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Metformin offers protection for diabetics

Sep 17, 2020 by Sue Visser

Metformin helps us control our weight, insulin levels – and it fights the Covid-19 virus!

Metformin is based on a natural herb called French Lilac,

also called Goat’s Rue or Gallega officinalis

Who was to know that Metformin, a tried and trusted drug that is used to treat insulin resistance was originally developed to fight the flu in the 1920’s? They discovered an unexpected side effect – that of lowering blood sugar levels. A new drug was thus launched and the vast majority of diabetics still use it today. A comparative reduction in the rate of mortality in diabetic patients on Metformin with severe SARS-CoV-2 has been observed according to four hospital studies that show lower instances of death in their patients who take Metformin.

According to other studies, Metformin has demonstrated the potential to directly inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is excellent news, especially in the light of trying to establish (and promulgate) a vaccine for one of an ever-mutating family of coronaviruses. A drug like Metformin /Glucophage is based on the molecular components (or actives) of a plant called French Lilac or Goat’s Rue. This remedy has a good safety profile, kills parasites as well as viruses and bacteria. Yet unlike other antibiotics, it is beneficial to the gut microbiome in a number of ways. It alters the bacterial strains to improve insulin sensitivity and the uptake of short chain fatty acids. This helps to reduce inflammation and prevent gut permeability. It is not yet clearly understood how it is able to enhance the growth of some bacteria in order to benefit the host. Goat’s Rue in its original form is also available as a health supplement and the recommended dose on most products is a 500mg capsule. Like Metformin, it is recommended for lowering blood glucose and for weight loss.

There seems to be a link between insulin resistance and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. We are familiar with older people who have cardiovascular problems, inflammation, elevated blood sugar, metabolic disorders and other debilitating conditions that require chronic medications. Such coronavirus patients (including SARS-CoV-2) who are unable to control high glucose levels in their bloodstream are more prone to hyper inflammation, vasoconstriction and blood clots.

We hear a lot about angiotensin 2 enzyme (ACE2) receptors that are present on the spikes of all coronaviruses. Coronaviruses use these extrusions to bind to their target cells. But normally, these receptors are used for controlling inflammation with the enzyme we call ACE2. They degrade angiotensin 2 into angiotensin 1–7 (ACE 1-7) to reduce insulin resistance by decreasing cellular oxidative stress, enhancing insulin signalling and insulin-stimulated glucose transport activity. It reduces inflammation as well as vasoconstriction and blood clotting. ACE2 is expressed in tissues that include lung alveolar epithelial cells, pancreatic beta cells and enterocytes of the small intestine to ward of the ravages of inflammation that we call a cytokine storm, linked to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that drives insulin resistance and cardiovascular problems.

Metformin can lower blood sugar by preventing the liver from producing too much of it. Lowering blood sugar also enables vitamin C to directly access receptor sites that glucose competes with. Less sugar = less inflammation. Metformin restricts the growth of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa – a nasty bacterium within the lungs. Recent studies have shown that larger parasites like Trypanosoma Cruzi and Trichinella Spiralis are also killed off. Larger parasites, especially eggs and larvae that migrate to the brain, heart and lungs can cause a lot of inflammation. that complicate Covid-19 outbreaks in countries like China, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Brazil where a lot of meat, especially pork is consumed. Consuming raw or undercooked meat poses a greater risk for infections. Hyper inflammation can lead to sepsis (blood vessel and organ damage) and here too, Metformin helps to decrease the pro-inflammatory cytokine load.

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Nature Fresh Data Base for COVID-19 pandemic

Jun 4, 2020 by Sue Visser

Covid research update: linoleic acid deactivates spike proteins.

Why would I want to drink pine needle tea? Yuk! (More evidence to support the budwig protocol, by Sue Visser June 2021.)

“The Bristol researchers showed that linoleic acid binds to the coronavirus’s spike protein and locks the spike in a state that would prevent binding to human cell receptors called ACE2.” Omega 3 from fish oil or flaxseeds are linoleic acids that are essential for maintaining cell membranes and anti-inflammatory prostaglandins or messengers called PEG 1 and PEG 3. Our diets are usually too high in omega 6 linoleic acid and saturated fat or trans-fats that stimulate the pro-inflammatory prostaglandin called PEG.

In September 2020 linoleic acid was discovered by Max Plank researchers in a customized pocket within the spike protein. These polyunsaturated fatty acids affect inflammation and immune modulation, which are key elements of the COVID-19 infection. The researchers also explained that in other illnesses, interfering with the metabolic pathways of linoleic acid can induce systemic inflammation, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

All these health problems are seen in patients with COVID-19 due to a lack of anti-inflammatory LA, I would presume. “The study findings provide the first direct link between LA, the health consequences, and the virus itself.” This implies that we need to stock up on more anti-inflammatory oils and hence the justification for embracing the time-honoured Budwig protocol – to zap spike proteins from coronaviruses, vaccines or even vaccinated people!

Scientists Find An Avenue To Attack The Coronavirus, Aided By Cloud Imaging by Aaron Ricadela Sept 2020

Linoleic acid binds SARS-CoV-2 spike protein By Angela Betsaida B. Laguipo, BSNSep 24 2020

June 2020 preparation for the peak

By Sue Visser Health Researcher www.naturefresh.co.za

Introduction to the South African Covid scene:

In South Africa the Covid-19 pandemic is all about masks, social distancing and sanitizing your hands. I know what you are thinking – what about fortifying the immune system? The average person has wallowed in a state of lockdown laziness, with minimal exercise and a steady supply of unhealthy takeaways. The middle to upper classes make do with cell phones, computers, Cokes and sweets for company. There is little concern for antioxidants, zinc, Vitamin C and D or at best, a course of chloroquine and some herbal tea. They complain about conflicting lockdown regulations, weight gain, the price and quality of black market cigarettes and no alcohol. Herbal tinctures and cough mixtures are no substitute for a sundowner. (We noticed that the demand for our Parasite Remedy tincture exceeded the capsules during Level 4 of the enigmatic lockdown.)

From day 1, a number of people have died at the mercy of ventilators while the rest of the world anxiously awaits vaccines and drugs. My neighbour works as a nurse in the intensive care unit at Groote Schuur hospital. I’m still waiting to hear if any of the patients have survived the ventilation and gone home instead of to the morgue. There is also no guarantee that the latest vaccine will provide 100% protection to the locked down world at such short notice. A variety of novel and familiar pathogens are closing in for the winter kill. The news (the fear channel) is mum about natural alternatives and immune boosters.

In the crowded hotspots they shout “fight the virus” and don their filthy damp cotton masks, to rebreathe more germs. But a mask is a mask albeit a recycled pair of nickers or a sock. Children in squatter camps sell illegal cigarettes to earn a bit of money. Their parents travel to the city in crowded taxis and stand in long queues outside shops for most of the day. They cluster together in poorly ventilated houses, waiting to be fed by well-meaning citizens who try to stave off the national hunger epidemic. Nobody has a clue about natural resources like eucalyptus or iodine that can zap viruses for a few cents. Taking comfort in sugar does more damage to their already compromised immune systems. From the Minister of Health – not even a dose of vitamin C or heaven forbid, Artemisia or olive leaves to improve their chances against the deadly virus. Glutathione did you say? “Naaaay, we sniff glue to forget.”

Glutathione is our primary antioxidant and will ward off a respiratory crisis in the first place, providing we have adequate supplies of it. Nutrients involved in the conversion of homocysteine into glutathione include folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and choline. Vitamin C plays a vital role in maintaining glutathione levels so supplements are needed. Selenium is a cofactor for the production of glutathione. Fish, organ meats, and Brazil nuts are all selenium-rich foods that may help increase your levels naturally. Take food sources or supplements of: glutamine (all proteins), glycine and cysteine (whey protein) Oral Glutathione supplements that include the bioavailable precursors such as N Acetylcysteine can effectively increase Glutathione production. For the emergency treatment of virus infected patients, some forms can be inhaled into the lungs or used trans-dermally or intravenously, but the treatment is very costly.

Meanwhile in the townships and makeshift shacks, most of the lockdown victims are anxiously awaiting their over-publicised saviours – the vaccines, the rows of invitingly empty hospital beds, the ventilators and silver bullets that have been stockpiled around the country. In the light of this sad state of affairs we need to stand up and deliver the solutions that Natural and Integrative medicine have to offer to outwit both the virus and the bullshit. With a track record of a few thousand years our herbal kingdom has taken care of our ailments, especially respiratory ones. So who needs to make a new remedy? Traditionally tried and trusted herbs (green science) can provide safer and in most cases, more effective alternatives to experimental or redundant drugs to treat the Corona pandemic.

How do we defend ourselves from these CORONA-based infections? How do we treat them without drugs?

Very few of the existing “repurposed” drugs have achieved any measure of success in curing this Corona virus and its nefarious cousins let alone TB, pneumonia and the other ever-mutating super bugs. The oncoming winter wipe-out in South Africa is expected to reach a peak by September this year. As a health researcher and observer of conventional as well as traditional modalities I see a play-off between silver versus green bullets in the offing. For those who place their trust in vaccines and new drugs that roll out prior to thorough testing, the outcome is experimental at best. Are people really expected to hang in there without any support until a vaccine or new patent medicines arrive?

We need practical ways to fight the symptoms of a virus – the fever, sore throat and a dry cough. For doctors who have to treat patients who have a penchant for kitchen remedies and herbal teas, the safest way is to forestall the danger of duplicating their current medications. (e.g. Olive leaf lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Fresh ginger also kills viruses, but it competes with Warfarin.) Should one adjust a prescription accordingly or forbid the use of anything besides a regular medication? Our Ministry of health insists on scientific evidence and has waved herbal remedies such as Artemisia aside. They foster the scrutiny of random, isolated chemicals from a huge data base that includes herbs but most of them only look good on paper. By now most of us know that isolates require a synergy in order to be effective. So a tea, decoction, tincture, capsule or pill made from the actual herb provides all the complimentary factors as a safer and more reliable remedy. Antibiotics dished out for “just in case complications” do more harm than good, especially to an already compromised immune system. If there are no medications that can kill viruses as effectively as elenoic acid then your patient may be right about Olive leaves.

Herbal remedies to consider for protection, symptomatic relief or treatment for COVID’s

By Sue Visser Health Researcher www.naturefresh.co.za

Over 60% of our local population prefer to take traditional medicines. What do doctors of integrative medicine have to offer them? Tried and tested herbal remedies like Artemisia Annua offer some light at the end of the tunnel. Even prior to Madagascar’s bold march forward with COVID organics – a time honoured cure for malaria; we saw how well it worked in China. It was used during the initial Wuhan protocols based on TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). Their interactive approach albeit unwieldy, took into consideration the treatment of the causative factors and also offered symptomatic relief to their patients. The most successful remedies included liquorice, ginger, Artemisia and other blends of herbs to suit what they called wet coughs, dampness, heat, dryness and so on.

Traditional herbs have served the world for countless generations. Artemisia Afra is being used successfully in Madagascar and other African countries to cure Covid-19 patients and the tea is dished out daily to long queues of people, as is the habit for the treatment of malaria. It works despite the derision of scientists, the WHO and politicians alike. Traditional herbal remedies have additional health benefits and adverse effects are rare. The COVID series is also responding to the discarded anti-malarial drugs such as chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and arteminisin to name a few. Quinine salts are not a safe all-round remedy, especially for heart patients with irregular heart rates and arteminisin is an isolate (often a synthetic analogue) that can cause oxidative stress if unaccompanied by protective antioxidants and the other supportive components like polyphenols and alkaloids that are present in the leaves.

The scientific obsession with isolates is questionable as we learn from history about the failure of artemisinin to treat drug resistant malaria as opposed to using the Artemisia Annua or the Artemisia Afra leaf tea. Ironically, Artemisia Afra does not even contain artemisinin! Using the whole leaf provides anti-malarial chemicals such as chlorquinone that are also present in the leaf. Oleuropin, another component converts to elenoic acid and plays an important protective role against reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative injury in RBCs – one of the COVID hazards that doctors have observed. The key to the success of Olive leaf and Artemisia is thus due to their anti-malarial properties that according to new studies, are equally effective against the ever-mutating coronaviruses that drive this global 2020 pandemic.

Three new Artemisia-based products: tincture, tea and Artemisia Complex capsules

Here is the technical lowdown, should one require scientific evidence that Artemisia and Olive leaf can destroy the COVID virus. Firstly, arteminisin and oleouropin isolates inhibit Heme Polymerization, a pathway that is unique to the malaria parasite (and Covid-19 related infections) as effectively as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine. This requirement for anti-malarial as well as anti-covid remedies needs to be met according the latest studies (virtual drug screening, molecular docking and supervised machine learning algorithms to identify novel drug candidates against COVID-19). So too, their docking scores in the ACE-inhibitor receptor molecular crystalline studies prove that these natural substances have similar and often superior bonding energies to the chloroquine’s.

Plants have combined defences against viruses (colds and flu and modified coronaviruses), bacteria (pneumonia and tuberculosis), protozoans (malaria) and other pathogens. Using them offers superior protection – as opposed to single-target drugs with unavoidable side effects. Phytochemicals (within the context of whole leaf remedies) deserve further recognition as studies have now demonstrated their superior activity against SARS-CoV-2 as well as malaria. They also provide anti-inflammatory, cardio protective (against blood clots) and immuno-regulating effects. Furthermore, nobody was able to detect any acute or chronic toxicity for the consumption of these plants, which have been utilized for thousands of years without any severe side effects other than a die-off or Herxheimer reaction.

Although broad spectrum antiviral drugs can be effective against novel coronaviruses and their constant mutations, their side effects may do more harm than good. They do not help to control inflammation or blood clotting, let alone cytokine storms. The inappropriate use of antibiotics or antivirals can destroy natural colonies of viruses, especially inside the lungs – the strains that control pathogenic respiratory bacteria that cause pneumonia and tuberculosis. As we know, antibiotics (including Zithromax) used against viruses are not effective and they wipe out the gut flora that form a major component of the immune system. Surely we need to strengthen – not weaken it?

https://www.who.int/bulletin/online_first/20-255943.pdf Identification of novel compounds against three targets of SARS CoV-2 coronavirus by combined virtual screening and supervised machine learning

https://www.genengnews.com/news/blood-clotting-patterns-in-lungs-of-covid-19-patients-may-help-explain-apparent-differences-in-mortality/

CPD articles by Sue Visser https://www.medicalacademic.co.za/integrative-medicine/can-herbal-treatments-for-malaria-work/

https://www.medicalacademic.co.za/integrative-medicine/preventing-and-treating-diseases-with-iodine/

Watch my movie clips from ETV from 2007 about Artemisia and malaria: https://naturefresh.co.za/media/video/

https://naturefresh.co.za/much-ado-about-the-coronavirus/

Full documentation on 3 herbal ingredients that work against Coronavirus, malaria and other pathogens

1 Artemisia Annua

Initial studies in China showed the alcoholic extract of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) was the second most potent herbal medicine used on the 2005 Sars-CoV. Aqueous infusions of A. annua significantly decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in human intestinal cells in vitro. Rosmarinic and chlorogenic acids in the herb seemed primarily responsible for this effect. (Nature Fresh Parasite Remedy contains 25% in an alcoholic tincture and has been used for over 2 decades to treat malaria, schistosomiasis and HIV/Aids but only as evidence based from patients without clinical trials.)

Artemisia annua extracts show very little toxicity and artemisinin-based drugs are widely used to treat malaria even in newborns. Evaluation of the plant extract was non-toxic with LD50 values no greater than 5000mg/kg.9” Artemisia (Wilde Als / Umhlonyane) Chinese Wormwood, Ging Hoa is a traditional African remedy for fever and colds and flu. It is also used to clear inflammatory and infectious conditions, referred to as ‘Internal Heat’ in TCM. This is why most of the herbs in this category will have both antibacterial and antiviral properties. It was first used in traditional Chinese medicine 1000 years ago. Tu Youyou received a Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2015 for her work and achievement in fighting malaria in Africa, Latin America and Asia with Artemisia. Artemisinin in Artemisia annua tea absorbs faster than pure artemisinin alone.

From other sources: “Olive leaf combines well with Artemisia Arfa. Traditionally people take Artemisia Annua for cough, stomach and intestinal upset, the common cold, measles, diabetes, yellowed skin (jaundice), anxiety, irregular heartbeat, and muscle weakness. It is also used for parasitic infections such as roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and flukes.”

“These proof-of-concept trials suggest that a sustainable supply of locally grown Artemisia Annua could be maintained in Africa as a way to deliver life-saving medicine, and that pharmaceutical companies and synthetic, isolated artemisinin’s are not necessary for the treatment of malaria.”

https://herbalmateriamedica.wordpress.com/2014/04/20/artemisia-annua/ Artemisia Monograph

https://www.meandqi.com/herb-database/sweet-wormwood-herb

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299496356_Artemisia_annua_Sweet_Annie_Other_Artemisia_Species_Artemisinin_Artemisinin_Derivatives_and_Malaria

https://medcraveonline.com/PPIJ/artemisia-afra-and-hypertension.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1074552102001175 Artemisia Heme-Artemisinin Adducts Are Crucial Mediators of the Ability of Artemisinin

https://www.mpg.de/14663263/artemisia-annua-corona-virus Artemisia annua to be tested against coronavirus. Artemisia annua extracts show very little toxicity

https://www.rxlist.com/artemisia_herba-alba/supplements.htm

https://artemisiaannuatea.com/about-artemisia-annua/

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oCCZdenOHo by Manfred Taege Artemisia annua – Malaria, Cancer and a Nobel Prize A tea made from the leaves, containing, apart from Artemisinin nine other anti-malarial substances can help to fight malaria in regions where people have no access to medical care or are too poor to buy the expensive pharmaceutical products – which particularly in Africa are often either fake or of substandard quality.

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvC4uSYprU8 The malaria business: Big pharma vs natural medicine, WHO banned Artemisia in France and Belgium. Studies by Prof Pamela Weathers and Congolese doctors prove it is not Artemisinin exclusively.

You tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uCNurvdJVM Full instructions on how to grow and take Artemisia by Martin Hurt of Anamed.

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52-tw-G8Yag the story of ANAMED Presenters : Dr. Hans-Martin Hirt and Richard Tsimba Kandu Dr. Hans-Martin Hirt is pharmacist and the founder of an international NGO called “anamed” or “action for natural medicine in the tropics”. Their main area of research is to have an exchange of knowledge with local people how to produce medicine themselves out of medicinal plants…by this, far money may be left to fight hunger in the family!

2 Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa / Kalonjie)

This is a traditional remedy for treating what Islamic people refer to as: “every ailment except your inevitable death”. This time honoured and much studied remedy can help any of our ailments, either as a stand-alone remedy or to support the effects of other medications. It is also an anti-malarial remedy, (similar to chlorquinone) due to the presence of thymoquinone. It has been used successfully by theTaibah University anti-COVID-19 treatment as a novel evidence-based approach (using natural products) for treating COVID-19 patients. The 5ml (2g) dose of Nigella sativa seeds mixed with honey and chamomile helped infected patients, even on ventilators to recover within 7 days. It was confirmed that: “Nigella sativa enhances immunity, exerts tissue protective effects and effectively treats co-morbidities.

High levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lymphopenia or a lack of macrophages are common to patients who are severely affected by coronaviruses, yet Nigella Sativa (Kalonjie) can provide both lympho protective activity and immune modulation. According to Doctor Saki Moidin,” Future clinical trials will unravel how exactly we can use Nigell Sativa (thymoquinone) for treating the current COVID-19 pandemic state.” Our endocannabinoids (CBD’s that are also present in Black Cumin) and their receptors influence the immune system, viral pathogenesis, and viral replication.

Black Cumin’s immune-suppressing (in states of inflammation) or immune-boosting (in states of infection) ability plays a key role in protecting us from pathogens as well as cytokine storms. It is a versatile supplement and helps to maintain the major aspects of our health. Benefits include immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, anticancer, hypoglycaemic, antihypertensive and anti-asthmatic. It has a broad antimicrobial spectrum including malaria, Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria, viruses, parasites, Schistosoma (bilharzia) and fungi. Apart from helping to control pain, epilepsy, Parkinsonism and anxiety Black Cumin (kalonjie) improves learning and memory, alertness and is mood elevating.

https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/newsletter/2019/vol2/PhOL_2019_2_NL007_Molla.pdf Pharmacology Online August 2019 A review on antiviral effects of Nigella Sativa.

http://www.sciepub.com/AJPHR/abstract/11658 The Evidence-Based TaibUVID Nutritional Treatment for Minimizing COVID-19 Fatalities and Morbidity and eradicating COVID-19 pandemic: A novel Approach for Better Outcomes (A Treatment Protocol)

https://thescipub.com/PDF/ajptsp.2007.46.50.pdf In Vivo Anti-malarial Tests of Nigella sativa (Black Seed) Different Extracts

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4052177/ Black cumin oil effects on haeme

https://thecognate.com/nigella-sativa-every-disease-has-a-cure-decelerating-the-covid-19-pandemic/ The Cognate Nigella Sativa: Every Disease Has A Cure – Decelerating The COVID-19 Pandemic by B yDr. Shakil Moidin 22 March 2020

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339683415_Lymphopenia_predicts_disease_severity_of_COVID-19_a_descriptive_and_predictive_study

https://naturefresh.co.za/32905-2/ How can we benefit from kalonjie Mar 26, 2020 by Sue Visser

https://naturefresh.co.za/ramadan-2020-in-lockdown-april-radio-talk-with-zulaikha-and-sue1/ Ramadan 2020 in Lockdown: April Radio talk with Zulaikha and Sue

https://indigonaturals.net/blogs/news/is-cbd-an-anti-viral-agent-for-coronavirus-influenza-mers-and-sars-plus-key-antiviral-supplements

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kalonji-nigella-seeds 9 Impressive Health Benefits of Kalonji (Nigella Seeds)

https://www.medicalacademic.co.za/post-summary/?post_refered=22174 Natural alternatives to CBD

http://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2015/vol4issue4/PartB/4-3-79.pdf Black Cumin / Nigella Sativa MONOGRAM

3 Olive leaf

Olive leaves contain a natural anti-malarial component called chlorquinone. Olive leaf also inhibits blood clotting and maintains optimal viscosity. A natural built-in benefit as an alternative to blood-thinning medications. This can help to protect high-risk patients against the formation of tiny clots that occur as a complication of the coronovirus infections. Olive leaf has been used successfully for diabetic and cardiovascular patients as an alternative to medications that lower blood pressure, thin the blood and lower blood sugar. Although it was first believed that ACE inhibitors may be harmful to coronavirus patients the verdict is that these drugs are of more benefit to help the heart and lungs of an infected patient.

Extracts from olive leaves have been shown to treat infection caused by a large number of viruses as well as bacteria, parasitic protozoans, and fungi. A phytochemical in olive leaf, call oleuropein, is able to stop viruses in their tracks. Oleuropein neutralizes the enzymes that are important for the virus to replicate itself and spread. Oleuropein also has the ability to interfere with the critical amino acid production that is essential for viruses. Another component from the whole leaf is elenolic acid that inactivates viruses and bacteria without damaging the host cells by:

Interference with specific amino acid production processes vital to the life cycle of the virus

Interference with viral infection and/or spread by inactivating the virus or by prohibiting shedding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane

Immune activation of host defence through direct stimulation of phagocytosis

Neutralization of the production of reverse transcriptase and protease (relates to retroviral ability to alter the host cell RNA)

Penetration of infected host cells while achieving an irreversible inhibition of viral replication.

The antiviral activity of elenolic acid was shown to be greatest in an alkaline environment (pH 7.5), which is very close to the normal human pH range of 7.35-7.45.

http://www.altmedrev.com/archive/publications/14/1/62.pdf Olive leaf MONOGRAM

https://www.techtimes.com/articles/249316/20200502/covid-19-doctors-finally-understand-the-reason-behind-coronavirus-deadly-blood-clots.htm

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8279931/Common-blood-pressure-pills-NOT-make-coronavirus-worse-three-studies-find.html Common blood pressure pills DO NOT make coronavirus worse

https://doctorsnutrition.com/the-natural-antiviral-effects-of-lysine-and-olive-leaf-extract/

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WedVlJCB6tE did you know that olive leaves also have some wonderful health benefits? By Ryan Taylor – how to use olive leaves medicinally

https://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=38381

Vitamin D RDA = 4000 iu

Vitamin D is a modulator of adaptive immunity. Like Nigella Sativa, it reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Supplements can reduce the risk of influenza and COVID-19 incidence and death but mostly we need to expose ourselves to 30 minutes of direct sunlight. Some studies show that supplementing with vitamin D may improve immune response. In fact, recent research suggests that taking this vitamin may protect against respiratory tract infections.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/immune-boosting-supplements#1.-Vitamin-D

Selenium RDA 50 – 300 mcg

A selenium deficiency can weaken the immune response to viruses and increase the virulence of certain viruses, including coronaviruses. In the influenza virus, a lack of selenium can lead to mutations that increase its pathogenicity. The same applies to the SARS virus, which is related to SARS-CoV-2. The influenza virus itself can increase oxidative stress in the host. In combination with increased oxidative stress due to a selenium deficiency-related low activity of the selenium protein glutathione peroxidase-1, this can lead to direct oxidative damage to viral RNA.[7] In the case of selenium deficiency, these mutations can turn a relatively harmless influenza A virus into a much more aggressive influenza A virus. Kate Bennett, a medical statistician at the University of Surrey, said; “There is a significant link between selenium status and COVID-19 cure rate,”

https://int.search.myway.com/search/GGmain.jhtml?p2=%5ECAM%5Exdm249%5ETTAB03%5EZA&ptb=EFD16FB3-D0C3-4BDC-95B6-0F84C67463D4&n=784a1ca1&ln=en&si=58449441480&tpr=hpsb&trs=wtt&brwsid=50AC8C18-3CE4-49A6-BA8A-07631F0C84E7&searchfor=selenium+for+corona&st=tab Selenium deficiency and coronaviruses – biosyn Pharma

https://www.ugent.be/bw/en/news-events/news/selenium-deficiency-corona-virus.htm Do people with selenium deficiency get sicker from the corona virus?

Zinc adult RDA = 20 -40mg

Zinc is needed for immune cell development and communication and plays an important role in inflammatory response. Taking zinc long term is typically safe for healthy adults, as long as the daily dose is under the set upper limit of 40 mg of elemental zinc. A laboratory study in 2010 showed that zinc inhibited the activity and replication of another coronavirus, SARS-CoV which caused an outbreak in 2002. Zinc inhibits the binding of the cold virus to cells within the nasal mucosa and helps to suppress inflammation.

https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/zinc-protect-you-covid-19-boost-immune-system-3535446/ Does Zinc protect you from Covid-19 or boost immune system?

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/immune-boosting-supplements#2.-Zinc

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/47794995_Zn_Inhibits_Coronavirus_and_Arterivirus_RNA_Polymerase_Activity_In_Vitro_and_Zinc_Ionophores_Block_the_Replication_of_These_Viruses_in_Cell_Culture

YOU TUBE: Sue updates on Artemisia 2000 – 2020. Clips from ETV series on Nature’s Health
This 6 minute collection of material from the series made over 13 years ago shows how timeless herbal remedies are. They still work, despite drugs and chemical isolates that come and go because of pathogens that develop a resistance to them. No wonder Artemisia also works for novel infections like Covid. So do olive leaves because they are complete medicines!
https://www.google.com/search?q=you+tube+sue+visser+artemisia+2000+2020&oq=you+tube+sue+visser+artemisia+2000+2020&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60l3.24087j0j8&client=tablet-android-samsung&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#

Extra resources and links – ongoing Covid news updates:

How a virus attacks you and causes sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and a fever (a beneficial one)

“Because a virus is merely a set of genetic instructions surrounded by a protein coat and because it does not carry out any biochemical reactions of its own, viruses can live for years or longer outside a host cell. Some viruses can “sleep” inside the genetic instructions of the host cells for years before reproducing. For example, a person infected with HIV can live without showing symptoms of AIDS for years, but he or she can still spread the virus to others.

Coming down with the flu or a cold is a good demonstration of how a virus works:

An infected person sneezes near you. You inhale the virus particle, and it attaches to cells lining the sinuses in your nose. The virus attacks the cells lining the sinuses and rapidly reproduces new viruses. The host cells break, and new viruses spread into your bloodstream and also into your lungs. Because you have lost cells lining your sinuses, fluid can flow into your nasal passages and give you a runny nose. Viruses in the fluid that drips down your throat attack the cells lining your throat and give you a sore throat. Viruses in your bloodstream can attack muscle cells and cause you to have muscle aches.

Your immune system responds to the infection and in the process of fighting, it produces chemicals called pyrogens that cause your body temperature to increase. This fever actually helps you to fight the infection by slowing down the rate of viral reproduction, because most of your body’s chemical reactions have an optimal temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. If your temperature rises slightly above this, the reactions slow down. This immune response continues until the viruses are eliminated from your body. However, if you sneeze, you can spread thousands of new viruses into the environment to await another host.” https://doctorsnutrition.com/the-natural-antiviral-effects-of-lysine-and-olive-leaf-extract/

You tube 21 may 2020 Amazing Polly speaks about Artemisia and Covid organics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M6JvzYMErA&fbclid=IwAR316S0zalAi9hvCvqc9V_v1nqIfCtvhZ75C9D2LyfrhbODLnY65il2DqqQ

Prime Minister of Tanzania John Magufuli points out that Papaya and birds test positive for Corona, proving that the test criteria is faulty. He is importing Covid Organic Artemisia tea from Madagascar’s president Andry Rajoelina to cure Covid patients. Despite criticism from HOA and other Western Medical bodies, there have been no adverse or harmful effects. Only dramatic cures! 105 out of 171 infected patients, for example were cured within 7 days. Dramatic improvement was seen within 24 hours after drinking this herbal decoction of Artemisia. At best, Polly says that 50% of French drugs are said to be useless and definitely harmful. Over 58 of the western style drug-based medications that are used to treat Africans have been declared to be dangerous and without any major healing effects.

Why are Africa’s coronavirus successes being overlooked? The Guardian Afua Hirsch 21/05/2010

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/21/africa-coronavirus-successes-innovation-europe-us

One plant in particular – Artemisia annua, or sweet wormwood, which belongs to the daisy family – is drawing particular attention after the president of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, claimed it was a “cure” for Covid-19.

That may sound Trumpian, and the WHO has cautioned that further trials are needed before it can be advocated as a treatment for the disease. But I contacted the respected Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Germany, which is currently conducting clinical trials on a different breed of the same plant, in this case grown in Kentucky.

This specially grown, more potent variety of sweet wormwood is being tested on cells to determine its effectiveness in fighting coronavirus infections and the results so far, the institute’s director, Prof Peter Seeberger, told me, are “very interesting”. Human clinical trials are likely to follow.

More than 20 African countries have already ordered the Madagascan version (containing Artemisia Annua / Afra), a vote of confidence for Rajoelina, who has taken to showing up at meetings and TV appearances with a bottle of a brown herbal drink made from the plant, touting its benefits.

https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/bill-gates-human-implantable-quantum-dot-microneedle-vaccine-delivery-system-needs-luciferase-666/ Bill Gates is building something that we call the Human Implantable Quantum Dot Microneedle Vaccination Delivery System, and it needs an enzyme called Luciferase in order to make it work. Bill Gates is building something that we call the Human Implantable Quantum Dot Microneedle Vaccination Delivery System, and it is composed of multiple things. At its center we have the COVID-19 vaccination that he wants to give every human on earth, there will be quantum dot microneedles, a digital identification mark from ID2020, and a human implantable device for buying and selling cryptocurrency with a patent number of #060606. The digital ID will come in the form of something called an Immunity Passport.

Ramadan 2020 in Lockdown: April Radio talk with Zulaikha and Sue

Apr 29, 2020 by Sue Visser

Special feature on herbal medicines recommended in Islam to stay healthy and strong.

This year we have been looking at herbs and spices that are mentioned in Islamic scriptures that can be used for food as well as medicine. We have already discussed the top four condiments: salt, vinegar, honey and olive as well as Black Cumin, better known as Kalonjie. As we know, the medical effects of Kalonjie are so profound that it is said by The Prophet (peace be upon him) we can use it to cure all ailments except (our inevitable) death.

Q: Why it is essential to take kalonjie (black cumin seed) oil during this global pandemic? What has it got to do with flu, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases? https://naturefresh.co.za/32905-2/

According to Dr Gary Null “We can use this time-honoured remedy for any of our ailments, either as a stand-alone remedy or to support the effects of other medications. Black cumin oil is probably the most important oil you can put in your system.” The main active constituent found in Kalonjie (Nigella Sativa) is thymoquinone – a volatile oil that comes from these tiny black seeds. In a 2016 study Kalonjie oil was found to have anti-influenza viral activity. It was tested extensively for avian flu and found to be very effective as well as for HIV or human immunodeficiency virus and the hepatitis C virus. For the Covid-19 protocols, 1 teaspoon twice a day was used to good effect.

In a Novel Coronasvirus (Covid-19) main protease: Molecular Docking Study (Europe PMC April 2020) Nigelledine (Nigella extract) had a similar molecular bonding energy score to chloroquine and was superior to hydroxychloroquine (over 10%). The results were: Nigelledine (from Nigella) -6.3 and α- Hederin (from Nigella) -6.5 as opposed to chloroquine -6.3 and hydroxychloroquine -5.6. However, in similar studies undertaken with other phytochemicals, oleuropein, (from olive leaf) had a better affinity at -7.3 as compared to that of the drug favipiravir at -4.2. Onions, curcumin and ginger also showed similar results, between -4 and -6.The antioxidants Kaemferol and Quercetin scored above -8, but with food sources that contain traces of them there are no guidelines as to what an effective intake would be. Good sources are: apples, grapes, tomatoes, green tea, potatoes, onions, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, squash, cucumbers, lettuce, green beans, peaches, blackberries, raspberries and spinach. Quercetin supplements have been studied as effective antiviral agents. Intake ranged from 500–1,000 mg per day

Q: Why chew olive leaves? It is said that “we should use olives as meat and the leaves as medicine”. Chewing an olive leaf has been suggested as a treatment for inflammation of the stomach, skin ulcerations, and eruptions of herpes and hives. Can we rather chew the tablets?

Many scientific studies have been performed throughout Europe and the United States to show that olive leaf extracts have strong antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic activity. Olive leaf does not harm beneficial bacteria as is the case with regular antibiotics and they also help to eliminate biofilms that shield off colonies of bacteria, causing drug resistance. You can even make your own olive leaf remedies for the family.

Over 40% of our patent drugs have been inspired by plants but when only certain extracts (chemicals) are used, the healing effects are often limited. When the complete and original herbs are used very few if any harmful side effects have ever been noted. Furthermore, using the entire plant component to make the remedy provides additional health benefits as we have seen when taking olive leaf tablets, for instance.

Q: So when people cough and sneeze, which disease are they spreading? Are there any other serious respiratory diseases with the same symptoms as covid-19?

Pneumonia in particular, shares symptoms that are common to other respiratory tract diseases – fever, cough, mucous, shortness of breath and fatigue. In viral pneumonia, a dry cough without sputum is more common and if not correctly diagnosed, giving antibiotics will not cure it. Drug resistant pneumonia is also a constant challenge to the health profession and all manner of antibiotics are used to little or no avail. When these bacteria are resistant to penicillin, they are often resistant to many other antibiotic classes.

There are both viral and bacterial forms of pneumonia but the norm is to first give antibiotics. The full course of drugs tends to destroy the gut bacteria that form over 70% of the immune system and make the patient more prone to candidiasis and mycotoxins. Health care associated pneumonia infects patients who are already ill and in hospital. Here too, they are exposed to microbes including staphylococcus bacteria and tuberculosis that become resistant to a growing number of antibiotics.

Q: What is the most dangerous and widespread infectious respiratory disease – is it still tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, like Covid-19 is also spread by coughing and sneezing, is the most dangerous for people with weakened immune systems in settings where many people are crowded together, like nursing homes, homeless shelters, shanties, and prisons (and the long queues outside banks and shops.) Antibiotic resistant tuberculosis shares many of the Covid-19 symptoms – cough and shortness of breath, fever and weakness. But although tuberculosis is only evident a few weeks later, its slow onset is more deadly and it can infect 1-4 people as opposed to the 2-3.3 (speculated) infection rate of Covid-19. Tuberculosis is the leading infectious cause of death worldwide and it is estimated that 1.8 billion people (1/3 of the world’s population) are infected with it, causing 1.5 – 2 million deaths per year. There are currently 8.4 million new cases each year – a hard act for Covid-19 to follow. Yet we had no global lockdowns from this deadly disease.

Resources:

Previous talks on the Nature Fresh website home page with Sue and Zulaikha: www.naturefresh.co.za

The beneficial effects of Kalonjie, especialy for viruses https://naturefresh.co.za/32905-2/

How to handle viruses – including COVID types https://naturefresh.co.za/why-so-stupid-about-covid/

Early talk in February about the coronavirus https://naturefresh.co.za/much-ado-about-the-coronavirus/

More about olive leaf tablets https://naturefresh.co.za/products/nf-025-olive-leaf-tablets-90-tablets/

A HEALTHY HAPPY HEART, get the book by Sue Visser and Dr James Liddell. Learn more about the heart, lungs, inflammation, glutathione, olive leaves and boosting immunity. See the free trial pages and order it at:

https://naturefresh.co.za/products/book-healthy-happy-heart/

References:

https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr147255 Identification of Compounds from Nigella Sativa as New Potential Inhibitors of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19): Molecular Docking Study

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/antibiotics/art-20045720

https://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/scary-drug-resistant-infections/

https://www.theunion.org/news-centre/covid-19/covid-tb-faqs#one

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88901/

https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/pneumonia.html

https://alphagreen.io/quercetin

How can we benefit from kalonjie

Mar 26, 2020 by Sue Visser

Radio IFF talk with Zulaikha and Sue Visser 26 March 2020

The 2020 COVIC-19 lockdown begins!

I heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saying: “There is healing in Black Cumin for all diseases except death.” Narrated Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): (Sahih Bukhari 7:71:592)

Disclaimer: Listeners and all those who are sharing this information do so at their own discretion. It is based on well referenced medical research from diverse studies. Do not treat any condition without the prior consent of your doctor. We are not responsible for the outcome or the application of any protocol, product or suggestion that you follow. Share these new insights with practitioners of integrative medicine.

How can we benefit from kalonjie (Nigella sativa/black cumin) during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Kalonjie seeds are commonly used as a spice or on breads and cookies. Some of us mix them with honey to use for upper respiratory tract infections or stomach complaints. They are used in medicine for their antiviral, antitumor and antimicrobial properties, to name a few. During this period of lockdown,

Study the antiviral effects of Kalonjie seeds and its oil to find cures for diseases?

Introduction: The main active constituent found in Kalonjie (Nigella Sativa) is thymoquinone – a volatile oil that comes from these tiny black seeds. In a 2016 study Kalonjie oil was found to have anti-influenza viral activity. It was tested extensively for avian flu and found to be very effective. Trials for the HIV or human immunodificency virus also showed it could kill it – as well as the hepatitis C virus.

https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/newsletter/2019/vol2/PhOL_2019_2_NL007_Molla.pdf Pharmacology Online August 2019 A review on antiviral effects of Nigella Sativa.

Common to patients who are severely affected by coronaviruses are high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lymphopenia or a lack of macrophages. With the COVID-19 virus these are major causes of concern, yet Nigella Sativa (Kalonjie) can provide both lymphoprotective activity and immune modulation. According to Doctor Saki Moidin,” Future clinical trials conducted using will unravel how exactly we can use thymoquinone in the current COVID-19 pandemic state.” But for everyday use, instead of medications we can use this time-honoured remedy for any of our ailments, either as a stand-alone remedy or to support the effects of other medications. “Black cumin oil is probably the most important oil you can put in your system.” Gary Null

https://thecognate.com/nigella-sativa-every-disease-has-a-cure-decelerating-the-covid-19-pandemic/ The Cognate Nigella Sativa: Every Disease Has A Cure – Decelerating The COVID-19 Pandemic by B yDr. Shakil Moidin 22 March 2020

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339683415_Lymphopenia_predicts_disease_severity_of_COVID-19_a_descriptive_and_predictive_study

How else can we use Klaonjie seeds to help us every day – in every way?

Beneficial effects of Kalonjie on the nervous system instead of mediactions

The results of recent preliminary studies have shown that various extracts of Kalonjie seeds can improve memory impairment, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, neurotoxicity, neurodegeneration and pain. It is assumed that its antioxidative effects also help to inhibit the acetylcholinestrase enzyme. Nigella Sativa has positive interactions with neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and especially GABA to improve sleep and prevent excitotoxicity from glutamate. Its effect on opioid receptors makes it an effective treatment for chronic pain as an alternative to dangerous habit forming drugs like Fentanyl. Other studies confirmed the beneficial effects of NS on epilepsy and seizures in children

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884225/ NCBI Neuropharmacological effects of Nigella sativa 2016

Detox, get rid of parasites and candidiasis.

Remove larger parasites because they may also contain viruses and bacteria that may be inside of them and thus escape from the immune system. The antihel-minthic effects of kalonjie act against nematodes, cestodes, tapeworms and liver flukes. Extracts also exerted activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtitles, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the pathogenic yeast, fungi and mould (Candida albicans )

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2019/1528635/ Evidence Based Journal for Complimentary Medicine Article: Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for Wide Range of Illnesses. Access 25 03 2020

Control your blood sugar, blood pressure cholesterol and your weight!

Thymoquinone supports “antidiabetic activity.” They found it helped to reduce appetite, glucose absorption in the intestines, blood glucose level, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, body weight and it simulates the secretion of insulin from beta-cells in the pancreas. It also helped improve glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin while showing no significant adverse effects. Kalonjie also stimulated partial regeneration of pancreatic beta-cells. Those are the cells in your pancreas that actually store and release insulin and produce hormones that slow the rate of sugar entering your bloodstream to better control your blood sugar levels. When used in conjunction with a carbohydrate controlled diet, a few other key supplements and a lot of exercise there is no reason why one cannot reduce your dependence on all the drugs you take every day. It is best to discuss a weaning schedule with a doctor who understands nutrition and herbal medicine.

https://easyhealthoptions.com/diabetes-spice-beat-metformin/ Easy health options the diabetes spice that beats metformin.

We use kalonjie for treating every ailment – apart from death. How much, how often?

The whole seeds or the oil are both useful for daily treatments. Some treatments recommend chewing ½ teaspoon of the seeds, mixed with honey as a dose. Others say ½ a teaspoon of the oil is preferable. The oil can also be used for skin ailments, rashes, eczema, psoriasis and so on. Rub it into the nostrils if you feel a cold coming on, gargle with a few drops of oil in hot water with salt. The kalonjie oil mixed with honey makes a good cough mixture. The website below provides more advice and suggestions about how to take kalonjie. I bought a 100g packet of seeds for R20, so that means 100 x 1g doses at a cost of 20c each! Even chewing a few seeds from time to time can be of benefit.

https://realfarmacy.com/use-black-seed-treat-array-ailments-diseases/ Real Pharmacy How To Use Black Seed to Treat Countless Diseases & Ailments

The healng effect of honey

Feb 13, 2020 by Sue Visser

The healing effects of honey and honey-based remedies we can make

Honey: “From its [the bee’s] belly, comes forth a drink of varying colours wherein is a cure for people. Surely there is a sign for those who would give thought.” And – “If a person eats honey a thousand remedies enter his stomach and a million diseases will come out”. 1,400 years ago, according to the Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him (SAW ) Honey is not just a sugar, but also a complex combination of enzymes, organic acids, esters, antibiotic agents, trace minerals and vitamins. It is still used in hospitals to heal incurable skin lesions when modern medicines fail to do so. Honey has profound antimicrobial effects and is more than just a sweetener. Honey must not be given to very young infants as it may contain botulism spores and the baby’s immature intestine cannot yet eliminate them like you can.

Bees make honey by combining nectar from flowers with their bee enzymes. Honey is one of the oldest medicinal substances known to man. Honey is used to mask unpleasant flavours, (like a spoonful of sugar) to make the medicine go down and often it is more curative than the intended remedy! Honey from the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs dating back a few thousand years was still found to be edible. Thus the shelf life of honey is longer than ours by far. It is a good preservative and wound healer and is very nutritious, being a complete food for the very active and hardworking little honeybee, let alone us lazy humans.

Honey can be taken as a medicine, mixed with medicinal herbs and spices or used as a vital ingredient in body care products such as cleansers, lotions and ointments. Honey, spices and herbs can cure many skin afflictions and infections. Some doctors give honey before surgery to prevent infections. Many cuts, infections and wounds are healed by honey alone because of its anti-microbial and curative effects. Pure honey is good for mouth and gum infections.

According to folk medicine from around the world, honey can be used for: coughs, muscle cramps, burns, stuffy noses, sinusitis, hay fever, bed wetting, insomnia, and on wounds, ulcers, infections, stings and rashes. Honey keeps a wound sterile and hastens the healing process. It is reported to be effective against bacterial conditions such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia in cases when antibiotics could not help anymore. Honey is also good for gut infections such as Salmonella, Shigella, E. Coli, and cholera that produce diarrhoea. When mixed with cinnamon, turmeric, fennel or cloves, the results are even more effective. Honey used with water and salt to replace fluids lost during diarrhoea and vomiting, proved to be more effective than electrolyte mixtures because of the additional anti-microbial effect.

Honey is approximately 35% protein due to the amino acids it contains. It is a highly concentrated source of essential nutrients with a high level of simple sugars, the B-complex vitamins with a little Vitamin C, D and E and minerals.

Effects of honey on the blood: Honey rapidly diffuses through the blood: When mixed with water, honey diffuses into the bloodstream in 7 minutes. Its free sugar molecules are accompanied by amino acids and supports blood formation. Honey helps to cleanse the blood and improves circulation. Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties increase twofold when diluted with water. It is very interesting to note that newly born bees in the colony are nourished with diluted honey by the bees to offer extra protection against microbes.

For coughs and viruses: The anti-tussive and expectorant properties of honey are related to its capacity to dilute bronchial secretions and improve the function of the bronchial epithelium. Combine honey with fresh ginger to knock out viruses and upper respiratory tract infections. A new microbial study was undertaken to detail the antimicrobial effects of fresh versus dry ginger. It was only the fresh ginger that knocked out viruses and mycotoxins that are responsible for upper respiratory tract infections – not the dry version. However, both forms of ginger were effective for blood thinning, inflammation and nausea.

Anti-diarrhoeal properties: At a concentration of 40%, honey has a bactericidal effect on various gut bacteria known to cause diarrhoea and dysentery such as Salmonella, Shigella enteropathogenic, E. coli and Vibrio cholera. In one study, honey given with oral rehydration fluid was shown to reduce the duration of bacterial (infectious) diarrhoea in infants and children. As an electrolyte: Honey used with water and salt helps to replace fluids lost during diarrhoea and vomiting are said to be more effective than electrolyte mixtures because of this additional anti-microbial effect.

Caution: Diabetics should be careful of taking too much honey by itself, as the body requires insulin to process the simple sugars it contains. When ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon is added to a teaspoon of honey, the effect of insulin improves, so this is highly recommended. You may prefer to use the bitter, crude blackstrap molasses as an alternative for making your honey remedies.

Oral hygiene: Use only pure honey for mouthwashes and throat gargles. When honey is combined with a starch such as bread, it is very bad for teeth as then it ferments in the mouth. Rinsing out the mouth with salt water kills germs and prevents sugar cravings.

Honey as a carrier for herbs and spices: A teaspoon of honey can be mixed with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (diabetes) or ginger (nausea) or olive leaf powder (high BP, flu, viruses) and taken instead of tablets or capsules. It can also be taken with ground-up kalonjie seeds or kalonji oil.

A pleasant health drink: Mix a teaspoon of honey with a tablespoon of vinegar in a cup of hot or cold water with a pinch of salt. We can thus enjoy all the top 4 condiments together!

Propolis is also made by bees. Bees make propolis to disinfect their beehives because of the strong antimicrobial effects it has due to the tree resins and other ingredients that are added by the bee itself. The warm humid interior of a beehive (and inside our bodies) is prone to developing mould, viral, fungal and bacterial infections. It is a very powerful antioxidant with analgesic, anaesthetic (works for bee stings and other bites) and anti-inflammatory activity. Medical studies have shown that topical application of propolis in tinctures or ointments helps against genital herpes, cold sores, dental caries, periodontal disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, scars, psoriasis and fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Bee stings or spider bites: Propolis tincture applied to bee stings gives instant pain relief and reduce swelling. Propolis remedies are also good for earache or infections of the outer ear. Propolis preparations can be applied to cuts, scratches and surgical wounds. A propolis, beeswax and honey ointment such as Nature Fresh Bee Balm is ideal for external use, especially on dry, scaly skin conditions, psoriasis and scars.

Respiratory complaints: Very effective if taken as a tincture for: colds, influenza, catarrh, rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis and sore throats. Doctors can support therapy for: asthma, chronic pneumonia and tuberculosis with propolis.

Stomach and digestive disorders: Stomach ulcers from helicobacter pylori infections. Effective in large, frequent doses for gastritis, dysentery, diarrhoea, and leaky gut syndrome caused by parasites, worm and fluke infestations.

Side Effects and special precautions of propolis: Few side effects, other than allergic reactions, have been reported with propolis. Do not use propolis if you are allergic to bee products, balsam or pine resin. Allergic reactions may cause swelling, redness, eczema or fever and it may irritate the skin, causing burning, peeling lips, irritation, lesions, itching, swelling, psoriasis or eczema. Dilute the propolis and test a small area first. When used in the mouth, propolis tincture or powder may irritate the mucous membranes.

Salt through the ages

Feb 6, 2020 by Sue Visser

Salt through the ages, salt in your food and salt in your body

2020 February health interview by Zulaikha with Health Researcher Sue Visser on radio.

According to an Islamic text, “Salt is the master of your food. God sent down four blessings from the sky – fire, water, iron and salt” (Ibn Maja). Taking a few grains of salt before and after meals was recommended centuries ago by Islamic healers.

Q: Sue, what are the benefits of doing this?

A: Salt before a meal helps to support the intensity of the stomach acid to digest the meal. A pH of 2 (very acidic) is required to close the valve at the base of the oesophagus and salt provides the chloride that is needed to maintain acidity at this intensity. Taking a little salt after a meal can thus help to prevent acid reflux and heartburn. Do not drink a glass of water straight after the meal because it will dilute the stomach acid and other digestive juices like pepsin. A salty finish (as opposed to sugary residues) also helps to fight tooth decay. The mouth can then be rinsed.

Q: Today we are told to reduce our salt intake or even stop using it at the table. Some say it is “white poison”. Do we need any extra salt? The Prophet (May Allah honour him and grant him peace) tells us the following:

“Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein.”
A: Profound words indeed! An excess of salt especially, is associated with many diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases. We need to abide by the rules of excess, otherwise salt will be cause an imbalance of other minerals, especially potassium, calcium and magnesium, causing diseases like hypertension, cholesterol problems and diabetes. However, if you eat enough foods that contain potassium, such as green vegetables and bananas you need to balance the extra potassium with more sodium – from salt. When taken in moderation and balanced to potassium, the sodium in salt does not harm us and without it salt would not be salt – sodium chloride.

Q: Tell us more about the chloride?

A: Pure chloride, or what we know as chlorine kills germs, as we know. Taking chloride by itself would burn every cell in the body, so it is combined with sodium. Salt also kills germs and it tastes good! On hot days when we sweat a lot we lose minerals, especially the electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. That is why sweat tastes salty. One craves salt to replace it and salt is used by the body to conserve our water – lest we shrivel up and dehydrate. Our cells are like bags of salty water and need salt for their stability.

On the other hand, if we consume too much salt, the body retains too much water and we swell up because calcium and magnesium also need to be replaced, along with the pinch of salt. This is what happens when we “omit excess therein”. Too much salt causes not enough potassium, calcium and magnesium. People who are deficient in magnesium are more prone to headaches, blood sugar imbalances, muscle cramps, dyskinesia, and insomnia. Diabetics, especially, are deficient in magnesium.

Q: Can we obtain chloride from other sources?

A: Yes, to maintain our salt cravings but prevent the sodium excess we can use a salt alternative called “no salt” or potassium chloride. This also helps to increase the potassium levels. However, it is a good idea to mix it with a little calcium and magnesium powder as well. It is not a good idea to take a few grains of this into the mouth because it can burn off the skin of the tongue and cheeks. I found that out the hard way, by sprinkling potassium chloride onto my popcorn. It really hurt! Taken as a medicine, it is excellent for correcting hypoglycaemia, as opposed to consuming sugar.

Remedy for hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar emergency) Diabetics can use a ½ teaspoon of potassium chloride in ½ glass of water. This stimulates the release of the glycogen reserves from the liver and raises the blood sugar naturally. Another form of chloride – that tastes awful, is magnesium chloride. It can be “lost” in a smoothie or other guise. It is a great all-round healer, especially for correcting magnesium depletion but it is not a table condiment. The remedy called “Concentrace” contains it. Within 10 minutes is frees up the blood corpuscles and prevents them from sticking to each other. Magnesium chloride flakes are also available from some health shops, or online.

Q: We use bicarbonate of soda as an antacid. Do we also use the sodium in salt for alkalising?

A: Yes, we need sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acidity. Our body has a way of recycling this antacid and only allows the kidneys to excrete what is not needed. So then sodium will be retained if there is a shortfall of potassium. We are constantly reminded that our best sources of potassium are from vegetables. Other valuable sources include apple cider vinegar, molasses and cream or tartar from the grocery store. So to prevent high levels of sodium rather increase the levels of potassium and allow your body to flush out what you don’t need. We don’t have to ask why urine or sweat tastes salty! We excrete a lot of sodium potassium, calcium and magnesium. They ALL need to be replaced and kept in balance.

Q: Now we can see why we need a good balance of these minerals, as it is stated by the Prophet (May Allah honour him and grant him peace)

“But Allah has said that He created no disease without also creating its remedy, except death (meaning old age).”
How is salt associated with remedies?

A: Salt kills germs and we can gargle with salt and it makes a good mouthwash. Perhaps that is why we are reminded by Islamic traditional health practitioners to take a few grains of salt – again, after the meal. People also use a saline solution as a nasal spray or for treating sinus problems. Salt also balances the water levels, both within and without our cells. It is not the salt that is to blame for the water retention. People who stop drinking water to try and correct water retention are telling us that they have a potassium deficiency.

Homeopathic remedies and the 12 tissue salts use salt as one of their chief remedies. Salt is called Natrum (sodium) Muricatum (chloride) – NAT MUR for short. Homeopathy gets the closest to using substances that are both a cause and a cure, as alluded to 1400 years ago. During the 19th century Samuel Hahnemann discovered that a diluted version of a poison – arsenic, for instance became a medicine to treat the symptoms of arsenic poisoning. Thus if salt causes water retention, the same substance when potentized or diluted will cure water retention.

In fact, NAT MUR, the Homeopathic version of salt corrects many other types of water imbalances in a patient. For instance, a dry skin, hay fever, constipation, bloating or a dry cough NAT MUR at a potency of D6 – 300C will be prescribed. Mental symptoms that a homeopath would detect as contributing to the symptom picture would benefit from higher potencies, say 3M show up as weepiness, depression, feelings of hopelessness and people get called hypochondriacs. Being reactive and hyper sensitive or wanting to be left alone are also common symptoms.

Q: We are discouraged from using salt, yet you say we lose it when we sweat or urinate every day. What happens if we have a deficiency of salt?

A: Yes – insulin resistance and once again, high blood pressure. To the degree that sodium is restricted the hormonal balance between renin and aldosterone is challenged. An unusually high amount of aldosterone is released. Sodium and potassium are balanced by this hormone. If there is not enough sodium to keep the potassium ratio in balance, both potassium and magnesium are then excreted. A loss of these electrolytes makes the blood acidic. Oxidative stress sets in. Muscles cramp up, fingers go numb and up goes the blood pressure! This is scary and enough and a good reason to pass the salt.

Double blind random placebo controlled studies show that a sodium restricted diet in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes resulted in an increase in insulin resistance. Even after a few days, the effects of not eating salt manifested as an average increase of 12% in terms of upping their insulin resistance. Even in normal people this was the case. Cut out the salt and up goes the potential for insulin resistance associated with syndrome X and especially type 2 diabetes.

Last word: Ironically, the doctors who condemn salt also use it to save your life. A saline drip is a familiar sight in a hospital and the food will remain tasteless – without any salt!

“Let your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food” (Hippocrates)

https://naturefresh.co.za/salt-is-good-for-you/ website article on Salt by Sue Visser

http://www.infobarrel.com/Salt_is_not_white_poison_-_without_it_you_would_be_dead Link to Sue’s online article.