Buffalo Gardens and Celilo Natural Health Center are pleased to announce a monthly series of free classes on Garden Medicine. Led by herbalist and naturopathic physician Dr. Orna Izakson, each fun and informal meeting considers the medicinal attributes of plants appropriate for planting or harvesting in that season. Classes begin at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month and continue year ’round, with special treats and discounts for attendees.
Where:
Buffalo Gardens
728 NE Dekum St.
Portland, Oregon 97211
When: Starting Wednesday, Aug. 4 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information contact:
Buffalo Gardens:
503.288.0220
Buffalogardens@gmail.com
Celilo Natural Health Center:
503.335.9479
celilo@celilohealth.com
What can humans learn from moose? A lot about osteoarthrtitis, as it turns out. Moose and humans develop the degenerative joint disease in much the same ways and with most of the same symptoms. Osteoarthritis is generally considered a disease caused by the wear and tear of joints over the course of a long life. But a 50-year study of OA in the moose of Isle Royale in Lake Superior turned up an interesting nugget with implications for both species: Development of the disease correlates with malnutrition, especially in early life. Over the course of the study, researchers began seeing trends in the disease’s expression. As populations grew, and resources to support them shrank proportionately, more moose developed osteoarthritis. When there were fewer moose, presumably better fed, the disease’s prevalence abated. Ancient human remains from the onset of agriculture have shown similar arthritic changes. Scientists initially attributed this to the extra work of maintaining fields, but the moose findings suggest malnutrition during the switch to new food sources may have been the true cause. (Via ScienceDaily.)
Looking for ways to beat high blood pressure with few or no drugs? The latest findings show beets can help. The juice of the blood-red root crop is high in nitrates; these convert in the body to nitric acid, which relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Many people with hypertension currently take a prescription form of nitrates, but researchers found a pint of beet juice may work just as well. Researchers noted effects in people with normal and high blood pressure, and the results were more profound among those with higher initial readings. Bottoms up! (Via BBC.)
Sedatives and sleeping pills are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs, despite having serious side effects and becoming addictive to many people. Now German researchers have found a sweet alternative in an aromatic form: The scent of jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides) seems to activate the same chemical pathways in the brain as do drugs like valium. Benzodiazepenes, barbituates and anesthetics work by making receptors in the brain more responsive to GABA, a calming neurotransmitter. The researchers studied the effects of specific natural and synthetic jasmine fragrances and discovered they work exactly the same way as the drugs do, and are just as potent. (Via ScienceDaily.com.)
By Dr. Orna Izakson
beans and oregano.
The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (460-377 BCE) famously said “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.”
Gardeners know the best way to get your veggies is fresh and organic, ideally straight from the farm or garden. But beyond simple nourishment, scientists are finding some foods specifically help prevent or reverse certain diseases. Published research from the past few months alone has shown fruits and veggies protect your heart, brain and eyes, and help fight asthma, cancer, swine flu, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis.
Much of the research looks at isolated constituents in the foods, although of course there’s more to fresh fruits and veggies than the isolated “active ingredients” scientists have identified so far. All the components in the plant work synergistically, and do more than just one thing.
Here’s a short list to get you started. (more…)
Most popular diet plans turn on the simple idea that you’ll weigh less if you eat less. While this can be true in some cases, under eating can lead to problems ranging from malnutrition to rebound weight gain. Happily, there’s another way — one that lets you eat more and still lose weight. The secret weapon? Veggies and fruits. These foods are densely packed with nutrients, offering lots of health benefits with fewer calories. Also, they’re high in both water and fiber, keeping you feeling full longer. And, of course, they taste great, making it easier to assuage a sweet tooth in a healthy way. (Via WebMD.)
English researchers have turned up a new tool for fighting heart disease: the humble toothbrush. Medical professionals have long known that inflammation in the body is a major contributor to heart disease, and that included inflammation in the mouth and gums. The new study looked at information on 11,000 people who participated in the Scottish Health Survey. After balancing other contributors to heart disease, such as obesity and smoking, the researchers looked at markers of inflammation and how often the study participants brushed their teeth. The findings were unambiguous: people who brushed less than twice a day had a 70 percent greater risk of heart disease, along with higher blood levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and fibrinogen. (Via ScienceDaily.)
In late May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration told drug companies they’d need to put new warning labels on popular heartburn drugs. The issue? Long-term use of these antacids can lead to more fractures of the hips, the wrists and the spine. The affected class of drugs are proton-pump inhibitors, which halt production of acid in the stomach. And while that can reduce heartburn symptoms and protect against esophageal cancers, stomach acid is critical for absorbing the minerals needed for healthy bones. The new warning labels apply to both prescription and over-the-counter versions of the medications, whose familiar brand names include Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid and Protonix. (Via Drugs.com.)
Looking for another excuse to eat your avocados and broccoli? A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that good levels of vitamin B6 — found in those vegetables as well as whole grains, fish and meat — may cut lung-cancer risk by as much as half. In a study of nearly half a million Europeans, some of whom smoked, researchers looked at the B6 levels in people who did or did not get lung cancer after five years. While there were undoubtedly differences in diet, the B6 connection was profound and unequivocal, even for the smokers in the group. That doesn’t mean smoking is safe if you take a supplement, but it does offer a good reminder about the importance of eating right regardless of your other habits. (Via CNN.)
People battling diabetes can take a cue from fighters everywhere: muscle strength helps make winners. New research finds that low muscle mass — common in elderly and obese people at greatest risk of type 2 diabetes — is associated with the insulin resistance that causes the disease. People with incipient or frank symptoms have long been told to eat well and exercise, but the new finding help make the latter prescription more specific. While walking and cardiovascular workouts are still important, building strong muscles is a critical component to reversing the disease. Muscle mass is empowering! (Via ScienceDaily.)
