Cannabis ~ What is it good For?

 

                There has been considerable research regarding how boosting Endocannabinoid System performance may improve health.  One such study is The Endocannabinoid System as an Emerging Target of Pharmacotherapy by Dr. Pal Pacher published in 2006.  Among Dr. Pacher’s conclusions was the following:

 

In the past decade, the endocannabinoid system has been implicated in a growing number of physiological functions, both in the central and peripheral nervous systems and in peripheral organs. Modulating the activity of the endocannabinoid system turned out to hold therapeutic promise in a wide range of disparate diseases and pathological conditions, ranging from mood and anxiety disorders, movement disorders such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, neuropathic pain, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury, to cancer, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension, glaucoma, obesity/metabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis, to name just a few.

Dr. Pacher then went on to provide a template of the potential health challenges that improved ECS performance could positively affect, as follows:  

*Energy Metabolism: Appetite Regulation, Peripheral Energy Metabolism, Obesity and Metabolic Abnormalities, Cachexia and Anorexia

*Pain and Inflammation

*Central Nervous System Disorders: Neurotoxicity and Neuro-trauma; Stroke; Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury; Movement Disorders (Basal Ganglia Disorders – Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Tourette’s Syndrome); Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); Alzheimer’s; Epilepsy; Mental Disorders (Schizophrenia, Anxiety and Depression); Insomnia; Nausea and Emesis (Vomiting); Drug addiction and Alcohol Disorders (Opiates, Nicotine, Cocaine, Alcohol, Psychostimulants)

*Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disorders: Hypertension; Circulatory Shock (Hemorrhagic, Cardiogenic, Endotoxic); Myocardial Reperfusion Injury; Atherosclerosis; Asthma

*Eye Disorders (Glaucoma and RetinopathyCancer

*Gastrointestinal and Liver: Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome; Acute and Chronic Liver Disease (Hepatitis and Liver Cirrhosis)

*Musculoskeletal Disorders: Arthritis; Osteoporosis

*Reproduction

(PAL PACHER, SANDOR BATKAI, and GEORGE KUNOS Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, Pharmacol Rev. 2006 September ; 58(3): 389-462)

CBDs

ECS uses Endocannabinoids (those it manufactures) to signal CB1 and CB2 receptors. Fortunately nature has also provided us with an EXTERNAL source of Cannabinoids (most commonly referred to as CBDs).   Research has shown the addition of external Cannabinoids signals the body to (both) manufacture more endocannabinoids and build more CB1 and CB2 receptors, which in turn, increases ECS efficiency as well as our baseline of Endocannabinoid activity.

 

As noted previously research has also shown the greatest therapeutic contributions result from Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil CBDs which contain ALL 110+ Cannabinoids – because the compounds work synergistically in a sum of the whole is greater than the sum of the parts way.

I am not an advocate of smoking because of the damage to lung tissue.  Oral consumption will be a healthier option.  I use and recommend this wonderful, pure CBD.

Path of Purity – Product Overview

Path of Purity is a 100% organic, non-GMO, proprietary formulation of full spectrum Phytocannabinoid Rich (PCR) CBD hemp oil in tablet form. PoP is Pesticide and Heavy Metal Free, as well as Gluten Free, Sugar Free, Dairy Free, and Vegan. Path of Purity is specifically bred and formulated for a superior therapeutic entourage effect. Each PoP tablet contains 50mg of PCR, is measured and metered and scientifically-engineered with a proprietary dual-tier-release delivering 25mg at a time for optimal bioavailability which is best-matched to the innate capabilities of our CB1 and CB2 Receptors to take in CBDs most efficiently. Path of Purity exceeds all Federal Regulations for Industrial Hemp including the content of THC which is less than .03%. Please note that while independent laboratory data confirms Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) requirements, PoP has not yet been formally studied for detection in drug testing.

Managing Pain Naturally

Managing Pain Naturally

Most people deal with some sort of pain.  Being a Licensed Massage Therapist for over 25 years, I am constantly reminded of my own pain and others’ pain.  My goals are to teach people to learn their bodies.  To teach people the difference between good pain and bad pain.

Pain can come from inflammation from the foods we eat.  Toxic foods will cause inflammation.  This is why I teach to eat clean.  Even some natural foods will create inflammation.  If fresh foods are sprayed with pesticides, there will be residue which can affect your body in a negative way.  Non sprayed foods (organic) are the way to go.  The “nightshade” family of vegetables will cause inflammation in people sensitive to them.  I am one of those people, and had to come to terms with it.  Eggplant, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes are in the nightshade family and to me, the pain I experienced on a regular basis because of these foods was enough to make me stop eating them once I learned of it.

There went my chips and salsa!  Anything tomato based is now off limits.  No more green, yellow or red peppers, which I would slice and eat with hummus.  Once, when I first learned of it, I had been eating lots of pasta with peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, all of which I had grown in my garden. I was so proud of myself.  BUT, I hurt!!  Why? I kept asking myself!  I eat so clean!  Why do I hurt.  The pain was muscular, an ache that would not stop.  Burning… sore joints.  What the heck?   Then, an article came before me that would end my suffering.  Even tho it took discipline to stop eating these foods I loved so well, I stopped.  Within 3 days my pain had subsided over 50%.  After two months of not eating any nightshades, my pain was gone.  I tried a small portion of mashed potatoes one day and within 30 minutes I had pain in my shoulder and arm.  SO NOT WORTH IT!!

There are some ways to relieve pain naturally, which I use often.  Inflamedix by Nutragen.com is a powerful combination of Boswellia (which is Frankincense), Curcumin (which is the extract of tumeric) and Ginger.  I use this instead of aspirin, ibuprofen, or any over the counter medication.

The benefits of this combination not only get rid of inflammation, but other benefits are    *Ginger ~ speed metabolism, aids digestions, helps with nausea, motion sickness, blood thinner, reduce blood pressure, aids circulation, rich in fatty acids and minerals, strengthen hair, skin and nails and more.

*Boswellia ~ Anti arthritic, anti bacterial, anti fungal, useful for gout, low back pain, fibromyalgia, repairs blood vessels, damaged by inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease and much more.

*Curcumin ~ Anti oxidant, anti biotic, aids circulation, lowers cholesterol, protects liver, improves blood vessel health, rich in minerals, inhibits platelet aggregation, fights free radicals and more.

I love using herbs because of the multiple benefits with very limited side effects.  You would have to an awful lot to upset your stomach.  I always advise to take any supplementation with food for proper digestion and utilization.

Keep fresh ginger in the house.  Slice some into your water, your coffee and cook with it.  I do a Pure Protein (Nutragen) shake every morning for breakfast.  I use 1/2 avacado, frozen berries, lemon, sliced ginger, water and Pure Greens (Nutragen).  Whip it up and you have a powerhouse of concentrated nutrition.

 

I also utilize For Long Life’s Carpagel, which you can find at my store.  All of the products that I recommend are products I completely believe in BECAUSE of the benefits without harmful side effects.  Those who know me, know how particular I am about ingredients and the integrity of a company.

Massage is another way to alleviate pain. Stretching, while painful when doing it, is great for range of motion, lubrication of joints, and expansion of muscle tissue.     Hot baths in eucalyptus essential oil or epsom salts is a great relaxer.  Remember that if you have chronic pain, it is a process to work through the issues.  Be patient, and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.  I am happy to help in any way I can.

What is a “Healthy Diet”

It really does not have to be complicated.  It is really very simple.  Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, poulty, lamb and beef is really the healthiest way to go.  Americans are bombarded by commercials on television and radio and even by “fitness gurus” that are all touting something different.  When we go into the grocery store the shelves are packed, but not with food.  They are packaged, “food- like” products.  These food like products are filled with artificial chemicals and heavily processed ingredients.  Processed foods have become an addiction to Americans.
Your body and mind WILL NOT THRIVE on these products.  You were Divinely created, and your nourishment should come from the earth.
Fresh foods will nourish, cleanse and heal your body.
But, you say, eating healthy is so expensive!  The money you spend now on healthy foods will save you money in doctor bills.  You and your children will be healthier, and as you readjust your taste buds with real foods, because your body is getting more nourishment, you will not be as hungry.  Most people feel hungry because they do not drink enough water and because their bodies are screaming for nutrients, not food.  You can use vitacost.com or swansonvitamins.com for healthy snacks for your kids.  Look for meats that are hormone and antibiotic free.  Try to buy organic (pesticide free) as much as possible.
You speak every time you spend your money.  If you start to choose higher quality foods, the demand increases.  When the demand for higher quality foods is high, you will notice that all around you, the better quality will come. I have seen this recently in my own neighborhood.  Within a two mile radius, we now have 5 different grocery stores that have lowered prices to attract shoppers.    You will be raising the vibration around you when you start demanding higher quality foods and services.
Take some time to see out the farmer’s markets in your areas.  Your kids will love it.  Try to grow some herbs and veggies in your own yards.  Your children will absolutely take to this.  Another great source to find farmers in your area is www.eatwild.com .  Sweet potatoes are very easy to grow in your own yard.  I would suggest using a large pot or making a contained bed as they will spread every where.  Snow peas are extremely easy to grow as well.  Plant a peach seed or two in your yard.  Invest in some fruit trees to plant in your yard.
Cooking in cast iron is an easy way to prepare healthy foods quickly.  For single people, you can start your meat and when almost done, add your veggie and you have a one pot meal.  Less clean up and a wonderful mingling of flavors.  I start with a pat of butter, yes, real butter, and put my chicken in.  You can use olive oil or coconut oil.  After it browns and cooks for about 10 minutes, I turn it over, add some water, cover and let simmer.  Add what ever spices you like.  I normally slice a clove or two of garlic.  After another ten minutes, I add whatever vegetables, cover and let simmer another 8 minutes or so.  Voila .. a simple, very nutritious dinner.     If you have a large family and a hectic schedule, putting a whole chicken in the oven with sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, carrots, onions and seasonings will make a delicious meal for the family in a jiffy.  This is how I taught my daughter to cook when she was around 12.  Simple and efficient.
Getting back to basics and simplifying will be beneficial to your entire family.
Question?  Comments?  Please leave them below.

Health and Beauty Tips

I always want a good deal and I figure I am not alone! I love to teach people to be frugal.   The benefits of using online stores such as vitacost.com or swansonvitamins.com is that they carry all the health food store items at a discount.  When purchasing essential oils, I try their brands and have found many to be top quality.  Herbs like Rosemary, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus don’t have to be purchased “organic”, as these are not normally sprayed with pesticide since they are bug resistant.  You can mix essential oils in a spray bottle with water to clean your bathrooms and kitchens.  I normally use grapefruit, lemon and eucalyptus in the bathrooms and kitchen.   Musty, sweaty odors on rugs or furniture?  Get rid of your febreeze.  It’s toxic!  Make a spray of your favorite essential oils in water.  Ten drops lavender, eight drops lemongrass, 20 drops sweet orange oil in a quart spray bottle (I buy mine at the dollar store) and voila!  Your house will smell great!   I sometimes use lavender and eucalyptus as insect repellent on a cotton ball and place in drawers, under sinks and in closets.

 

  • Want fuller lips?   Try coconut oil with a drop or two of peppermint essential oil added.  Or, you can buy Alba Lip gloss and add a drop or two of peppermint.  Buy them here ~ www.vitacost.com
  • Want to switch to an aluminum free deodorant?  Try Alvera roll on.  It works great!
  • Night sweats or menopause?   Jason Wild Yam cream.  Rub morning and evening on breasts, chest and neck.  Evening Primrose Oil is wonderful as well!   No need for anything “artificial”.  Works wonders!!
  • Skin care products I really like!  Andalou, Alba, Beauty Without Cruelty Toner, Reviva DMAE cream,
  • Cellulite?  Drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar + tablespoon local honey in a tall glass of water every morning on an empty stomach.   Massage like you are “kneading bread” on your thighs and buttocks.  Making a fist, move from the knees to top of legs upward toward the heart.  Drink apple cider mixture in the evening for faster elimination of fatty residue and toxins.
  • Constipated?  You must have a bm every day for proper elimination.  Drink a large glass of water every 30 minutes until you go.  At night in bed, raise your knees with feet flat on the bed.  With your finger tips, start massage on the right side down below your hip bones.  Massage in a circular motion, moving slowly up, now above the hip bone.  Continue massaging in a circular motion across your body (under the belly button) to your left side above the hip bone.  Continue the massage moving  back down below the hip bone.  You may feel uncomfortable at first, so adjust the pressure accordingly.  Visualize your path of massage as an upside down U.  This is a way to move the waste through the colon to make sure you go daily.  I cannot stress how important elimination of waste is.  If you do not go on a regular basis, your body will reabsorb the toxins from your colon every 24 hours.  Your body is a self cleaning, self healing machine.  I am here to teach you what to do to help the process.
  • When you eliminate properly, hydrate properly, feed your body concentrated nutrition via clean foods and supplements, you will no longer feel “sick and tired”.  Your mind will become clearer, you will have more focus and energy and will become healthier and happier.
  • Sleep!  If you have trouble sleeping, you can make a wonderful essential oil spray with lavender, geranium, ylang ylang, mandarin and chamomile.  Depending on the size of your bottle, use 5 – 10 drops lavender, 5-8 drops geranium, 4 – 6 drops ylang ylang,  4 drops mandarin and chamomile.  Of course, you can adjust to your liking.  You can even use this for your children as it it very safe.  Spray sheets and pillows lightly.  I use it if I wake up in the middle of the night to help restore my calm and go back to a restful sleep.
  • Be patient.  Remember everything is a process and developing new habits take time.  Positive actions build on themselves.
  • Toenail fungus?  Mix coconut oil with eucalyptus essential oil, thyme, tea tree and or peppermint and massage into toenails.  Do your heels too for moisturizing.  Put socks on and in time you will notice your feet becoming healthy again.  Only use this during the day, as these essential oils are energizing.  If you want to treat your feet at bedtime, use lavender oil.  The beauty of essential oils are that they are antibacterial, antifungal, anti almost anything!
  • Buy used books at thriftbooks.com   They have a wonderful assortment of all kinds of books for $4 and up.
  • Exfoliate your skin!   Dry brush massage is great and you can make your own salt scrub with sea salt and essential oils.  Your skin will look clearer and be smoother.  Use a good moisturizer after to “feed” your skin.
Questions or comments?   Leave them below.

Human Growth Hormone Benefits

As we age, our bodies slow down production of HGH.  Supplementing benefits include:

  • Younger looking skin
  • Increased bone density
  • Improved fat burning /weight loss
  • Growth of Lean muscle tissue
  • Increased tissue repair/ healing
  • Reduction in joint pain

I am not an advocate of synthetic injections because of harmful side effects.   I have diligently researched to find the best natural supplements on the market.

Because these blends are homeopathic (i.e. made from natural substances such as herbs, minerals and food source) your body will utilize properly.  You will have enhanced results without dangerous or unwanted side effects.
I am currently using the homeopathic drops and alternate monthly between the high potency and regular.  I keep a daily record so as to understand the changes I am experiencing.  After two months, I sleep much better and dream more.  My nervous system is calm and my mood is enhanced.  No more road rage!  😃  I can feel more strength in my muscles (stronger and faster recovery).  It is said that after six months your grey hair will turn back to it’s natural color.  I can’t wait!
You can order these and other homeopathic products at my store.

Massage For Proper Elimination

Elimination is probably one of the most important of our daily functions.  Many people have issues and there is a positive way to deal with keeping your body “clean”.  Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is very important for the roughage it provides.  Imagine a broom sweeping through your intestinal tract and removing debris.  Drinking water is more important than most people realize.  Not only will your skin externally look more plump and clear, but your insides will be moisturized as well.  In the case of constipation, self massage is extremely effective at moving waste material through your body.  Here’s what to do:

Lie on your back with your knees up, feet planted flat on the floor or bed.  I normally do this at night when I lay down to sleep so that I know my morning routine will be routine.  With your fingertips, start on the right side of your body, lower toward your coochie or package.  (genitals)   Massage in a circular motion, moving up towards your hip bone and belly button.  You are still massaging on the right side of your body.  Just below your belly button, go across your body, still massaging in a small circular motion, to the left side.  Then move the hands, massaging back down toward your genitals.  Visualize an upside down U under your belly button.  That is your colon.  It needs to be clean!! If you are dehydrated, your muscles will be dry, so they will be hard and you will be sore.  If you are dehydrated, you will not be able to move waste through your body.  WATER, WATER, WATER

Speaking of water.  Please don’t drink tapwater.  With all the women on unnatural hormone replacement, men on viagra, and old folks on tons of medications (America is a very drug overdosed society) your municipal water treatment plants do not have a way to remove all the residue from these drugs.  Every time someone flushes a toilet, you can be sure those impurities are going into your tapwater.   Read “The Shocking Truth About Water” by Paul Bragg.  You can get it here at a huge discount www.thriftbooks.com

I have been distilling my tapwater for over 10 years.  You may purchase a Made In America water distiller, that will probably last your lifetime and more than pay for itself at www.myaquanui.com/graceskinner     Send me an email if you have questions.  I will give you a discount code for your purchase.