Corn Silk and GMO (Genetic Modification)

Dear Health Enthusiast,

This month's topic is a perfect example of the perils of Genetic Modification. Please read the GMO and Corn Silk articles below. Imagine the potential side effects that a genetically modified product might cause if contaminated with GMOs. Be aware and stay vigilant - we're all in this together.

Sincerely,

Chris Ritchason
Dr. Jack & Verlyn Ritchason, Founders
The Back to Herbs Team


Click a link below to see the video

Everything You Need to Know
About Dangerously
Genetically Modified Foods

(Video is in 6 parts and in .wmv format
Windows Media Player is required)

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6


Introducing the GMO Series

It’s time to reclaim a food supply without dangerous genetically modified organisms (GMOs). And we can do it—together.

When European consumers said no to GMOs, the food companies kicked them out. As more and more US consumers rejected GM bovine growth hormone, most dairies and brands, including Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Kroger, Dannon, and Yoplait, responded. Click Here for more...



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Genetically Modified Soy Linked to Sterility, Infant Mortality

“This study was just routine,” said Russian biologist Alexey V. Surov, in what could end up as the understatement of this century. Surov and his colleagues set out to discover if Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) soy, grown on 91% of US soybean fields, leads to problems in growth or reproduction. What he discovered may uproot a multi-billion dollar industry.

After feeding hamsters for two years over three generations, those on the GM diet, and especially the group on the maximum GM soy diet, showed devastating results. By the third generation, most GM soy-fed hamsters lost the ability to have babies. They also suffered slower growth, and a high mortality rate among the pups.

And if this isn’t shocking enough... Click Here for More!
Stay tuned for more articles about GMOs!




Corn Silk


Corn silk (Zea mays)

Corn silk is also known as mother's hair, Indian corn, maize jagnog, Turkish corn, yu mi xu, and stigmata maydis.

The Indians of Central and South America, where the food crop is native, praised corn as a gift from the gods. The Incas used corn silk, the soft strands surrounding an ear of corn, as a healing herb, reports Garilasco de la Vega (1539-1610). Some historians believe that corn has grown for more than 7,000 years in North America. The venerable plant's stigmas, the Corn Silk, have long been used in folk medicine to treat urinary conditions including inflammation of the bladder and painful urination.

The urinary system responds very well to corn silk, partly due to the presence of significant amounts of the essential mineral potassium in the corn silk. Also due to its diuretic action - the corn silk can serve as a general remedy for the majority of problems likely to affect the urinary system. The flow of urine and the elimination of toxins are increased by corn silk, while it also relaxes and soothes the muscular lining of the urinary tubules and the muscular urinary bladder itself. This action helps to relieve physical irritation in the bladder and improves the condition. Corn silk works to alleviate irritation at the site or localized area in those cases where a chronic irritation affects the urinary bladder and the urethral walls leading to the frequent urination.

A strong antiseptic and ameliorative action is present in corn silk. At the same time, properties in corn silk remove toxins from the body, in the treatment of congestion and catarrh, in the reduction of deposits and irritants from the kidneys and urinary bladder – the detoxification power of the corn silk is extremely valuable in a variety of ways. Corn silk has been effectively used in the removal of urinary stones and accumulated gravel in the urinary tract. It is also used extensively where chronic bladder irritation and physical bladder weakening have led the to the development of a frequent need for urination and perhaps to the display of sudden bedwetting. Corn silk also acts locally on the prostate relating to disorders, which give rise to an inability to pass urine properly.

HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY
The urinary tract region is the main area where the remedial actions of the corn silk are felt to the greatest extent. Various constituents of the corn silk perform different roles in the body. For example, the compounds called the saponins are said to be mainly responsible for all the anti-inflammatory action of the remedy and the compounds called the allantoin are the main healing agents in the corn silk as a remedy. A soothing effect as well as a demulcent action arises from the abundant mucilage in the corn silk. This serves to heal the irritated tissues and helps in tissue recovery. The overall diuretic effects of the herb is balanced by the presence of abundant quantities of the mineral potassium, the diuretic action affects the conditions of water retention in the body. The combination of an overall diuretic action and the presence of the mineral potassium benefits a variety of urinary tract disorders, and is useful in the treatment of cystitis and prostatitis and all other urinary tract infections. One essential blood-clotting factor in the body is vitamin K, which is a fat-soluble vitamin found in corn. This vitamin is essential for normal clotting of blood and the prevention of excessive bleeding following injuries.

Topical problems and skin irritations as well as inflammation can also be treated effectively and benefit from corn silk's healing and soothing abilities - as an external or topical treatment, corn silk is also excellent for rapidly healing wounds and all types of ulcers affecting the skin.

Corn silk also has served as a remedy for heart trouble, jaundice, malaria, and obesity. It has also been used to treat gonorrhea. Since corn silk is used as a kidney remedy and in the regulation of fluids, the herb is believed to be helpful in treating high blood pressure and water retention. Corn silk is also used as a remedy for edema (the abnormal accumulation of fluids).

Historically, corn silk has been mainly used for urogenital infections. The active ingredient maizenic acid, is believed to act as a cardiac solution, which stimulates diuretic action in the body. Maizenic acid is known to effect the bladder and kidneys and helps the liver and intestines as well. Corn silk also contains Vitamins B, PABA, K, Silicon, and freed oils, resin, and mucilage.

Corn silk is used to treat urinary conditions in countries including the United Sates, China, Haiti, Turkey, and Trinidad. Corn silk is also used in the medical system of China, where problems such as internal fluid retention and jaundice are treated using the corn silk. Furthermore, in China, corn silk as a component in an herbal formula is used to treat diabetes. Other medical uses - Temporomandibular joint syndrome or TMJ.

Corn silk has been used for over a century for kidney problems, for acute and chronically inflamed bladder and prostate glands. Corn silk has the ability to remove gravel from the kidneys, urethra, bladder, and prostate gland. Corn silk has a cleansing effect on urea and will neutralize scalding urine. Corn silk is an herb to turn to for urine retention, catarrh of the bladder, gonorrhea, is useful in controlling inflammation and relieving pain. Corn silk will help when the urinary tract needs opening up or when there is mucus in the urine.

Physicians have used Corn silk as a diuretic and for conditions of cystitis. Corn silk is valuable in the treatment of renal and cystic inflammation.

CONSTITUENTS

• Flavonoids (maysin)
• AlIantoin
• Alkaloids
• Saponins
• Volatile oil (about 0.2%)
• Mucilage
• Vitamins B, C and K
• PABA
• Potassium
• Silicon.
• It also has moderate amounts of Iron, Zinc, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus.

Precautions:
Do not use corn silk if you also take Lasix (furosemide).




NSP sells Cornsilk as well as Urinary Maintenance which is for urinary system and kidney support.




Yours in Good Health!


Sincerely,

Chris Ritchason
Dr. Jack & Verlyn Ritchason, Founders
The Back to Herbs Team



References

http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_corn.htm

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0003/ai_2603000301/

http://www.space-age.com/std/uti.html

http://www.theherbprof.com/hrbCorn silk.htm

Anew Herb Shoppe

www.mynsp.com/aepalacio

916 538-1863

Urinary Tract Health

Urinary Tract Health

The urinary system consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. The urinary

system plays an important role in well-being by removing wastes from the body and

keeping electrolytes, salts and water in healthy balance.1

The urinary system removes urea; a toxic waste formed as a byproduct of the metabolism

of proteins, from the body.1 Urea, other wastes and water make up the urine which is

removed by the kidneys. On average, adults eliminate approximately 1 quart of urine per

day.1

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located below the ribs in the middle of the

back.2 They filter wastes and toxins from the blood through tiny filtering units called

nephrons, which consist of a ball of capillaries called glomerulus, and a small tube called

a renal tubule.1 Urine then travels from the kidneys down two tubes called ureters into the

bladder, a hollow organ located in the pelvic region.1 A small amount of urine is emptied

into the bladder about every 15 seconds.2 If urine backs up or remains stationary for long,

a kidney infection can develop. Nerves in the bladder signal when it is time to urinate.2

Urine is emptied from the bladder and out of the body through the urethra.2

Importantly, the kidneys also function to regulate blood pressure levels and the

production of erythropoietin, which controls red blood cell production.2 The kidneys are

also involved in the body’s production of the active form of vitamin D.3

Problems in the urinary system can be due to illness, injury or aging.1 As we age, the

kidneys’ ability to remove wastes from the blood decreases, and the other organs of the

urinary system lose some of their strength. This can cause disorders such as incontinence

(loss of bladder control) and incomplete emptying of the bladder, which can lead to

infection.1 Reduced kidney function can lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney

failure.

Kidney stones are a relatively common problem that has been increasing in the U.S. over

the past 30 years.4 Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys out of

mineral and acid salts in the urine.5 Different types of kidney stones exist, depending on

their composition. Stones may form when the urine becomes concentrated and the normal

balance of water, salts, minerals and other substances in urine changes.6 Kidney stones

can travel out of the kidneys and into other parts of the urinary tract. Small stones may be

eliminated through the urethra without causing much pain. Larger stones however, may

get stuck anywhere in the urinary tract and cause great pain.

It is important to drink plenty of water (6–8 full glasses per day) to help flush bacteria

and toxins from the urinary tract and prevent the urine from becoming overly

concentrated. Medical treatment should be sought if kidney stones or infection are

suspected.

Cranberry fruit is commonly used to promote urinary tract health. Cranberries contain

proanthocyanidins and an unidentified high-molecular-weight compound that seem to

interfere with the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder wall.7 Research shows that cranberry

consumption significantly reduces the risk of urinary tract infections.7

Buchu leaf is used to soothe and fight infection in the urinary tract, for bladder irritation

and as a natural diuretic.8

Juniper berries and parsley leaf have traditionally been used to support the urinary system

and help the body maintain healthy fluid balance.7 Juniper berries and parsley both have

aquaretic properties. Aquaretics increase urine excretion but not electrolyte excretion.

Aquaretic agents can be beneficial in the case of water retention.7 Phytochemicals in

juniper berries and in parsley also increase kidney filtration rate.7 Parsley is used to flush

the urinary tract and for the prevention of kidney stones.8,9

Asparagus and corn silk contain constituents that have diuretic properties7,10 and have

been used to support the urinary system in expelling excess water from the body.7

Marshmallow root contains mucilage polysaccharides that soothe and protect mucous

membranes.7 It is often used for urinary tract inflammation and as a natural diuretic.7

Hydrangea root has traditionally been used to support bladder and kidney health.9 Some

researchers indicate that hydrangea acts as a mild diuretic and that it may prevent the

formation of kidney stones.7

Uva Ursi leaf is used to soothe the urinary tract and to fight bacteria in the urinary tract.7

A phenol constituent in uva ursi leaf known as arbutin has demonstrated antimicrobial

activity.7

References

1. NIH National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Your Urinary System and How

it Works. 2010. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/Yoururinary/ Accessed February

17, 2010.

2. The Ohio State University Medical Center. Anatomy of the Urinary System. 2010. Available at:

http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/PATIENTCARE/HEALTHCARE_SERVICES/URINARY_BLADDER_KID

NEY/ANATOMY_URINARY_SYSTEM/Pages/index.aspx Accessed February 17, 2010.

3. WebMD. Chronic Kidney Disease. 2010. Available at:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/chronic_kidney_disease/article_em.htm Accessed February 19, 2010.

4. NIH National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Kidney Stones in Adults. 2007.

Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/stonesadults/ Accessed February 19, 2010.

5. MayoClinic. Kidney Stones. 2009. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidneystones/

DS00282 Accessed February 19, 2010.

6. WebMD. Kidney Stones – Cause. 2009. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/kidneystones-

cause Accessed February 19, 2010.

7. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural

Medicines Comprehensive Database. 9th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2009.

8. The Complete German Commission E Monographs Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines Ó1998

American Botanical Council.

9. Murray L. Parsley. LaGow B. ed-in-chief. The PDR for Herbal Medicines. 3rd ed. New Jersey:

Thompson PRD; 2004. \

10. Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Zea mays L. Poaceae. 2010. Available at:

http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/pl_act.xsql?taxon=1077 Accessed February 22, 2010.

Angela Palacio Anew Herb Shoppe

www.mynsp.com/aeplacio

916 538-1863

aepalacio@mynsp.com