Chaing Mai Study Shows Propolis Clears up Cold Sores in a Matter of Hours.

"Bees are our helpers and our friends. It is estimated that 33% of human food production is dependent on insect pollination; most of this is accomplished by the honey bee. Sadly, the bee population is declining primarily due to the unconsidered use of petrochemical based pesticides and chemicals. In some cases, bee keepers have been contracted to move their hives to areas devoid of bees to insure pollination rather than to make honey.

Propolis is a resinous composition that bees collect from tree buds and certain flowers; it is used to seal off small spaces in the hive to protect it and improve the environment of the bee colony. Generally, brownish in color, it is proved by Chinese research to include isolated sinapinic acid, isoferulic and caffeic acids. These compounds have anti-bacterial properties. However, there is evidence too, that Propolis has anti-viral components.

A study conducted by Sirinad Musiaek and Yimanee Tragoolpua from the Biology Department at Chaing Mai University has revealed that Propolis extract, halted the Herpes Simplex Virus. Often associated with the common cold sore, Herpes Simplex 1 and 2 can affect various body areas namely the lips, eyes and skin. Transmission is often sexual; in the case of HSV 2 the genitals are affected.  It has been a causative factor in Cervical Cancer. The usual medical treatment is with the anti-viral drug Acyclovir. Many products flow from it; Zovirax is one of the best known. The treatment does not eliminate the cause, but it does address the symptoms. However, this can take up to four weeks in extreme cases and stress can easily trigger another outbreak. The remarkable Chiang Mai study showed that aqueous and ethanolic Propolis extracts altered the virus population on vitro cells after virus attachment in both Herpes Simplex 1 and 2 cases. Curiously the Propolis in high dosage performed better than Acyclovir in the case of HSV 2. The real test of the case lay in time, though. The study demonstrated how HSV-1 was entirely eliminated in a mere 60 minutes. It did, however, take just over 6 hours to remove the HSV-2 strain.

This is amazingly good news for the millions of Herpes sufferers worldwide, but there is even more to celebrate! That’s because Acyclovir type drugs have been shown in rare cases to produce birth defects in neonates. A small US study of 467 pregnant women   produced 17 birth defects in their off-spring. This shows a 3.6% affected rate, which is 0.6% higher than the average birth defect rate of 3%. Is it worth taking a risk like this, however, slight? Women suffering from genital Herpes are expected to go on a course of Zovirax for the last few weeks of term to prevent lesions appearing at the time of birth. Wouldn’t it be much better if they took safe Propolis instead during this crucial stage of foetal development? Secondly, it has been found that breast feeding mothers pass on a large quantity of the anti-herpes medication to their babies whilst suckling. Again Propolis appears to solve the problem and no doubt benefits the infant, as well!

Veerapan Tantipong is the President of Bee Products Industry Company Limited in Chaing Mai. He holds a BSc Degree from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. He has used his knowledge wisely and has come up with a solution for long suffering Herpes victims. “Virulox”, contains  50 mg of Propolis and a 120 mg of synergizing Royal Jelly in a lyophilized form. The tablet can pack of powerful punch of Propolis to help the sufferer overcome a Herpes attack. Take two tablets when you feel the first tingle of a cold sore and repeat the dose hourly for six hours. This alleviates the symptoms from both Herpes 1 and 2. The Propolis is aided by the 10 HDA in Royal Jelly, which some describe as being a precursor to the might of stem cells. But that’s a story in itself!"

 This article by Alister Bredee first appeared in "The Southern Times" of  November 18th 2012  

The Body’s Many Cries for Water:

"Today we are going to visit the topic of drinking water, simply because it is so crucial. Most people are dehydrated, because they do not drink sufficient water. It is sound advice to suggest that everybody drink eight glasses per day. These don’t have to be enormous sizes, but the action does need to be consistent. Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj was an Iranian Doctor who completed his medical training at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. After the downfall of the Shah, in 1978 he was arrested and imprisoned in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, branded an enemy of the State under sentence of death. He remained a prisoner for three years and continued his work as a doctor, but there was one snag. The authorities refused to provide him with medicines, so he used the single resource available to him, water!

 Dr. Batmanghelidj is the author of “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water”. In the book, he writes about his findings during the years he worked using water as his only remedy. He claims thirst is only one of the body’s ways of expressing dehydration. He feels a dry mouth is an advanced stage of lack. His clinical practice in prison gave him the experience to assign several different illnesses which he felt were symptoms of dehydration. These broad maladies include asthma, angina, indigestion obesity and several others including many psychological symptoms. In Chapter 5 of his book, he says ” “Pathology that is seen to be associated with “social stresses” –fear, anxiety, insecurity, persistent emotional and marital problems and the creation of depression--are the results of water deficiency to the point the water requirements of the brain tissue is affected. “The message is clear; if you want better health, drink more water.

 When we buy water, it comes in plastic bottles. It can have been in the bottles a long time. The plastic, a bi-product from the petrochemical industry, contains phthalates. These are added to make it more flexible. Di-octyl Phthalate mimics the effect of estrogen. Hormone imbalance is becoming increasingly common. Many women are experiencing estrogen dominance that gives rise to fat around the middle and in the thighs as well as cellulite build-up. Too much estrogen makes for more difficult periods. What's more, the incidence of breast cancer is on the rise and in men sperm counts have been declining for an unusually long time, whilst male pattern baldness is reaching epidemic proportions. These chemicals are leaching into the water.

Another worrying factor associated with this is the decline in the pH of water. You probably remember that pH (stands for potential hydrogen) of water should be 7. 7 make water neutral. It is the cut off between acid and alkaline. Water is becoming acid. This is distressing because over acidity leads to disease. When our blood and other fluids lean towards a more alkaline level illness finds it difficult to occur. Besides, blood pH has an extremely narrow window of opportunity that lies between 7.36 and 7.45, with an average in the range of 7.41. When the blood sways towards the lower end, acidosis occurs and to the higher reaches alkalosis happens. If blood becomes too acid, it is a life threatening situation. The body tries to correct the high levels by drawing calcium from the bones. Calcium as an alkalizing affect, but as the blood leaches the mineral from the bones, it also weakens them. This is the basis of osteoporosis. We need to keep pH ranges in perfect balance. You can ensure your drinking water remains alkaline by adding a slice of lime or lemon Yes, lime and lemon has an acid pH when tested outside the body. It can be as low as 3.5, but foods are tested after digestion by the ash they produce. In the body lemon becomes highly alkaline, usually with a pH of approximately 8. From now on be sure to include a slice of lime or lemon to your water to maintain at least a neutral pH of 7 if not higher. That’s it for today, if you have any questions we welcome comments and queries via the website." This article by Alister Bredee first appeared in "The Southern Times."

The Aztecs knew it, and now we can share it too, Spirulina!

Spirulina or more precisely blue-green algae is a mixture of single cell organisms which bridge the gap between plants and animals.  Its cells photosynthesize, just like plants, whilst there are no cell walls, just like animals! Historically the first mention comes from one of Cortes’ conquistador soldiers who describes it as a valuable food source for the Aztec people in pre-16^th century Central America. The algae grew in profusion on Lake Texcoco. This is where the Aztecs built there famed capital, Tenochtitlan on an island in the lake. They were eventually overcome, and Montezuma’s city fell to the Spanish in 1521, who destroyed the original capital and set about building Mexico City on the same site. The vast city and flood prevention measures reduced the lake to a shadow of its former self and so the spirulina beds of Lake Texococo disappeared.

Sprilulina, thankfully, did not disappear. It’s amazing food, comprising 60% protein. It contains the 8 essential amino acids which are so vital for human cell growth. They are essential because they have to be sourced from food as the body is unable to make them itself. However, blue-green algae are low in methionine and its non-essential companion cysteine. These provide valuable sulphur compounds essential for proper digestion.  A problem for vegetarians is the lack of vitamin B-12 and its pivotal synergist, folic acid in the diet. On the face of it, spirulina provides a powerful protein source, enhanced by the plentiful supply of B vitamins, including the vital B-12 which donates oxygen to hemoglobin and thrusts away pernicious anemia . But there is a problem, for some unexplained reason the B-12 is unassimiable to the human body, therefore, useless. This detracts from it shining forth as an ideal protein source!

It was first commercially produced in Thailand in 1988 when the now famous Booson Farm opened up in Nonthaburi. Thanks to this innovative approach the country has now grown to become one of the world’s leading spirulina producers. Booson Farm has moved to more spacious surroundings in Chaing Mai. As an interesting aside the Thai name for blue-green algae is “Sarai Klew Thong.”

Overseas studies in vitro have revealed it to be effective against the HIV infection. It has also been shown to protect cancer patients against the ravages of chemo and radiotherapy. It is a powerful antioxidant and has been demonstrated as being a successful means of reducing blood fats. A study conducted by a well-respected Bangkok University took 41 diabetic patients.  The first group of 21 participants was fed 6gms of spirulina per day for 8 weeks. The second group was given a placebo. The researchers found that participants in the control group with blood sugar readings in excess of 140 mg/dl successfully reduced the blood sugar levels by 31 mg/dl over the 8 weeks. This took their blood sugar readings out of the range categorized as diabetic. The study also found that uric acid levels decreased. This was contrary to expectations as spirulina had previously been slated for increasing uric acid. This is fantastic news not only for those who have imbalanced blood sugar levels which is reasonably common in vegetarians because some eat a lot of starchy carbohydrates but for gout sufferers, too.

Another study conducted under the auspices of the Nanjing School of Medicine in China showed that a staunch spirulina intake also inhibited the growth of Leukemia cells. Overall, then spirulina is a nutritious food source being high in protein, containing all the essential amino acids and providing the B vitamins in profusion. It stabilizes high blood sugar as well as being a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Clearly it provides a nutritious food supplement for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Add it to smoothies and daily juices on a regular basis because it is likely to give you a wholesome boost to wellness. All this is easy, and it’s remarkably cheap, too. If you would like assistance in sourcing blue-green algae, simply use the website link to make contact.  More next week, so bye for now!

FULL CIRCLE

This morning I picked up one of the few remaining hard copies of my book “Full Circle”, which was published eight years ago in 2004. When I read this today I considered up-dating the material, but then decided against such an action. As we approach the end of the Mayan Calendar on 21^st December 2012 and perch on the brink of a US Presidential election, the results of which will be known for many when you come to read this; I felt the comments are just as applicable now, as then. What has changed? I believe there is today a greater level of awareness than there was in 2004.

“Many of us remain in jobs or situations or cling to relationships that may well have outlived their purpose. We grip onto these manifestations of the past, because we do not believe that life will support us if we strike out and move into new and unknown realms. 

Many know it is time to make a move, but lack the courage to take the plunge! Sadly the harder we clasp the past, the more it is we will experience all manner of uncomfortable events taking place around us. These trials are not there to make us miserable, but to wake us up and tell us the time has come to make the necessary changes and move on. When we ignore the invitation to change the knocks grow louder to catch our attention. If we continue to snub the warnings, they simply increase in intensity until a time comes when we cannot continue ignoring reality. Many of us are blind to the warnings. Instead of sitting up and paying attention, we blame circumstances or fate for our predicament because we are unaware that we can change the hurtful situation. Sometimes we can see the plight of others because our distance from the burning events gives us an objectivity that those experiencing the episodes do not have! Occasionally we can talk to the individuals in question and explain what we see. Oftentimes, however, the advice is unwelcome because change is a hard path, and many are loathe to come face to face with reality. For those who are open to new information any imparting of subjective knowledge has to be achieved carefully. Help the other person make this difficult transition with compassion and understanding. Assist them move to the next stage in their lives by adopting a supportive attitude. For anything else will be interpreted as criticism which can only be counterproductive in outcome. Show them the exciting new possibilities awaiting all of us if only we had the courage to embrace them.

As we move deeper and deeper into the 21^st Century we shall find many of the old workings not working. We shall inevitably witness the collapse of many of the structures upon which the world is based. Leaders take their energy from the people who have placed them in their positions. On the July 4^th Independence Day (2003), President George Bush urged the American people to celebrate the occasion heartily as he and his Government would be looking after them! Here he is playing the role of a strong father to his frightened children. This patriarchal posturing can trace its roots back to the days of ancient Israel and before. Many are beginning to realize this concept robs them of their power to be. A massive power struggle will develop because many of the political and business leaders will be reluctant to give back to the people what is rightfully theirs

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Others have begun to question why they have given up vast chunks of their time and freedom to work in companies in order to progress up the corporate ladder. Particularly as they see these companies default on their obligations with casual ease whilst nonchalantly disposing of their workforces. Politicians put a spin on events to rationalize their hold on power. Lying is no longer acceptable.  Justifiably many are angry.” And we will see this anger erupt onto the world stage as 2013 looms ever closer.

In rather a different vein this week.  To find out about the book make contact through the website. 

Dazzling White Teeth, all Thanks to Dental Veneers.

One December morning in 2010, Jackie Green’s car was broadsided at an intersection by a speeding vehicle that had run a red light. Jackie was fortunate; she was not seriously injured but the sideswipe pitched her forward so her mouth struck the steering wheel. She broke her two front teeth and several others were damaged by the impact. Her dentist reconstructed the two missing teeth by means of a bridge, but aside from whitening, he was not much help when it came to the remaining harm. She felt her appearance had been marred and wanted to regain the warm smile of pre-accident days. That’s when she started investigating orthodontics.

Orthodontics is the clinical term for cosmetic dentistry. Thanks to the innovative techniques of Charles Pincus back in the 1970s, dental veneers have leaped to the forefront of modern orthodontic procedures. A veneer is a layer of restorative material placed over the outer surface of a tooth to improve its appearance or to protect it because of damage. These delicate veneers are made from a vinyl composite or from more durable porcelain. Done well these stick on films can enhance appearance and afford protection in a manner that is easy and relatively comfortable for the patient. However, this skilled dental work does not come cheaply.

Dentists in Thailand have always kept abreast of new techniques in their field. This means they are fully capable of producing and fitting world class veneers. Typically in the USA a veneer can cost anywhere between $1000 and $3000 per tooth. It was the price that tempted Jackie to Thailand for her treatment. Thanks to some diligent Internet searching she found she could have veneers fitted much cheaper than at home. The difference made it worth her while to fly half way across the world to attend a dental clinic in Phuket. She used a specialist medical tourism company, Lotus Medical International also based in Phuket. They made all the arrangements for her, looking after her from the moment   she arrived to the moment she departed. They arranged the dental appointments and found her first rate accommodation for the duration of her stay on the island. This made the process easy and stress free for Jackie to receive excellent treatment but also gave her the added bonus of a sunshine holiday.

Costs vary and depend on the sort of material that the Thai dentist uses to make the veneers. The composites are cheaper; they look good but are not as hard wearing as the more durable porcelain variety. Jackie wanted to enhance her appearance but it was also necessary to protect her teeth as they were already damaged. In her case the porcelain variety was the recommended option. Thanks to the improvement in adhesives, once cemented onto teeth, veneers can hold for twenty plus years!  The porcelain was more expensive, but Jackie was glad to be advised by her dentist. Another advantage of coming to Thailand is the high quality of the treatment. Back home high costs might have forced her to make a cheaper choice but would that have been cost effective with the unfolding of the years?

Jackie was truly delighted with the treatment she received from her Thai dentist, in all she only had three dental visits.  This is not always the case, but her Phuket dentist was skilled in work with veneers. He was able to prepare her mouth for the porcelain shields in the first session and then send the impression to the lab for the actual production of the veneer. In the second session a few days later the lab sent back the finished product for fitting. There were some alterations necessary, including a better color match which was done and the finished veneer fitted on the third visit.  This time the color was perfect for her and she was delighted at the service she received in the land of smiles. If you would like to contact Lotus Medical International simply use the website link to make contact and we’ll put you in touch.  More next week, so bye for now!