Heart of Home

Giving in to the urgings of the sweet tooth has farther reaching consequences than one might think. We know about the blood sugar roller coaster that results from that chocolate bar you crave. It turns out that the effects last for weeks, and may even effect future generations.

Australian scientists at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute study the impact of diet on human heart tissue and mice. The results of this study appear in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.

The study showed that sugar consumption changes the way that the body responds to food. Sugar switches off genetic controls designed to protect the body against diabetes and heart disease. They found that cells show the effects of a one-time dose of sugar for fourteen days. If human genes remember a sugar hit for two weeks, imagine what happens when sugar consumption becomes a habit. Prolonged poor eating habits are capable of permanently altering DNA. This damaged DNA may be passed on to the next generation, putting into motion a downward spiral of poor health for posterity.

It would seem that the same may be true for other ‘junk food’ items. Put some serious thought into what you eat, and what you feed your family. We may regret our dependence on mass produced Franken Food for generations. Perhaps it is time we take back control of our families’ health.

Many people feel intimidated at the prospect of making bread. Baking bread does not have to be a fussy or time consuming business. I like to fit bread making into my schedule, rather than vice-versa. It really only needs a few minutes of attention here and there. As you get more comfortable with the process, you will find that your bread choices are limited only by your imagination.

Always make more bread than you think you will use. Bread is a very sociable commodity. There is always someone to share a loaf of fresh baked bread. The following procedure will make three or four loaves, depending on how much it rises and the size of you loaves.

Ingredients

Liquids

The liquid ingredients need to be slightly acidic to support the growth of the yeast:

☻ Of course, plain water can be used. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for the yeast.
☻ Rejuvalac (water in which wheat berries soaked for 2 days) gives the yeast an extra enzyme boost.
☻ For extra protein, soured milk or whey makes a delightful loaf. Naturally soured milk works very well, but if you don’t have any, a teaspoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in the bowl will produce just what you need.
☻ Another choice: use left over water from cooking beans. Soy beans, however have chemicals that inhibit yeast growth, so any other beans will be a better choice.
☻ Adding fruit juice makes a moist, sweet loaf that does not need any additional sweetener. Dilute half and half with plain water.
☻ For ‘pizza bread,’ use half water and half tomato juice or tomato paste.

Fats

The fats in the dough help to support the gluten. It seems to seal in the little bubbles, so the loaf does not deflate as easily.

☻ Butter actually is best to provide support for the gluten.
☻ A mild tasting vegetable oil, like sesame, grape seed, or coconut works nicely.
☻ Or, if you are making an herbed Italian loaf that will allow a stronger taste, try olive oil.

Be careful with oils that turn rancid easily, like safflower and sunflower. The heat required for cooking your loaf may be too much for them. The rancid oil will give the bread an off flavor, that may be none too pleasant.

Sweetener

Yeast requires a lot of energy for its growth. For that reason, some sort of sweetener is necessary. It will get some of its energy from the natural sugars in the grain, so you don’t need to go overboard, a little goes a long way. You can use anywhere from two tablespoons to half a cup in this recipe.
☻ Blackstrap molasses provides both the yeast and the final consumer with the best nutritional profile. It is often used to grow the yeast commercially. Sometimes you will not find ‘blackstrap’ in your grocery store, it may be labeled robust or full flavored.
☻ Barbados molasses can be used, as well, but it is much sweeter, so less is needed.
☻ If you use honey, again in smaller quantities, it will act as a natural preservative, and your loaf will keep a day or two longer.
☻ Stevia (use the green powder) sweetens without adding calories. The yeast seems to like it, for some reason I have not been able to determine, but the bread rises quite nicely with lower amounts of other sweeteners.
☻ It is not necessary, or even desirable to use white cane sugar for your bread. It provides no real nutritional value for you or for the yeast.

Yeast

On the baking ingredients aisle you can find pre-measured yeast in those little yellow and red foil-lined packets. It is certainly convenient to use this product. You can get pre-measured, packaged yeast in the bakery aisle at the supermarket. At times, however, this is not as active as buying it loose and measuring it yourself. Buying it in bulk is more cost effective and decreases the amount of packaging required, resulting in less packaging to dispose. The yeast stays active for a very long time, as long as it is kept out of extreme heat. I bought 5 pounds when my kiddies were little and I was making bread every day. I kept it in a tub in the freezer most of the time. It survived several moves, when it was impossible to refrigerate the tub. My young ‘uns are all grown now, and I just recently used it up and it was still quite enthusiastic.

Flour

Many, many seeds can be used for bread. Each gives a certain character to the bread. The texture and flavor of your loaves can be enhanced by mixing different flours. Of course, the best flours are made of the whole ground seeds. Whole grains make a denser loaf that lets you know you have really eaten something. If you must use white flour at first, mix it half and half with any other flour until your family’s palates are trained to eat ‘real bread.’ Sometimes, it takes a while to work up to this.

☻ For the sake of the texture of your bread, wheat is far and above the best grain for the flour in you loaf. It is the gluten in the wheat that captures the carbon dioxide bubbles produced by the yeast. The bubbles are what makes the bread rise. Sixty to eighty per cent of the flour needs to be wheat.
☻ For a lighter loaf, you will want to add some gluten flour, especially if you are using less gluten rich flours later on. One tablespoon of gluten flour per cup of any other kind of flour is generally sufficient.
☻ Rye is a traditionally used for dark, heavier loaves which remind many of ‘the Old Country’ for those of European descent. It contains a fair amount of gluten, although not as much as wheat. So, you can use a greater percentage of it in your loaves - up to a forty percent of the flour can be rye.
☻ Oats provide a moisturizing influence on your bread, making a nice soft loaf. They, too contain some gluten, although it is a rather small amount. As much as a quarter of your flour can be oats. Oats absorb more moisture than other flours, so increase the liquid in your recipe or decrease the amount of your dry ingredients.
☻ Rice flour also absorbs moisture, so keep this in mind when measuring. There is no gluten in rice, so use it for an eighth or less of your flour. It gives the bread a crispness that can be delightful, especially if you intend to eat it toasted.
☻ Buckwheat is used in pumpernickel bread. It is more dense than most other flours. Use a small amount. Buckwheat makes a nice ‘warming’ loaf that is satisfying in the cold winter months.
☻ Garbanzo beans can be ground easily in your blender to make flour. They give a slightly nutty flavor to the loaf. It is also a nice way to get a complimentary protein into the mix.
☻ Soybeans are often touted for adding protein to bread. However, there is much controversy over the use of soybeans. This is not the place to address the controversy, so we will leave that for another time and place. Soybeans contain an enzyme which inhibits the growth of the yeast, so its use should be minimized. On a side note: much of the soybean crop is genetically modified, so it is mandatory that you use only organic soybeans.
☻ Carob powder is often used in pumpernickel bread, too. It darkens the loaf and provides a mellowing influence.

Additional Ingredients

Salt controls the growth of the yeast. Too much or too little salt will not allow the yeast to grow properly. Half a tablespoon of salt is optimum for this size batch. Half a tablespoon of ginger can enhance the digestibility of the bread as well.

Here is where the real fun begins. You can add all sorts of flavor and nutrition to the bread. Amounts are for the recipe below. Adjust to the size of your batch.

☻ For traditional rye bread or pumpernickel, sprinkle in four tablespoons of caraway seeds.
☻ A Swedish rye results from adding 2 tablespoons of anise seed, 2 tablespoons of fennel seed, and 2 tablespoons of grated orange peel.
☻ An omega rich loaf can be made by adding 3 tablespoons of flax or chia seed per loaf.
☻ That pizza bread will want Italian spices: a tablespoon of thyme, two tablespoons of oregano, and three tablespoons of basil. Do not add garlic or onion at this point because they will retard the growth of the yeast. More later on adding flavors that are less yeast friendly.
☻ Throw in a half cup of raw sunflower seeds.
☻ Put a cup of raisins or dried fruit in for a sweet bread.
☻ Add two to three tablespoons of rosemary. Better yet, roll your loaves in the rosemary after they are formed.
☻ If you want a sweeter bread, add a tablespoon of green stevia powder.

The Basic Process

Start with a quart of room temperature or slightly warmer liquid. Add one-fourth to one-half cup of oil and an equal amount of sweetener. Measure them both in the same cup. The oil will help the sticky sweetener to slide out of the cup much easier. Then you can run a rubber spatula around the inside of the cup quickly to get the rest of the oil out.

Now that you have all the liquid ingredients assembled, it is time to introduce a tablespoon of active dry yeast to them. The recipe books from the past couple of generations ask you to soften the yeast in one half cup of warm water. That can still be done, if you desire. You can, however, skip that step and add it directly to your liquid ingredients if they are at room temperature. The yeast will get a jump start on absorbing the nutrients that will allow it to be strong and healthy as it builds your loaf. It takes ten minutes or so for the yeast to come out of its dormant state and begin to grow again. Since it is in a medium that will feed it, yo do not have to be strict about attending to the next step. It can be left for an hour or more without damage, You will come back to see lots of frothy bubbles.

Finally, it is time to add some flour a few cups at a time. Begin by adding four cups of flour to your yeast mixture. This is also the time to add your salt and ginger as well as whatever ‘extras’ you will put in your loaf. Now that you have all this stuff piled up on your poor yeast, mix it in until it is smooth. It will still be a very wet batter.

The next four cups of flour do not have to be wheat. Rye flour has enough gluten to comprise as much as forty per cent of the mixture. Other flours with less gluten need to be used sparingly – no more than a total of two cups in this recipe. Once these are mixed in, add the final two to four cups of flour, one at a time, mixing and observing the consistency of the dough. At this point, the dough should be still a bit sticky, but not gooey.

This part of the process offers the ultimate in flexibility. It is a good idea to allow the mixture to sit for an hour or more before kneading. It can sit for several hours, even overnight, until you get some time to spend kneading it. If it is left longer than, say, eight hours, it will start to take on a sour dough type flavor which will get stronger the longer it sits. During the down time, the bran, herbs, and seeds can absorb the amount of liquid that they will need during the rest of the process. When it comes time to knead your bread, you will know pretty closely the final texture of the bread and be able to adjust accordingly. The additional benefit is the fact that it takes less actually about half as much) time kneading to achieve the right elasticity of the loaf.

It is time to form your loaves. When dividing the dough, cut off pieces with a sharp knife so you don’t tear the gluten. Grease the insides of the pan either with butter or with a light vegetable oil. The spray on kind works well and does not leave a big mess.

Loaf pans get filled halfway, so there is plenty of room for the bread to rise and form a nice rounded top.

Without a pan, you can make the ever-popular ‘artisan loaf.’ These can be round or oblong with a gash across the top.

For an extra fancy presentation, try braiding your dough.

On the other hand you can make individual serving sized breads like rolls or buns of various sorts. With a rolling pin in hand, you can make pizza shells, pitas, or flat breads.

Once your bread is in the form in which you want it baked, you can add extra flavor by pressing into its crust those tasty morels that do not get along with the yeast: onion, garlic, or cinnamon.

Mmmm! Time for some cinnamon rolls!!!!

Sesame seeds add a nice nutty flavor to the loaf when pressed into the bread. You might want to decorate it with rolled oats and/or corn meal instead.

For a more tender crust, apply a little water to the top of your loaf. Be careful not to soak the loaf, only apply enough water to make the top look glossy. A pastry brush will be helpful in controlling the application of the water.

If you want a golden brown top. Spread a thin layer of butter on top of the loaf.

Let the formed loaves rise one more time–about an hour, depending on your indoor weather conditions.

If you are in a hurry you can actually let them rise in the oven as it warms. Many sources warn against this action because with white bread, the yeast will grow too fast exhausting the gluten and your loaf will collapse by the time there is sufficient heat to kill the yeast. However, with the well fed yeast and additional support you loaves will rise nicely and bake up fluffy.

Bread that has already risen will take 35 to 40 minutes in a pre-heated oven depending on the size of your loaves. Rolls, of course will cook faster, more like 30 minutes. If you allow the loaves to rise as the oven is heating, allow 45 minutes to an hour for them to bake.

Test for done-ness by dumping the loaf out on the counter and thumping the bottom. An unfinished loaf will respond with a dull thud. Put it back in the oven immediately and cook for another five minutes, then test again. The fully baked one will sound hollow.

Let your loaves cool on the counter for ten minutes before cutting them.

To keep the crust moist, put them in their bag at this time. Many people feel that packaging them before they are cooled makes the crust soggy. Try it for yourself and decide which way you like best.

Enjoy pampering your family and friends with fresh baked home made bread. This method allows you to put it together on your time, rather than becoming a slave to the dough.

♥ ♥ ♥

Researchers in Finland and the US studied how carbon-based nanoparticles interact with cells. Results indicated that nanoparticles may alter cell structure, causing critical damage to cell functions. Nanoparticles may be the asbestos of the twenty first century: a considerable threat to people’s health.

The research showed that healthy cell cultures are unaltered when exposed to fullerenes. The same cells are not impacted by exposure to gallic acid, an astringent component of tannins found in almost all plants.

When present in the cell culture at the same time, fullerenes and gallic acid interact to form structures which bind to the cell’s surface causing cell death. This property may be useful in cancer treatment, if such cells could be targeted to the exclusion of healthy cells. Some early studies indicated the hope of targeted delivery of chemotherapy drugs through nanoparticles. The study, however, only surveyed the nanoparticles without the chemical enclosed in it.

Research generated excitement in 2006, when the destructive nature of certain nanoparticles were fused, then found to destroy the cell membranes of cancer cells. In the culture, healthy cells were less effected by the destruction. The study suggested that these nanoparticles be used to enclose chemotherapy agents, thus target the cancer cells more directly.

The current research, however, demonstrates how difficult it is to map out the health effects of nanoparticles. Even if a certain nanoparticle does not appear toxic, the interaction between this nanoparticle and other compounds in the human body may cause serious problems to cell functions.

Nanoparticles (also known as nanopowders, nanoclusters, nanotubes, or nanocrystals) are microscopic. They measure less than 100 nanometers in at least one dimension. A nanometer equals one billionth of a meter or one millionth of a millimeter.

Fullerenes are spherical, ellipsoid, or cylindrical nano-sized molecules of carbon atoms. They were named after Buckminster Fuller, creator of the geodesic dome. Fullerenes are produced by causing an arc between two graphite rods to burn in a helium atmosphere. Ten percent of the resulting soot are these nanoparticles. The fullerene tubes and balls are extracted from the carbon soot by using an organic solvent called toluene. The U.S. Department of Energy is looking into using these fullerenes in the future. Currently, all sorts of nanoparticles are widely used in cosmetics, electronics, optical devices, medicine, and in food packaging materials. There are also significant amounts of nanoparticles in exhaust emissions.

Although we are used to substances having particular properties, their properties often change as the particle size approaches the nano level. The different properties are fascinating to scientists. Theories suggest that the change in properties is related to the percentage of atoms at the surface of the substance.

Not all changes are beneficial. For instance, iron, at the nano level, switches its polarity using energy derived from room temperature heat, thus are not useful for data storage, as had been hoped. Their crystalline structure change when they get wet. So numerous questions have been raised about their safety and suitability, especially for products destined for human contact. This current study casts an even bigger shadow on the use of nanoparticles. This study stands out in its investigation into nanoparticles’ interactions with other substances.

A great deal of research looks into finding useful purposes for these nanoparticles. However, very little is known of their health effects. Only a tiny allotment of research into nanoparticles focuses on their health and safety risks. While the use of nanoparticles in consumer products increases, follow-up procedures and legislation lag behind. The European Union chemicals directive REACH does not even touch upon nanomaterials.

Since the number of possible combinations of nanoparticles and various biomolecules is immense, it is practically impossible to research them systematically.

References

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-11/tuot-n111308.php
http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/n/nanoparticle.htm
http://www.ch.ic.ac.uk/local/projects/unwin/Fullerenes.html
http://www.nanopharmaceuticals.org/files/Death_by_Nanoparticles_nanopharmaceuticals2.org_OCT_2006.pdf
http://nano.cancer.gov/news_center/nanotech_news_2006-10-16c.asp
E. Salonen, S. Lin, M. L. Reid, M. Allegood, X. Wang, A. M. Rao, I. Vattulainen, P.-C. Ke. Real-time translocation of fullerene reveals cell contraction. Small 4, 1986-1992 (2008)

What are your favorite uses of herbs during the holidays?
★    Which smells bring you memories of special times?
★    What sorts of teas or beverages are related to this time of year?
★    How are spices do you use during the holidays?

Scents

The sense of smell is less appreciated than other senses.  Yet, it is powerful.  The nerves from the nose go directly to the amygdala which performs a primary role in the processing and memory of emotional reactions.  Scents can instantly bring to mind memories and feelings that you have not thought about for a long time.

Some scents familiar during the holiday season:

Evergreens – empowering, yet grounding fragrances, relieving anxiety and revitalizing mind, body, and spirit.  Deep and long lasting emotional influence, dispelling depression and melancholy.
★    pine – antiseptic; hormone-like action; anti-diabetic; lymphatic stimulant; cortisone-like action; respiratory conditions (throat, lung, sinus); stressed muscles and joints; urinary tract infection; skin parasites; repels lice and fleas; revitalizes those suffering from mental and emotional fatigue; reduces stress; energizing to mind and body
★    cedar – calming; purifying; antibacterial, lymphatic stimulant; stimulates limbic system (emotional center), pineal gland (melatonin)
★    fir – antioxidant; stimulating; anti-fungal; pain relieving (muscular, rheumatic); anti-tumor; anticoagulant; respiratory infections; relieves fatigue; urinary tract infection; feelings of grounding, anchoring, and empowerment
★    spruce – antispasmodic; anti-parasite; antiseptic; anti-inflammatory; hormone like action; cortisone like action; immune stimulant; good for meditation; feeling of balance and grounding; opens and releases emotional blocks; associated with attracting prosperity

Citrus – air purifying, leaving a clean fresh scent; stimulating to right brain to increase creativity; relieves anxiety; improves concentration and mental accuracy
★    lemon – powerful antibacterial; anti-tumor; immune stimulant (increases white blood cells); improves microcirculation; hypertension; varicose veins; arteriosclerosis; urinary tract infection; digestive problems; obesity; anti-parasite; used to cleanse skin, combat acne, and reduce wrinkles ; invigorating; warming; relaxing; antidepressant; anti-anxiety; improves clarity of thought and purpose (memory, concentration, and mental accuracy)
★    orange – anti-tumor; relaxing; boosts immunity; anticoagulant; circulatory stimulant (used for arteriosclerosis and hypertension); insomnia; clears dull and oily complexion; fluid retention; soothes wrinkles; uplifting; antidepressant;
★    tangerine – antispasmodic; anti-tumor; digestive aid; boosts immunity; relaxing; obesity; relieves anxiety; irritability; insomnia; liver problems; fluid retention; anti-parasite; helps with anxiety and nervousness; promotes happiness, reducing depression; calming;

Cooking scents
★    bread  – a comforting, homey smell.  When showing a house for sale, we are advised to bake bread before the prospective buyers arrive.
★    cinnamon – used in pies, cookies, and cider; anti-inflammatory (COX 2 inhibitor); powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral; anticoagulant, circulatory stimulant; stomach protectant (ulcers); anti-parasitic; warts
★    fruits – apples, pears, and pumpkin are all used in pies and other confections. Many people find the smells bring back memories of carefree youth filled with the anticipation of holiday festivities.

Herbs

This time of year, we find much comfort in a cup of hot tea or cider.  They warm and comfort us.  They can also help to ward off the many ailments that seem to lurk around every corner as we spend so much more time indoors, with crowds of people.  Good choices to mix and match:

★    Peppermint – aromatic stimulant herb; carminative; antispasmodic; diaphoretic; expels gas; relieves nausea; disguises the taste and corrects the nauseating or griping effects of other medicines; eases colic;
★    Lemon balm – aromatic herb; cooling; sedative; lowers fever; improves digestion; nervous stomach disorders; relaxes spasms; nervous disorders; depression; sleeplessness; anxiety; palpitations; tension headaches; improves peripheral blood vessels; diaphoretic; emmenagogue; sedative; tonic; hyperthyroidism; anti-viral; anti-biotic; insect-repellent; externally, herpes simplex (cold sores), herpes zoster (shingles), sores and insect bites; relief from gout.
★    Echinacea – bitter herb; some aromatic properties; boosts immune system; anti-bacterial; anti-viral; stimulates spleen to produce white blood cells; clear up chronic infections; gargle for sore throats; skin diseases; fungal infections; septicemia ;slow-healing wounds; chronic fatigue syndrome; venereal diseases; early stages of coughs and colds; most effective for infection of the respiratory and urinary system; externally to treat herpes, acne, psoriasis and infected injuries; wounds, ulcers and other skin inflammations.
★    Dandelion root – bitter-sweet, cooling herb; diuretic; gall bladder and urinary disorders; laxative; stimulates liver function; hepatitis; jaundice; cirrhosis of the liver; improves digestion; dyspepsia; reduces swelling and inflammation; lung and breast tumors; abscesses; edema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness; in facial steam, as well as face packs: chronic joint and skin complaints including acne, eczema, psoriasis; high content of inulin makes it useful for people with diabetes.
★    Lemongrass – aromatic herb; antimicrobial; analgesic; antipyretic; antioxidant; anti-fungal; problems with digestive system in children; muscle spasms; nervous conditions; gentle boost when exhausted; externally to treat ringworm, lice, athletes foot, arthritis and scabies; normalize and balance overactive oil glands, dandruff and similar skin problems; oil invigorates the glandular system and boosts the digestive system for recovery after illness; jet lag; eases muscle pain and cramps; removes lactic acid and increases circulation; antidepressant; stimulant; deodorant; galactagogue; diuretic; antiseptic; fungicide; insecticide.
★    Basil – restorative, energizing, warming herb; nervine; migraine; aromatic; mildly sedative; analgesic; relieves insomnia; lowers fever;  antispasmodic (relaxes spasms); eases nausea; improves digestion; abdominal cramps; effective against internal parasites; antiseptic; anti-viral; colds and influenza; expectorant; emmenagogue; used in skin ointments for stress-induced skin complaints; relieves exhaustion and anxiety; anti-depressant; insecticide; tonic.
★    cranberry – acidic, anti-bacterial herb; acidifies and deodorize the urine; protects against urinary infections and the formation of stones; incontinence; for cystitis; beneficial for respiratory ailments.
★    Many spices also make good teas.

Spices

We consider herbs that are generally used in cooking as spices.  They add flavor, nutrition, and health giving benefits to foods.

Spices associated with holiday foods:

Poultry seasoning
★    Sage – astringent, antiseptic, tonic herb; relaxes spasms; suppresses profuse perspiration; reduces excessive salivation; reduces excessive lactation; night sweats (especially in menopause); improves liver function and digestion; increases appetite; indigestion; flatulence; has anti-inflammatory; anti-depressant;  anxiety; female sterility; regulates the menstrual cycle; menopausal problems; reduces night sweats during menopause; estrogenic effect; externally for insect bites, throat, mouth, gum and skin infections, and vaginal discharge; antioxidant; antimicrobial; antiviral; used in hair care to combat greasy and oily hair by regulating the sebum production of the scalp; skin problems; acne; small amounts of oil lightens a tired mind and fights depression and grief; on the skin, refines the texture; wound healing; clears up sores, ulcers and dermatitis; anti-inflammatory; antibacterial; antiseptic; antispasmodic; astringent; digestive; diuretic; emmenagogue; febrifuge; hypertensive; laxative; stomachic; tonic.
★    Thyme – warming herb; astringent; aromatic; antiseptic; anti-fungal; improves digestion; indigestion; gastritis; diarrhea; relaxes spasms; respiratory problems; controls coughing (including dry and whooping cough); bronchitis; excess bronchial mucus; asthma; laryngitis; externally for tonsillitis, gum disease, rheumatism, arthritis and fungal infections; invigorates and stimulates hair growth; dandruff; hair loss; oil bolsters the nerves; helps with concentration; boosts immune system; colds; flu; coughs; sore throat; laryngitis; bronchitis; tonsillitis; asthma; removes uric acid; gout; arthritis; rheumatism; stimulates digestion and urinary tract; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; antispasmodic; bactericide; cardiac; carminative; diuretic; emmenagogue; expectorant; hypertensive; insecticide; stimulant; tonic; vermifuge.
★    Onion – pungent herb; protects against infection; relaxes spasms; reduces blood pressure; reduces blood clotting; lowers blood sugar levels; expectorant; diuretic; minor digestive disturbances; bronchial and gastric infections; prevents age-related changes in blood vessels (arteriosclerosis); loss of appetite; externally, poultices of raw onion for acne, boils, wounds, and scars.
★    Marjoram – relaxing, calming, warming, expectorant and restorative herb; relieves spasms; stimulates circulation and the uterus; painful menstruation; bronchial and chest complaints; tension headaches; anxiety; and minor digestive upset; externally for bronchial congestion, muscular pain and strains, stiff joints and arthritis; oil bolsters the mind and spirit, banishes the feeling of grief and loneliness; easing sore achy muscles and swollen joints; stimulates peristaltic movements of the digestive system; menstrual cramps; on the skin for bruising and chilblains; analgesic; antiseptic; anti-spasmodic; carminative; digestive; emmenagogue; expectorant; laxative; nervine; restorative; sedative; tonic; vulnerary.
★    Black pepper – aromatic, pungent, warming herb; lowers fever; improves digestion; diuretic; laxative; relieves gas; lack of appetite; nausea; food poisoning; stomach chills; cholera; dysentery; vomiting caused by hypothermia; central nervous system depressant; anticonvulsant; analgesic;  anti-spasmodic; cardiac; antiseptic; antimicrobial; stimulates digestive and circulatory systems; tonic; insecticidal.
★    Celery seed – bitter aromatic herb; tones; reduces blood pressure; stimulates the uterus; relieve indigestion; diuretic; anti-inflammatory; aphrodisiac; sedative; improves digestion; osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; gout; inflamed urinary tract; asthma; bronchitis; nerve tonic; externally to combat fungal infections and to battle tumors.
★    Cayenne – tonic, antiseptic herb; stimulates circulatory system; increases perspiration; used during the cold stage of fevers; varicose veins; asthma; digestive problems (detoxifying, dyspepsia, colic. and flatulence); used for laryngitis as a gargle; used as a food preservative in the tropics; used externally for sprains, itching, arthritis, unbroken chilblains, neuralgia, and pleurisy.

Pumpkin pie spices
★    Cinnamon (actually cassia) – pungent, sweet, warming herb; stimulates circulation; relieves spasms; lowers fever and blood pressure; controls bleeding and infections; relieves indigestion; diarrhea; flatulent dyspepsia; colds; poor appetite; low vitality; under performing kidneys; colds; angina; palpitations; fevers; rheumatic and arthritic complaints
★    Ginger – sweet, pungent, warming, and aromatic herb; expectorant; increases perspiration; improves digestion and liver function; abdominal unease and feeling of fullness; motion sickness; nausea; morning sickness; indigestion; colic; abdominal chills; beneficial effect on ulcers; increases peristalsis and the secretion of bile and gastric juices; hypoglycaemic; cholesterol lowering; immune stimulant; anti-inflammatory; colds; influenza; coughing; nasal discharge; blood in the urine; chronic bronchitis; stimulates peripheral circulation; relaxes spasms; relieves pain; frigidity and impotence; externally for spasmodic pain, rheumatism, lumbago, menstrual cramps and sprains; oil sharpens the senses and memory; grounding; warm the body and the mind; removes excess moisture in the body (catarrh and phlegm).
★    Cloves – spicy, warming herb; relieve pain; placed on the gum near toothache; control nausea and vomiting; improve digestion; impotence; hiccups; protect against internal parasites; insect bites; antimicrobial against fungi, virus, and bacteria; cause uterine contractions; anti-inflammatory; antispasmodic; carminative; helps the smooth muscle lining the digestive tract to relax; insect repellant; antihistamine; stimulating effect on the mind.
★    Nutmeg – spicy bitter, astringent, and warming herb; digestive tonic; controls vomiting; abdominal distension and bloating; indigestion; colic; diarrhea; dysentery; gastroenteritis; relaxes spasms; respiratory catarrh; urinary incontinence;  premature ejaculation; externally anti-inflammatory; toothache; eczema; rheumatic or abdominal pain; oil has a psychotropic effect on the body (use sparingly); stimulates the mind; all-over tonic; analgesic; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; antispasmodic; carminative; digestive; emmenagogue; stimulant.

Mulling spices for cider
★    Cinnamon (actually cassia) – pungent, sweet, warming herb; stimulates circulation; relieves spasms; lowers fever and blood pressure; controls bleeding and infections; relieves indigestion; diarrhea; flatulent dyspepsia; colds; poor appetite; low vitality; under performing kidneys; colds; angina; palpitations; fevers; rheumatic and arthritic complaints
★    Allspice – fragrant, spicy, and warming herb; antiseptic; anesthetic; encourages digestion; flatulence; remedies diarrhea; stimulates the nervous system; eases nervous exhaustion; used in a liniment to treat chest infections and muscular aches and pains.
★    Orange and lemon peel – sour to bitter, aromatic, cooling herb; decongests the kidneys and liver; tones the immune system; diuretic; anti-inflammatory; improve peripheral circulation; stomachic; antacid; antiscorbutic; anti-neuralgic; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; astringent; bactericide; carminative; depurative; emollient; febrifuge; haemostatic; insecticide; laxative; tonic; vermifuge; oil is refreshing; boosts circulation;  varicose veins; cellulite; clears up greasy congested complexions; increases concentration; counteracts acidity in the body; arthritis; rheumatism; gout; cuts; minor wounds; softening scar tissue; smoothing out broken capillaries.
★    Nutmeg – spicy bitter, astringent, and warming herb; digestive tonic; controls vomiting; abdominal distension and bloating; indigestion; colic; diarrhea; dysentery; gastroenteritis; relaxes spasms; respiratory catarrh; urinary incontinence;  premature ejaculation; externally anti-inflammatory; toothache; eczema; rheumatic or abdominal pain; oil has a psychotropic effect on the body (use sparingly); stimulates the mind; all-over tonic; analgesic; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; antispasmodic; carminative; digestive; emmenagogue; stimulant.
★    Star anise – bitter sweet aromatic herb; aids digestion; stimulant; diuretic; colic; rheumatism (original source of chemical used in tamiflu); do not confuse with Japanese star anise, which is poisonous.
★    Cloves – spicy, warming herb; relieve pain; placed on the gum near toothache; control nausea and vomiting; improve digestion; impotence; hiccups; protect against internal parasites; insect bites; antimicrobial against fungi, virus, and bacteria; cause uterine contractions; anti-inflammatory; antispasmodic; carminative; helps the smooth muscle lining the digestive tract to relax; insect repellant; antihistamine; stimulating effect on the mind.
★    Fenugreek – bitter herb; increases milk-flow; painful menstruation; labor pains; stimulates the uterus; soothes irritated tissues; lowers fever; reduces blood sugar; improves digestion; weight loss; anorexia; poor appetite; gastric inflammation; promotes healing; laxative; expectorant; bronchial complaints; tuberculosis; diuretic; edema of the legs; kidney related pain; gout; arthritis; anti-parasitic; anti-tumor; hernia; rejuvenation; aphrodisiac; loss of libido; painful testicles; premature ejaculation; sprouts are also used to promote hair growth, especially in men; used externally for skin inflammations, ulcers, boils, eczema and cellulite.
★    Ginger – sweet, pungent, warming, and aromatic herb; expectorant; increases perspiration; improves digestion and liver function; abdominal unease and feeling of fullness; motion sickness; nausea; morning sickness; indigestion; colic; abdominal chills; beneficial effect on ulcers; increases peristalsis and the secretion of bile and gastric juices; hypoglycaemic; cholesterol lowering; immune stimulant; anti-inflammatory; colds; influenza; coughing; nasal discharge; blood in the urine; chronic bronchitis; stimulates peripheral circulation; relaxes spasms; relieves pain; frigidity and impotence; externally for spasmodic pain, rheumatism, lumbago, menstrual cramps and sprains; oil sharpens the senses and memory; grounding; warm the body and the mind; removes excess moisture in the body (catarrh and phlegm).

Project
Carpet Deodorizer

1 cup baking soda
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly.  Keep in an air tight container.  It will keep indefintely if sealed.

Sprinkle powder over carpet.  Let sit twenty minutes to an hour.  Vacuum.

This recipe can be multiplied as needed.  Mix up a bunch and keep on hand.  You are more likely to use it if it is handy.Lavender and Cedar Herbal Sachet

1 part lavender buds
1 part cedar wood chips

Combine ingredients.  Place a couple tablespoons of mixture in small muslin bags.  Tie bags with ribbon to close.  Tuck the bags away in corners of your house, in closets, or in drawers.

Cedar wood chips can be found in pet supply stores, as they are usually used for bedding.

Scented Drawer Liners

Use a heavy paper, like card stock, water color paper, or home made paper.  Cut to the desired size and shape.  Apply the oils to the paper.  Seal in a plastic air tight container with a lid for several days.  The oil will absorb completely in the paper, leaving no oily trace.  The scent will fade in a few months.  Just repeat the process.  For gift giving, roll the paper into a tube and tie with a ribbon.

Citrus Sunshine

4 drops tangerine essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops grapefruit essential oil

Lavender Woods

5 drops atlas cedarwood essential oil
3drops lavender essential oil

Soft and Sweet

5 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops rosewood essential oil
1 drop ylang ylang essential oil

Woodsy Musk

4 drops patchouli essential oil
4 drops cedarwood essential oil

by Mike Adams

(NaturalNews) The world of omega-3 superfoods just experienced a breakthrough. A new company called “Moxxor” has introduced a marine omega-3 oil supplement derived from green-lipped mussels grown and harvested in the aquaculture farms of New Zealand. This story explains why I’m endorsing this company, its products and its direct-sales compensation plan, how your support of Moxxor benefits NaturalNews, and how I came to be a product formulation advisor to the Moxxor organization.

As you read this, remember: I’m a skeptic when it comes to direct sales companies. I’ve been approached by dozens over the years, and I’ve turned them all down. And why? Because most of the products I’ve seen in direct sales companies aren’t very impressive. Few companies operate with the kind of integrity I demand of companies I choose to publicize. But as you’ll learn here, Moxxor is truly a unique company, and one that’s positioned to take off in 2009.

But to explain why, I first have to tell you about Noel.

Noel Turner, fisherman turned Moxxor CEO

Noel is the most high-energy New Zealander I’ve ever met. He waltzed right over to me after I finished an on-stage presentation to 500 people about South American rain forest herbs and gleefully introduced himself. Pumping my hand and grinning from ear to ear, he said his name was Noel Turner, and he was starting a health supplement network marketing company that would become a billion-dollar enterprise.

Sure. Right. Whatever. I hear it all the time. “I’m the ultimate skeptic on health products,” I told him. “And I’ve only recommended one network marketing company, and that’s the Amazon Herb Co.” I’m not even a distributor for that company, by the way. All my recommendations for AHC have been on a 100% volunteer basis.

That didn’t break his grin, not even for a second. He said he was a self-made millionaire, and he and his twin brother (Johnny) had made their fortune in aquaculture. Specifically, they farmed green-lipped mussels in the fjords of New Zealand.

Green-lipped mussels? Visions of clammy Vulcans came to mind. I didn’t really know what green-lipped mussels were, and I frankly wasn’t that interested at the time. Noel didn’t push the issue; he just flicked a business card into my hand, enthusiastically shook it twice for good measure, and said I’d be hearing from him.

Fast forward twelve months.

One day I get an interesting package in the mail. Upon opening it, I discover it contains six bottles of nutritional supplements made from — guess what? — green-lipped mussel oil.

Suddenly I remembered the conversation… New Zealand, Noel Turner, ah yes, it’s all making sense now. A note in the package said, “Try Moxxor, Mike. We’re launching in four months. This is the nutritional supplement you’ve been waiting for. - Noel Turner.”

Trying Moxxor for myself

Since Noel had gone through the trouble of sending me the product, I decided to at least do some research and see what he could possibly be so excited about. So I turned to Google and our own NaturalNews Naturalpedia, where I found numerous references to green-lipped mussel oil.

It turns out green-lipped mussel oil has remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. While I’ve been recommending astaxanthin and other omega-3 oils for their anti-inflammatory properties, this looked to me like something else I could recommend to readers who wanted to take a nutritional approach to supporting the body’s healthy response to inflammation in a way that’s safer and far less expensive than pharmaceuticals. I also knew omega-3s were great for supporting healthy moods and healthy neurological development in children. The Moxxor product also contains a healthy dose of DHA, the fatty acid linked to healthy neurological function in children (it’s found naturally in breast milk).

Further research also revealed this oil to be extraordinarily good at supporting skin health, heart health and healthy circulation — not surprising, given all the incredible news about omega-3 oils we’ve been reporting on NaturalNews for nearly five years. You can see our online presentation about Moxxor, by the way.

So I decided to try it. I popped a couple of the small Moxxor pills into my mouth and headed to the gym for a challenging workout.

Putting Moxxor to the test

That’s where I gave my body a real workout: Pilates, Capoeira, jumping rope, poi spinning, pushups and handstands… I did Spiderman crawls across the floor, dynamic contraction strength training and weird floor exercises I can’t even begin to describe. I went home knowing I’d be sore and inflamed the next day. (My lower back usually takes the worst hit from a day of exercise like that. It’s typically sore for days…)

To my great astonishment, I woke up the next morning an hour early. I felt wide awake, full of energy and ready to take on the day. What was up with that? I actually wanted to sleep another hour, but since I was up, I decided to start juicing and get an early start on the morning.

That’s when I realized my back didn’t hurt. It wasn’t sore at all. It wasn’t all crunched up like it usually is after a hard workout. And I didn’t even take any astaxanthin, either! Could this Moxxor green-lipped mussel oil actually work so quickly to ease my pain? To this day, I can’t make that claim with absolute certainty, but in my mind, Moxxor has without question supported my body’s ability to respond to the stress of exercise in a healthy, balanced way!

This experience reinforced my respect for the potential nutritional power of green-lipped mussel oil. In all my years of covering nutritional products, I’ve only found two products that contributed so much to my physical performance (including exercise recovery): Astaxanthin and Moxxor green-lipped mussel oil. It’s interesting that they both come from the ocean, isn’t it?

Connecting with the Turners

It wasn’t long before I picked up the phone and called back Noel Turner. I admitted I was really impressed with the effects of the product, but for me to recommend something like this (especially given that it’s a direct sales company), I would have to check him out in a lot more detail. (Due diligence is a very important part of my work as a natural health journalist.)

I needed to know the founders, how they lived day to day, what’s their philosophy, do they have business experience, is the product really pristine, what’s their dedication to environmental protection, and so on.

“Well fly out to California and visit our headquarters,” Noel said. “You can see the whole operation and meet the family.” He offered to pick me up at the airport in his “Moxxor mobile” (which was a luxury Mercedes that goes really, really fast, I later discovered…)

At this point, I was intrigued enough to get on a plane and just go. I figured, well maybe there’s a chance this is not the real deal, but there’s also a possibility this is something truly amazing, and it’s my job to check these things out for my readers, so I’m going.

And I did.

Speeding along in the Moxxor mobile

At the airport in Orange County, Noel and his brother Johnny met me at the curbside pickup area, driving their luxury Mercedes sedan. I hopped in the back seat and soon discovered Noel’s superb high-speed driving skills. (The Mercedes has amazing handling characteristics.)

Seventeen minutes later, we arrived at the $10 million Moxxor building. I was invited upstairs, to the corporate offices, where I met the top management team. From there, we sat down for several hours of questions and answers, all powered by superfoods and organic produce. (Noel drinks LivingFuel superfood, by the way. He learned about it on NaturalNews! He also likes DragonHerbs.com products, which are high-end Chinese Medicine formulas.)

Between you and me, I grilled these guys. Taking the skeptic’s point of view, I asked them all the tough questions: What’s the CO2 footprint of your product? (Try that on some business people sometime… it’ll leave them scratching their heads.) How are the green-lipped mussels fed? How are they harvested? What’s the highest temperature reached during processing? Are there any chemical solvents used in the extraction process? What scientific research do you have backing the health benefits of green-lipped mussel oil? What are the exact milligrams of each of the three ingredients in the formula?

Without going into all the detailed answers here (there’s another place for that), I can share that Moxxor passed with flying colors. I was genuinely impressed by all the answers they provided. They’re on-board with the philosophy of doing well by doing good, and they have a clear, inspired vision of bringing healthy living to millions of adults, children and senior citizens, many of whom are dangerously deficient in fish oils, omega-3 oils and vitamin D. (And green-lipped mussel oil, in my view, is a phenomenal combination of all three!)

I said, “Okay, well what’s next? You want me to write about your company, right?” Because that’s what companies usually want me to do. And it’s my job to sort out the junk companies from the quality companies. I could already tell this was a rare find — a quality company that had a bright future.

But they had other plans.

The Moxxor / NaturalNews partnership

Instead of asking me to write about the company, they invited me to be part of the product formulation advisory board! I was asked to offer guidance on future product formulations, just to make sure they stayed at the forefront of the industry and used only the very best ingredients in their products. Zero junk, zero fillers, zero chemicals, that sort of thing.

No problem, I said. I’d love to bring my nutritional knowledge to the table so I can help your company stay at the lead of this industry. The network marketing industry needs more high-integrity companies, especially given all the junk that exists in the marketplace.

That’s when they asked that I delay mentioning Moxxor on NaturalNews for a while and that I hold off on publishing any sign-up links on the website until they were good and ready with a sufficient inventory of product.

Sign-up links? I asked them, “What are you talking about? I’m writing about your company as a journalist. Why are you talking about recruitment?”

“Simple,” Noel answered, “Because we want to offer NaturalNews a founding, top-level distribution position in the company when it launches.”

Starting at the very top

Stop the music for a second. I’ve made a career out of saying no to nutritional supplement companies, and in doing so, I’ve established a hard-won reputation for telling the truth about supplements, anti-cancer nutrients and the dangers of pharmaceuticals.

In that process, I’ve helped many supplement companies become extremely successful. I don’t know how many hundreds or thousands of distributors I’ve helped get involved with the Amazon Herb Co., but I know they come up to me all the time in public and thank me for introducing them. And yet during all that time, I never made a dime from them.

That’s when I remembered my 7 Principles of Mindful Wealth. As I’ve publicly shared in that report, there’s no karma in staying poor. What really matters in this modern world when it comes to money is whether you can mindfully earn and redistribute wealth.

If you can do that with ethics, and with the respect for sustainable life on our planet, then you deserve to attract more wealth. The universe wants you to attract more financial resources when you’re the right person to decide how to use it. And here I was, in the headquarters of the Moxxor company, being invited by the founders to participate in a potentially huge health-related financial opportunity being put right in my lap. It was also, I realized, something that could eventually replace our existing revenue source on NaturalNews, which is primarily Google.

I also realized that if I could encourage NaturalNews readers to be part of this launch, then I could replace the Google ads (which pay profits to Google) with Moxxor ads that ultimately distribute profits to NaturalNews team members who enroll with Moxxor.

Kind of a no brainer, huh? Let’s see: By launching Moxxor on NaturalNews, we could stop sending profits to Google and redirect those profits to NaturalNews readers and NaturalNews health freedom operations… while at the same time eliminating those annoying Google ads that always appear for products we don’t even support…

(Keep reading to see how YOU can benefit from the NaturalNews efforts on Moxxor. We have literally put a system in place where NaturalNews readers can receive significant financial benefits from being on the NaturalNews team. It’s all explained below…)

When I thought about all the positive implications for NaturalNews, its readers, and the opportunity that had been placed right in front of my nose, for the first time in my life as a natural health journalist, I said YES. I would embrace this company, its products, and this opportunity, but only under certain conditions. They listened as I explained…

I would quit if they ever cheapened the product and filled it with junk. I would not stand for pollution of the environment during product processing, and I emphasized my desire that the gelatin capsules be switched over to plant-based capsules as soon as possible. (I know the cows in New Zealand are pure and all that, but I still wanted to see a commitment to shift towards plant-based capsules in the long term.)

Furthermore, I specifically asked that before the harvest of the green-lipped mussels, the aquaculture fields be blessed with positive intention, and thanks be given to the oceans and Mother Nature for providing such abundance. They not only agreed; Noel invited me to New Zealand to bless the aquaculture fields myself!

I’m flying there in November…

The NaturalNews Moxxor team

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been working behind the scenes to build the most successful health product direct sales team in the world. Hundreds of health-conscious, eco-conscious people have already joined the NaturalNews Moxxor team (including many N.D.s, M.D.s, chiropractors, herbalists, bodywork practitioners, and more), and we’ve accomplished a tremendous amount in a short time:

• A phenomenal team of hundreds of distributors in more than 28 states, 4 countries and covering 5 spoken languages. See our directory of our top distributors.

• Weekly LIVE audio events every Tuesday evening (led by myself), plus an archive of each week’s audio file that you can download as MP3.

• A high-end, impactful online presentation that can be personalized to each distributor so that the enrollment clicks go directly to them. See this presentation (when you enroll with us, you’ll receive a personalized page just for you).

• A series of audio marketing tools and interviews that each distributor can freely burn to audio CDs and hand out to others.

• A support team that can help answer questions and provide information to help NaturalNews team members reach success as quickly as possible.

… and there’s more on the way. I’m not going to spill the beans on what else we’re about to release for NaturalNews Moxxor team members, but I can confidently tell you this: In the history of network marketing, nobody has ever created the level of authenticity, positive purpose and replication technologies that we now have available for those who decide to join our team. We’re combining purpose, products and technology in a way that’s simply never been done before.

That’s why the NaturalNews Moxxor team delivers a high-integrity product, a generous compensation plan and a pledge to create lasting good with the funds we generate. Everything we do is 100% aligned with our 7 Principles of Mindful Wealth, which describes a set of powerful principles for attracting and redistributing wealth in a mindful way that helps create a better world.

If you’d like to join us in this mission, you can enroll with us.

Once you enroll, you’ll be part of the rapidly-growing NaturalNews team, which has already become something of a phenom in professional network marketing circles due to the degree of integrity, technology tools and support we bring to our team members.

Watch our video before enrolling to learn what Moxxor is all about and how you can earn a healthy income stream as a member of our team.

Although I don’t have a crystal ball, I think Moxxor could be the next $1 billion health product network marketing company. I can’t guarantee it, of course, but all my sense in the health products industry tells me this is going to be wildly successful. I’ve watched other companies succeed, and I can see that Moxxor has the key ingredients for real long-term success: Honest products, personal integrity and a generous compensation plan that encourages team building. In just the last 30 days, we’ve see explosive growth just from the early adopters who got on board through my Mindful Wealth email list. Some are already earning respectable incomes with Moxxor, and one woman I know just gave her two-week notice to her employer so she could focus full time on the NaturalNews Moxxor team!

Building a conscious team that stands for truth, health and protecting life
I’m very conscious about the type of team we are building here. The NaturalNews team is right now attracting dedicated, health-conscious people who already live a holistic lifestyle. We want people who eat superfoods, who exercise and who are into protecting life on Earth and supporting good causes. We want people who will commit to a code of ethical principles surrounding money, and who will put their new found wealth to an important application that helps solve the pressing problems in our world.

If this resonates with you, you’ll enjoy being part of the NaturalNews Moxxor team. It’s not only a phenomenal team filled with intelligent, high-vibration individuals; it’s also a team populated with many successful business entrepreneurs who can help show you how to create a healthy income that pays you month after month, year after year. NaturalNews will even help support your success in a multitude of ways!

If you’ve been looking for good news about health and wealth, I think the universe just brought it to you. Learn about the NaturalNews Moxxor opportunity, and if you’d like to be part of our rapidly-expanding team, get enrolled right now.

In future articles here on NaturalNews.com, I’ll be reviewing Moxxor’s green-lipped mussel oil and comparing it to other omega-3 oil sources (krill oil, fish oil, flax oil, salmon oil, etc.) In fact, we’ve planned a whole series of articles on green-lipped mussel oil. And guess what? When you’re on the NaturalNews Moxxor team, you can freely post these articles on your own website or blog site, and replace our own enrollment link with YOURS. You have my full permission to do that right now.

I look forward to seeing you on the NaturalNews Moxxor team, and when you try this product yourself, you immediately come to recognize why I’m so excited about this product, this opportunity and this new revenue stream for YOU and US. This is teamwork at its best, and the way in which we have approached this — sharing leads with team members, distributing free tools, etc. — demonstrated our integrity and our commitment to helping YOU achieve lasting success as part of the NaturalNews Moxxor team.

We have been told that moderate use of alcohol is good for the heart. However, reports from the Framingham Study show that moderate to heavy alcohol use is associated with damage to brain tissue. Such damage to the brain may lead to higher risk of stroke or dementia.

The Framingham Study began in 1948 to follow the residents of Framingham, Massachusetts and their offspring. The study is now following a third generation of participants. The goal of the study is to follow people over a long period of time, documenting their state of cardiovascular disease.

At the beginning of the study, subjects have no evidence of heart disease. The subjects are put through a series of tests every two years. Over time, medical records are analyzed to determine risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Much of the information published about risk factors for heart disease and stroke comes from this study.

The American Academy of Neurology presented evidence in 2007 from Wellesley College, Massachusetts. Carol Ann Paul M.S. and her associates reported that even moderate amounts of alcohol are associated with brain atrophy and possibly an increased risk of dementia or stroke.

Researchers performed MRI scans on 1,839 people aged 34 to 88 to compare the volume of brain tissue to their cranial size. Subjects were classified as non-drinkers, former drinkers, low drinkers (1 to 7 drinks per week), moderate drinkers (8 to 14 drinks per week), or high drinkers (more than 14 drinks per week). Brain shrinkage numbers increased by .25 percent as amount and frequency of drinking increased. People who consumed more than 14 drinks per week had brains which averaged 1.6 percent smaller than those who did not drink alcohol. For women, especially those in their 70’s, the change was more dramatic than for men. Researchers speculated that the differences may be associated with the smaller body mass of women. In addition, those who had a longer history of heavy alcohol consumption also had more brain atrophy. The team noted that men were more likely to become heavy drinkers than women.

The same group reported again in 2008 in the Journal of the American Medical Association: “The public health effect of this study gives a clear message about the possible dangers of drinking alcohol,” the authors write. “… This study suggests that, unlike the associations with cardiovascular disease, alcohol consumption does not have any protective effect on brain volume.” They suggest further, longer term studies to determine the full impact of these findings.

In general, brain volume decreases with age at an estimated rate of 1.9 percent every ten years. At the same time white matter lesions replace grey matter. Lower brain mass and white lesions are associated with problems in movement, thinking, learning, and memory.

A 2006 study from the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam observed that people who developed dementia decreased in brain volume between 5 and 17 percent during the eight year study. Those who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s had a decrease up to 40 percent. People with atrophy in parts of the brain known as the amygdala and hippocampus had the highest risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The accelerated loss of grey matter under the influence of alcohol is worth considering before you down that second (or third) serving of spirits.

Resources

JAMA and Archives Journals (2008, October 14). Drinking Alcohol Associated With Smaller Brain Volume. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 16, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081013171421.htm

Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School Of Public Health (2003, December 5). Moderate Alcohol Consumption Linked To Brain Shrinkage. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 16, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/12/031205052952.htm

American Academy of Neurology (2007, May 3). Drinking Heavy Amounts Of Alcohol Shrinks Your Brain. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 16, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070502172317.htm

http://www.abstracts2view.com/aan2007boston/html/P05.030.html

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/347670/reduced_brain_volume_may_predict_dementia/index.html

A friend posted this on her blog.  The data is a couple years old, but it is the most comprehensive treatment of the subject I have seen in one place.

Please note: This is NOT an exemption form. This document is designed to facilitate the discussion between you and those you choose to discuss your decision to refuse vaccines. Many states have prescribed forms which they use for exemption purposed. Check the exemption page on this web site for a link to individual state laws.

REFUSAL OF RECOMMENDED VACCINES

Patient Name_______________________________ Birthdate_______________

As the parent/guardian of __________________________, I have investigated the risks and benefits of the following vaccines and diseases. I am aware that there are documented cases of people contracting diseases for which they are clinically fully immunized and that the manufacturers of the vaccines do not guarantee 100% efficacy. I am also aware that VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System) documented cases of over 54,000 adverse reactions from vaccines in a 20-month period. The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (The Vaccine Court) received 366 new petitions for compensation between 1/5/04 and 3/30/04. The National Vaccine Injury Fund, created in 1986 to compensate families of vaccine-damaged children, had paid out over 1.4 billion dollars in compensation 1986 to 10/21/04.

POLIO: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing paralytic disease and meningitis associated with poliomyelitis. I understand that even under epidemic conditions, natural polio produces no symptoms in over 90% of those exposed to it.(1) I understand that there have been no cases of wild polio in the US in the last 20 years and that those cases which have been documented have been caused by the vaccine.(2)
I understand the following side effects for the vaccine are possible:
Killed virus polio: temperature of *102° in up to 38%, sleepiness, fussiness, crying, decreased appetite, vomiting, Guillain-Barré Syndrome and allergic reaction in those allergic to neomycin, polymyxin B and streptomycin. Precautions include those who have had a previous negative reaction, pregnant women, and possibly those with HIV/AIDS or otherwise compromised immune systems.

Live virus polio: Reactions include contraction of polio by those who have received the virus and by those who have come into contact with body fluids and wastes of the immunized person. Paralytic symptoms may follow contraction of polio. Live virus is reportedly shed for up to 8 weeks after the inoculation. Guillain-Barré Syndrome has also been noted. Not recommended for use in households where someone has a compromised immune system, for pregnant women, or where a previous reaction has been reported.(3)

Killed virus Ipol® is grown on monkey kidney cells, contains formaldehyde, and triple antibiotics. Poliovax® is grown on cells from an aborted baby, contains formaldehyde, cow serum and triple antibiotic solution.(4) The monkey kidney cells used in the original killed polio vaccine contains SIV-40 and has been found in tumor cells of children whose parent’s were vaccinated against polio using the contaminated virus.(5) The live vaccine is grown on monkey kidney cells, antibiotics and calf serum.

HEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE B: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing meningitis (although this vaccine will not protect the child from meningitis from all other forms such as pneumococcus, and meningococcus, viruses, and fungi), pneumonia, and infections of the blood, joints, bone, and soft tissue associated with Hemophilus Influenzae B. I understand that this disease is most likely in children up to 15 months of age and is fatal in 3-6% of children who contract it. Incidence of this disease today is low and the vaccine has not proven to be highly effective in 41% of cases, according to some studies.(6) Treatment is available.

The vaccine is often combined with the DPT which has the highest reaction rate of any vaccine available today. Reactions include: contracting HIB, localized pain, erythema and induration, fever >100.6°, irritability, lethargy, anorexia, rhinorrhea, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, when administered alone. Reactions occurred in up to 30% of patients. When administered in conjunction with the DPT, reactions include local tenderness erythema and induration, fever >100.8°, irritability, drowsiness, anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, persistent crying, seizures, urticaria, hives, renal failure, Guillain-Barré Syndrome and death. Reactions occurred in up to 77.9% of patients.(7)
The vaccine contains yeast, thimerosal (mercury derivative), and diphtheria toxoid when given alone.(8)

PERTUSSIS: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing whooping cough, pneumonia, convulsions, inflammation of the brain, and death associated with pertussis. I understand the disease is rarely fatal, with a 99.8% recovery rate. It is most serious and life-threatening in children under 6 months old, but there are adequate methods of treatment available.(9)

The vaccine is most often given in conjunction with diphtheria and tetanus as the DPT or as the DaPT.

Pertussis vaccine may cause: fevers >106, pain swelling, diarrhea, projectile vomiting, excessive sleepiness, high–pitched screaming, inconsolable crying bouts, seizures, convulsions, collapse, shock, breathing problems, brain damage and SIDS. One in 600 suffer a severe reaction in one study (10) and 1 in 875 suffered shock-collapse and convulsions.(11) Those in the 2nd study were only tracked for the first 48 hours following immunization. A more recent study indicates that 1 in 100 react with convulsions, collapse, or high-pitched screaming and 1 in 3 of those cases sustained permanent brain damage.(12) In a study of 103 children who died of SIDS, 70% died within 3 weeks of the DPT vaccine and 37% of those died within the first week.(13)

The DaPT is recommended as a safer option for vaccination. Side effects of the DaPT were only tracked for 72 hours and included: tenderness, erythema, induration, fever >102.2°, drowsiness, fretfulness, vomiting, upper respiratory infection, diarrhea, rash, febrile seizures, persistent or unusual crying, lethargy, hypronic-hyporesponsive episode, urticaria, anaphylactic shock, convulsions, encephalopathy, mono- and polyneuropathies and death.(14) Not recommended for children under 15 months or for those who have not had 3 injections of the DPT.

Either form of the vaccine contains thimerosal (mercury derivative), formaldehyde, and aluminum phosphate.(15)

DIPHTHERIA: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing paralysis, heart failure, or respiratory failure associated with diphtheria. I have also been informed that there have only been 5 cases reported annually since 1980.(16) I am also aware that diphtheria is rarely fatal and treated with antibiotics and bed rest. (17)

The Diphtheria component is most often given within the DPT or DaPT and includes the same side effects and reactions as those listed for pertussis.

TETANUS: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing fatal neuromuscular disease related to tetanus. I understand that the incidence of tetanus is low, and there is an antitoxin, should we decline the immunization. I understand that contracting tetanus does not provide life-long immunity, and neither does the vaccine. I understand that to prevent more severe reactions from the vaccine, the tetanus component has been so significantly “diluted” that it is clinically ineffective.(18) I understand that the death rate for properly treated cases of tetanus may be as high as 20%.(19)

Side effects of the tetanus vaccine alone include: high fever, pain, recurrent abscess formation, inner ear nerve damage, demyelinating neuropathy, anaphylactic shock and loss of consciousness.(20)

Tetanus given in the DPT or DaPT shot include the same side effects and reactions as those listed for pertussis.

RUBEOLA (MEASLES): I have been informed of the risk of my child developing pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), degenerative disease of the nervous system with convulsions (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis) related to rubeola. I understand the death rate for measles is .03 in 100,000.(21) I understand that since 1984, over 55% of documented, confirmed cases of measles have been in fully immunized persons.(22)

I understand that the greatest risk of the measles vaccine may be to push the incidence of this disease into the late teens and adulthood where it is more likely to be fatal or cause more adverse and long-term effects.(23)

The measles vaccine is a live vaccine, and carries the risk that it will cause the patient to contract measles. Other adverse reactions include: stinging or burning at the injection site, anaphylaxis, fever up to one month following injection, rash, cough, rhinitis, erythema multiforme, lymphadenopathy, urticaria, diarrhea, febrile convulsions, seizures, thrombocytopenia, purpura, vasculitis, optic neuritis, retrobulbar neuritis, papillitis, retinitis, encephalitis and encephalopathy, ocular palsies, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, ataxia, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.(24)
Measles vaccine is most often given as a part of the MMR which includes the following side effects: burning or stinging at injection site, malaise, sore throat, cough, rhinitis, headache, dizziness, fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, erythema, induration, tenderness, lymphadenopathy, parotitius, orchitis, nerve deafness, thrombocytopenia, purpura, allergic reactions, urticaria, polyneuritis, arthralgia, arthritis, anaphylaxis, vasculitis, otitis media, conjunctivitis, febrile convulsions, seizures, syncope, erythema multiforme, optic neuritis, retrobulbar neuritis, papillitis, retinitis, encephalitis and encephalopathy, ocular palsies, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, ataxia, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis,(25) and a recent study from Europe indicates that there may be a link between the MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccine and autism and irritable bowel syndrome.(26)

Measles vaccine contains chick embryo cells, neomycin, sorbitol and hydrolyzed gelatin. MMR contains all live vaccines, chick embryo, cells from aborted babies, neomycin, sorbitol and hydrolyzed gelatin.(27)

MUMPS: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing inflammation of the testicles, joints, kidneys, and/or thyroid, and hearing impairment related to mumps. I understand that mumps is rarely harmful in childhood, and that most of the above risks occur when mumps is contracted in adolescence or adulthood.(28)

I understand that there is a Mumps vaccine which poses the following risks: contraction of mumps from the live vaccine, burning or stinging at the injection site, anaphylaxis, cough, rhinitis, fever, diarrhea, vasculitis, parotitis, orchitis, purpura, urticaria, erythema multiforme, optic neuritis, retrobulbar neuritis, syncope, encephalitis, febrile seizures, and nerve deafness.(29)

Mumps is usually given in the MMR and may cause those side effects and adverse reactions as noted in the measles section above.

Mumps vaccine is live and should not be given to pregnant women. It is cultured in chick embryos and contains sorbitol and hydrolyzed gelatin.(30)

RUBELLA (GERMAN MEASLES): I have been informed of the risk of my child developing inflammation of the brain or joints, and of the risk of birth defects (including eye defects, heart defects, deafness, mental retardation, growth failure, jaundice, and disorders of blood clotting) in infants born to mothers who contract rubella during pregnancy, related to rubella. Therefore, I understand that the greatest risk to my child may be if she never contracts rubella as a child, but when she is pregnant and it damages her unborn child. If she contract rubella in childhood, she is immune for life, and prior to the vaccine 85% of the population was immune.(31) I understand that if she is not immune as an adult, she can choose to take the vaccine prior to becoming pregnant. I understand that many of those who contract rubella have been immunized (up to 80%). (32)

Adverse reactions from the vaccine among teenage girls is 5-10% and 30% in adult women.(33) Adverse reactions include: contracting rubella from the live virus in the vaccine, burning or stinging at the site, lymphadenopathy, urticaria, rash, malaise, sore throat, fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, polyneuritis, arthralgia, arthritis, local pain and inflammation, erythema multiforme, cough, rhinitis, vasculitis, anaphylaxis, syncope, optic neuritis, retrobulbar neuritis, papillitis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, encephalitis, thrombocytopenia, purpura, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. (34)

Rubella is most often administered in the MMR and may cause those side effects and adverse reactions listed under measles.

Rubella is cultured on the tissue of an aborted child. This child was the 27th child aborted and tested by researchers due to exposure to rubella in a pregnant woman. It contains neomycin, sorbitol and hydrolyzed gelatin.(35)

HEPATITIS B: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing Hepatitis B viral infection which can cause chronic inflammation of the liver leading to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and possibly death. I understand that my child’s risk of developing Hepatitis B is low if I am not a carrier or infected, if my child does not engage in promiscuous sex or use drugs. I understand that there is antibiotic treatment for HepB and that most of those who contract it recover.(36) I understand that the HepB vaccine only contains strains of HepB and is not effective against HepA, C, D, E, F, or G.

I understand that the HepB vaccine has the following side effect and adverse reactions: induration, erythema, swelling, fever, headache, dizziness, pain, prutitus, ecchymosis, sweating, malaise, chills, weakness, flushing, tingling, hypotension, flu-like symptoms, upper respiratory illness, nausea, anorexia, abdominal pain and cramping, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, lymphadenopathy, pain or stiffness in muscles and joints, arthralgia, myalgia, back pain, rash, urticaria, petechiae, sleepiness, insomnia, irritability, agitation, anaphylaxis, angioedema, arthritis, tachycardia/palpitations, bronchospasm, abnormal liver function tests, dyspepsia, migraine, syncope, paresis neuropathy, hypothesis, paresthesis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Bell’s Palsy, transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis, thrombocytopenia, eczema, purpura, herpes zoster, erythema modosum, alopecia, conjunctivitis, keratisis, visual disturbances, vertigo, tinnitus, earache, and dysuria.(37) The studies only followed patients for 4 days post-vaccination.
The most commonly used HepB vaccine contains thimerosal, although a relatively new release does not contain thimerosal. The vaccine also contains: aluminum hydroxide, yeast protein, and phosphate buffers.(38)

VARICELLA (CHICKENPOX): I have been informed of the risk of my child developing chicken pox which could potentially result in pneumonia, secondary skin or generalized infections, or, if caught during pregnancy, birth defects in the baby. I understand chicken pox is generally benign in children, but results in significant lost hours at work for parents. Chicken pox in adults often manifests as shingles, a chronic and painful condition. I also understand that contracting chicken pox later in life may increase my risk for herpes simplex.

Side effects and adverse reactions for the chicken pox vaccine include: contracting chicken pox from the live vaccine (27%), pain and redness at site, swelling, erythema, rash, pruritus, hematoma, induration, stiffness, upper respiratory illness, cough, irritability/nervousness, fatigue, disturbed sleep, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, otitis, diaper rash/contact rash, nausea, eye complaints, chills, lymphadenopathy, myalgia, lower respiratory illness, headache, teething, malaise, abdominal pain, other rash, allergic reactions including rash and hives, stiff neck, heat rash/prickly heat, arthralgia, eczema/dry skin/dermatitis, constipation, itching, pneunonitis, febrile seizures, and cold/canker sore.(39)

Varicella vaccine is cultured on cells from aborted babies, and guinea pig cell cultures. It contains live virus, monisodium glutamate (msg), sucrose, phosphate, processed gelatin, neomycin and fetal calf serum. (40)

HEPATITIS A (HAV): I have been informed of the risk of my child developing HAV which could potentially result in prolonged or relapsed hepatitis, but will not result in chronic hepatitis disease. (41) HAV usually causes mild “flu-like” illness, jaundice, severe stomach pains and diarrhea; and, in rare cases may result in death. Infection confers lifelong immunity. (42) I understand that the CDC admits that good personal hygiene (handwashing) and proper santitation can prevent HAV. (43)

HAV infection is spread by contaminated water or food, infected food handlers, unsanitary conditions following natural disasters, ingestion of raw or undercooked shellfish, institutionalized individuals, children not yet toilet trained, blood transfusions or sharing needles with infected people. Transmission is most likely in developing countries where sanitation is poor and infection rate of children under 5 is 90%. Fatality rate is less than .6% overall, and 70% of those in patients over 49 years, many of whom have underlying liver disease. (44) Other at-risk populations include those living on American Indian reservations and in Alaskan Native villages, homosexually active men, IV drug users, people using clotting factor concentrates and international travelers. (45)
Side effects and adverse reactions from the vaccine include: injection-site soreness, headache, fever, malaise, induration, redness, swelling, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, pruritis, rash, utricaria, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysgeusia, vomiting, arthralgia, elevated cratine phosphokinase, myalgia, lymphadenopathy, hypertonic episodes, insomnia, photophobia, and vertigo. (46)
Aborted fetal tissue is an ingredient in the Havrix® Hep A vaccine, as is formaldehyde, aluminum hydroxide and 2-phenozyethanol.(47)

There is currently a combination Hep A and B vaccine, Twinrix®, being tested in the UK. (48) Twinrix is grown in human cell cultures, contains 2-phenoxyethanol, neomycin sulfate, polysorbate, tromentamol and formaldehyde. (49)

PNEUMOCOCCAL: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing pneumococcal disease which could result in meningitis, blood infection, pneumonia and/or ear infections. Iunderstand studies indicate that this vaccine may only decrease ear infections by 9%, and only result in a 20% reduction in chronic ear infections and ear tube insertion in that group.

I understand that my child has a 7.5:5,000 chance of deveoping this disease if he or she is under age 2 and a 1:5000 chance of developing it if over age 2. Risk factors for developing this disease are: immunoglobulin deficiency, nephrotic syndrome, Hodgkin’s disease, congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, some upper respiratory infections, splenic dysfunctions, splenectomy or organ transplant. This vaccine (PCV) was originally marketed for immunocompromised children. (50) This vaccine is contraindicated to children with thrombocytopenia, coagualtion disorders, or sensitivity to diphtheria toxoid.(51)

Possible side effects and complications from the vaccine include: erythema, induration, tenderness, interference of limb movement, inflamation, fever, irritability, drowsiness, restless sleep, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fussiness, rash, hives, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, otitis media (ear infection), sepsis, seizure, anaphylaxis and death.(52) Recipients were followed for 3 days and almost 10% of the subjects made a visit to the emergency room in the follow-up period. There were 8 cases of SIDS in the 17,066 subjects involved in the trial.(53) Note: Children in the studies’ control group received another experimental vaccine, so there have been no trial studies done with children who received no vaccine.(54)

Prevnar contains .125 mg of aluminum sulfate, protein polysaccharides from 7 strains of strep. pneumoniae bacteria, diphtheria toxin, casamino acids, yeast extract. Studies indicate that it may interfere with the safety and efficacy of other vaccines.(55)

FLU: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing influenza, which could result in hospitalization for respiratory complications, pneumonia and death. I understand less than 175 people died from the flu in the US during 2003. I understand that there is no guarantee that the flu strains chosen for this year will be the flu strains that are active this year. I understand that from 1999 - 2003, 70 - 80% of the sniffles, fevers, and body aches did not test positive for influenza regardless of the flu strain used.
The most common reactions to injected flu vaccines, which begin within 12 hours of vaccination and can last several days are: fever, fatigue, painful joints and headache. The most serious reaction that has been associated with flu vaccine is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which occurs most often within two to four weeks of vaccination. GBS is an immune mediated nerve disorder characterized by muscle weakness, unsteady gait, numbness, tingling, pain and sometimes paralysis of one or more limbs or the face. Recovery takes several months and can include residual disability. Less than 5 percent of GBS cases end in death. Brain and nerve disorders such as encephalopathy, optic neuritis, partial facial paralysis, and brachial plexus neuropathy as well as vasculitis also have been reported following the flu vaccine, although a definite causal relationship has not been established. (56) A tenfold increase in Alzheimer’s disease exists for those who receive the flu vaccine five years in a row. (57)

FluMist: Reported adverse effects in children include runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, headache, irritability, decreased activity, fever, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting. In adults the most common side effects were runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fever, chills and tiredness or weakness. Other adverse events that occurred in children were abdominal pain, asthma, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, viral syndrome, otitis media (middle ear infection), and wheezing or shortness of breath.(58)

Fluzone is propagated in chick embryos. It contains formaldehyde, sucrose, polyethylene glycol, sodium phosphate, salt and thimerosal.(59) Fluvirin is prepared in chicken eggs and contains thimerosal, neomycin, polymyxin, and phosphate-buffered saline. (60)
FluMist is a live vaccine propagated in chicken eggs, and contains potassium phosphate, sucrose (table sugar) and monosodium glutamate (MSG). (61)

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV): I have been informed of the risk of developing HPV. HPV is a sexually-transmitted disease that can cause genital warts, and it’s most severe stage, cervical cancer. I understand that there are more than 100 forms of HPV and that the currently available vaccine only covers four of the strains; current screening for HPV looks for 13 ‘high risk’ strains. The CDC estimated that 20 million people in the US had HPV and many strains cause no harm. (62) I understand current research shows that most women will quickly clear the infection on their own, and very few will develop pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions. Use of the vaccine will not cure HPV infection, and the duration of the longest HPV vaccine studies covered less than 50% of the time it takes to progress from CIN 2 or 3 levels to cervical cancer, so 100% efficacy cannot realistically be proven. (63) HPV vaccination does not take the place of routine Pap screens. (64)

The most common reactions to the HPV vaccines were pain, swelling, redness and itching at the injection site. More than 90% of vaccine test subjects and more than 85% of subjects receiving the aluminum-containing placebo experienced at least one of these reactions. (65) Other reactions from the vaccine included: systemic fever, nausea, nasopharyngitis, dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, myalgia, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, malaise, arthralgia, insomnia and nasal congestion. More severe reactions included headache, gastroenteritis, appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, asthma, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, arrhythmia, juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, arthritis and reactive arthritis. There were also statistically higher levels of birth defects in women who got pregnant within 30 days of receiving the vaccine and in more than 30 cases of birth defects in women who became pregnant after 30 days from either Gardasil® or the aluminum-containing placebo. (66)

Gardasil® is currently the only HPV vaccine approved for use and contains 225mcg of aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, sodium chloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium borate, water, and proteins from HPV strains 6, 11, 16 and 18 grown in yeast fermentation medium. (67)

Reference List
1. M. Burnet and D. White, The Natural History of Infectious Disease (Cambridge, 1972), p. 16.
2. Strebel, et al, “Epidemology in the U.S. One Decade After the Last Reported Case of Indigenous Wild Virus Associated Disease,” Clinical Infectious Diseases, (Center for Disease Control, February 1992), pp. 568-79.
3. Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR), 50th Edition; Medical Economics, 1996, p. 1388-1390.
4. Ibid, p. 885-886 and 891-892.
5. J. Butel, et al; “Molecular Evidence of Simian Virus 40 Infections in Children”, The Journal of Infectious Diseases ; September 1999;180:884-887.
6. PDR, 50th Edition, p. 872-875.
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. Richard Moskowitz, M.D., “Immunizations: The Other Side,” Mothering, (Spring1984),p. 34.
10. Immunization: Survey of Recent Research, (United States Department of Health and Human Services, April 1983), p. 76.
11. “Nature and Rates of Adverse Reactions Associated with DPT and DT Immunizations…,” Pediatrics, Volume 68, No. 5 (November 1981).
12. Walene James, Immunization the Reality Behind the Myth, (South Hadley, Massachusetts: Bergin & Garvey, 1988), p. 14.
13. W.C. Torch, “Diptheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) immunization: A potential cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS),” (Amer. Academy of Neurology, 34th Annual Meeting, Apr 25 - May 1, 1982), Neurology 32(4), pt. 2.
14. PDR, p. 875-879 and 892-895.
15. Ibid.
16. Robert Mendelsohn, M.D., How to Raise A Healthy Child…In Spite of your Doctor (Chicago: Contemporary Books, 1984), p.223.
17. Ibid. 244-246
18. Isaac Golden, Ph.D., Vaccination? A Review of Risks and Alternatives, (Geelong, Victoria, Australia: Arum Healing Centre, 1991), p. 31
19. Richard Moskowitz, M.D., “Immunizations: The Other Side,” Mothering, (Spring1984),p. 34.
20. Isaac Golden, Ph.D., Vaccination? A Review of Risks and Alternatives; p. 71
21. R. Mendoholson; How to Raise a Healthy Child; p. 217.
22. John Frank Jr., M.D., et al. “Measles Elimination - Final Impediments,” 20th Immunization Conference Proceedings, May 6-9, 1985, p. 21.
23. Infectious Diseases (January 1982), p. 21.
24. PDR, p. 1610-1611.
25. DR, p. 1687-1689.
26. Sara Solovitch, “Do vaccines spur autism in kids?”, San Jose Mercury News, 5/25/99.
27. PDR, p. 1687-89, 1610-1611.
28. Richard Moskowitz, M.D., “Immunizations: The Other Side,” Mothering, (Spring1984),p. 35.
29. PDR, 1708-1709.
30. Ibid.
31. R. Mendoholson; How to Raise a Healthy Child; p. 218.
32. Dr. Beverley Allan, Australian Nurses Journal, (May 1978).
33. Hannah Allen, Don’t Get Stuck: The Case Against Vaccinations…, (Oldsmar, FL: Natural Hygiene Press, 1985), p. 144.
34. DR, p. 1697-1699.
35. Ibid and Attenuation Of RA 27/3 Rubella Virus in WI-38 Human Diploid Cells; Amer J Dis Child vol 118 Aug 1969 and Studies of Immunization With Living Rubella Virus ; Arch J Dis Child vol 110 Oct 1965.
36. John Hanchette, “Safety of controversial hepatitis B vaccine at center of debate” Gannett News Service, 5/18/99.
37. PDR, p. 1744-1747, 2482-2484.
38. Ibid.
39. PDR, p. 1762-1765.
40. Ibid.
41. CDC Viral Hepatitis A - Fact Sheet, 9/29/00; http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/fact.htm
42. CDC Hepatitis A Vaccine Vaccine Information Statement; 8/25/98
43. CDC Hepatitis A Facts, 11/16/00
44. Mosby’s GenRX®, 10th Ed., Hepatitis A Vaccine (003158) as posted on MDConsult website
45. CDC Hepatitis A Vaccine Vaccine Information Statement; 8/25/98 and CDC Hepatitis A Vaccine Vaccine Information Statement; 8/25/98
46. Mosby’s GenRX@, Hepatitis A Vaccine
47. Ibid.
48. “Combined hepatitis A/B vaccine offers fast protection,” Reuters Health, 4/12/00
49. Vaccines and Their Ingredients, 6/24/99; http://www.909shot.com
50. Michael Horwin, MA; “Prevnar: A Critical Review of a New Childhood Vaccine” 9/19/00.
51. Prevnar package insert, Wyeth Lederle, 2/17/00
52. Ibid.
53. Horwin; “Prevnar: A Critical Review”
54. Dr. Erdem Cantekin, Ph.D.; “Pneumocaoccal Vaccine and Otitis Media”, NVIC’s 2nd Intl. Public Conference, 9/8/00.
55. Horwin; “Prevnar: A Critical Review”
56. Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR), 53rd Edition; Medical Economics, 1999, p. 2326, 3464
57. Dr. Russell Blaylock, MD; “The Truth Behind the Vaccine Coverup” 9/22/04; http://www.mercola.com/2004/sep/22/blaylock_vaccine_coverup.htm
57. Fluzone 2003-2004 Formula, Aventis Product information as of July 2003
58. Dr. Sherry Tenpenny, DO, “FluMist Vaccine: Nothing to Sneeze At!” 10/23/2003; http://www.nmaseminars.com .
59. Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal FluMist 2003-2004 Formula, Package Insert (Circular) June 16, 2003.
60. “New Preservative Free Flu Vaccine Approved,” http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/psn/transcript.cfm?show=10
61. Dr. Sherry Tenpenny, DO, “FluMist Vaccine: Nothing to Sneeze At!”
62. CDC HPV Fact Sheet, http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm
63. Dr. Clayton Young, MD, FACOG, “OBGYN Against ACIP HPV Vaccine Decision,” 6/27/2006
64. CDC HPV Fact Sheet, http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm
65. Merck Professional Privider Information Sheet: Gardasil® [Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (Types 6, 11, 16, 18) Recominant Vaccine. http://www.Merck.com
66. Daron G Ferris, “Facing the Future: The Impact of HPV Vaccination on Adolescent Health,” and “An Update of Clinical Trial Results With Preventative HPV Vaccines” http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/5334
67. Merck Professional Privider Information Sheet: Gardasil® [Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (Types 6, 11, 16, 18) Recominant Vaccine. http://www.Merck.com

Complied by Kathryn E. Rateliff, CCD, CCM, CCCE, GSM, PE, BFE
October, 1999 and most recently revised August 10, 2006
Questions and comments can be addressed to her at: titus2ed@aol.com.

Increased rates suicide and violent behavior have been linked to anti depressant medication. Federal drug regulators are now investigating links with other medications to suicide. Among the drugs being investigated are an asthma medication, drugs for controlling seizures, and even a substance used to assist those who want to quit smoking.

Drug companies insist that a cause and effect relationship has not been proven. During clinical trials, no suicides were reported. Doctors hold a concern that worries over suicide risk may cause their patients to think twice about taking these medications. However, families who have experienced the sudden, unexpected loss of a family member feel that they should have been given the information to make an informed choice.

Recently, the FDA pulled together a panel of scientific advisors to study 210 clinical trials of eleven anti seizure drugs. The panel found a ‘slight’ increase in incidents of suicidal thoughts or behavior. The survey did not indicate which drugs were more or less likely to foster risk. Even a two out of a thousand increase can result in large numbers of people at risk when the drugs are prescribed to millions of people. Certainly, the families directly effective find no solace in how ‘small’ those numbers seem.

The FDA is considering how to communicate the risk to patients without causing alarm. The panel did not advise putting a strong warning on the drugs’ labels.

Compare these numbers to the two out of a thousand whose lives are improved by certain blood pressure medications which are avidly prescribed throughout the world. It would seem the medical companies find those numbers significant on other fronts.

A group at Columbia University developed a method to assess the suicide risks of drugs. They collect and analyze suicidal thoughts and actions of people enrolled in clinical trials. The FDA funded the research, but only requires use of assessments on a case-by-case basis. The oversight is curious to many since its use could possibly help identify risks before a medication goes on the market.

“Whether or not any of these drugs cause suicidal thoughts and behavior is the critical question we need to answer; up to now, we have not answered that,” said Kelly Posner, a Columbia researcher who led the effort to develop the screening system. “Debunking false notions of risk is just as important to the public health as knowing about risks that exist.”

Behavior can be affected by chemical changes in the brain. This is the basis for prescription of drugs for depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric illnesses. Other drugs can also affect the brain. Little is known about these effects.

The brain is protected by a semi permeable membrane. Most chemicals are prevented from entering the brain in this way. Yet, others are allowed in differing amounts.

Psychiatric drugs, of course, cross the blood-brain barrier. Presumably, the same is true of anti-seizure medication. Other drugs may pass the barrier in limited amounts. However, few studies are done on the interaction of drugs with the blood-brain barrier. Many of those which have been done are limited to animal studies. Such information can be useful, but is limited in its relevance to human brains. Fewer studies, still, have been done on what affects those chemicals have once they come in direct contact with the master control center of the human body.

Regardless of the purpose for which a drug is prescribed, there is potential for psychiatric side effects if it passes the blood-brain barrier. Drugs for asthma, weight control, quitting smoking, and even certain heart medications may have potential for changing a person’s behavior and mood.

A list of some prescription medications for which concerns have been raised involving suicidal thoughts and actions:

• All antidepressants: Drugs such as Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin and Zoloft carry required warnings that the medications can increase suicidal thinking and behavior in some children, adolescents and young adults.

• Anticonvulsives: Drugs such as Depakote, Lyrica and Neurontin are used to treat seizures and other conditions. A recent FDA analysis found a small increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. An advisory panel recommended against applying the agency’s strongest warning to the drugs.

• Chantix: The FDA is investigating whether the smoking cessation drug triggers psychiatric symptoms.

• Singulair: The FDA is investigating whether the drug for asthma and allergies can prompt suicidal thoughts.

• Accutane: The acne drug carries a warning that it may cause suicidal thoughts and behavior in rare cases.

Increasing reports of family trauma due to personality changes and otherwise unexplained suicides indicate that many questions have yet to be answered about the full range of effects highly targeted synthetic chemicals have on our overall health. No wonder more and more people are looking to time-tested dietary and herbal prevention and remedies.

Resources:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080831/ap_on_go_ot/med_drugs_suicide;_ylt=Agwvy5wwqd1PsPIQTaxNEEKs0NUE

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080831/ap_on_go_ot/med_drugs_suicide_list_1

Natural News has published a second of my articles:

http://www.naturalnews.com/023925.html

I got an article published on Natural News.