Herbal Healing Workshop Follow-up

Rather than editing my last post I am going to write more about new stuff. I attended an herbal healing workshop in Oakland last night. The meeting was held in a place called Cafe Gratitude inside of a Whole Foods Market. The speaker wore an orange gauzy shawl dress-thing on it were embroidered wild flowers. She spoke on many topics, Ill cover a few.

#1 Drink a "Power-up" every day. A Power-up consists of Siberian Ginseng, Spirulina, and Maca Root.

Siberian Ginseng - or Eleutherococcus senticosus is distantly related to Asian ginseng this plant contains different molecules called eleutherosides. Eleutherosides are lipophillic chemicals that bind to hormone receptors which produce an adaptogenic effect (3). Adaptogens are molecules which strengthen the cellular response to stress and toxins. Research has shown Siberian Ginseng to decrease the length of the common cold, decrease the length and severity of Herpes outbreaks and improve memory, mental alertness, and social behavior. (1)

Spirulina - this name describes two types of blue-green Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microbes which are thought to have created the oxygen-filled environment in which we all currently exist far before we existed. The Aztecs have been harvesting this substance for hundreds of years. NASA and the European Space Agency have suggested the use of spirulina in artificial space environments. Numerous scientific studies conclude Spirulina is beneficial to cholesterol levels, High-Density Lipids (HDL) levels, allergies, blood pressure, muscle breakdown, antioxidant potential, and HIV symptoms. (2)

Maca Root - This root boosts the endocrine system, and strengthens male libido. Maca was eaten by Inca imperial warriors before battle. Enough said.

#2 Avoid Denatured foods like Dairy
#3 Avoid Dairy - contains Casein, a micelle protein structure similar to gluten. Breaks down into an opioid which acts as a histamine releaser (4)
#4 Avoid overuse of Alcohol, Caffeine, Marijuana and other medications.

She also gave recipes for Herbal Teas which I took pictures of. She suggests making a quart of tea not a cup of tea. Steeping for at least 12 hours and drinking the tea incrementally during the day instead of all at once in the beginning and the end.





(1) http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/siberian-ginseng-000250.htm
(2) (wikipedia: Spirulina:Evidence of Health and healing effects:Human Research)
(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleutherosides
(4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casein