Oregano Stops Inflammation of Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Over the last couple of years turmeric has become a darling of nutrition researchers. One particularly important study showed the spice reduces inflammation in mice. Curry all around was the conclusion, since there is no toxic dose associated with turmeric. Asian cuisine basked in the healthy glow of the research.

Not to be outdone, the herb oregano is giving a similar boost to Italian foods and pizza sauce. A 2008 study completed by Swiss researchers (?!) shows that oregano is an ultimate inflammation fighter. The active ingredient, betacaryophyllin, helped seven out of every 10 mice to recover from inflamed paws.

The study was published here in the U.S. in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, marking a significant mainstream mile for the herb—and for betacaryophyllin, abbreviated as E-BCP, which is also plentiful in black pepper (“yes, I would like fresh-ground pepper on my salad”), rosemary and cinnamon (also found in research literature to be a regulator of bad cholesterol). Plus, basil, so those Italians clearly know how to stem inflammation too.

Reducing chronic inflammation is no small thing, as it is increasingly associated with leading to heart attacks and sits at the root of autoimmune disorders including diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis among others. One promising discovery is oregano and E-BCP could well work to prevent the immune system for overacting and attacking itself, which is at the core of autoimmune disorders.

And there’s more. The Swiss scientists reported that lab findings suggest that oregano could well hold off the bone degeneration associated with osteoporosis. While not part of this study, the researchers speculated that E-BCP could address inflammation of the bowel associated with Crohn’s disease.

The new research doesn’t surprise those of us who have discovered oil of oregano, especially as a cold and flu remedy. Natural-health conscious parents say five drops in a bit of water, then gargle with it, stops a sore throat in its tracks. The oil has a strong, bitter taste, so you might want to mask it for kids.

Health practitioners who work with essential oils will point to the triple-threat potency of oil of oregano, identifying it as antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. European herbal research consistently shows oregano as one of the most potent for immune-boosting properties.

The oil of oregano products are important to keep in mind because what might be labeled “oregano” in a dried herb products can actually be Spanish marjoram, which is clearly not oregano. You want to look for sourcing information to identify the herb as wild oregano, which is typically grown in the Mediterranean region. Essential oil, of course, distilled the plant down to a concentrated and therapeutic form. Be savvy about where and how you get your oregano and health rewards await.

And probably even better tasting pizza sauce.

By Bob Condor, AHJ Editor -- Published: May 21, 2009
Bob Condor blogs for Alternative Health Journal every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
http://www.alternativehealthjournal.com/blog/1/oregano_stops_inflammation_of_lupus__rheumatoid_arthritis/226

Myrrh: Nature's Ancient Anti-Inflammatory Agent

It's been used in the Middle East for thousands of years to treat infected wounds and bronchial complaints. In Mesopotamia and the Greek and Roman worlds, this powerful herb was considered a panacea for many human ailments-from lesions of the mouth to hemorrhoids. The Chinese even put it to work in treating psychiatric afflictions. MYRRH boasts a long history in Indian medicine for the treatment of mouth ulcers, gingivitis, throat infections, inflammation of the mouth, and respiratory catarrh. It's topically applied to ulcers and may be used as a mouthwash or gargle. In East Africa, it serves as an anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic agent.

High Trade Value

In ancient times, the Egyptians imported great quantities of myrrh from Palestine. Because of its unique aromatic fragrance, it was highly valued as a trade commodity. The Ishmaelite travelers who purchased Joseph from his meanspirited brothers were journeying to Egypt with camels loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh (Genesis 37:25). It was believed that the Queen of Sheba brought great quantities of the herb and other spices from Yemen as gifts for King Solomon. The long-heralded "balm of Gilead" is a member of the myrrh family, known far and wide as a healing agent for wounds.

When the sons of Jacob returned to him with the request from Joseph to bring Benjamin to Egypt the old patriarch sent products from the land of Palestine in an attempt to appease the prime minister. The shipment included myrrh, along with almonds, pistachio nuts, honey, and spices (Genesis 43:11).

Precious Perfume

Myrrh was commonly used as perfume in the Middle East. In ancient Persia, when King Ahasuerus set about choosing a new queen to replace Vashti, the eligible girls had to complete 12 months of beauty treatments, including a six-month cosmetic regimen with the oil of myrrh (Esther 2:12). That oil is still used today during massage treatments.
The herb was one of the ingredients of the anointing oil used in the Jewish tabernacle and served as incense in religious rituals centered on ancient gods. It was proved effective as a fiimigant for homes and temples of the Old Testament.

But it is Christ's life with which myrrh is most famously connected. The magi who visited Mary and Joseph at the birth of Jesus brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). That gift hinted at the future awaiting the tiny baby in the manger. Myrrh was commonly used as an embalming agent by Egyptians and others in the ancient world. After Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took His body and prepared it for burial using 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes (John 19:39).

Tree Bark Extract

Gum myrrh is the aromatic product that secretes from the bark of several species of Commiphora, a perennial shrub or small tree native to the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia and Somalia) and southwest Arabia (Yemen). Altogether, there are over 150 species of myrrh trees which are found throughout eastern Africa and Arabia. The composition of the gum that exudes from the bark of these trees varies slightly from one species to another.

When the bark of the myrrh tree is damaged, gum oozes out and forms yellow to reddishbrown small pearls or tear-shaped drops that may grow to the size of walnuts. The gum becomes hard and brittle when dried and then can be ground into powder. The extracted oil is used as a fragrance in various perfumes, ointments, soaps, and creams.

Properties and Uses

Myrrh has antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It's useful for the topical treatment of mouth and throat infections such as mouth ulcers, inflamed gums, sore throats, and tonsillitis. Normally, it's dabbed onto the lesion two to three times a day. Its astringent properties make it beneficial for treating throat infections, nasal congestion, and coughs. The oil of myrrh can also serve as an astringent in mouthwashes and gargles.

Guggul-the resin from C. mukul, or Indian myrrh-is of great importance in Indian medicine for the lessening of joint pain in arthritis. In clinical research, guggul has not only been shown to boast anti-inflammatory properties; but its content of steroidal saponins allows it the added bonus of reducing serum cholesterol levels. A number of studies reveal the potential of guggul to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Since 50 percent of myrrh is mucilage, it provides soothing properties to treat inflammations and ulcers. Its aldehydes and phenols stimulate a drying and cleansing action when applied topically. As a salve, the herb treats hemorrhoids, wounds, and bedsores. Myrrh also contains about 8 percent essential oil-a fraction rich in terpenoids-that creates - the characteristic odor of myrrh.

Official Recognition

In Germany, approval has been given for the use of myrrh in the topical treatment of inflammations of the throat gums, and mouth, as well as for prosthesis pressure marks. It's also included in mouthwashes and balms for wounds and minor skin inflammations. In France, it has received approval for nasal congestion from the common cold.



Source: Vibrant Life
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1291953/myrrh_natures_ancient_antiinflammatory_agent/

Cinnamon Spice Offers Health Benefits

Ricky Hussey
October 7, 2007


Cinnamon is widely used both in the food and pharmaceutical industry because of its antiseptic properties. The cinnamon bark oil is used as a flavoring for digestive aids, liniments, and oral care products. It is also used in many perfumes, soaps, and lotions. In addition, cinnamon leaf oil is used in the food industry as flavorings to candies, sauces, and pastries. The commonly used ingredient is actually the soft, inner bark of the cinnamon tree.

This spice is now being heralded as the latest in the long line of herbal medicine wonders? According to research findings, one teaspoon of cinnamon contains 28 milligrams of calcium, one milligram of iron, fiber, and vitamins C, K, and manganese.

The use of cinnamon dates back in Chinese medicine to 2800 BC, and is known as “kwai” in the Chinese language. Ancient Egyptians used it in the embalming process of corpses because of its fragrance. Medieval physicians used this spice to treat coughs, hoarseness, sore throats, and other types of infections. Cinnamon also has antibacterial and inflammatory properties that help reduce joint and muscle pain, especially the discomforts associated with arthritis.

Many health specialists advice diabetics to take daily dose of cinnamon to regulate blood sugar levels. It can also benefit one's health by improving the body's digestive system and relieve many stomach discomforts.




In aromatherapy, cinnamon oil is used to stimulate and warm the senses, restore vigor, and treat stress and anxiety. Cinnamon oil is also important in strengthening the immune system because its scent is said to treat early stages of cold and fever. The oil of cinnamon is also used as a physical and emotional stimulant, with many believing that it can actually enhance one's libido.

Medical research also indicates that the scent of cinnamon may reduce drowsiness, irritability, pain, and frequent migraines. In some studies, the essential oil provides relief to tight muscles, ease painful joints, and relieve menstrual cramps in women. Cinnamon also increases the action of enzymes that break down the food in the body and help improve one's metabolism.

Traditional uses of cinnamon

Many traditional cultures around the globe have been using cinnamon not just as an ingredient in their favorite dishes but as a medicine as well. In fact, cinnamon has been highly valued for its medicinal properties for hundreds, perhaps even thousands of years.

Here are the other health benefits of Cinnamon:


· Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon included in a daily diet can lower cholesterol.

· Cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with diabetes.

· Cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.

· A study released by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

· It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

.Relief from congestion - Cinnamon and other spices have long been consumed to relieve congestion that comes from colds, allergies, and other common conditions.

.Muscle and joint pain relief- Those who eat cinnamon on a regular basis often report that their muscle and joint pain, as well as stiffness, is reduced or even eliminated.

· When added to food, it prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

· Smelling cinnamon may boost cognitive function and memory.

· Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.

Indeed, cinnamon has many benefits that can be used to improve one's health and well-being. If taken together with a balanced, healthy diet and plenty of exercise --- one can bring back the spice of life that everyone longs for.

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=39583