Research has shown that coronary heart disease and myocarditis caused by a heart attack can be treated with the help of the Chinese medicine called Xin-ji-er-kang. The study, published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, evaluated the cardioprotective effects of Xin-ji-er-kang on mice that experienced a heart attack.
A team of researchers from Anhui Medical University in China administered Xin-ji-er-kang to mice that experienced a heart attack for four weeks.
Xin-ji-er-kang is composed of 14 herbal medicines, including Chinese ginseng, milk vetch, mondo grass, etc.
A heart attack reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, promotes the abnormal enlargement of the heart muscle (cardiac hypertrophy), and causes endothelial dysfunction.
Results of the experiment showed that the administration of Xin-ji-er-kang improved the cardiovascular problems caused by a heart attack.
The treatment improved endothelial dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, and collagen deposition caused by heart attack.
It also decreased oxidative stress, which plays a role in cardiovascular diseases, and reduced inflammation by reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
The cardioprotective effects of Xin-ji-er-kang may be attributed to its role in improving endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and retaining the immune balance.
The findings of the study suggested that Xin-ji-er-kang may potentially be used in treating heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
To read more stories on Chinese medicines like Xin-ji-er-kang, visit ChineseMedicine.news today.
Journal Reference:
Hu J, Zhang Y, Wang L, Ding L, Huang G, Cai G, Gao S. PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF XINJI?ERKANG ON MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION INDUCED CARDIAC INJURY IN MICE. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 26 June 2017; 17(338). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1846-5
Did you know that there is one natural remedy that can protect against every leading cause of death in Western countries?
It’s time for a new go-to remedy to join the ranks of coconut oil, raw honey, and apple cider vinegar. Cayenne pepper has so many amazing benefits; it has the potential to fight chronic diseases and also help with acute conditions.
Cayenne pepper fights against heart diseaseHeart disease is a term used to describe several problems related to plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries. As the plaque builds up, the arteries narrow and make it more difficult for blood to flow, thus creating a risk for heart attack or stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, and is also the leading cause of death worldwide.
Coronary heart disease costs the United States 108.9 billion dollars each year and is the most common type of heart disease. How much of this suffering and expense could be alleviated with the use of natural preventative remedies like cayenne pepper?
Cayenne pepper has long been used as a traditional treatment for cardiovascular and circulatory problems, as well as to help alleviate chronic pain and joint issues. The active compound, capsaicin, produces a sensation of heat which results in widening of the blood vessels and increased circulation. This helps the heart and circulatory system work more efficiently.
Since cayenne pepper stimulates a strong response in the body, herbal medicine experts even recommend its use for acute conditions such as heart attack. Veteran naturopathic doctors, Dr. David Christopher, Dr. Patrick Quillin and Dr. Richard Schulze have provided ample practical evidence to support the use of cayenne pepper as a remedy for heart conditions. One major scientific study published in the journal Circulation also backs up this idea.
When laboratory mice were induced to have a heart attack, a salve containing capsaicin was rubbed on the abdomen. It was found that the cayenne extract was able to prevent damage to the heart, with an 85 percent reduction in cardiac cell death caused by the episode.
Lead researcher Keith Jones, PhD, from the University of Cincinnati’s Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, stated that this is the most powerful cardioprotective effect ever recorded. The scientists believe that this protective effect is thanks to “pro-survival” pathways triggered by the capsaicin.
There are a number of beneficial compounds in cayenne pepper, which could explain its widespread benefits. The spice contains an impressive array of plant nutrients, like antioxidants and carotenoids, which lower LDL cholesterol and blood triglycerides. As well as widening the blood vessels for better circulation, cayenne also discourages platelet adhesion, which is the clumping of blood that can lead to dangerous clots.
While a human study on the ability of cayenne pepper to stop a heart attack would probably be considered unethical, holistic practitioners who have found themselves in an emergency situation report that drinking a cup of hot water with half to one teaspoon of cayenne pepper is able to stop internal bleeding and heart damage in a patient in less than one minute.
It is also possible to make a cayenne pepper tincture, which experts say can be dropped under the tongue of an unconscious person in an emergency situation. The ingredients of a tincture are as follows:
1 cup of cayenne pepper powder
1 to 3 fresh cayenne peppers
2 cups of vodka
Place the powder in a one-litre glass bottle and cover with alcohol. Blend up the fresh peppers with a little alcohol to make a thick mixture and add to the bottle. This mixture should be shaken regularly while it infuses for at least two weeks, or up to three months. After this time period, the tincture can be strained and poured into a dark glass bottle for indefinite storage.
This is a good remedy to use on regular basis to improve circulation, fight free radical damage, improve antioxidant status and gain important nutrients such as vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium and potassium. It is also wise to keep cayenne tincture on hand in case of acute accidents involving bleeding, or any unexpected cardiac episodes.
Cayenne pepper fights several types of cancer
Several scientific studies have found that among cayenne pepper’s many benefits is the ability to induce the death of cancer cells. This spice can be incorporated into a natural regimen to combat cancer. Research has been carried out in relation to several types of cancer, including leukemia, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer
Researchers have found that cayenne pepper, with its active compound capsaicin, is able to stop the proliferation of cancer cells and induce a process called apoptosis, which is essentially a programmed death of the dangerous cells.
Stroke may be preventable thanks to cayenne pepper
Stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases are among the top-five leading causes of death in our society. This refers to conditions involving the circulation of blood within the brain.
As we have already discussed, cayenne pepper is able to assist in the prevention of dangerous blood clots, and also improve circulation while halting an internal hemorrhage.
Stroke is caused by a lack of fresh blood delivery to brain tissues. Cayenne pepper can prevent this by invigorating mucus membranes and blood vessels so that clots are dissolved, which halts any further damage.
Cayenne pepper against diabetes
Diabetes is another widespread cause of illness and death, costing the health-care system billions of dollars each year. This suffering and expenditure is unnecessary because type 2 diabetes is a condition that can be prevented and managed with lifestyle changes.
Along with smart diet and lifestyle changes, cayenne pepper can help to manage blood sugar imbalances and diabetes. Studies suggest that capsaicin found in cayenne pepper influences the way that the body processes glucose in the blood. It also stimulates the digestive process and improves tissue sensitivity to insulin. The result is that less insulin is required to facilitate the delivery of glucose from the blood into tissue.
Try making your own cayenne pepper tincture as an important addition to your natural remedy arsenal. It also makes a great addition to your diet, adding lively spice and flavor to a variety of dishes. What do you like to make with cayenne pepper?
— Liivi Hess
Liivi is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and is training to become a doula. She inspires women to find peace and personal power by taking control of health and fertility naturally. Liivi‘s passion is ancestral nutrition and primal lifestyle design. She and her partner Will live between Toronto, Canada and Queenstown, New Zealand.
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally-formed sedimentary mineral rock. It’s derived from the remains of diatoms, or oceanic unicellular algae.[1] Diatoms are over 30 million years old and are formed from the cementation of microscopic algae-like plant remains into the earth’s surface. These clay-like, chalky remains are usually found in the form of a thick, white, siliceous powder known as diatomaceous earth.[2] Often used to support body cleansing, some research also suggests it’s a natural tool for promoting normal blood lipids, detoxing toxic metals, and fighting harmful intestinal organisms.
Health Benefits
The use of diatomaceous earth knows no bounds, and has many applications in cosmetic, agricultural, and cleansing realms. It’s been extensively investigated and some interesting benefits have been discovered.
1. Natural Source of Silica
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is composed of approximately 85% silica.[3] This important, trace mineral is required by tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, and bones.[4] The nutrient even contributes to almost every vital organ, including the heart, liver, and lungs. Food was the primary source of naturally-occurring silica before modern farming practices depleted the soil. It is suggested that only 1/3 of the silica we need is available in natural, plant-based foods.
2. Promotes Skin Health
Because diatomaceous earth is a strong abrasive, it is often used as a toothpaste and facial exfoliator. The process of exfoliation is important in skin care as it helps to remove dead skin cells that may give the appearance of tired, worn-out skin. The product’s natural silica content is also necessary for healthy skin, teeth, hair, and nails, and the product is often touted as a potent beauty mineral.
3. Supports Heart Health
Research has also shown that food-grade diatomaceous may offer positive benefits for cholesterol levels and encourage heart health.[5] Nutrients such as silicon, calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and other trace minerals are available in diatomaceous earth, giving rise to a practically endless supply of health benefits. Most of these nutrients play a role in building and repairing of muscles and bones.
4. Natural Pesticide
One of the most common uses for diatomaceous earth is as a natural insecticide. Studies indicate that this clay-like powder can kill the harmful insects that threaten crops and home life. [6] Due to the incessant use of pesticides, many insects have become resistant to chemical deterrents. This organic pest control method is helpful for reducing the amount of environmental toxins we’re all exposed to.
5. Internal Cleanser
Diatomaceous earth acts as a mild abrasive topically as well as internally. It can help to remove intestinal invaders and other harmful organisms from the digestive tract. As an internal cleanser, diatomaceous earth may aid cleansing by supporting regularity and assist in removing toxic metals.[7] Some studies have shown diatomaceous earth to be very successful in ridding animals of harmful organisms. Food-grade diatomaceous earth placed in the feed of livestock may help discourage fleas and other harmful bugs.[8] Make sure that all diatomaceous earth is labeled “food grade” and is untreated and unheated!
What are your favorite uses for diatomaceous earth? Leave a comment and share your experience!
-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
Cayenne pepper against diabetes