Cannabis: A Chronic Controversy

“Why is marijuana against the law? It grows naturally upon our planet. Doesn’t the idea of making nature against the law seem to you a bit . . . unnatural?”  ― Bill Hicks


Few plants have achieved as much notoriety as Cannabis. It has been the topic of many current debates, especially in regard to its medicinal uses, which seem to place it in a permanent state of limbo. Whether you've ever inhaled it or not, there is certainly a lot to say about this versatile plant. This will just be a brief introduction...


So, what's the difference between Cannabis, Marijuana and Hemp? 

Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes three varieties; Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. 

Marijuana is the dried flowers of the Cannabis plant, where the psychoactive compounds can be found. Various extracts from these flowers include hashish and hash oil. 

Hemp is used to name the durable soft fiber from the Cannabis stalk and can refer to any industrial or food product that is not intended for use as a drug . It is a valuable material in tens of thousands of commercial products, especially as a fiber; ranging from paper, construction material to clothing. It is stronger and longer-lasting than cotton. It also is a useful source of foodstuffs (hemp milk, hemp seed, hemp oil) and biofuels. Hemp seeds contain all of the essential amino acids, making them an ideal source of protein. The essential fatty acids are abundant in hemp seeds and come in a ratio that is highly beneficial to humans. Magnesium, iron, and potassium are in good supply, along with fiber. Many countries regulate limits for the psychoactive compound concentrations in products labeled as hemp.

Cannabis will grow under most conditions that will support life and it is inherently indestructible. Long after other species of plants have disappeared because of drought, infestation, or climatic changes, cannabis will still exist. Cannabis is one of nature's best examples of survival of the fittest. Depending on the conditions under which it grows, cannabis will either produce more resin or more fiber. When raised in hot, dry climates, resin is produced in great quantities and fiber quality is poor. In countries with mild, humid weather, less resin is produced and the fiber is stronger and more durable.


A History Lesson 

Since Cannabis is the only plant on the planet that yields both a drug and a useful fiber, it's no surprise that it has been in used by humankind for thousands of years. It has been adopted as an agent for achieving euphoria since ancient times. Cannabis was first described in a Chinese medical compendium which dates back to 2737 B.C. and has a long history of use as a medicinal herb, spreading from China to India and then to Northern Africa and reached Europe as early as 500 A.D . A major crop in colonial North America, marijuana was grown as a source of fiber (hemp), and was extensively cultivated during World War II.


Click here for more details:  The History of Marijuana as Medicine

Few herbs offer such a wide variety of therapeutic applications:

Relief of muscle spasms

Relief of chronic pain

Reduction in interlobular pressure inside the eye

Suppression of nausea

Weight loss - increase and restore metabolism

AIDS - Marijuana can reduce the nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting from the condition itself and the medications as well.

Glaucoma - Marijuana relieves the internal eye pressure of glaucoma, and therefore relieving the pain and slowing or even stopping the condition.

Cancer- Many side effects of the medication to stop cancer can be relieved with Marijuana, some studies suggest that Marijuana tends to slow down the progress of some types of cancer.

Multiple Sclerosis - Muscle pain, spasticity, tremors and unsteadiness are some of the effects caused by the disease that can be relieved by Marijuana.

Epilepsy - In some patients, epileptic seizures can be prevented with Marijuana use.

Chronic pain - Marijuana helps to alleviate the pain caused from many types of injuries and disorders.

Anxiety, Depression or Obsession - Even though mild anxiety is a common side effect in some users, Marijuana can elevate your mood.

Spiritual discovery- The herb tends to reveal your true self. It can uncover inner confusion and reveal your true direction - if you let it. Marijuana offers an effect that is both energizing and relaxing at the same time. This balanced effect will help some to think more clearly and more efficiently afterwards.

Why the "high"?

Cannabis plants produce a unique family of compounds called cannabinoids, which produce the "high" one experiences from consuming marijuana. There are 483 identifiable chemical constituents known to exist in the cannabis plant, and at least 85 different cannabinoids have been isolated from the plant. The two cannabinoids usually produced in greatest abundance are cannabidiol (CBD) and/or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but only THC is psychoactive.

The Cannabis sativa is known to cause more of a "high" by stimulating hunger and by producing a rather more comedic or energetic feeling. Conversely, the Cannabis indica plant is known to cause more of a "stoned" or meditative feeling.

Of course, controversy surrounds the medical use of marijuana. Its active ingredient, THC, was synthesized in 1966 and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1985. Synthetic THC is available by prescription in pill form as dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet). Proponents of medical marijuana say it is not as effective as the herb and is more expensive. 



Interested in experimenting with with the versatility and flavor of Cannabis in your kitchen without the smoke?

Cooking with Cannabis

Hemp seeds are also a great option for culinary use!

Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds

RELATED VIDEOS:

Clearing the Smoke: The Science of Cannabis

  Magic Weed: History of Marijuana

Wasabi: The Paste with the Punch

Every sushi lover is familiar with that momentary eye-watering sizzle, comparable to a Mt.Fuji eruption in your nasal passages, followed by the euphoric endorphin rush that wasabi produces. Over the years I've heard many stories surrounding this enigmatic Asian rhizome and decided to investigate the matter further to appease my own curiosity and get the record straight.

What is REAL Wasabi?

True wasabi (Wasabia Japonica) is a plant that belongs to the Brassica family, which includes broccoli, mustard, cabbage and horseradish. Originally from the mountains of Japan, where it grows in the mountain streams in specially built centuries-old growing beds, it demands the highest environmental conditions. It is for this reason that the production of high quality water-grown wasabi has been decreasing throughout the world as the environment becomes more polluted. Acid rain in Japan and Asia are the main causes of the decline in the growing areas in that region. The last wasabi growing bed to have been built in Japan is reputed to be at least 200 years old.

The growing of wasabi is difficult, and is done by just a few families in Japan. As pollution degrades the growing environment, together with the fact that young people do not want to work in the inhospitable high mountain conditions, the number of families growing wasabi using the traditional methods has dropped dramatically. Even close to the source, it is rare to find fresh wasabi. When the fragile roots are available, they're expensive and sold only in gourmet stores packed in water-filled tubes.

Most spicy-food lovers must settle for reconstituted wasabi made from a powder of the dried root. The powder is mixed with a few drops of water to make a malleable paste. Although much of its fragrance is lost in drying, the spiciness isn't affected. Powdered wasabi can still bring tears to your eyes (its nickname in sushi-speak is namida or ''tears.'') Some wasabi devotees buy the condiment conveniently premixed in tubes, similar to toothpaste. The pastes tend to be much milder than powders. Both are widely available in Oriental markets and  even regular grocery stores, due to its increasing popularity.

According to Yoshi Newton, Owner of Ichiban Japanese Restaurant, wasabi is best made about 10 minutes before it is served. Ichiban's sushi chef prepares wasabi twice a day. When kept tightly covered and refrigerated, wasabi keeps its kick for five to six hours.

Are You Sure You're Getting the Real Thing?

What about that little dollop of green stuff on your plate of sushi–are you sure it's really wasabi? It's probably not. Restaurants commonly use a substitute mixture of regular horseradish powder, mustard powder, cornstarch and artificial color. It's cheaper than wasabi, but tastes nothing like the real thing.

If you make your own Japanese dishes and use wasabi paste from a tube, check the package to see if there's a grade shown. Prepared wasabi from Japan comes in three grades–Grade 1 means it's 100 percent wasabi. Grade 2 has about 25 percent wasabi. and Grade 3 has no real wasabi at all. Grade 1 is hard to find outside of Japan.

Could You Grow Your Own?

Bona fide wasabi is not easy obtain, as this plant is a rare and difficult plant to grow. Aside from its native Japan, it has been coaxed into cultivation in Taiwan. New Zealand, and parts of the United States (like Oregon), where conditions satisfy wasabi's demand for a cool, wet climate.

The best way to grow wasabi is by water cultivation, typically in gravelly beds along streams. The beds are irrigated by the flowing water, which keeps the roots flooded, but well-aerated. Soil cultivation doesn't produce a particularly good quality rhizome, and hydroponics has not been successful. Wasabi plants take two to three years to reach maturity, or longer if growing conditions are not optimal.

The Health Benefits

For centuries, authentic wasabi (Wasabia japonica) has been used in Asia for a number of health reasons. It is only in the last decade that these health benefits have been investigated in the West. 

Here are some benefits associated with real wasabi:

Kills harmful food borne bacteria
Reduces blood pressure
Kills cancer cells
Improves bone strength
Improves liver function
Detoxifies the body
Naturally anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial
Stimulates the immune system

The most common way of consuming wasabi is by eating it. Unfortunately, the green-colored horseradish blends that you find at most restaurants and Asian shops do NOT produce the same health benefits. If the label does not say 100% Pure Wasabia japonica, then you can be sure that you are eating the following ingredients (yes, even if they are not on the label):

- European Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
- FDA Colors – Yellow #5  and Blue #1 
- Mustard powder
- Tumeric powder
- Chilli powder (sometimes).

In 2009 an organization, the “World Wasabi Council” was formed by Wasabia japonica growers and manufacturers with the sole purpose of carrying out independent scientific tests to ensure that products that carry the “Authentic Wasabi” logo do not contain any European horseradish and/or artifical colorings. 

This is a major departure from the general accepted notion that food manufacturers can do what they like with the food that we put in our bodies. In this day and age there has been a major change of view. Now more and more consumers want to eat food that is actually good for them, as well as being tasty. It is expected that within the next couple of decades all food suppliers will be required to certify what they claim is in their food is actually there, and is not just a “look-and-taste-alike” product. 

In the meantime, if you want to be sure that you're accompanying your sushi dishes with the real thing, look for this logo:

And if you're still in the mood for dessert ...

7 Medicinal Herbs and Spices to Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is an epidemic that is currently sweeping across America and the industrialized world. The fast lifestyle of fast food, soda and stress is starting to catch up with us, so much so that an estimated one in every three Americans has high blood pressure. This puts them at risk of heart disease, stroke and even kidney disease. Moreover, this condition is costing the country 93.5 billion dollars in health care services.

Putting too much faith in the medical establishment to find a cure for your high blood pressure may no longer be advisable in the least. The number of prescription drugs on the market and the cascade of variations suggest that a cure for blood pressure is not in the offing anytime soon.

Despite all the consequences associated with high blood pressure, it is still a condition that is preventable and easily managed. Observing a healthy balanced diet and enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle can help avoid the risk of high blood pressure as well as reduce one that is already elevated.
                                                                                                
High blood pressure - A package of woe    

There is no one identifiable cause for high blood pressure. A combination of factors like stress, alcohol, smoking, weight and lack of physical activity seem to have to come together to produce this problem, which is further compounded by family history and age.

Although it is a condition that if left unattended could gravitate to something worse, high blood pressure is not a disease. Taking proactive measures in preventing heart diseases, stroke and even kidney disease by managing your blood pressure may be the best decision you can make today.

While the idea of drug-free high blood pressure management through the use of herbs and spices has slowly been gaining ground, it is still treated with skepticism by the medical establishment. The reliance on prescription drugs, however, has not in any way shown that high blood pressure could be cured through this manner. There are still reports by patients who are currently using drugs to manage their high blood pressure that their condition has not shown any improvement, nor their quality of life. Instead, they have to deal with side effects and drugs that are expensive to maintain.

Spice up your life

In a published study featured in the Journal of Medicine, it was revealed that common spices can protect from heart disease and the deterioration brought about by aging. In the said study, researchers discovered a connection between the phenol content of certain herbs and spices and their capacity to prevent glycation and formation of AGE compounds that are responsible for premature aging and heart disease.

As a way to manage your blood pressure, herbs and spices are a fantastic way to increase the medicinal value of your food. Below are some herbs and spices you may have been enjoying with no idea as to their value:


1. Garlic - Garlic contains allicin, a substance which has antibacterial, antioxidant, lipid lowering and anti-hypertension properties. In a pilot study made at Clinical Research Center of New Orleans on whether garlic could lower blood pressure, nine patients with severe hypertension were given a garlic preparation containing 1.3 % allicin. Sitting blood pressure fell with a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure only five to 14 hours after the dose. Moreover, it was proven in a 2009 study that fresh garlic has more potent cardio-protective properties than processed garlic.

2. Cinnamon - Cinnamon not only prevents heart disease, it can also prevent diabetes. The Center for Applied Health Sciences in Ohio conducted a study of 22 subjects, half of which were given a 250mg of water soluble cinnamon daily while the other half were given placebo. It was discovered that those who drank cinnamon had a 13 to 23 percent increase in antioxidants connected with lowering blood sugar levels.

3. Onions - Onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant flavonol found to prevent heart disease and stroke. In a research study published in the Journal of Nutrition, subjects with hypertension experienced a decrease in their blood pressure by 7mmHg systolic and 5 mmHg diastolic as opposed to those who were taking placebo.

4. Olives - This herb is a significant part of the Mediterranean diet, recognized to be one of the healthiest in the world. Oil made from olives has been found to reduce blood pressure. In a study conducted on the importance of olive oil, Dr. L. Aldo Ferrara, Associate Professor at the Frederico II University of Naples in Italy discovered that the daily use of 40 grams of olive oil reduced the dosage of blood pressure medication in hypertensive patients by about 50 percent. Polyphenols in extra-virgin olive oil was credited for the significant reduction of blood pressure.

5. Oregano - This herb contains the compound carvacrol which has been proven to be effective against blood pressure. In a study conducted on animal subjects, by researchers from Eskisehir Osmangazi University in Turkey, carvacrol was found to reduce heart rate, mean arterial pressure as well as the systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

6. Hawthorn - This herb has been traditionally used to treat high blood pressure. In one study conducted in Reading, UK, 79 type-2 diabetic patients were randomized to receive 1200 mg of hawthorn extract while another group received medication for high blood pressure. Results revealed that patients taking hawthorn by the end of the 16th week showed a reduction in their mean diastolic pressure.

7. Cardamom- In one study published in the Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 20 subjects newly diagnosed with primary hypertension were administered 3 g of cardamom powder. After the end of the 3 months, all the subjects experienced feelings of well-being without any side effects. Moreover, the study was able to demonstrate that blood pressure was effectively reduced. It also improved antioxidant status while breaking down blood clots without significantly altering blood lipids and fibrinogen levels.

Taking advantage of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of spices and herbs is an excellent way to boost your body's health. Herbs have low calorie content, increase the medicinal value of your food and allow you to use natural forms of lowering blood pressure. Mix them up with your soups, salads, fish and meat and vegetable dishes. It's a healthier and cheaper alternative to keeping bottles of prescription drugs and synthetic supplements.

Thursday, April 26, 2012 
by Aurora Geib (for Natural News.com)

22 Surprising Uses for Tumeric

Along with its anti-inflammatory benefits, this antioxidant-rich staple from the spice rack can be used for everything from dying Easter eggs to whitening teeth.

written by Melissa Breyer (for Mother Nature Network)

Tue, Mar 19 2013 

One of the most fetching culinary spices, turmeric has an intense golden hue. The major ingredient in Indian curries, turmeric is the component responsible for curry’s dizzying color; it’s also commonly used to imbue mustard with its radiant glow.

We’re commonly reminded to eat colorful plant foods because their pigments, which are associated with antioxidants — the wonder nutrients that experts believe protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals and that also have important anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric’s intense color makes it a front-runner in this group of foods; curcumin, a compound found only in turmeric, appears to be the magic ingredient.

A cousin of ginger, this rhizome has a long history of use in herbal remedies, particularly in China, India and Indonesia. Many current studies are looking into turmeric to treat a whole host of health problems, and turmeric has ample other uses as well, as evidenced in the following applications.

1. Brighten your pearly whites

Former Miss USA Susie Castillo swears by her recipe for homemade toothpaste, which includes turmeric powder. Although turmeric is known for its staining prowess, it is commonly (if not counter-intuitively) used to whiten teeth – presumably it’s not in contact with the enamel long enough to change the color. Here’s how to make your own version, and you can also sprinkle some on your commercial or other homemade toothpaste and brush as usual.

2. Customize foundation

Ashy makeup makes a bad match for luminous skin. Actor Thandie Newton tackles the problem by adding turmeric to tinted moisturizer to achieve a perfect glow that matches her skin tone. And in fact, women in India often use turmeric in face creams and body scrubs to boost the glow factor; sprinkle in a bit at a time until you have the proper tone.

3. Spice up your soap

If you make homemade soap, adding several teaspoons of turmeric to it will not only dial up its color, but will boost its skin-friendly benefits as well.

4. Save your scalp

Many swear by a combination of olive oil and turmeric to deter dandruff and to improve the overall condition of the scalp. Make a mix of turmeric and the oil of your choice (jojoba or coconut oil would be nice), massage into your scalp and leave on for 15 minutes, then shampoo and style as usual.

5. Embellish temporary tattoos

Use turmeric to create golden Mehndi, the temporary tattoos made with henna, or to add a pretty second color to an extant henna tattoo.

6. Diminish sprain strain

A traditional homeopathic sprain treatment involves making a paste using one part salt and two parts turmeric and enough water to make it spreadable. Apply to the affected joint and wrap in an old cloth that you don’t mind staining. Leave on for 20 minutes to an hour, once a day. (Don’t do this on body parts that can be seen; you don’t want a temporary yellow tinge!) Also of note: the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking turmeric to help reduce sprain swelling and makes the effect of bromelain (an anti-inflammatory derived from pineapple enzymes) stronger. Take 250 to 500 milligrams (mg) each of turmeric and bromelain, three times a day between meals.

7. Help tame swimmer’s ear

Natural remedy aficionados recommend using warmed garlic oil to help push the water out of ears affected by swimming; adding turmeric to the mix is said to help as well. See home remedies for swimmer’s ear for more.

8. Soothe a sick stomach

Turmeric has long used to quell bellies that aren’t behaving properly. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends 500 mg of turmeric four times daily to treat an upset stomach.

9. Ease achy arthritis

For osteoarthritis, NIH recommends 500 mg twice daily of a specific turmeric extract (like Meriva, Indena); 500 mg four times daily of a non-commercial product has also been used. For rheumatoid arthritis, they note that 500mg twice daily of a specific formulation of curcumin (like BCM-95, Arjuna Natural Extracts, India) can be used.

10. Love your liver

According to early experimental research at the Medical University Graz in Austria, the curcumin in turmeric may delay liver damage that can eventually lead to cirrhosis.

11. Inhibit skin cancer

Turmeric seems to hold much promise for skin treatments, as well as possibly inhibiting certain forms of cancer. Among other studies, researchers at the University of Texas note that curcumin inhibits the growth of melanoma and may also impede the spread of breast cancer to the lungs.

12. Battle other forms of cancer

The American Cancer Society says that laboratory studies have shown that curcumin interferes with several important molecular pathways involved in cancer development, growth and spread. Researchers have reported that curcumin can kill cancer cells in laboratory dishes and also slows the growth of the surviving cells. Human studies of curcumin in cancer prevention and treatment are in the early stages.

13. Minimize Alzheimer’s symptoms

A clinical trial using curcumin extract published in the Journal of Neurochemistry found a30 percent decrease in the size of Alzheimer's-associated brain plaque in treated mice — in only one week. 

14. Make longevity tea

Dr. Andrew Weil notes that people in Okinawa, the Japanese island nation with the world's longest average life span, drink turmeric tea daily. To make your own, boil four cups of water, add one teaspoon of ground turmeric, allow to simmer for 10 minutes, strain, and add ginger and/or honey to taste.

15. Use as dye for spicy tie-dyed tees

Yes, turmeric stains fabric … which means that it's an awesome fabric dye. Add three tablespoons of turmeric to a pot of boiling water, let it simmer for a while, and your dye bath is ready. (See more at this photo tutorial.)

16. Make marigold-colored play dough

Homemade play dough is as much fun to make as it is to play with once it’s made. And coloring it is especially fun. This recipe instructs on how to make it from scratch, and also how to turn it into a rainbow of colors using, among other natural ingredients, turmeric. (Bonus tip: You can scent homemade play dough with vanilla or peppermint extract.)

17. Naturally dye Easter eggs

There’s something magical about mashing up natural dyestuffs in bowls and watching hard-boiled eggs transform into the jewel-like colors found in nature rather than in the lab. Beet juice, onion skin, blueberries, and of course, turmeric all do a bang-up job of the task. Get the how-to here: Eco Easter eggs.

18. Make meat safer

Kansas State University researchers discovered that adding turmeric to meat can reduce the levels of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) by up to 40 percent. HCAs form on chicken and meat when cooked over high heat, like in grilling. Consumption of HCAs is linked to higher rates of cancer.

19. Enliven bland food

While Frito-Lay may rely on Yellow 6 and Red 40 to enhance its preternaturally vivid snacks like Cheetos and Nacho Cheese Doritos, you can skip the nasty artificial colors and add a dash of turmeric to brighten up otherwise insipid-looking food. Whimsical cooks and moms alike can benefit from adding it to eggs, mashed potatoes, soups, cauliflower, or anywhere else a bit of vibrancy is desired.

20. Blend your own curry powder

If there’s one thing turmeric is famous for, it’s the starring role in Indian curry. (There comes a point in every young Western cook’s life when they realize that curry isn’t one single spice, but a blend of many.) Making your own curry blend is simple and tastes remarkably bright and fresh; and you can customize it to reflect your personal taste. A good place to start is here.

21. Make delicious dishes

No “uses for turmeric” article would be complete without reminding the reader of all the wonderful food that can be made with turmeric, even if it may not be the most surprising use on the list. Therefore, see: 5 dishes infused with curry.

22. And last but not least, bake a cake!

Turmeric cake? Indeed. This Lebanese dessert is not too sweet and has an odd little earthy kick to it compliments of the turmeric. Find a basic recipe here and a vegan recipe here.

Note: Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form, but use with caution and consult with your doctor first. It’s strong stuff. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is unsafe during pregnancy, can make gallbladder problems worse, can make stomach problems such as GERD (or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) worse, and can slow blood clotting and might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery.