considered to be a lifestyle disease that can be moderated by dietary and lifestyle changes. Studies have shown long-term and acute consumption of berries, high in polyphenols and fiber, may have positive effects on glucose metabolism and glucose-regulation. The objective of this randomized cross-over study was to evaluate the glucoregulatory benefits of mixed berries containing an array of anthocyanins to determine whether flavonoids/anthocyanins and/or fiber proved beneficial.

The study was conducted at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland between January 2018 and March 2019. Participants were recruited through emails sent to the Beltsville Nutrition Center volunteer database, local federal agencies, and the University of Maryland in the Baltimore and Washington DC geographical area. Participants were included between the ages of 21 and 75 years with a body mass…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Investing in Forests & Communities: A Pathway to a Sustainable Supply of Forest Herbs in the Eastern United States

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Forest botanicals are a subset of medicinal herbs that require special considerations in regard to sustainability, based on their unique growth patterns, supply chains, and trade history, and the complex and sensitive ecosystems in which they grow. This article introduces sustainability concepts and definitions in the context of the herbal products industry, and forest herbs in particular, and discusses the general trends and issues of forest-derived medicinal products in the eastern United States. Particular focus is given to Appalachia and several herbs native to the region that illustrate important concepts and factors affecting the sustainability of the forest herb supply chain. The authors outline key requirements for sustainable production and introduce forest farming as a potential solution to many of the challenges faced within the current forest herb supply chain.

Introduction

Forests are some of the most life-abundant and biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, and humans have a long, rich…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Plants in Peril: Climate Crisis Threatens Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

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HerbalGram issue 81, published in 2009, featured an extensive article by then-Managing Editor Courtney Cavaliere about the effects of climate change on medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs).1 In the decade since then, the situation has intensified, and new insights have emerged.

In the face of climate change, plants, including MAPs, may move, adapt, or go extinct. Indeed, large-scale changes in plant distributions, flowering times, and community assemblages are occurring across the globe due to climate change. For now, there is little evidence of plant extinctions caused by climate change, but extinctions are expected to occur if plants cannot move or adapt quickly enough and current trends continue.2 A recent report found that 1 million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction, with climate change listed as the third biggest driver of “change in nature.”3

Levels of carbon dioxide, a prevalent, heat-trapping greenhouse gas, are higher now…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

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by Josef Brinckmann
HerbalGram. 2019; American Botanical Council

This opinion piece is based partly on direct observations from fieldwork over the decades with communities in rural and remote areas who depend on wild collection and farming of medicinal plants for some or all of their household income. Flowering, fruiting, harvesting periods, and yields of many of these plants have become erratic.1 My opinions also are informed by coming of age around the start of the modern environmental movement.While 16-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg inspired teenagers across the world with her proclamation in January 2019 that “our house is on fire,”3 which I applaud, I actually thought that “our house” was on fire 50 years ago.

This climate crisis didn’t show up unannounced. Some readers of this opinion piece may not believe that the climate crisis has been caused by human activity — and, therefore, cannot be corrected…

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La’au Lapa’au | Herbal Medicine Cabinet – Urban Moonshine

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MEET SOME MEDICINAL HERBS THAT CAN KEEP YOU HEALTHY
ALL YEAR LONG

INTRODUCING THE URBAN MOONSHINE MEDICINE CABINET POSTER

1. CHAMOMILE

Chemicals: volatile oils
Body Systems: digestive, nervous
I am a delicate plant, but my flower’s gentleness belies its power. As a warm teabag, I soothe tired eyes; as a tea or tincture, I can untangle knots in the belly. Keep me around for kids and grownups alike.

2. USNEA

Chemicals: usnic acid, polysaccharides
Body Systems: respiratory, urinary
All around the world, my beards hang off the evergreens. Eat them whole, or try an extract: they’ll protect your lungs like they protect the forest. Savor my acrid flavor: it is a note to push out the season’s cold.

3. BITTERS

I’m a classic digestive remedy. So many versions to choose from—all help you enjoy your favorite foods without worry. Taste bitter, feel better!

4. ASTRAGALUS

Chemicals: saponins, glucans
Body Systems: immune
My…

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