American Legion endorses medical marijuana for veterans

While anecdotal evidence has been heaping up for some time proving that marijuana has real potential in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it has remained a schedule 1 substance on the federal government’s Controlled Substances list, along with heroin, meth and ecstasy. Military veterans, in particular, have been increasingly vocal in their support of cannabis for the treatment of PTSD, and now The American Legion, America’s largest veterans’ service organization, has openly endorsed its use.

Town Hall reported recently that the American Legion adopted a resolution in Reno, Nevada, at the end of last month, supporting the medicinal use of marijuana and encouraging VA doctors in states where its use is legal to start prescribing it for veterans under their care who are struggling with PTSD. (Related: Government continues to neglect veterans as PTSD epidemic explodes.)

The NIH National Institute of Mental Health explains that PTSD is a disorder which affects people that have undergone frightening, dangerous or shocking events. They explain:

It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger. (Related: To stay informed about mental health issues, see Psychiatry.news)

Military veterans who have experienced harrowing events in wartime are particularly susceptible to PTSD. Known by multiple labels over the years, including “shell shock” and “battle fatigue,” many soldiers, marines and airmen need years of therapy to deal with the harrowing sights they have seen during battle.

The American Legion’s Rob Ryan, who authored the resolution, noted that he has heard “over and over and over again” from PTSD-sufferers whose symptoms have been significantly eased by marijuana.

Though VA medical practitioners have been banned from discussing the use of medical marijuana with their patients since 2011, the Legion has been campaigning hard to get this policy changed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that Ohio, where the Legion’s resolution was drafted, has the fourth highest rate of overdose deaths in the U.S. – most significantly, opioid overdoses. It is, however, also one of the states which now allows the medicinal use of marijuana, meaning there is a window of opportunity for the treatment of those with PTSD, which does not involve the use of highly addictive, deadly opioid drugs.

Perhaps an endorsement by the American Legion will be enough to get the federal government to take a second look at its classification of marijuana and investigate its true potential as a treatment for PTSD.

As Town Hall writer, Christine Rousselle, pointed out:

[T]here’s no reason why veterans should be shut out from a potentially life-changing treatment. The American Legion is hardly a group of hippie stoners, and people should listen to what they have to say.

And, as the resolution’s author noted, “Our state congressmen, when the American Legion says something, they listen. Hopefully, this will have the same impact at the federal level.”

It remains to be seen whether Ryan is right and state and federal legislators will pay attention to the Legion’s pleas.

In the meantime, thousands of veterans continue to struggle unnecessarily with a debilitating mental illness.

Sources for this article include:

NIMH.NIH.gov

MedShadow.org

Legion.org

TownHall.com

Military.com

NaturalNews.com

Top 10 antioxidant-rich foods you need to add to your diet

Antioxidants promote a healthier body by eradicating free radicals, which can weaken the immune system and lead to a variety of diseases. An article in Medium.com states that food is the primary source of essential antioxidants. Certain food groups such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens are touted for their high antioxidant content.

Below is a list of the top 10 foods with the highest antioxidant content.

1. Berries – Berries are excellent sources of polyphenols, micronutrients, and fiber. Various studies have already established that consuming berries, whether fresh, freeze-dried, or juiced, provide superior protection against heart diseases and certain types of cancers. Blueberries are especially recognized for having the highest antioxidant levels among berries. Other sources of antioxidants include strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, and goji berries.
2. Green tea – Green tea has been cultivated for centuries because of their high antioxidant properties that help prevent the onset of certain cancers including breast, pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer. Green tea is also known to reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
3. Leafy greens – Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale contain essential phytochemicals that counter the effects of inflammation and carcinogens.
4. Pomegranates, cherries, grapes, and raisins – Grapes are best known for their high polyphenol content, which is essential in keeping certain types of cancers in check. The high antioxidant levels in grapes and raisins were also tied to lower risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and diabetes-related complications. Pomegranates and cherries are also known to contain high antioxidant levels.
5. Dark chocolate – Dark chocolate is rich in the antioxidant flavonoids. In fact, just one oz. of dark chocolate contains twice as much antioxidants as red wine.
6. Plums and prunes – Both plums and prunes are regarded as superfoods for their high antioxidant content. According to recent studies, one plum contains as much antioxidants as a handful of blueberries.
7. Nuts – Nuts are an excellent source of antioxidants called polyphenols. A recent study presented at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society revealed that walnuts contain twice as much antioxidants as those found in other nuts such as pecans, macadamias, cashews, and pistachios.
8. Ground cloves – Spices such as ground cloves are not only packed with flavor, they are found to have very high antioxidant content. Other antioxidant-rich spices include turmeric, garlic, ginger as well as cinnamon and oregano.
9. Kidney beans – Kidney beans have been a kitchen staple for years. These humble legumes contain high amounts of antioxidants.
10. Artichoke hearts – Artichoke hearts are also found to contain high levels of essential antioxidants.

The research community has long established that antioxidants are essential in maintaining a healthy body. These compounds help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable body molecules that lack electrons. These molecules steal electrons from the nearest healthy cell, which in turn makes the cell sick and prompts a chain reaction within the body. Free radical formation can be caused by exposure to toxins and pollution, smoking, and other environmental factors.

An article in the GlobalHealingCenter.com likens this process to cleaning a fish a tank. The fish tank resembles the body, while the gunk and grime that form in it at are the free radicals. Antioxidants act as bottom-feeder fishes that suck up all the dirt in the tank. In the same manner, antioxidants scavenge the body for free radicals and eliminate them by slowing down or inhibiting the body’s oxidation process. High antioxidant levels in the body may help keep certain diseases in check such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants were also associated with improved eye health, immune system and slower aging process.

Learn more about plant nutrients at Nutrients.news.

Sources include:

Medium.com

GlobalHealingCenter.com

Blog.FoodNetwork.com

UMM.edu

Prevention.com

MedicalNewsToday.com

NBCNews.com

DailyMail.co.uk

Stop throwing away this weed; it could help lower your cholesterol

A vast number of studies have demonstrated purslane’s efficacy in reducing blood cholesterol levels. As reported by OfftheGridNews.com, the plant is actually a beneficial herb packed with nutritional benefits, despite it being considered an insignificant weed. Purslane is known to contain high levels of carotene and antioxidants as well as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The plant is also packed with essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium as well as zinc, phosphorus, and manganese. This makes the herb especially beneficial to the skin and both the urinary and digestive systems. However, purslane’s greatest benefits lie in its fleshy leaves that contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, purslane contains the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids among leafy green vegetables.

This rather hardy weed grows practically everywhere — in gardens, backyards and sidewalks — and most people pull them out deliberately. The plant is characterized by its succulent green leaves, red stems, and yellow flowers. Purslane, which typically grows in areas with a hot climate, is native to Asia but is popular in the Mediterranean region.

Clinical studies support purslane’s health benefits

A 2015 study revealed that the herb improved glycemic status and lipid profile in patients with type-2 diabetes. As part of the study, a research team examined 48 type-2 diabetes patients and found that those who consumed purslane seeds exhibited significant reductions in body weight and fasting plasma glucose levels. The patients also displayed marked reductions in systolic blood pressure and serum triglyceride levels. Patients who consumed purslane seeds also showed significant decreases in diastolic blood pressure. The findings were published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences.

Another study published in 2011 confirmed that purslane consumption significantly reduced blood cholesterol levels. As part of the study, a team of researchers from Delaware State University and Alcorn State University in Mississippi examined hypercholesterolemic participants who were instructed to incorporate freeze dried purslane into their diets. The research team found that the participants’ total cholesterol levels decreased by 15 percent at four weeks, while bad cholesterol concentrations declined by 27 percent during the same period. In addition, good cholesterol levels increased by nine percent during the four-week mark. These results appeared in the International Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism.

Growing your own purslane

With its astonishing medicinal profile, it might prove useful to grow your own purslane. Here are a few important pointers to remember in cultivating the plant:

1. The source – Wild purslane can be seen growing in a flat, circular, and horizontal position that spans up to 16 inches across. You can harvest seeds from these plants to jump start your growing process. However, avoid harvesting seeds or plant material from those that grow by the road or near areas where chemicals are sprayed. A more convenient option is to buy purslane seeds from a gardening store.
2. The soil – Purslane grows practically in any soil type, as long as it is recently cleared and turned. The plant thrives well during wet summers.
3. Planting the herb – Planting purslane can be done in three methods: by sowing seeds, planting cuttings, or transplanting seedlings. When using seeds, simply scatter them over the soil and wait for them to germinate. There’s no need to cover the seeds as they require sunlight to grow. Purslane cuttings can be directly planted into the soil. Water the cuttings and let it take root for a few days. Transplanting seedlings work the same way. Once the plant is settled, it remains carefree and low-maintenance as it grows. The plant takes about four to six weeks to reach maturity.

Read more news on medicinal herbs at Herbs.news.

Sources include: 

OfftheGridNews.com

HealthGuidance.org

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

AcademicJournals.org

Is Ashwagandha a plant that can make you sleep well? Researchers believe so

What you need for a good night’s sleep may be found in an herb. Japanese researchers described an active component in Ashwagandha as “a potent sleep-inducing small molecule” in a study published in PLOS ONE. The research team, led by Mahesh K. Kaushik and Yoshihiro Urade of the International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, studied the effects of the different components of Ashwagandha on sleep in mice. Through electromyography and electroencephalograms, they discovered that the triethylene glycole (TEG) in the water extract of the Ashwagandha leaf significantly promoted non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep while having only a slight change in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. They also found that TEG-induced sleep was comparable to normal sleep.

The active withanolides present in the alcoholic extract of Ashwagandha were found to be inadequate at encouraging sleep in the mice. Additionally, the researchers observed that commercially available TEG “increased non-rapid eye movement sleep in mice in a dose-dependent (10-mg/mouse) manner.”

From this they derived that the TEG in Ashwagandha was the active component that led to “physiologically sound sleep”, reports AlphaGalileo.org. The researchers also noted that the TEG present in Ashwagandha could potentially be utilized in insomnia therapy and treatments for other sleep-related disorders. Currently the researchers are investigating the effects of Ashwagandha on stress.

Also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb prized in the Ayurvedic system of medicine native to the Indian subcontinent. Among practitioners it’s known as a “Rasyana” or tonic that improves one’s mental and physical health. Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to treat health problems such as tumors, skin diseases, chronic pain and even male virility. In recent years, this Indian herb has become known for its relaxing and anxiety-reducing properties.

While the adaptogenic herb is more popularly known as a relaxant, there are many other benefits from taking Ashwagandha. Improved mood, greater blood sugar control, arthritis and rheumatism relief, and enhanced sports performance are just some of the noted benefits.

There are many ways to take Ashwagandha, notes BanyanBotanicals.com. Ashwagandha is commercially available as a liquid extract, in powder form and in tablet form. Traditionally, Ashwagandha is taken in its powder form, with a general daily dosage of one or two quarter- and half-teaspoons. The powder is usually mixed with honey, warm milk , sugar cane, or ghee, which is Indian clarified butter. The most convenient way to take Ashwagandha is in its tablet form.

Facts about Ashwagandha

• The name “Ashwagandha” is a Sanskrit word that means “smell of horse”, because the leaves and stem of the plant are known to emit a musky aroma. In addition to its strong odor, the name could also be interpreted as “horse essence”, in reference to the supposed ability of Ashwagandha to provide one with the stamina, essence, or strength of a horse. Its Latin name, “somnifera”, means “sleep inducing”.
• Ashwagandha is commonly found on the foothills of the Himalayas and its surrounding areas, including the plains. While widely distributed in India, Ashawagandha also grows in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and China.
• Ashwagandha is known by many names. According to the American Botanical Council, the herb is also known as “Ba-dzi-gandha” or “aasogandha” in Nepal and “Amurkkuralckizhangu” in the Tamil-speaking areas of India and Sri Lanka.
• The usage of Ashawagandha can be traced back as far as 6000 B.C., states CureJoy.
• Ashwagandha is part of the nightshade family and is a close relative of the tomato.

Sources:

Journals.PLOS.org

AlphaGalileo.org

BanyanBotanicals.com