Category: Food

Immune-inflammatory dysregulation has been linked with the exacerbation of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. There is some evidence that adjunctive treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may be beneficial; however, NSAIDs may cause adverse effects (AEs). Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Solanaceae) root extract has demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of ashwagandha on recently exacerbated symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

Outpatients (n=66, aged 18-75 years) with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview participated in this study conducted from April 2013 to July 2016 at the ambulatory clinics associated with the Comprehensive Recovery Services of Western Psychiatric Institute Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Other inclusion criteria were a Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score ≥ 60…

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common cause of chronic liver disease, is associated with metabolic syndrome. It can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; however, the progression is potentially reversible. The few therapeutic agents approved to treat the disease are not always successful. Some studies suggest that for people with the disease, dietary modifications of macronutrients and micronutrients and the use of phytochemicals can be beneficial. Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus Scolymus Group, Asteraceae) leaf extract (ALE) has shown potential as a lipid-lowering and hepatoprotective agent because of its component antioxidants, sesquiterpenes, and flavonoids.

These authors previously conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the lipid-lowering effects of artichoke extracts.¹ They concluded that in patients with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia, the consumption of artichoke extract significantly reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides but did not affect high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The effects appeared to…

The pistachio (Pistacia vera) is the only commercially grown species in its genus, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. Members of the genus Pistacia are among the oldest flowering nut trees and are small to medium in size, and characterized by their ability to exude mastic (plant resin).^1,2 Other economically important plants in Anacardiaceae include cashew (Anacardium occidentale) and mango (Mangifera indica).

Pistachio trees are temperate, deciduous trees adapted to the dry, hot, drought-prone climates of the Middle East.^1,2,3 The pistachio tree can grow to a height of 10 meters (about 33 feet) and has pinnately compound leaves containing three to seven leaflets.^3,4 The trees are dioecious; both male and female pistachio trees produce their own flowers.⁴ Female trees are wind-pollinated and produce green and brown flowers with no petals during the early summer.^1,5 Female pistachio trees produce clusters of nuts…

Winter is a busy, festive time of year. It’s also a time when more people tend to get sick. What exactly is it about this time of year that encourages aches and sniffles? “Catching a chill” has long been suspected as a cause of winter ailments and, for just as long, has been dismissed as folklore.

Can You Get Sick from Cold Weather?

It is true that exposure to cold temperatures constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow. Conceivably, this could weaken the immune system since it means fewer protective white blood cells make the rounds. But, cold weather alone will not make you sick. Harmful bacteria and viruses are to blame, although some are easier to catch and spread during cold, dry weather.

Human behavior is more responsible for the transmission of illness than cold weather. Behavior facilitates the transmission of the common cold and flu. During the winter…

Cayenne pepper has been used for a variety of ailments including heartburn, delirium, tremors, gout, paralysis, fever, dyspepsia, atonic dyspepsia, flatulence, sore throat, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia in women, nausea, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, and diphtheria. Let’s take a look at some of the best health benefits cayenne pepper has to offer.

The Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

1. Anti-Irritant Properties

Cayenne has the ability to ease upset stomach, ulcers, sore throats, spasmodic and irritating coughs, and diarrhea.

2. Clears Congestion

Suffering from stuffed up sinuses due to cold, flu, or allergies? Cayenne pepper aids in breaking up and moving congested mucus.

3. Anti-Fungal Properties

In vitro tests have found that CAY-1, a compound found in cayenne peppers, effectively suppressed the development of 16 different fungal strains, while remaining completely non-toxic to animal cells.

4. Migraine Headache Prevention

This may be related to the pepper’s ability to stimulate a pain response in a different area…

Without a doubt, oregano oil is one of the best natural supplements you can get. It’s produced from the perennial herb oregano and loaded with free-radical-crushing antioxidants. A growing body of research has shown that oregano oil offers many positive health benefits and is one of the most potent natural remedies in existence. In particular, there has been a significant evaluation of its effects against harmful organisms; investigations even been made by major pharmaceutical companies.

What Are the Top 15 Uses for Oregano Oil?

• Immune System Support
• Protection Against Harmful Organisms
• Promotes a Balanced Mood
• Digestive Aid
• Menstrual Aid
• Supports Graceful Aging
• Allergy Support
• Weight Loss
• Eases Discomfort
• May Help You Feel Better When You Have a Cold
• Calms Lip Blemishes
• Helps with Food Preservation
• Promotes Intestinal Balance
• Encourages Normal Yeast Balance
• Supports Liver Health

1. Immune System Support

There’s a lot of evidence to show that oregano oil is…

Sore throats are one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor and they tend to affect children the most. A sore throat is usually considered a minor complaint until you have one and every swallow induces pain — pain that may seem unbearable. Unfortunately, the only option is to treat the symptoms and rest until you recover. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that can soothe a sore throat and there’s a good chance you already have many of them in your home.

Common Sore Throat Causes

There are many potential causes of a sore throat, viruses are the most common. In fact, viruses account for about 95% of sore throats in both adults and children under the age of 5. Other common causes of a sore throat include:

• Allergies
• Dry air
• Pollution
• Smoking
• Exposure to people with a sore throat
• Cold
• Flu
• Strep throat (bacterial)
• Tonsillitis

Gaining popularity these days as a weight loss aid and natural healing agent, black cumin seed oil comes with a centuries-old wellness pedigree. Black cumin seeds were popular among the Egyptian pharaohs and were even found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Black cumin seed oil — sometimes called black seed oil — boosts the immune system, promotes balanced blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and wards off harmful organisms. The book of Isaiah in the Bible mentions cumin (caraway) seed, and reportedly, the Prophet Mohammed said, “Hold on to the use of the black seed for indeed it has a remedy for every disease except death.”

What Is Black Cumin Seed Oil?

Black cumin seeds come from the plant Nigella sativa, which is part of the buttercup family and native to countries throughout southern Europe and southern Asia. Some people call it black seed, caraway, or kalonji.

Black cumin seed oil…

The leaves of aloe vera (Aloe vera syn. A. barbadensis, Asphodelaceae) contain more than 200 phytochemical substances, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, active enzymes, anthraquinones, sterols, lignin, saponins, and salicylic acids. Among its amino acids, the most abundant one is arginine; the rarest one is tyrosine, a precursor to thyroid hormones T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). These authors examined the effects of aloe vera juice (AVJ) in women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT)-related subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and high levels of thyroperoxidase auto-antibodies (TPOAb). The personal experience of one of the authors who had a history of HT-related SCH prompted this study. She began drinking 50 mL of AVJ in the morning on an empty stomach as a skin soother and laxative. After three months and more so after six months, she observed remarkable improvements in her thyroid function.

Recruited for this study were women aged 30 to 55 years…

Viral respiratory infections (VRIs) like the common cold, viral pharyngitis, acute bronchitis, and influenza (flu) are among the most common human illnesses. Annual vaccines for flu lack acceptance and have variable efficacy. There are no vaccines for other VRIs, and the flu vaccine cannot prevent them. Conventional treatments for VRIs are generally lacking; even neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g., oseltamivir, zanamivir) are only marginally effective, with substantial adverse effects (AEs). Antibiotics do not affect viruses; nonetheless, lacking effective conventional medicines, patient demand for antibiotics continues, contributing to bacterial resistance. Many herbal medicines are used to prevent and treat VRIs. Some are backed by research; others, by traditional use; some, by both. Generally, no one herb can resolve VRIs. Multi-herb treatments tailored to the patient are most effective. Yarnell discusses a range of herbs useful for treating and/or preventing VRIs, adding his insights as a clinician.

Many herbs act directly against the viruses…