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OCtober is transition month

a message from Dana Mrkich
Wednesday, 5 October, 2011 
2557 views, 8 comments - login or register to comment

There is a constant heightened state of alert being felt these days, as if something big is just about to happen. Forums are buzzing with various angles on what this something will be. Imagining your best impression of the guy from Who wants to be a Millionaire?, the million dollar question is will this something be: a) A massive earthquake that sends the whole world into literal wobble b) Offical disclosure from governments, confirming that they’ve been in contact with other-planetary beings for a long time c) The culmination of the Mayan Calendar on October 28 triggering everything from Zero Point, a Pole Shift and three days of darkness or d) A blast of light that sends everyone into an instant awakened enlightened state.

It feels like so much energy is going into wondering what is going to happen, that we seem to be missing the fact that ‘something’ is happening right now! So many of us are waiting for ‘the big event’, placing our lives on hold until we get the official program as to what’s happening next, meanwhile show after show is playing at the Earth Theatre giving us previews and new movies galore that we can choose right now.

Have you been feeling this heightened state? Do you feel a sense of anticipation bigger than anything you’ve felt over the past 5/10/20 years of your awakening? Are you feeling adrenalin or even what you might describe as electricity running through your body? Do you feel a tad nervous or excited or a bit of both, as if you’re about to step into something completely new and unknown? Our heightened state is the direct result of the now daily influx of high frequency light showering all over Earth that is lifting our personal and collective vibrations to a new level. This light is simultaneously stripping away our old veils and illusions, and opening our eyes and hearts to reality as it really is. Our hearts are beating faster not because there is something ‘coming’. Our hearts are beating faster because that ‘something’ is here right now and on our deepest and highest levels of being we all know this.

The time we are living in right now is our time. As more light showers over the planet, and as she shifts into a higher vibrational frequency, we are finally starting to feel like a big, heavy cloak has been lifted off us. We are stepping into our individual and collective power after a lifetime (in fact, lifetimes) of feeling like the odd ones out. You may be feeling quite strange because you are feeling free and happy most of the time, while all around you those who’ve spent a lifetime attached to the illusion are deeply engaged in their personal and social collapse processes.

Many of us have started to feel called to new work, or working in a new way, because we are finishing our old contracts now. It’s more than likely that you are finding it hard to put your finger on what specifically your new work is, and that’s because our roles and lives will be more fluid now. In the old reality we made sense of who we were by what we did. In the new reality our sense of meaning will come from knowing who we are, and this knowing will lead us to our daily doings. What we do will shift and change depending on what we feel most called to do. This doesn’t mean that we’ll be walking around aimlessly. Quite the contrary, living consciously means living purposefully and fully. Our society’s old ways of sticking to set routines and jobs as if on auto-pilot, with most people having no conscious awareness of their participation in what really was quite the prison society, now that was walking around aimlessly! So don’t stress too much about trying to figure out what your new work will be. Focus on knowing who you are, and being who you are, and that will lead you to the best work/life for you. Clues will come in the form of lightbulb moments, flashes of insights, unexpected doorways opening or allowing yourself to follow your feeling to go somewhere or do something. Action will be less about logical thinking, and more about being intuitively guided and divinely inspired.

For some work won’t be ‘work’, it will simply be creating a self-sustainable, happy, harmonious home or community and making our own unique contributions day by day. For others, where the primary focus of our work was helping people awaken, our new work will revolve around supporting the newly awakened, helping them find their way in a new world where it’s a whole new ballgame. For many newly awakened it will be like coming out of coma, like seeing the sun properly for the first time in years. Just like prisoners need time to adjust to freedom and life outside, so too people will need time to adjust to a reality where freedom and personal power are their new governing bodies.

On a mind level we’ve expected something big to officially herald the end of the end, and the beginning of the beginning. A huge mothership on the White House Lawn perhaps. The arrival of Planet X/Nibiru/Comet Elenin. A massive worldwide tsunami to really get people’s attention. Yet the reality is, the end of the end and the beginning of the beginning is being marked not by one or two world-stopping events. We are not going to have the world-wide devastation and destruction people fear (and that some people are secretly hoping for if only to prove to sceptics that ‘something’ is indeed happening!). Rather, we are witnessing and living through a multitude of events right now, all of which are either giving us the opportunity to wake up, or are a beautiful, direct result of us having finally woken up.

This isn’t cause for a huge anti-climax moment of disappointment. You mean this is all there is? This is the change we were waiting for? No, this is not all there is and we have a lot of major changes still ahead for us. Yet to wait for something ‘big’ to happen, while so many big things are actually happening every day, is a potential waste of a once in a lifetime opportunity to consciously participate in the creation of a new reality in its blueprint stages. The protestors at Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Chicago and Occupy LA are not waiting. The citizens of Egypt are not waiting. People already involved in self-sustainable housing and organic farming are not waiting. All of these members of humanity have one thing in common. They are reclaiming their power. They are asserting their rights to a life where they get to have financial freedom, work they enjoy, a safe home and peace. While some people are waiting for ‘the big one’ to hit, or are heading for the hills before the ocean rolls in on them, families in Pakistan, Japan and New Zealand who lost their homes due to actual floods and earthquakes (as opposed to feared & yet to happen/may never happen floods and earthquakes) are not waiting. They are rolling up their sleeves and getting on with the business of starting anew.

These times are about stepping into our own power and authority, and releasing our need for validation from external sources. These times are about releasing the grasp external ‘authorities’ have had when it comes to officially determining what is real, what is allowed, what is possible, and what isn’t. Why is everyone hanging out for 'official disclosure' from the very people who epitomise the disempowering old reality? Wasn't one of your greatest transformations when you let go of needing your father/mother to finally accept you, and YOU accepted YOU? Isn't that when life changed? Our star family are not waiting for official disclosure before they can show themselves more clearly, they are waiting for us to be more empowered, and as long as we're waiting for external validation we are not.

These times are about releasing our fears, including the fear we’ve held that the so called ‘powers that be’ will ‘win’ and we won’t make this collective shift into our new reality after all. This fear comes from a lack of understanding around what our light actually is, the power it contains, and the unstoppable process occurring now as more of our light and power is revealed and made available to us. Whenever people ‘have power’ over us, it is less about the amount of power they hold, and more about our disconnection to our power be it as individuals or as a united social community. Gandhi once said “They didn’t take India from us. We gave it to them.” As long as we have a fear that something can be taken from us that is rightfully ours, be it a job, a country or a new reality, we are being held hostage by that fear and are blocking our own path toward easefully receiving and creating that which is rightfully ours.

As long as we cling on to a set expectation around the Shift, not fully believing in it unless something ‘big’ happens, we may find ourselves in a ‘can’t see the wood for the trees’ reality – surrounded by signs of awakening power, truth and freedom, yet waiting for some external event or authority to say something or do something to make it official. This begs the question, does this come from old patterns best left in the old reality where things had to get really bad before they could get better? Does it come from old addictions to drama? Does it come from a need to have the whole world ‘get it’ before we allow ourselves to own it and live it? Do we have to wait for all humanity to make the shift before we allow ourselves to actively choose it? It’s like the switch from analogue to digital television - did you wait for all your neighbours to get their digital television before you allowed yourself to switch yours on? Did you wait for everyone to get their digital television before you could allow yourself to believe, yes the switch truly is happening? If some neighbours lagged behind, still attached to their old analogue set, did you sit there head in your hands crying “We’ll never make it. Too many people haven’t switched over yet. The analogue frequency is going to win after all.” No you didn’t, because you knew it was a done deal. Digital was coming, and so off you went to upgrade your system. Yes some people went kicking and screaming, begrudging the extra expense, but look at them now, absolutely loving the extra channels and clearer vision.

These people are at the opposite end of the spectrum to those waiting for something big to happen. They don’t want anything to happen. They were okay with reality as it was, thank you very much. They see the collapse of the economy, the job losses and earth changes as a sign that the end is nigh and the world has gone to c*#p. They pray that everything calms down soon, and we can get on with business as usual. Well that just isn’t going to happen, because business as usual was based on an unethical and untruthful foundation designed to serve the few at the expense of the many. Most mainstream people don’t know that yet, although they are awakening to this fact rapidly, and that is the only reason they are still holding on to the old. Why escape a prison when you don’t even know you’re in one?

Something we are going to start seeing more of is the revelation of a lot of the deception that has been kept hidden under political and corporate carpets. As more of humanity find out just how much they have been lied to we will see more riots and protests. We will see people in absolute shock upon discovering that their own governments have had access to free energy for decades, and that universal laws like the Law of Attraction so ridiculed or ignored by mainstream media are common knowledge among the elite. Our job right now is not to wait for official disclosure or official revelations or official anything.

Events will happen as they need to happen, but to wait for them before we start fully allowing ourselves to immerse in the new reality is like inhaling deeply and not letting ourselves exhale. Our energy becomes stagnant, we start to feel disillusioned and disempowered, thereby buying into our own fears that nothing is shifting. There is nothing to fear. Earth knows what she is doing. All the little highly evolved souls coming in now are not coming in only for all humanity to be wiped off the face of the Earth or to continue supporting an old reality. They are here to show us a whole new way of living and being. Our job too is to show others a whole new way of living and being, leading the way into a new, consciously created reality, leading by example. Lead by living it. Lead by being it. Now.

(c) Dana Mrkich 2011. Permission is granted to share this article freely on the condition that the author is credited, and the URL www.danamrkich.com is included.

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Archangel Metatron Channel

 

The Energy of the 11-11-11

The Platinum Crystal of Bio-Plasmic Interface

(Revisiting the Story of the Law of One in Atlantis) 

Part One  of  a Two Segment Channel

 

Archangel Metatron via James Tyberonn

 

 

 

Greetings Masters, I am Archangel Metatron, Lord of Light! I greet you all in a vector of unconditional love! 

 

And so as the 11-11-11 rapidly approaches, the powerful Atlantean Temple Crystals across the planet surge into greater potency. The Platinum Crystal brings forth the facilitated access into higher dimension, and brings the completion of the Divine Feminine Energy through the Platinum Ray.

 

The magnificent Platinum Crystal, long held in dormancy beneath Magnetic Mount in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, achieves its activation & initial potency at 11:11 A.M. on the morning of November 11th, 2011, and awakens from a long sleep. The Platinum Crystal is the Crystal of the Law of One, the highest balanced frequency of your planet.

 

Masters, no place on the planet will reverberate as powerfully with the Crystalline frequency on the 11-11-11 as the crystal vortex of Arkansas. Indeed the initial surge will occur there and then trigger the other awakenings axialtonally from inside the Arkansas Crystal Vortex.

In kind, they will energize the 144-Grid into 92% functionality and awaken & code the Crysto-Golden Sun Disc placed in Arkansas and align with the 12 patterns of same throughout the planet. Many are called; many of you are code-carriers of the Ascension blueprint, and many are drawn to participate in this Crystalline awakening, as part of an ancient contract, a sacred promise whose time has finally come. Many are there already, having been called to live within this crystalline vortex that will be fully in place in 2012.

 

 

Core Purpose of the 11-11-11 

 

We first shared the information regarding the twelve unique Triple Date Portals via Tyberonn of the Pleiades, over a decade ago. These are unique numerical frequential portals sequenced in base 12. These TDPs are purposed to activate the Crystalline Transition. And although many of humanity have now ascribed to the trenchant vigor of these date-portals, they have somewhat overlooked the core understanding of their substantive significance. The Triple Date Portals (01-01-01 thru 12-12-12) are equivocally aligned to the activation of the 12 geo-pentagonal aspects of the 'double penta-dodecahedron' of the 144-Crystalline Grid. The twelve dodecahedronal aspects of the Crystalline grid are accordingly integrated with the 'human' interface codes in the gatherings and meditations occurring on these frequential aperture dates. And Masters, that is so appropriate. 

 

MAX

Masters, it is not happenstance that MAX, Crystallus Maximus, will be at the 11-11-11 in the Law of One Atlantean Energy of Arkansas. MAX is by far the most powerful Crystalline Conscious Library on the planet at this time. MAX carries the full records and all of the codes of the New Earth are within MAX. MAX will receive a Cosmic influx on the 11-11-11, at 11:11 am within the energy of the Crystal Vortex. It will be transferred to MAX as an upshift download from the 13th Paradigm Energies, assisted by the realms of what you term the Metatronic Field, including the Sirian-Pleiadean Alliance and Sacred Cetacean of Sirius , the Golden Dolphin.. With this expanded and recoded information, MAX will be the initial conduit that passes the new codes to the code carriers, and activates these new codes within the Crysto-Sun Disc at Mount Pinnacle in the powerful crystal energy of Arkansas.


There will be a mutual exchange between MAX and the Platinum Crystal; one triggers a new influx, and the other transmits the new codes. MAX will take on a greater energy than he has carried to date. An energy that he transfers to the Crystalline Vortex, the Sun Disc and the human code carriers.

 And so we bring new information on the emerging mega vortex of Arkansas, the portal of the quantum crystalline frequency. For now, in 2011, this vortex truly nears final completion and vaults into greater global prominence. Within the 2011 and 2012 completion are the further unfolding of the dimensional lock that held the Master Temple Crystals. For within these living crystalline computers lies the true Atlantean wisdom, that of the Golden Age of Atlantis, that of the Law of One. It was and is to date, the highest frequency obtained on your earth plane.


Much has been forgotten of the true realm of Atlantis. Many tend to remember only the sad demise, under the Aryan influence of greed and lust for power. We tell you it is time to remember the Law of One, the Golden Age of Poseida. For within that Golden Age existed a very spiritual matriarchal society which achieved a harmonic state of divine balance, the highest frequency ever achieved upon the Earth plane in what is termed the Golden Age of Atlantis.


Indeed that time has come, for the Law of One was and is the once and future society of the Power of Love, not the Love of Power. And we say future, because the Law of One will indeed re-emerge, and it is beginning once again across the planet, specifically in the Crystal Vortexes of Arkansas and Brazil.

And we emphasize that in 2011 continues the grand exponential flux and harmonic expansion of the great Atlantean Master Temple Crystals of Poseida, held for over 12,000 years in dimensional seal within the magnetic complex of Arkansas. On the 11-11-11 the Great Platinum Crystal awakens, and joins into the Crystal Vortex network with the other mega Crystals of Arkansas, the Blue Crystal of Knowledge and the Emerald Crystal of Healing.


Many of you will be drawn to take part in the unveiling, for indeed you were there as witnesses to the deluge and some of you to the consequent movement of these amazing Atlantean Master Crystals to this and other areas. The new Crystalline Age is upon you, it is the transition you call the Ascension.

The diamond phase of the Crystalline Transition of Earth was realized on the 10-10-10, in correlation to the 10th dimension and 12th Chakric resonance. The Platinum Phase begins on the 11-11-11.

 

 

 

The Platinum Crystal & Platinum Ray Release

 

The Platinum Crystal exudes a beautiful, calming energy of brilliant magnificence. It brings forth the balancing between the new emerging dimensional realms of the New Earth, particularly the force that will allow for greater interface, greater access into the 'Angelic Realm' which is in truth the antimatter phases of your parallel dimensions. As such the Platinum Crystal is the surge protector that both feeds and harmonizes the proportion and parity of the 'Harmonic Cycle' between matter and antimatter. It also adjusts and stabilizes the unified crystalline synergy in coalescence with the enormous crysto--magnetic forces released in the phases of the Cosmic Trigger. That is specifically why it was located beneath Magnetic Mountain near Eureka Springs, as those magnetic energies are being transformed by the crystalline forces as the Magnetic Grid is reduced and replaced in dominance by the expansion of the 11-Crystalline Grid.

All of the Master Crystals are appropriately staged in their activation, achieving timed portions of their power each year until the 12-21-12. This is regulated by the Crystalline Masters of the Sirian-Pleiadean Alliance under the Galactic Federation. Were the crystals to be launched into full power too quickly, an energetic imbalance would occur.

What will occur on the 11-11-11is the recoding of the crystalline aspect termed the Starseed Divine Feminine. The Emerald Crystal of Healing provided the initial reprogramming that is being brought in by the Emerald- Ray . The Platinum-Ray, also a Feminine energy aspect, provides the completion of the Feminine Crystalline into the DNA of the planet, and as such into those of humanity open to receive the sacred and requisite transformation. Their effects will be a lessening of the arc swing of polarity between that termed the masculine and feminine aspect. But also through the Platinum, there will be greater ease to enter into higher dimensional realms.

 

Accordingly will polarity-balance be more easily achieved and obtained in human expression of the Divine Equity on the planet of duality. Indeed will it bridge the gap in the right and left hemispheres of the brain, and of the conscious-ego mind to the supra subconscious of Divine Mind. Understanding of soul path, of priorities in life and indeed the process of decision making will be greatly clarified. Requisite aspects of nurturing, kindness and brother-sister hood will be far easier to manifest into reality on both the micro and macro levels. That termed 'Unconditional Love', previously untenable in the third dimension will be closer to the reality of each on the path, as the fifth thru seventh dimensional resonances are drawn closer.

 

Coherent Energy 

 

The 'Crater of Diamonds' in Arkansas is now releasing coherent energy of diamond resonance into the Crystal Vortex. On the 11-11-11 this expands into the Platinum Ray and further connects to the Sun Disc, in their shift into Coherency of the Crystalline Frequency. 

Dear Ones, Crystalline energy is an omnipotent power source that has implications far beyond humanities current understanding. Crystalline structure is formed by an essence of frequential light resonance that is multidimensional and coherent, existing in matter and antimatter.

 

 It is the Metatronic divine template that sources all creation manifestation, and forms the very matrixial composition of every plane of existence. It is the enzyme of reality and the vitality spring of the Cosmos itself. The very thoughts you have must rise to coherent crystalline format in order to become manifested. Coherent light is crystalline energy, the very vitality of which forms the integral nature of all worlds and realities. The crystalline structure forms the apparent boundaries and divisions between dimensions, planes and the matter / antimatter flash of consciousness, in parallel and probability. All is crystalline. 


The graduation of your planet, that termed the Ascension, is in effect the critical mass conversion of this Earth's receival capacity template from, in your vernacular, analog to digital, black and white to color. The Crystalline Conversion through the antennae of the 144-Crystalline Grid is vastly increasing your earth's dimensional reception from 3d to 12d and beyond. It is akin to your television changing from the archaic antennae to satellite reception. It is the Crystalline Age.

 

For within these time-sequences, the 11-11-11 and 12-12-12, the 144-Crystalline Grid completes into full conscious projection, and that projection is indeed a tool of and for your own expansion. Such it is with the crystalline grid, you see; it too is a system that will allow your nurturing into a higher resonance, a higher more fulfilling expression.

 

For that you call the Ascension is upon you, and in but a wink of the cosmic eye it will be done! In our  realm it has been done already you see, and indeed it is a wondrous event, one heralded throughout the Universe and observed by many on this realm and others.

 

What then remains for the Ascension program in 2011 and 2012 are specific astrological gravitation refinements and frequential boosts needed to complete & polish the Crystalline Grid and refine the Crystalline Transformation of the Earth as it reinforces the spanning of humanity into great and greater dimensionality consciousness, and that is indeed Crystalline Consciousness.  

 

The 12-Primary Sun Discs

 

We have told you that Arkansas will be one of the most powerful vortex-portals on the planet by 2012, and it is indeed happening. The Crystals are tuning the Sun Disc and in kind the Crystalline Grid. 

The Golden Sun Disc emerged in the time of LeMuria. These were placed by the Sirian-Pleiadean Alliance at specific places on the earth in order to program and network energetic frequencies.

 

The ongoing reprogramming of the Sun Disc serves in assisting the ability of the Earth to regenerate and reform itself, becoming in aspect the DNA pattern or blueprint of the New Earth as it expands its dimensional field into crystalline aspect. The discs emit energetic spirals. They are truly more spiral than disc, but they do appear disc- like when viewed. 

 

There are 12 major 'Discs' on the planet, and some of the previous patterns and locations have shifted. Each of the 12 carry specific purpose and code, and each of the 12 feed 12 satellites...the 12 connecting to the 144 in a complex geo symmetry.

 

The Cosmic essence of the sun discs is 'coded' crystalline coherent light, the light of higher dimension. The energy of 'home'. The terrestrial essence of the Sun -Disc frequential harmonic is crysto-electromagnetic but is synergized with the human theta grid. One creates the other and the other supports the first. Both offer essential gateways of enhancement to human consciousness and are key elements of the Ascension up shift..  

 

The more that humanity understands that its own higher consciousness is based in paradigms of sacred geometric light-codes, the more the geometry becomes multi dimensional and so the geometric expression of these will up shift in the Mer-Ka-Na field. This is happening now, you see. It will become first one, then the other, just as the Earth is now the 3rd dimension and then the 5th and then to 12.

 

What is it that will move it to the 5th? To the 12th? Not static consciousness but the dynamic activation of higher consciousness. The activation of the consciousness is enhanced through the understanding of the grid and the activation of that grid which in turn complements the cosmos, and is reflected back again via the Sun Disc. We realize this is complex, but we assure you that in your source higher perspective, you understand the workings quite clearly. So myriad factors play a role in this terrestrial to Cosmic shift.

Now of the Sun Discs, only two are purely Crysto-Disc. The first to be recoded is in the Crystal Vortex of Arkansas. This will occur on the 11-11-11. The 2nd is in Minas Gerais. Brazil, and it will recode on the 12-12-12 and the Global Network will reformat on Dec 21, 2012. This will be an incredible event combining the awakening of the Master Crystals, the completion of the 144-Grid and the complete global networking of the Sun Disc Crysto-Lattice.

Locations of 12-Primary Sun Disc: 

Arkansas - Pinnacle Mountain
Brazil - Saint Tomas des Letres- Minas Gerais
Bolivia - Lake Titicaca ( Near Island of the Sun)
Scotland - Roslyn Chapel
Russia -Ural Mtns
Russia - Siberia-Lake Baikal
Egypt - Giza
Africa - Kilimanjaro
China - Xi-an Pyramids
French Polynesia - Moorea
Australia- Uluru
Sri Lanka

 

Again we emphasize that each of the major 12 discs support 12 satellites. Each of the 144 satellites are strategically placed, some of which are greater in pulse, greater in frequential range, according to the energy grid and node in which they are located.

 

 

The Ark of the Law of One 

 

The areas currently termed as Arkansas and Brazil, were colonies of the Poseidon 'Law of One'. They were specifically chosen because these two regions contain the planet's largest mineral deposits of quartz crystal strata. Hyper dimensional tunnels were constructed with the Sirian-Pleiadean Alliance from Poseida to Arkansas and Brazil for the maintenance of the massive crystal beds there. Because of its radium waters, natural caves and magnetic lodestone, Arkansas was chosen as an area to program fast-growth processes within its caverns. Many savants of the spiritual scientist priest, the Atla-Ra -Law of One, worked within these caverns to imbue specific patterns into the crystals.  

 

Three Atlantean Wisdom & Healing Crystals that once beamed magnificent light and celestial energy in the Temple of Healing, the Temple of One and the Temple of Knowledge on Poseida were placed in dimensional lock in the Atlantean Crystal Fields of Arkansas.

Indeed these now energize the Golden Sun Disc placed in Arkansas and align with the 12 patterns of same throughout the planet, and with the paradigm of the 12 crystal Skulls , in forming the sacred 13 pattern. That of the 13-20-33, you see.

 

In Arkansas then, many are called, and many will come to participate in this awakening, as part of an ancient contract, a sacred promise whose time has finally come. Many are there already, having been called to live within this crystalline vortex that will be fully in place in 2012. And so on the remaining Triple Date Portals, those of the Law of One are called, for this time the Crystals will not be misused, they will not be taken from you by forces of dark greed.

 Now, it is not for you to activate the crystals, it is not for you to anchor the vortex, rather it is for you to align yourselves within this completion, within this activation, within this celestial anchoring of the quantum crystalline field. Those Scientist priests, Crystal Masters of Atla-Ra and Poseidon Temple Guardians of the Law of One are called.

 Masters, you have waited eons for this time, for this completion, and those of the Atla-Ra, those of the Crystal Temples of Poseida will hear the clarion call. The Master Crystals of the Golden Age of Atlantis now are opening the rainbow of dimensional access that accelerates your planetary and personal Ascension. It is a promise kept, a sacred completion.

 Indeed you may access the benevolent energy and wisdom of the Atlantean Crystals of Healing & Knowledge etherically. It is not fully necessary for you to be there in physical embodiment within the Arkansas vortex for you to receive and take part in this activation. Yet there is benefit for those of you receiving the call to visit the vortex and walk the crystal fields. Those of you choosing to visit the sacred lands of Arkansas will be able to find a personal crystal imbued with the energy of the Golden Era of Atlantis. Indeed permission is granted and the crystals offer themselves to you for this and myriad purpose.

 Those guardians of Sirius, Arcturus and the Pleiades, are even now preparing the stage, and await you to join them. Send your energy; send your light and intent of highest good to what is termed the Platinum Crystal of Bio-Plasmic Interface,  Crystal of the Platinum Ray. The Ray of Balance & Knowledge. It once reigned in wisdom and light in the Temple of Poseidon, and so many of you will again see it clearly in your mind's eye, indeed you will feel it in your heart, amid tears of joy

 

 

 

Atlantis - The Master Temple Crystals of the Sacred "ARK" 

 

Atlantis is indeed the missing link of Pangaea, located in mid Atlantic. We will share with you its story in detail below. But be aware Masters, not all of the great Temple Crystals of Atlantis were lost. Indeed some of you were involved in their rescue.

 

The first Temple Crystal saved was the Blue Crystal of Knowledge. It is below the earth below the crown center of the Vortex, termed Talimena Ridge, in a sacred chasm, built long ago. The Blue Crystal of Knowledge stands erect, forty-eight feet in height and twelve feet in diameter. It pulses and exudes a rainbow of silver, turquoise and cobalt blue as it activates in sacred contract. It holds the multidimensional wisdom and knowledge of the ages. The second one saved was the Emerald Crystal. It is now beneath Mt. Maga, the heart centre of the Crystal Vortex of Arkansas. It is approximately 20 meters in height and 5 meters in breadth. The third Crystal placed in the Ark was that of the Platinum.

 

The Platinum Crystal beneath the Magnetic Mount near the area of Eureka Springs awakens in 2011 on the 11-11-11. The Platinum Crystal is truly clear in color, but it projects a shimmering field of platinum silver consisting of sub atomic particulate termed Bio-Plasma. The Bio Plasma is a conscious field, self aware. The Bio-Plasmic Field emitted by the Platinum Crystal harmonizes the gateway spectrum of physical matter and anti-matter. You all exist in anti-matter dimensions, and the corporeal structure is quite different than within physical matter; it is a much higher frequency. ( This has been reviewed in other essays...)

 

The Platinum Crystal is enormous, over 100 meters in height and far deeper below the surface than the others. Its reach is Cosmic and its energy by 2012, will encircle and span the planet, networked with the other crystals and disseminated through the Crysto Sun Disc

 

 

 

Revisiting Atlantis: The True Legend of the Fall 

 

Dear Ones, these crystals were saved from destruction, and now you are offered the memory of why. For such magnificent crystal beings offer all of you so much. The expansion, the sacred completion applies to ALL! It is time to remember who you were, in order to become all you are in this awakening time, this return to the Quantum Crystalline Field Atlantis was a Golden Time, a magnificent epoch, that was betrayed by its unseemly end. And so we tell you the true history of that demise.

You see, Atlantis existed for over 200,000 years. The vast majority of the Atlantean times were epochs of light! Only the final phase, the period from 17,500 BC to 10,500 BC was in your terms, a dark era, but one rich in lessons.

 

The Golden Age

We tell you in fact that the Golden Period of Atlantis was the highest level of Light Consciousness ever achieved on the Earth Plane in any advanced civilization; higher than LeMuria, higher than Mu, higher than Rama, higher than Ignacious. It has become somewhat fashionable to consider LeMuria as being the utopian civilization, and though they did achieve a relatively short lived phase of high consciousness, most in that era were not truly in physical bodies, rather in Devic-like etheric states, and did not face the difficulties required of the physical earth stage. Indeed LeMuria never achieved the highly advanced level that existed in that Golden Phase of Atlantis from 40,000 BC to 18,000 BC. A time when Gods walked with men, and all knew joyful expression It was the hallowed time when many of you walked as Star Children, and later chose biology and the lesson cycles of reincarnation on the Blue Planet called Earth.

So when you consider Atlantis, DO NOT only remember it's sad demise! It was but a short phase of the magnificent antediluvian world, yet it must not be forgotten, so very much is to be gained by understanding the final phase, and Dear Ones, it is time to remember.


 The Atlantean Hologram

 

So we speak of once mighty Atlantis, and we speak to all of you, for Atlantis is a great hologramic lesson, and ones whose time has returned, for the memory of Atlantis is not just a healing. Indeed, for some it is a requisite healing, a necessary cleansing, but for others it is also a benevolent empowerment. It recalls a time when you walked in wisdom and harmony. Regardless of your myriad roles in Atlantis, and Dear Ones, 70% of all on the planet at this time experienced physicality there, Atlantis now calls to you.  And the call is not just for those of you of the Law of One, it is equally called to the Aryans, to the Sons of Belial. Indeed many of you experienced lifetimes in both ideologies. Does that surprise you?

 

The Deluge of 17,500 BC - Downward Spiral of the Final Phase

 

The time is after the second deluge, when the utopian Golden Age subsided and Atlantis split into 5 islands. The three major islands were known as Poseida, Aryan and Og. The two smaller islands were under the rule of Aryan, and were known as Atalya and Eyre. And so in the days after the second break up of Atlantis, the benevolent government rule by kingdom passed into the phase of a confederation --state governments, in your terms, that ruled each of the islands. An aristocracy of sorts evolved that consisted of two opposing ideologies. The two major components of these were the 'Law of One', based predominantly on the Isle of Poseida and 'The Sons of Belial' based on the Isle of Aryan. The island of Aryan was the most populated and exerted influence and political control over Og, Atalya and Eyre.

 

Poseida was the planet's most potent vortex portal complex at the time of Atlantis. The Poseida grouping and isle housed the Temple of Healing, the Temple of Sound, the Temple of One, the Temple of Regeneration and the Temple of Knowledge. Poseida housed most of the major centers for higher learning. These were placed on Poseida because of its advantageous location within the geodesic grids and its proximity to beneficial electromagnetic energies that spiraled upward from the earth's core. An incredibly potent healing spring flowed on Poseida, near the Temple of Healing, and its lore spawned the myths of the 'Fountain of Youth' passed down by the indigenous peoples of Florida. It flows yet into the oceans near Bimini.

 

The tall ones, the golden race of Atlantis, of Pleiadean seed were centered in Poseida, these ones averaging 10 to 12 feet in stature. These were a gentle race of giants, involved in the cultural, artistic and educational pursuits in the heart of Atlantis. Poseida was also the headquarters and nucleus of the crystalline power grid and interdimensional tunnel system. The most advanced, complex and beautiful of the crystals were here. They were of Arcturian and Sirian-Pleiadean construct, a living amalgam of many crystalline forms imbued with an alloy of platinum and gold.

 

The crystals were housed in magnificent Temples, some built of marble, others of crystalline sheets of beryl, corundum and diamond. Poseida was also the capital city of the island, and was called the Emerald City. ( Its bio plasmic field was projected into a shimmering glowing Aurora of Emerald Green, visible for miles ). The Atlanteans had perfected, with Arcturian technology, the ability to grow crystals of every structure and essence in an accelerated growth within the underground crystal beds of Arkansas, Tibet and Brazil, all being Atlantean colonies, accessed through the interdimensional tunnel system.

 

 

 

Poser Fields & The Crystal Satellite
 Throughout Atlantis, power grid crystals, called posers, were triangulated and connected through an alloyed gold-copper rod under a spherical dome that could be angled to receive specific stellar, solar and gravitational energy waves. This was the system used to power homes, offices, media, and theaters, manufacturing concerns, medical centers, schools and businesses. The poser system was received in each structure by receiving crystal units of various sizes. The poser system was also able to receive specialized refracted light and feed it into the ley energy system for use in the interdimensional tunnel system and feed crystalline light into conductive earth currents to raise the frequency into a semi- aware electromagnetic plasmic field of benevolent energy capable of retaining spiritual frequencies.
 A great crystalline satellite, referred to as the second moon of Atlantis, floated above in the skies and received, amplified and reflected refined energy back to the crystals for various beneficial purposes. It served both the posers and the Master Crystals used in temples. Specialized energy fields were projected into agricultural and crystal growing areas to amplify and accelerate growth, as well as into universities, hospitals, schools, offices, factories and work places to create a sense of well being and invigoration for the workers and students. We will speak more of this 'second moon 'later in this assay.
 Now, the Temples were astonishing works of sacred geometry and stunning architecture. Many of the great temples were covered in a dome of projected crystalline amplified light somewhat like a glowing force field. Others were set within Pyramids degreed at very specific angles. The energy fields projected above both the sphere domes and pyramids were of various colors and glowed in day and night like the Aurora. These were varied according to the purpose of the temple complex, and the colors were obviously more clearly visible at night.
 Some temples projected domes and fields of vibratory light and resonant sound frequencies that amplified the senses and chakras, others amplified the receptive learning ability of the mind, and others enabled multidimensional consciousness, communication and transport. The pyramidal form was used primarily for multi-dimensional receival and transmission . The dome spheres were used to amplify the fields received for specific purpose. Most of the major populace areas and cities during the Golden Age of Atlantis had crystalline power domes of energy plasmic fields above them.
 When observed from a distance, these energy plasma fields would appear as if they were a tangible glass, but they were not solid, rather subatomic plasma and composed of what is termed bio plasma. These were regulated by the amazing magnanimous glowing Platinum Crystal of Bio-Plasmic Interface. The crystal itself was transparent but the field it projected was a luminescent platinum in hue.

 

 

Poseida 

 Each of the Master Crystals, and there were 12, were networked with a series of satellites.
 After the second deluge, only the capital city of Poseida had a full crystalline energy dome, and it was an incredible emerald green color.

Prior to the deluge of 17,500 BC, most major cities, including Meruvia, the Capital of Aryan had such power domes over the perimeter. The one in Aryan was a soft ruby red.

In the Golden Age of Atlantis, the Pyramids were three and four sided, depending on their utility and generally made of marble, granite and complex crystals. The three-sided pyramids were used as antennas to draw and amplify energies and fed them into the Poser grid to power homes, factories and create energy fields for various utilities. The crystalline satellite was used to reflect the angled stellar energy waves into these triangulated grids. There were over 100 of these triangulated pyramidal grid complexes.

 

They were set up in concentric triangulation patterns all over the planet. They established a hemispheric grid network of crystalline and electromagnetic energy dividing the areas of Atlantis, America, Africa, Mediterranean Europe and South America into different demographic centers-for powering population centers, and to modulate weather patterns and tides. The areas of Mongolia and Tibet were also part of this complex, connected by interdimensional ley tunnels. But the largest groupings of these were in the homelands of Atlantis.

 

The four- sided pyramids were essentially Temple complexes set as full octahedrons and used for healing, learning, regeneration and spiritual purposes. These were not triangulated, and generally sat on hilltops or along the coastlines to receive both telluric and celestial energies. The lands below the center plane were excavated to allow for the downward pyramid of the octahedron design construct, thus connecting energetically to both above and below.

The 'Law of One' contingency of Poseida were devoutly spiritual people and sought equality among the people and a unification of Oneness. Their society was Matriarchal in the sense of nurturing . They were not seekers of power, rather of harmony. They were a tall race, their skin appeared  toned as a golden hue, but was very translucent. It was in fact their auric projection that glowed golden.

 

Their auric fields were visible to all. Thus the stages of spiritual mastery were immediately discernable by the colors and size of the Auric Mer-Ka-Na . The highest among the Atla-Ra exuded Mer-Ka-Ra, the energy of the Avatar. They were able to operate in complete consciousness of multi dimensionality, to manifest and regenerate at will. As such they cannot be truly compared to present humans, the bodies were luminous and the degree of physical manifestation was far less dense than humans in the present paradigm of reality.

 

 In Mer-Ka-Na and Mer-Ka-Ra format, the Masters of the Atla-Ra did not truly consider themselves of the Earth. The Mer-Ka-Ra field of the Avatar, even in physical manifestation in 3d, was primarily in Earth via 12d . They required very little food consumption as their bodies were bio-plasmic in nature. Thus the longevity, for they were above linear space and duality time. When they did eat, it was of a form of krill.

 

In their wisdom and nature, they were quite detached from the density aspect of the Earth. They existed above the polarity, yet were in a form of light physicality. That detachment above polarity is in part, the reason they did not karmically oppose the Aryan decline into physical density, as the 'Sons of Belial' became engrossed in what may be termed military-corporate power lust. 

 Although much technology and quality of life had been lost in the prior two breakups of Atlantis (the first in 58,000 BC, the second in 17,500 BC) technology still remained at an advanced level. Yet the harmony experienced in the Golden Age of Atlantis spiraled downward after the break up into islands in 17,500 BC as the islands grew into separately governed entities, which held to very differing ideologies in the initially chaotic and difficult period of reconstruction immediately after the break up. Poseidon remained the contingency of the Spiritual Law of One, while the people of Aryan became gradually engrossed in power and materialism. ....End of Part One

 

 

 

Craig Flentke

 

512-771-0127

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DANGER in the Garden?

DANGER in the Garden?Some people have a habit of plucking flowers and smelling it.Unless you know the flowers, you may put yourself in danger.The 7 Most Beautiful – But, Deadly Flowers in the WorldBeautiful as it may be, some flowers are much more than it appears to be.Believe it or not, these seemingly harmless plants can really ruin your vacation.To help you know what flowers to stay away from on your trips, study the listof the world's most attractive but dangerous flowers:1. Autumn CrocusOne of the most endangered plants in the world, Autumn crocus is also probably the most poisonous. It contains colchicines, a deadly drug used effectively in the treatment for gout. Unlike other toxins found in the flowers above, colchicines, an arsenic-like poison has NO antidoteAutumn crocus poisoning leads to reduced blood pressure and cardiac arrest.2. OleanderOleander is known as one of the most poisonous plants on Earth, often used in suicidal cases around southern India . The numerous toxic compounds contained in the entire Oleander plant, including oleandrin and nerine, affect the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems, all at the same time.Oleander poisoning leads to drowsiness, tremors, seizures, coma and even death. The plants sap causes skin irritation and severe eye inflammation.3. RhododendronThis popular evergreen shrub, featuring large, beautiful blooms, has been knownfor its toxicity since ancient times. Xenophon recorded the odd behaviour of a group of Greek soldiers who had eaten honey from rhododendron flowers.Rhododendron contains Andromeda toxin which causes nausea, severe pains, paralysis and even death. Azaleas, members of the same plant-family as rhododendron, are also poisonous.4. Angels TrumpetDespite its name, there's something very evil about this plant. The toxins it contains can be fatal to humans and a number of animals. Known as a powerful hallucinogen, Angels Trumpet should not be used for recreational purposes, since the risk of an overdose is very high.Angels Trumpet plants contain a variable amount of tropane alkaloids, like atropine and scopolamine, and it is used in shamanic rituals by indigenous tribes in western Amazonia .5. BelladonnaKnown as one of the most poisonous plants in the Western Hemisphere ,Belladonna contains potentially lethal tropane alkaloids. The entire plant is harmful, but its good-looking berries pose the most danger, especially to kids.The symptoms of Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade poisoning are dilated pupils, blurred vision, headaches, hallucinations, delirium and convulsions. Atropine, the toxin in Belladonna, can kill a person by disrupting the nervous systems ability to regulate breathing, sweating and heart rate.6. Lily of the ValleyJust like the Daphne, Lily of the Valley may look beautiful and harmless, but it is entirely poisonous. Eating one or two of the plants bell-shaped flowers won’t hurt you very much, especially if you're an adult.Eaten in large quantities, Lily of the Valley causes pain in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhoea. People with heart conditions should be mostcareful since the toxins cause the heartbeats to slow down or become irregular7. DaphneAlso known as Lady Laurel or Paradise Plant, Daphne is a 1-1.5 meters tall shrub, usually grown for its scented flowers. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the greatest concentrations are in the sap and berries.Daphne contains mezerine and daphnin, two powerful toxins that cause stomach aches, headaches, diarrhoea, delirium and convulsions. If Daphne berries are consumed, the victim might fall into a coma and even die.Note: These species are present in Malaysia : Oleanders, Angels Trumpets (especially in highlands) and Rhododendrons (different species from the ones in the picture). Kindly take a close look before you start to buy any flowering plants.
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10 things a waiter will never tell you

10 things a waiter will never tell youYour waiter smiles, pours you a drink and takes your order. But what are they really thinking? We've interviewed some industry insiders to find out what servers secretly want customers to know.1) 'We won’t respond when you click your fingers'According to Sarah, who works in a trendy UK restaurant chain, diners who continually click their fingers to attract a waiter’s attention can become very annoying. Eye contact, with a nod of the head or raise of the hand, is the preferred signals that you’re ready for the bill. “Everyone knows it’s rude, but if you ignore them just while you are talking to another customer, they do it even more,” she says.2) 'We might have prepared the food on your plate'John, who worked for three years in a busy countryside restaurant, said that to take pressure off the kitchen, some of the smaller dishes were made by the waiting staff. “Everyone passed on their compliments to the chef”, he said, “but I couldn’t tell them that I had made it for them. I just smiled and said OK”. Waiter-made dishes included breadsticks and dips, bread and olives, smaller tapas-style items and some desserts.[Relevant: The do's and don'ts of dining out]3) 'We don’t want your two cents'Tipping might be tricky – we even have phone apps to help us work it out – but if you’re going to give your waiter or waitress a tip, do it considerately. Sarah recalls one busy night where a colleague waited on a large table of fourteen people over the course of an entire evening. “They left her a 2p tip”, she says.4) 'Misbehaving children scare us'Sally, who works in an upmarket Bistro-style restaurant, says that most of the time parents keep their children under control but it can be dangerous if they run around in the restaurant. “They only really have a small space to run around in and it can be difficult because we are carrying hot plates all the time.”5) 'We find some of your meal requests tedious'Most establishments welcome some menu-tweaking, such as a burger without cheese, or pizza without anchovies, but waiters can get frustrated when customers take it to the extreme. “Most of the time it’s OK”, John says, “but it can be more difficult if the dish is prepared in advance. You can’t for example take out the bacon in a stew, but people can get aggressive about it”.6) 'We can't stand dealing with drunk customers'Buy-one-get-one-free and buy-one-get-one-half-price deals can be confusing, but impossible to understand if you’ve had one too many. This sets up a problem for you and your waiter while you both try and figure out what you want to order. Sarah remembers: “the more drunk customers get, the more confused they get and then they get angry. But it’s not our fault.”7) 'We don’t always recommend things that we like'Specials are often dishes the restaurant wants to shift, and the waiters have to sell them to you, the customer. So the seafood on the menu might be selling really well, but if you ask them what they recommend they will often start pointing to the “specials” board. Sally explains: “we sometimes say certain things are nice just to get rid of them.”8) 'We’re working as fast as we can'Getting cross because your food is taking too long to arrive? Sarah says that many customers complain about the wait, even if they have been explicitly told before ordering. “If we tell them there’s currently a 30-minute wait for food, customers can start complaining after 20 minutes and we just say, ‘Well, I did warn you’.”9) 'We get annoyed when you send things back'Sometimes, if a steak is overcooked or underdone it’s reasonable to complain and send it back. But if the vegetables are not prepared exactly as you would at home or if you like your steak excessively charred, waiters consider it “picky” when you send food back. Sally insists: “the food is obviously cooked properly but just not how they like it to be done.”10) 'We just really want you to be polite'Waiters are there to make your dining experience a comfortable and enjoyable one. But instead of clicking fingers and barking orders at your waiter or waitress, be polite. We asked our waiters for the one thing they like that they don’t tell us. “Just be polite”, Sarah simply added. Remember - they could be making your dessert.
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Some wonderful Recipes for potato dishes

Kerala Potato CurryYou will need3 tbsp sunflower or groundnut oil2 large onions, finely chopped1 cinnamon stickSeeds from 8 cardamom podsBay leaf5cm chunk root ginger, peeled and very finely chopped2 green chillies, halved, deseeded and finely chopped4-5 plum tomatoes, chopped500g potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes400ml coconut milkSalt and pepper50ml full-fat milk (optional)2 tbsp chopped corianderMethod1. Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan and sauté the onions over a medium heat, until they are soft and golden. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom, bay leaf, ginger and chilli, and cook for another three minutes or so, then add the tomatoes and cook for another four minutes, stirring from time to time.2. Add the potatoes and the coconut milk, season and cook for 15 minutes over a medium heat, until the potato is completely tender. Judge whether you want the dish to be soupy or thick – if you want it to be soupy, then add the milk. If you add more milk, adjust the seasoning.3. Scatter with the coriander and serve. lessPommes AnnaYou will need500g large potatoes40g butter250g onions, peeled and thinly sliced75g beef dripping125g mature Cheddar cheese, gratedSea salt and freshly ground black pepperMethod1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/gas mark 5. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes on a mandolin, or the slicer on the side of a cheese grater. Melt the butter in a pan and gently cook the onions over a medium heat for about 10 minutes until they soften.2. Heat half of the dripping in a heavy-based frying pan (preferably ovenproof and ideally non-stick). Remove from the heat and arrange a layer of the sliced potatoes in the pan, then build up layers of onions, cheese and potatoes, seasoning them and finishing with a layer of potatoes.3. Return the pan to a medium heat and fry until the bottom layer begins to colour. Put the rest of the dripping on top of the potatoes then put the pan into the oven. (If your frying pan isn't ovenproof, then slide the potato cake on to a baking tray.)4. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown, increasing the temperature to 220oC/425oF/gas mark 7, for the last 10 minutes to brown the top. Loosen the sides of the cake with a palette knife and carefully invert on to a warm plate to serve. lessPotato Cubes with Crispy Bacon and Herb GremolataYou will need650g small baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes4 tbsp chopped mixed herbs, such as tarragon, parsley and chivesZest of ½ lemon100g fresh white breadcrumbs2 egg whites, lightly beaten125g smoked bacon, chopped into small pieces3 tbsp vegetable oilSalt and freshly ground black pepperMethod1. Place the potatoes in a pan, cover with cold water, then add a little salt and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are almost but not quite cooked. Drain in a colander and cool slightly.2. Mix together the herbs, lemon zest and breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper. Season the potatoes, then dip them in the beaten egg whites and coat in the herb crumbs.3. Heat a dry frying pan, add the bacon and fry for two to three minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm. Add the oil to the pan, then add the potatoes and fry until golden all over. Return the bacon to the pan, toss with the potatoes and serve immediately.Tip: Always use your own fresh white breadcrumbs rather than buying the commercial variety that look and taste like sawdust. To make your own, simply place the bread (crusts removed) in a food processor or blender and blitz to a fine texture. LessPotato Fontina Cheese and Thyme PizzaYou will need120g small waxy potatoes2 white pitta breads, opened and separated into 4 halvesOlive oil80g fontina or taleggio cheese1 tbsp fresh thyme leavesSea saltMethod1. Cook the potatoes (no need to peel them), until just al dente.2. While the potatoes are cooking, preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Place the pitta breads rough-side up on a baking tray and brush the top of each – right to the edges – with a little olive oil.3. Cut the cheese into thin slices and lay over the breads. Then, slice the potatoes, as finely as you can, into rounds, and divide evenly between the pizzas. Scatter with thyme and a little salt, then bake in the oven for 10 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy.Allow to cool on a rack before servingPotato GratinYou will need750g potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward)300ml whipping cream1 whole garlic bulbSmall bunch fresh thyme, tied100g Gruyère, gratedCrushed sea salt and freshly ground black pepperMethod1. Peel the potatoes and, using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice them very thinly. Cut the garlic bulb in half horizontally.2. Pour the cream into a large non-stick frying pan. Add the garlic and thyme. Warm the cream over a low heat. Add the potatoes, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer, over a low heat, uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are soft but still have a little bite.3. Preheat the grill to high. Remove the halved garlic bulb and the thyme from the pan. Season well with crushed sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour the cream and potatoes into a 24cm square gratin dish. Sprinkle over the grated Gruyère and grill under a high heat for two to three minutes until the Gruyère is melted, golden and bubbling. Leave to stand for two minutes before serving.TIP: If you’re not a vegetarian, you could add cooked smoked bacon lardons to the gratin before you grill itRosemary and Parmesan Baked Chunky ChipsYou will need4 large potatoes weighing about 200-250g each5-6 tbsp olive oil2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed2 tbsp rosemary leaves3 tbsp freshly grated parmesanMethod1. Preheat the oven to 200˚C / 390°F / gas mark 6.2. Halve the potatoes then cut each half into six or seven chunky chips. Place them in a pan of cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for three to four minutes then drain in a colander.3. Heat the olive oil in a roasting tray in the oven then add the potatoes, garlic and rosemary, season and roast for about 45 minutes, turning them a couple times during cooking, or until the potatoes are crisp and cooked through.4. Scatter over the parmesan and return to the oven for about 10 -12 minutesRosemary and Parmesan Baked Chunky ChipsYou will need4 large potatoes weighing about 200-250g each5-6 tbsp olive oil2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed2 tbsp rosemary leaves3 tbsp freshly grated parmesanMethod1. Preheat the oven to 200˚C / 390°F / gas mark 6.2. Halve the potatoes then cut each half into six or seven chunky chips. Place them in a pan of cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for three to four minutes then drain in a colander.3. Heat the olive oil in a roasting tray in the oven then add the potatoes, garlic and rosemary, season and roast for about 45 minutes, turning them a couple times during cooking, or until the potatoes are crisp and cooked through.4. Scatter over the parmesan and return to the oven for about 10 -12 minutesSavoyard Potato, Leek and Gruyere GratinYou will need300g leeks60g butter800g waxy potatoes, peeled200g gruyère cheese, gratedSalt and pepper400ml chicken stockMethod1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6. Remove the tough, darker leaves from the leeks and trim the top and bottom. Cut into thin rings and rinse well.2. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed pan and sweat the leeks, covered, until soft – for about 15 minutes. Add a tiny splash of water every so often, to make sure the leeks don’t burn. Butter a gratin dish (preferably a cast-iron one that conducts heat well).3. Slice the potatoes finely, using a mandolin or a very sharp knife, and place in the gratin dish in layers, alternating with the leeks and cheese. Season the vegetables well as you go along. Finish with a layer of potatoes in neat, overlapping slices. Sprinkle with cheese.4. Heat the chicken stock and pour over the vegetables. Bake for an hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. If the top gets too dark, cover it with foil.Tip: To prepare as a main course, add sautéed bacon and serve with a saladSaffron Potatoes with Onions and ChorizoYou will need900g small waxy potatoes3 onionsFreshly ground black pepper200ml good chicken stockGenerous pinch saffron strands250g chorizo, skin removed and cut into slices about 3mm thick1 tbsp chopped flatleaf parsley or corianderMethod1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6. Halve the potatoes lengthways and put into a shallow ovenproof dish. (Use a dish where the potatoes and onions can lie snugly together in a single layer, close to, but not on top of, each other.) Halve the onions, cut each half into four wedges and add these to the dish, too. Season.2. Heat the chicken stock and add it to the saffron. Stir to dissolve, then pour over the vegetables. Put into the oven and cook for 45 minutes, gently stirring the vegetables every so often. Add the chorizo halfway through the cooking time – you don’t need to do anything to it.3. When the cooking time is up, the vegetables should be tender and the stock should be absorbed (it’s fine if there is still a bit of liquid – you just don’t want a soup). Scatter with your chosen herbs and serve.Mark Hix’s Welsh onion cakeIf you are roasting a joint, I would strongly recommend you finish cooking it on top of the onion cake, so the juices are absorbed into the potatoes and onions.Serves: 4-6Preparation Time: 10 minutesCooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutesYou will need800g large potatoes, thinly sliced100g butter, melted, plus extra for brushing500g onions, slicedSalt and freshly ground black pepperMethod1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6. Wash the potatoes briefly in water and dry them on a tea towel or kitchen paper. Put them in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and mix with the melted butter.2. Butter a shallow ovenproof serving dish and layer the potatoes and onions alternately, beginning with a layer of potatoes on the bottom and finishing with a neat layer of overlapped potatoes on top.3. Brush the top with a little butter, then cover with foil or a lid, and bake for one hour. Remove the foil, brush with a little more butter and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, to allow them to brown.Recipe, Mark Hix. Photograph, Richard Jung. Food styling, Linda Tubby. Prop styling, Roisin Nield.
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The Law of Free Will

 

“It matters not how straight the gate, 10900542085?profile=original
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.”

~Invictus, William Ernest Henley

Generalities about Free Will, Destiny and Karma


Many people at one point or another in their lives stop to ask if they really have free will or if everything that happens during their lives is just some type of interface with destiny. Some even question if we have free will at all. The answer to these questions is: yes, we do have free will.

What many fail to realize is that every human being, and even certain sentient animals, came to life equipped with Free Will; what varies is the degree one can express and live their Free Will.

Inexorably, Free Will is intimately related to the Law of Karma: you are responsible for the ripples resulting from your acts. The Law of Karma is not a punitive law, but it is a law of balance. This is the reason it is known as the Law of Cause and Effect. Mankind has the right to a degree of Free Will, through the choosing of its actions and concrete realizations, contributing greatly in the shaping of its destiny. In one way, the destiny of someone is nothing more than the resultant summary of one’s work, actions and thoughts during a life time, under the auspicious care of Karma.

On another hand, we may pause to explain a concept that may seem a bit complex at first. This is the Dharmic side of Destiny. Just as everyone takes upon a physical existence in this lifetime and receives the right of Free Will, so to do they also receive a Dharma. While the notion of Dharma involves the idea of life purpose and Divine mission, it also expresses itself as retribution and freedom. When one reaches a point where one is able to live deeply the design of their Dharma, one would have balanced one’s karma enough to be able to upgrade the level of consciousness and awareness, therefore allowing the individual to expand the degree of Free Will.

There is a close relationship between the expansion of one’s consciousness and the expansion of the individual Free Will. It does not mean that other individuals, with a reduced level of awareness and consciousness, will be impeded to exercise what they think they have the right to do. It means that there will be accumulation of Karma that, in one way or another and at some point in time, will have to come to be balanced. This is part of a greater Cosmic Law, the Law of Evolution.

“Men have forgotten this truth,” said the fox. “But you must not forget it.
You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.
You are responsible for your rose…”

~The Little Prince

It is necessary step for humans to evolve to be in contact with duality and to experience themselves as a Divine part of God, gathering the results of experiences in the realms of Good and Evil. It is only through this experience that one can work towards expansion of consciousness.

The right to choose allows us to act our Free Will in the world, but does not give anyone the right to violate any cosmic law, or anyone’s right to exist and act. Every law corresponds to an action and a reaction; exercising Free Will undermining or depriving others of theirs will undoubtedly result in balancing consequences.

In this way, we see that the concept of Free Will does not damage or invalidate the idea of Destiny. Instead, it complements it; since we are the builders of our life plan and Masters of our Destiny. We have the right to choose how our earthly paths will be traced and we will also have the chance to enact the Divine part of our life existence and realize in full our Dharmic program.

Undoubtedly, the higher the development of consciousness and understanding of the works of the immutable laws that maintain the balance of the Universe, the easier is to understand these concepts and to free yourself from the traps of duality. Once this level is reached, the Soul also will have conquered Karma and its effects, and therefore graduate from Earth School.

This is the Path of Self-realization.

 

Source: http://humanityhealing.net/2011/06/the-law-of-free-will/

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Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics, Toiletries and Household cleanersThe US has the worst record in the industrialized world for regulating toxic chemicals.Courtesy of our Corporate owned government and Congress, the federal agencies Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have exposed Americans to the highest risk from endocrine disruptors, found in most commercial cleaning and beauty products.These chemicals mimic the effect of estrogen and other hormones in the human body. Many epidemiologists believe they are linked to the current epidemic of breast cancer, premature puberty, and both male and female infertility. Much evidence links other synthetic chemical to the phenomenal increase in cancer that occurred with the “Better Things for Better Living…Through Chemistry.” (DuPont slogan in 1935) revolution that took place after World War II. Cancer was an extremely rare condition in young and middle aged population prior to the chemical revolution.Besides the current epidemic of childhood and young adult cancers , an asthma epidemic in children, linked to the use of commercial household cleaners during pregnancy is extremely alarming.10900540875?profile=originalFood chemicals, pesticides residues are also a serious danger to your health and when considering the compounded and synergetic effects with all other chemicals ingested and used daily from birth, our home environment and health are incredible toxic. The FDA and EPA required these dangerous chemicals to be experimented on millions and millions of animals who suffered agonizing lives and deaths in the pretense of consumer safety, and the FDA and the EPA reviewed the negative reports of these chemicals over and over again in redundant studies, and still the agencies ignored the evidence and gave the corporations the go ahead.See list of Food chemical additives and Pesticide residues on food.Your government does not care about your health.Mr Obama following the steps of George H.W. Bush appointed a GMO proponent as Secretary of Agriculture and a former Monsanto executive to head food safety : action which may implicate you personally in millions of cancer cases and thousands of deaths worldwide. The chemical and biotech giant Monsanto has a documented legacy of greed, death, poverty and illness –from the creation (and subsequent cover-up) of Agent Orange and the spread of PCBs to Bovine Growth Hormone and patents on genetically modified seeds.The health and pharmaceutical industries do not care about your health. In fact, you bad health is quite profitable. Most of the companies, like Monsanto, Bayer, DuPont,Dow and their subsidiaries that research, develop and manufacture the chemicals and the pesticides also manufacture the pharmaceutical drugs.The phthalates and bisphenyl-A found in plastic water bottles, pacifiers, and baby toys has been pretty well publicized. These compounds function as synthetic estrogens can cause breast cancer, premature puberty, and low sperm counts in men.Shampoos, hand and body lotions, deodorants, toothpaste and sunscreen contain preservatives that function as estrogen disruptors. The US bans only eight of these compounds while the EU bans 1,000. The harm they cause to individuals, children and pets is compounded when they are flushed down the drain and accumulate in our waterways. Studies reveal that hundreds of these toxic chemicals have shown up in the blood and breast milk of third world and arctic populations who have otherwise never used these products.One of the worst offender is the paraben class of compounds (methyparaben or Paba) used as preservative in nearly all toiletries. The second most common is triclosan, found in most anti-bacterial products.Toxic Skin ProductsLess publicized are potentially toxic “nanosized” particles present in many popular sunscreens and so called “natural” mineral foundations.Nanoparticle containing skin products are strictly regulated in the EU France ” with laws requiring safety testing and mandatory product labeling as a minimum -” and an outright ban in some places.But the FDA, which has known for nearly a decade that many common sunscreens contain ingredients that accelerate the growth of skin cancer cells, refuses to act on this information.Nanoparticles are absorbed into the blood stream through skin damaged through eczema or psoriasis, a major health concern as mineral foundations are specifically marketed to women to conceal unsightly dermatitis. In addition, mineral foundation powders are often accidentally inhaled into the lungs during application. Moreover preliminary evidence suggests that nanoparticles can even penetrate healthy skin.The potentially hazardous nanoparticles in sunscreen are nanosized zinc oxide and nanosized titanium dioxide. Because there is no scientific data a whatsoever regarding “safe” level of exposure, any absorption is worrying. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have been shown (in very small concentrations) to kill brain stem cells in mice; damage colon cells; and play some role in the development of autism, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s – as well as crossing the placenta and potentially harming the developing fetus. Nano-titanium has been shown to cause cell and DNA damage (both directly and indirectly by increasing circulating free radicals).Not only are these substances totally unregulated in the US , but due to lax labeling laws, 80 percent of sunscreens that claim to contain no nanoparticles are found to contain them.Hair DyesPhenylenediamine (PPD) – present in over two-third of chemical hair dyes and by far the most toxic. Linked (in animals) to damage of the immune and nervous system, skin, liver and kidneys. Banned in France , Germany , and Sweden and use “restricted” in CanadaResorcinal - classified by the European Union as a harmful skin and eye irritant and dangerous to the environment.Ammonia – irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory system (can cause asthma).Persulfates - irritant to skin, lungs (can cause asthma), and eyes.Peroxide – potential toxic effects on eyes, nervous and respiratory (can cause asthma) system. Can cause DNA damage, possibly leading to cancer. Banned in cosmetic use in Japan and use “restricted” in Canada .Lead acetate- lead has well known damaging effects on the brain and nervous system.4-ABP- linked to cancerMany “natural hair dyes still contain some PPD, only less.Resources below for safe brands and a cosmetics database:http://www.nochemicalcosmetics.com/http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com (http://www.ewg.org)Dangerous Chemicals in household cleanersAir fresheners- Usually contain methoxychlor, pesticide that accumulates in fat cells, as well as formaldehyde, a highly toxic known carcinogen, and phenol, a common culprit in contact allergies.Carpet and Upholstery shampoo- commonly contain perchlorethylene, a known carcinogen and ammonium hydroxide, a corrosive, extremely irritable to eyes, skin and respiratory passages.Dishwasher Detergents- (number one cause of household poisoning) most contain highly concentrated dry form of chlorine, which leaves a residue on dishes that accumulates with each washing and is absorbed into hot food.Furniture polish- contain petroleum distillates, which can cause skin and lung cancer and nitrobenzene, linked with low sperm counts, anemia and liver, kidney, lung and eye damage.Laundry detergents Residues can remain on clothes and dishes and are release in the water supply.Linear alkyl sodium sulfonates (LAS or anionic surfactants) – release carcinogenic and reproductive toxins into environment during production.Petroleum distillates (aka napthas) – linked to cancer, lung damage and inflammation (can cause asthma) and damage to mucous membranes.Phenols – linked with damage to nervous system, heart, blood vessels, lungs (can cause asthma) and kidneys.Nonyl phenol ethoxylate - endocrine disruptor banded in Europe, owing to link to breast cancer, premature puberty and low sperm counts.Optical brighteners (convert UV light wavelengths into visible light, making clothes appear whiter without making them cleaner) – toxic to fish and can cause allergic reactions when exposed skin is later exposed to sunlight.Phosphates (banned in many states) – contribute to water “dead zones” by stimulating algae growth that depletes oxygen needed for fish and other animal life.Sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) - highly toxic chemical which reacts with organic materials in the environment to form carcinogenic and toxic compounds that can cause reproductive, endocrine and immune system disorders.EDTA (ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate)- chelating agent that biodegrades poorly and can re-dissolve toxic heavy metals in the environment allowing them to enter the food chain.Oven Cleaners - Contain highly toxic and corrosive lye and ammonia with fumes that can damage the respiratory system especially of children and pets and leaves residues always once the oven is turned on.Toilet bowl cleaners - Contain hydrochloric acid, a highly corrosive irritant which can damage eyes, skins, liver and kidneys and Hydrochloric bleach, a corrosive irritant that can damage eyes, skin and respiratory tract.http://peopleforethicalliving.com/toxic-chemicals-cosmetic-home/
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Happy Grandparent’s day!


Happy Grandparent’s day!

Grandma and Grandpa are important to families in so many ways: they are there to support and guide their grandchildren, share their wisdom and most importantly, spoil their grandkids with treats all the time! (Ahem.)

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day both get their fair bit of attention, but what about Grandparents’ day?

Well you should know that October 2nd 2011 is their day for recognition and Grandparent’s day has been celebrated in the U.S since 1978. Now we’re recognising the day in the UK, too.

In honour of the older, wiser generation, take a look at this adorable, yet hilarious video of Bruce and Esther Huffman.

The pair accidentally recorded themselves, while trying to figure out how to take pictures using Esther’s new laptop. Their granddaughter posted the clip online and the video went viral.

Don’t miss the moment at 1:50, when naughty grandpa tries to get a little playful with his 70-year-old wife.


Epic win/fail - grandparents an webcam


http://youtu.be/L67_P1xSGb8
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Stars who hated each other on setBette Davis and Joan CrawfordThe granddaddy of Hollywood feuds - Bette Davis and Joan Crawford absolutely loathed one another.While filming ‘What Happened to Baby Jane?’, Davis actually kicked Crawford in the scene when she pushed her down the stairs.In return, when Bette had to drag Joan off her bed, Joan put on a weighted diver's belt underneath her costume, making her heavier to drag.Naturally, the duo also pitched in with some a-grade bitching. Discussing Davis' hair, Crawford said: “I don't understand these Poodle cuts on elderly women”. Davis retorted by saying Crawford was “single handedly responsible for the syphilis outbreak in America.” Meow.
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Roasted Vegetable Salsa

Roasted Vegetable SalsaBy The Gluten Free GoddessWebMD Recipe from Foodily.comWhy buy jarred salsa when making your own is so easy? This is a mild and flavorful salsa recipe perfect for those who find fiery fare a tad too harsh. This mild salsa is delicious on grilled fish- or grilled anything, for that matter.Ingredients1 pint (2 cups) of baby plum/grape tomatoes, halved1 red pepper, cored, seeded, cut into thick strips1 red or sweet onion, peeled, cut into chunks5-6 garlic clovesExtra virgin olive oil, as neededSea salt, to taste3/4 cup corn kernels1 14-oz can Fire Roasted Tomatoes with Green Chiles1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, to taste1/2 teaspoon ground cuminA squeeze of organic raw agave syrup, to taste2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantroInstructionsCombine in a bowl and toss:1 pint (2 cups) of baby plum/grape tomatoes, halved1 red pepper, cored, seeded, cut into thick strips1 red or sweet onion, peeled, cut into chunks5-6 garlic clovesExtra virgin olive oil, as neededSea salt, to tasteYou'll also need:3/4 cup corn kernels1 14-oz can Fire Roasted Tomatoes with Green Chiles1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, to taste1/2 teaspoon ground cuminA squeeze of organic raw agave syrup, to taste2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantroPreheat the oven to 425 degrees F.Arrange the tossed veggies on a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some room for the corn; add the corn to the baking sheet in one section.Roast the veggies in the top third of the oven until the veggies get tender and edges get nicely browned- anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. If you have a grill you could grill your veggies instead of roasting.Spoon the roasted veggies- sans the corn- into a food processor bowl; add the canned tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, cumin and a drizzle of agave. Cover and pulse a few times to achieve the consistency and texture you prefer. Don't puree it- keep some texture.Pour the salsa into a storage container; stir in the roasted corn and cilantro. Taste test and adjust the seasoning to your liking.Cover and chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to co-mingle. Co-mingling is good.Serving Ideas:Serve as a dip with tortilla chips or yummy Brown Rice Chips.Serve as a condiment with grilled fish, chicken, rice, enchiladas, tacos, you name it.Serve as a fresh uncooked sauce for pasta or polenta.Nutritional Information Per ServingTotal Servings: 6Calories: 39Carbohydrates: 7.7gCholesterol: 0mgFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0gFiber: 2.0gSodium: 198mgProtein: 1.7gFor more recipes go to Foodily.comFind more WebMD recipes on the Recipe Finder
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18 Embarrassing Beauty Questions – and AnswersThe Brain FreezeOh no, not again! Another frozen treat, another brain freeze. “Ice cream headaches” happen when something cold touches nerves in the roof of the mouth, triggering blood vessels in the front of your head to swell. This rapid swelling causes the familiar, jabbing pain of a brain freeze. An easy solution? Try eating ice cream or other cold foods more slowly to avoid getting a headache.Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)Sure, it’s a mood killer, but this problem is very common and happens to completely healthy people. While it can occur on the face, sweating is usually worse on the palms, soles, and in the armpits. Treatment may include aluminum chloride antiperspirants, Botox injections, oral medications, mild electrical currents, or even surgery.VertigoWhoa! If it feels like the room’s moving when it’s not, it could be vertigo. Sometimes caused by inner ear problems or nerve damage, vertigo can last minutes, even hours. To distinguish vertigo from dizziness, there must be a feeling of motion; other symptoms that may occur include hearing loss, ear discomfort, and unusual eye movements. Treating vertigo depends on the cause.Arm or Leg Goes to SleepEver get that dull feeling in your arm or leg like it’s asleep? This temporary and harmless sensation is caused by constant pressure on nerves, leaving them unable to transmit messages to your brain. The cure is simple: change positions. As feeling starts to come back to the area, you may experience tingling (“pins and needles”) for a little while. Chronic tingling indicates a more serious underlying condition that should be evaluated.HiccupsHiccups are an uncontrollable contraction of the diaphragm (the breathing muscle under the lungs). Eating too much or too fast, overdoing alcohol, or swallowing air can all cause the hiccups. They usually go away on their own, but you can try remedies like holding your breath, quickly drinking water, and breathing in a bag to help hasten hiccups away.Tonsil StonesAlthough those bad smelling lumps can be uncomfortable, tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths) are generally harmless. Hanging out in the tonsil pockets, they form when bacteria and debris get trapped, forming a hard piece of matter and a bad taste in your throat. You can remove small stones with a swab, but if they’re not bothering you, no treatment is necessary.Ear PoppingWe’ve all yawned on a plane trip to “pop” our ears. What we’re doing is equalizing the pressure between the inside and the outside of our eardrum as the altitude changes. That “pop” means a tube connecting your middle ear to the back of your throat has opened, relieving pressure. To help, you can also close your mouth, hold your nose, and blow gently; or try chewing gum or yawning.Charley HorseThis startling muscle spasm can last a few seconds, even several minutes. Dehydration, muscle overuse, nerve irritation, and low levels of certain minerals -- like potassium and calcium -- can be culprits. Walk around to relieve the pain, or shake your leg and stretch the muscle. If cramps persist, see your doctor.Ear Wax BuildupKeep fingers and cotton swabs out of your ear canals. Earwax helps fight infection, keeps ears clean, and our bodies naturally get rid of excess earwax through the ear opening. Problems like impaction often start when we try to clean our ears with a swab or another object. Impaction symptoms include pain, itching, ringing of the ears, or hearing loss. Your doctor can remove excess ear wax with irrigation or manual removal.Black Hairy TongueNo, this isn’t something from a creature feature. Black hairy tongue occurs when the little bumps on your tongue grow long (instead of shedding), and bacteria grow on them. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, some mouthwashes, radiation therapy to the head and neck, and certain medications can play a role. To help, brush your teeth and tongue twice a day, use a tongue scraper, and avoid aggravating factors.Eye TwitchingEyelid spasms are unpredictable, bothersome, and harmless. Eye twitching can be caused by stress, fatigue, eyestrain, caffeine, and dry eyes, though more serious twitching may be caused by neurological disorders, like Tourette’s syndrome. Eyelid spasms usually go away on their own, but if they are severe, Botox injections may be recommended.Overdevelopment of Male BreastsGynecomastia is usually caused by normal changes in hormone levels at birth, puberty, and later in life. For newborns and boys, the ratio of estrogens (female hormones) to androgens (male hormones) balances out in time. It’s also seen in men as they age, often related to certain medications, liver or kidney problems, or tumors. A physician’s evaluation can get at the root cause, but by itself, the condition is usually harmless.Dark Circles Under the EyesGot raccoon eyes? People blame age or fatigue for these dark circles and they’re right. Lack of sleep makes your skin pale, emphasizing the dark circles, while age means thinner skin around the eyes, making it easier to see any discoloration. Allergies can also lead to dark circles, and heredity plays a role as well.Excessive Hair GrowthFew women enjoy excess hair on their face and body, but while hirsutism can be embarrassing, it’s generally harmless. Hirsutism affects about 5% of women. It may be genetic or caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by an excess of androgens (male hormones) In rare cases, hirsutism is caused by hormone-secreting tumors. Treatment depends on the cause and can include bleaching, electrolysis, hormone therapies, and laser hair removal.Seen here is Mexican painter Frida Kahlo (July 6, 1907 - July 13, 1954).Discolored NailsCurious about color changes in your nails? About 50% of nail problems are caused by fungal infections. Greenish nails may come from pseudomonas bacteria and are easily treated with antibiotics. Yellowish nails are often a sign of fungus. And red, purple, or black under nails may be caused by blood resulting from injury. Changes can also be related to medical treatments or signal a more serious condition. Unsure? Get those nails checked!Red Nose From RosaceaRosacea often causes red patches on the sensitive skin of the face. In rare cases the nose becomes thickened and bumpy, a condition called rhinophyma. This is more common in men than women, and genetics do play a role. Treatments at this stage can include lasers and other light therapies, dermabrasion, and electrocautery.Seen here is comedian W.C. Fields, whose red, bulbous nose is characteristic of advanced rosacea.Canker SoresCanker sores are small ulcers inside the mouth. They are also called aphthous ulcers. Unlike cold sores, which appear as painful, small blisters and are very contagious, canker sores are not caused by a virus. Certain foods or nutritional deficiencies may trigger a canker sore, as can emotional stress and a mouth injury. When needed, treatments include topical medication and mouthwash solutions.
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Tongue Problem Basics

Tongue Problem BasicsThough often hailed as "the strongest muscle in the body," the tongue is actually made up of a group of muscles that allow us to taste food, swallow, and talk. A healthy tongue is pink and covered with small nodules called papillae.Because you use your tongue constantly, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable when you experience tongue problems, including discoloration and soreness. There are a variety of causes for a number of common tongue symptoms. Fortunately, the majority of tongue problems are not serious and most can be resolved quickly.In some instances, however, a discolored or painful tongue can indicate more serious conditions, including vitamin deficiencies, AIDS, or oral cancer. For this reason, it is important to seek medical advice if you experience any ongoing problems with your tongue.What Causes a White Tongue?There are a number of things that can cause a whitish coating or white spots to develop on the tongue, including:• Leukoplakia. This condition causes cells in the mouth to grow excessively. That, in turn, leads to the formation of white patches inside the mouth, including on the tongue. Although not dangerous on its own, leukoplakia can be a precursor to cancer. So it is important for your dentist to determine the cause of white patches on your tongue. Leukoplakia can develop when the tongue has been irritated and is often found in people who use tobacco products.• Oral thrush. Also known as candidiasis, oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops inside the mouth. The condition results in white patches that are often cottage cheese-like in consistency on the surfaces of the mouth and tongue. Oral thrush is most commonly seen in infants and the elderly, especially denture wearers, or in people with compromised immune systems. People with diabetes and people taking inhaled steroids for asthma or lung disease can also get thrush. Oral thrush is more likely to occur after the use of antibiotics, which may kill the "good" bacteria in the mouth. Eating plain yogurt with live and active cultures may help restore the proper fauna in your mouth. Additionally, medications may be used to combat the infection.• Oral lichen planus. If you have a network of raised white lines on your tongue that has a lace-like appearance, you may be suffering from oral lichen planus. Doctors are often unable to determine the cause of this condition, which often resolves on its own. Practicing proper dental hygiene, avoiding tobacco, and limiting your consumption of foods that cause irritation to your mouth may helpful.What Causes a Red or Strawberry Tongue?There are multiple factors that can cause a normally pink tongue to turn red. In some instances, the tongue may even take on the appearance of a strawberry with enlarged, red taste buds dotting the surface. Possible causes include:• Vitamin deficiencies. Deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B-12 may cause your tongue to take on a reddish appearance.• Geographic tongue. This condition, also known as benign migratory glossitis, is named for the map-like pattern of reddish spots that develop on the surface of the tongue. At times, these patches have a white border around them and their location on the tongue may shift over time. Though usually harmless, you should check with your dentist to investigate red patches that last longer than two weeks. Once the dentist has determined that the redness is a result of geographic tongue, no further treatment is necessary. If the condition makes your tongue sore or uncomfortable, you may be prescribed topical medications to alleviate discomfort.• Scarlet fever. People suffering from this streptococcal infection may develop a strawberry tongue. Be sure to contact a doctor immediately if you have a high fever and red tongue. Antibiotic treatment is necessary for scarlet fever.• Kawasaki syndrome. This disease, usually seen in children under the age of five, affects the blood vessels in the body and can cause strawberry tongue. During the acute phase of illness, children often run an extremely high fever and may also have redness and swelling in the hands and feet.What Causes Black Hairy Tongue?Though incredibly disconcerting in appearance, a black, hairy tongue is typically nothing serious. The small bumps on the surface of your tongue, called papillae, grow throughout your lifetime. In some people, the papillae become excessively long, rather than being worn down by daily activities. That makes them more likely to harbor bacteria. When these bacteria grow, they may look dark or black and the overgrown papillae appear hair-like.This condition is not particularly common and is most likely to occur in people who do not practice good dental hygiene. People who are on antibiotics or receiving chemotherapy and people with diabetes may be more likely to have a black hairy tongue.What Causes a Sore or Bumpy Tongue?There are many things that can make your tongue to become sore or cause painful bumps to form, including:• Trauma. Accidentally biting your tongue or scalding it on something straight out of the oven can result in a sore tongue until the damage heals. Grinding or clenching the teeth can also irritate the sides of the tongue and cause it to become painful.• Smoking. Smoking excessively can irritate your tongue and make it sore.• Canker sores. Many people will develop these mouth ulcers on the tongue at some point in their life. The cause is unknown, although they can be worse during periods of heightened stress.• Burning tongue syndrome. Some post-menopausal women develop this syndrome, which makes the tongue feel as if it has been burned.• Enlarged papillae. If one or more of your taste buds becomes inflamed or irritated, it can swell and form a painful bump on your tongue.• Certain medical conditions. Medical conditions, including diabetes and anemia, can have a sore tongue as a symptom.• Oral cancer. Though most sore tongues are nothing to worry about, you should consult a doctor if you have a lump or sore on your tongue that doesn't go away within a week or two. Many oral cancers don't hurt in the early stages, so don't assume a lack of pain means nothing is wrong.
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Why Vegetarianism Will Not Save the World

Why Vegetarianism Will Not Save the WorldPosted By Dr. Mercola | September 28 2011By Dr. MercolaMany vegans and vegetarians choose not to eat meat and/or animal products because they believe it is the morally superior, environmentally friendly choice. But this theory is being put to the test by the book The Vegetarian Myth, written by ex-vegan Lierre Keith.In it she argues that saving the planet and ending the suffering found in factory farms can not be achieved by refusing to eat animals, it can only be achieved by boycotting modern agricultural practices, which Keith calls "the most destructive thing that people have done to the planet."Have Vegans and Vegetarians Been Led Astray?The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization released a report in 2006 titled Livestock's Role in Climate Change and Air Pollution. In it, they estimated that 18 percent of the world's man-made greenhouse-gas emissions are produced by livestock. This information was heralded by vegetarians and environmentalists alike as proof that eating meat was bad not only for you, but for the entire planet.But, it's important to realize that this detrimental effect comes from modern farming practices, not from cows being raised naturally as they were designed to be. The differences between the two are so vast, you're really talking about two different animals, and two separate industries with entirely different farming practices and environmental impact.Keith states:" … the first mistake is in assuming that factory farming—a practice that is barely fifty years old—is the only way to raise animals. Their [vegetarians'] calculations on energy used, calories consumed, humans unfed, are all based on the notion that animals eat grain.You can feed grain to animals, but it is not the diet for which they were designed. Grain didn't exist until humans domesticated annual grasses, at most 12,000 years ago, while aurochs, the wild progenitors of the domestic cow, were around for two million years before that. For most of human history, browsers and grazers haven't been in competition with humans. They ate what we couldn't eat—cellulose—and turned it into what we could—protein and fat. Grain will dramatically increase the growth rate of beef cattle (there's a reason for the expression "cornfed") and the milk production of dairy cows. It will also kill them.The delicate bacterial balance of a cow's rumen will go acid and turn septic. Chickens get fatty liver disease if fed grain exclusively, and they don't need any grain to survive. Sheep and goats, also ruminants, should really never touch the stuff."The carbon footprint of conventional farming is mainly due to the unnatural feed that these animals are given, which requires lots of fossil fuels. Many don't think about this, but fossil fuels are used in everything from the fertilizers and pesticides that are sprayed onto the crop to the transportation of the feed.Grass does not require fossil fuels to grow (rotating pastures does the job instead), and other health-harming practices, such as injecting the livestock with hormones and antibiotics, are also not allowed in organic farming. What it boils down to is this: it's easy to argue against factory-farms and other products of the corrupted agricultural system, but the argument becomes much more muddled, incorrect even, when you try to apply it to farming in the traditional sense of the word.Is Modern Agriculture the Ultimate Animal Abuse?There are those vegetarians and vegans who are morally opposed to killing animals for food, which appears to be one of the more regularly used arguments for adopting this lifestyle. However, Keith makes an interesting point, which is that any food that is the product of modern-day farming -- even a soy burger -- is exacting a toll on life itself, including that of animals.Keith writes:"Specifically, agriculture is biotic cleansing. It requires taking over entire living communities and clearing them away, then planting the land for just humans. All of that is a long way of saying "extinction." None of us can live without a place to live, without habitat. An activity that has destroyed 98% of most animals' habitat can hardly be claimed to be animal-friendly."And as for the environment, modern-day agriculture -- not just the factory farms but also the monocultures of genetically modified corn and soy -- is one of the biggest enemies out there, pilfering the land and its resources. But we sit back and accept it because, after all, it's where we get our food. But there is nothing sustainable about vegetarian foods that come from this agricultural system.As Keith expands:"You take a piece of land and you clear every living thing off it–and I mean down to the bacteria. That's what agriculture is. … Besides the mass extinction, it's inherently unsustainable. When you remove the perennial polyculture -- the grassland or the forest -- the soil is exposed and it dies. It turns to desert ultimately.Northern Africa once fed the Roman Empire. Iraq was forests so thick that sunlight never touched the ground–no one in their right mind would call it the "Fertile Crescent" now. The dust storms in China are so bad that the soil is literally blowing across the Pacific Ocean and over the continent until it hits the Rocky Mountains, where it's causing asthma in children in Denver.The planet has been skinned alive. And the only reason we have not hit complete collapse is because we've been eating fossil fuel since 1950. This is not a plan with a future … The truth is that agriculture is the most destructive thing humans have done to the planet, and more of the same won't save us. The truth is that agriculture requires the wholesale destruction of entire ecosystems."What about the Health Effects? Is Being Vegan or Vegetarian Healthy?Like many, I tried a mostly vegetarian diet in the mid-80's (based on the theories presented in Fit for Life) because I thought it would improve my health.Unfortunately it didn't.After a few weeks of eating fruit for breakfast, as the book advised, I was stunned to discover my fasting triglycerides had skyrocketed from below 100 to nearly 3,000! Clearly this diet was NOT right for me and was rapidly causing damage to my body. So, I had to reevaluate.From a clinical standpoint, I believe virtually everyone benefits from some animal protein. This doesn't have to be meat, necessarily, as there are other healthy animal proteins like raw organic dairy and organic free-range eggs. The evidence suggests that raw organic milk is actually one of the healthiest options as it has the highest biologic value and utilization of any protein.Many who hold strict vegetarian views still hold up The China Study as the authoritative "proof" that eating meat is harmful. In case you're not familiar with it, this book makes a radical case against eating animal protein at all, by linking it to all manner of ill health, including cancer.However, it's important to realize two things:1. The China study was an observational study. Correlations deduced from an observational study do not -- in fact, cannot -- prove causation. All you can really do with data from an observational study is form a hypothesis, which must then be tested in randomized, controlled trials, to ferret out the truth about whether or not x actually causes y.2. In many cases, the data (presented in arduous detail in the book Diet, Life-Style and Mortality in China) do not show statistically significant correlations between animal protein consumption and disease such as cancer at all.On the contrary, it would seem that sugar and carbohydrates are correlated with cancer -- not animal protein. In addition, the data indicate that fat is negatively correlated with cancer mortality, which again contradicts the claim that meat is harmful.Another interesting take on whether or not people are meant to eat meat is the Paelo Diet, which is based upon scientific research examining the types and quantities of foods our hunter-gatherer ancestors ate. During the Paleolithic period, which spans to 12,000 years ago, people ate primarily vegetables, fruit, nuts, roots and meat, so the foundation of the Paleo Diet is lean meat, including ostrich and bison as well as organ meats, seafood, fresh fruit and non-starchy vegetables -- from as close to naturally raised sources as possible.If you are sincerely objective and honest in seeking to understand what diet is best for you it will be important to trust your body to guide you. It is my recommendation to abandon any previously held convictions you might have about food and instead carefully listen to your body as you experiment with different food ratios and including or excluding animal foods.If Modern-Day Agriculture Doesn't Work, What Does?All of the "advances" that modern agriculture has given us have essentially created a food system that is completely unsustainable and dependent on monoculture, or growing very large fields of the same crop. The U.S. government has encouraged this system by subsidizing only certain crops like corn, wheat, rice and soy, while making it much less desirable for farmers to grow vegetables like broccoli or Swiss chard.While monoculture is efficient and excellent for increasing production, it also depletes the soil and is extremely vulnerable to pests. The only way that monoculture can be successful, in fact, is with the application of large amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.The end result is cheap calories, and lots of them, but largely in the form of genetically modified corn and soy, and loaded with chemical residues. This, in turn, is fueling a growing number of health epidemics, from obesity and type 2 diabetes to cancer and heart disease. Quite simply, producing food on a massive scale at the lowest price possible has taken precedence over obeying natural laws.So, in terms of sustainability and saving the world, the real "battle" that needs to be fought is not one of meat-eaters vs. vegetarians, it's one of agriculture as an industry vs. agriculture the way nature intended.Please understand that industrial agriculture lobbyists wield incredible power in Congress; however they cannot dictate which food you choose to buy for your family. So please do your health and the environment a favor and support the small family farms in your area who are embracing the environment, not destroying it.If you can, look for farms that use permaculture.The word itself comes from "permanent agriculture" and "permanent culture," and at its foundation is developing agricultural and other systems that are interconnected and dependent on one another. In other words, they mimic the natural ecologies found in nature. The focus is not on any one element of the system, rather the focus is on the relationships between animals, plants, insects, soil, water and habitat -- and how to use these relationships to create synergistic, self-supporting ecosystems.On a small-scale version, if you compost your food waste and use it to fertilize your own vegetable patch, you are engaging in permaculture. On a wide scale, small farmers are increasingly allowing animals to live in their natural habitats, eating their natural diets, thereby raising healthier foods and dramatically reducing their footprint on the environment.So, whenever possible, support your own health and the livelihood of the farmers out there who are trying to do things the right way. Here are two excellent resources you can use to find them:
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Avoiding Artificial Sweeteners? This Study Will Surprise You...Posted By Dr. Mercola | September 20 2011By Dr. MercolaFor those of you who are aware of the health dangers posed by artificial sweeteners and dutifully avoid them, the featured study findings may come as a shocking surprise...Researchers have found that the artificial sweetener sucralose (Splenda) is a widespread contaminant in waste water, surface water, and ground water. In a recent test, water samples from 19 U.S. drinking water treatment plants serving more than 28 million people were analyzed for sucralose. The sweetener was found to be present in:• The source water of 15 out of 19 of drinking water treatment plants tested• The finished water of 13 out of 17 plants, and• In 8 out of 12 water distribution systemsThe average amounts of sucralose in source water and finished water was 440 ng/L and 350 ng/L respectively.According to the study:"Further, in the subset of [drinking water treatment plants] with distribution system water sampled, the compound was found to persist regardless of the presence of residual chlorine or chloramines ... The results of this study confirm that sucralose [is] an indicator compound ... for the presence of other recalcitrant compounds in finished drinking water".Recalcitrant compounds are organic or synthetic compounds that resist being broken down by chemical processes, such as those employed by water treatment facilities. This is troublesome, particularly as sucralose can be quite detrimental to human health, and the contamination appears to be very widespread in US water supplies.Sucralose Destroys Healthy BacteriaThree years ago, an animal study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health reported that sucralose:• Reduced the amount of good bacteria in the animals' intestines by 50 percent• Increased the pH level in the intestines• Contributed to increases in body weight, and• Affected P-glycoprotein (P-gp) levels in such a way that crucial health-related drugs could be rejected. In terms of human health, this P-gp effect could result in medications used in chemotherapy, AIDS treatment and treatments for heart conditions being shunted back into your intestines, rather than being absorbed• Is absorbed by fat cells (contrary to previous claims)The fact that Splenda can destroy up to 50 percent of your healthy intestinal bacteria is truly disturbing as these help maintain your body's overall balance of friendly versus unfriendly micro-organisms, and support your overall immunity and general health.Many people are already deficient in healthy bacteria due to choosing highly processed foods, which is why a high-quality probiotic is one of the very few supplements I recommend for nearly everyone. And now we discover that this artificial sweetener also contaminates a majority of US municipal water supplies as well...Splenda has NEVER Been Proven Safe for Human ConsumptionDid you know that only two human trials on sucralose were completed and published prior to the FDA approving Splenda for human consumption? And these two trials included a total of 36 human subjects. Worse yet, the longest running trial lasted only four days, and looked at sucralose in relation to tooth decay, not human tolerance. As for determining the absorption of Splenda into the human body, a mere eight men were studied. Based on that singular human study, the FDA allowed the findings to be generalized as being representative of and regarded as "safe" for the entire human population!This is a potentially devastating mistake, as some groups are far more susceptible to adverse effects than others, such as infants, the elderly, and the chronically ill.You've probably heard the claims that the FDA has reviewed over 100 studies on Splenda and are satisfied that it's a safe product, but what you don't hear is that most of those studies were on animals, and that they actually revealed plenty of problems!For example, some of these studies revealed: • Decreased red blood cells -- sign of anemia -- at levels above 1,500 mg/kg/day• Increased male infertility by interfering with sperm production and vitality, as well as brain lesions at higher doses• Enlarged and calcified kidneys• Spontaneous abortions in nearly half the rabbit population given sucralose, compared to zero aborted pregnancies in the control group• A 23 percent death rate in rabbits, compared to a six percent death rate in the control groupIt May be Made from Sugar, But it's Nothing Like it...Don't let the name fool you. Sucralose is NOT some magical calorie-free sugar, despite Splenda's famous slogan, "Made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar." It is in fact a chlorinated artificial sweetener cooked up in a factory, and scores of consumers have testified to its devastating effects. It does start off as a sugar molecule—to which three chlorine molecules are added. At the end of the patented process, the chemical composition of the sugar has been altered to the point that it's actually closer to DDT and Agent Orange than sugar.This type of "sugar" molecule does not occur anywhere in nature, and therefore your body cannot properly metabolize it. This is why Splenda is advertised as having "zero calories"—because your body cannot digest or metabolize it. Essentially, it passes right through you. Or at least that's the claim. However, according to the available research, between 11-27 percent of sucralose is in fact absorbed into your digestive system, and according to the study mentioned above, it is also absorbed into your fat cells.The question then becomes, just what kind of impact might a DDT- or Agent Orange-like molecule have on your health?Furthermore, few people realize that only about one percent of that packet of Splenda is actually sucralose. The remaining 99 percent is maltodextrin—a type of sugar! Each packet actually has four calories, but because the amount of sugar is less than one gram, they get away with saying it has "no calories" due to a loophole in the labeling law.Common Side Effects of SucraloseJust like other artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame), sucralose can wreak havoc on your health. The personal testimonials on my site alone, submitted by people who have suffered adverse reactions to Splenda, surpass the number of people that were formally studied in the research submitted for FDA approval. The web site www.truthaboutsplenda.com also lists consumer complaints from Splenda consumption.Some of the most common symptoms, usually noticed within a 24-hour period following consumption of Splenda products, include:Gastrointestinal problems: bloating, gas, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea Seizures Blurred vision Blood sugar increasesHeadaches and migraines Dizziness Allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat Weight gainAllergic skin reactions: Redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crusting, rash, eruptions, or hives Breathing problems: wheezing, tightness, cough, or shortness of breath Stuffy nose, runny nose (clear, thin discharge), sneezing Heart palpitations or flutteringJoint pains and aches Bloodshot, itchy, swollen, or watery eyes Anxiety or sensation of being "spaced-out" DepressionHow is Splenda Ending up in Drinking Water?Well, its presence in water supplies may very well be a sign of just how prevalent its use is, because as revealed in that one absorption study, sucralose is expelled in urine and feces pretty much unaltered... I'm not sure which is more concerning, the thought that so many people use and excrete Splenda that it's becoming a drinking water contamination hazard, or that sucralose is so persistent—so difficult to break down that it can pass right through your body, and go through chemical water treatment, and STILL be present to have another go through the system of another unsuspecting person having a drink of water!The other issue to remember is that many researchers believe sucralose has an element of fat solubility so you wind up storing some of it in your fat; certainly more if you are drinking ever increasing concentrations in your tap water. Remember this chemical is in the same class as DDT and Agent Orange, and we have NO long term toxicity studies done on this as they were not required.Avoiding sugar is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle, but, instead of consuming a naturally low-sugar diet based on whole foods, some people are still trying to have their cake and eat it too. Unfortunately, the belief that artificial sweeteners can allow you to have the best of both worlds is a carefully orchestrated deception. So if you're still consuming artificially sweetened foods, snacks and beverages because you think it'll help you manage your weight, please understand that you've been sorely misled.In reality, "diet" foods and drinks destroy your body's ability to count calories and actually promote weight gain. For example, drinking diet sodas has been found to double your risk of obesity! Complicating matters further, artificial sweeteners also appear to be highly addictive. It's important to understand that sugar cravings is typically a sign that your body needs fuel. Using artificial sweeteners will NOT trick your body into thinking it has had its fill. Instead, artificial sweeteners can increase sweet cravings because your body didn't get the energy boost it was expecting from that sweet taste.If you're determined to sweeten your foods and beverages, I urge you to consider using stevia extract—a safe and natural sweet herb. Avoid stevia-based sweeteners like Truvia and PureVia however, as these do not contain the whole stevia plant, which may compromise its safety.How to Remove Splenda From Your Drinking WaterRemember that Splenda is not the only contaminant in your water supply. There are loads of drugs in your water that wind up there the same way Splenda does. A reverse osmosis system will not only remove Splenda but nearly every other drug and contaminant from your water. A carbon filter will also work to remove Splenda and other contaminants but it is not quite as effective and will require you to reduce the rate of flow through the filter media. The more carbon you have that contacts the water, the more effective it will be.
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Boost Your Metabolism, Curb Cancer, and Slash Blood Sugar with this Easy Culinary TrickPosted By Dr. Mercola | April 04 2011 | 195,066viewsHerbs are not only great in meals for spice and added flavor but are key to the nutritional density in the foods you eat. Herbs can protect you against diseases, clear toxins from your body, and provide you with vitamins and minerals.Here are some examples of such, from a list of nine assembled by Planet Green:BasilBasil provides Vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, manganese, magnesium, and potassium. Loaded with flavonoids, basil helps prevent cell damage from radiation and oxygen.GingerTreat nausea and an upset stomach with ginger; prevent and treat the common cold with its antiviral components.FenugreekThis Mediterranean herb is good for menstrual cramps, menopause symptoms, cholesterol, and diabetes.Flat Leaf ParsleyParsley is renowned for containing high levels of antioxidants and is full of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that help balance cholesterol and ward off constipation.TurmericThe Cork Cancer Research Centre's test results show that turmeric can kill gullet cancer cells in 24 hours!Dr. Mercola's Comments:Believe it or not, but common herbs and spices are actually some of the healthiest foods on the planet—topping the list of high ORAC value foods—so you can easily boost the nutritional value of your meal simply by spicing it up a bit. ORAC is a standardized method of measuring the antioxidant capacity of different foods and supplements. The higher the ORAC score, the more effective a food is at neutralizing harmful free radicals.So, every time you flavor your meals with herbs or spices you are literally "upgrading" your food without adding a single calorie.The Secret Powers of Herbs and SpicesBut scoring high on the ORAC isn't the only reason why herbs and spices pack such a powerful punch. They're also very dense in other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and because of their nutrient density, they're also thermogenic, meaning they naturally increase your metabolism.Additionally, herbs and spices have medicinal properties. This should come as no surprise considering they've been used as medicine for thousands of years prior to the advent of modern medicine that focuses on synthetic drugs in lieu of these natural counterparts.Lastly, spices can "upgrade" your meal by reducing toxic compounds created during the cooking process. A study published last year discovered that adding an antioxidant-rich spice blend to meat prior to cooking reduced the level of malondialdehyde (a chemical marker for oxidation) in the meat by 71 percent and levels in participants' urine by 49 percent.The researchers used a blend of:Cloves Cinnamon Oregano RosemaryGinger Black pepper Paprika Garlic powderYou can easily recreate this simply by mixing the dry spices together and rubbing them onto the meat before you quickly sear it, or add them to your marinade.You can also help prevent the formation of toxic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) by adding blueberries or cherries to your burgers. HCAs form when food is cooked at high temperatures, and they're linked to cancer. In terms of HCA, the worst part of the meat is the blackened section, which is why you should always avoid charring your meat, and never eat blackened sections.Which Herbs and Spices are the Most Potent Disease Preventers?Each spice has a unique set of health benefits to offer, but one study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods, found a direct correlation between the antioxidant phenol content of many extracts of spices and herbs, and their ability to inhibit glycation and the formation of AGE compounds, making them potent preventers of heart disease and premature aging.According to this study, the top 10 most potent herbs and spices are:1. Cloves (ground)2. Cinnamon (ground)3. Jamaican allspice (ground)4. Apple pie spice (mixture)5. Oregano (ground)6. Pumpkin pie spice (mixture)7. Marjoram8. Sage9. ThymeGourmet Italian spiceSelecting Spices for Their Medicinal BenefitsAs a general rule, you really can't go wrong when using herbs and spices and I recommend allowing your taste buds to dictate your choices when cooking. However, you can also choose spices based on their medicinal benefits.Here are some examples of herbs and spices that you may want to consider incorporating more of into your diet to achieve a certain aim:To boost your immune system:Licorice: Buffers the inflammatory response by increasing steroid output by your adrenal glands; a good buffer if your immune system is over responding to the flu.Turmeric: a general immune system booster due to its high antioxidant capacity.Turmeric is 5 to 8 times stronger than vitamins C and E, and even strong enough to scavenge the hydroxyl radical, which is considered by some to be the most reactive of all oxidants.Black Pepper: Increases the bioavailability of just about all other foods -- herbs and other compounds.Oregano: The active agent is rosmarinic acid, a strong antioxidant.To reduce inflammation, and treat inflammatory and infectious conditions:Turmeric: Its potent anti-inflammatory properties come from curcumin -- the pigment that gives turmeric its yellow-orange color, and which is thought to be responsible for many of its medicinal effects. There are an estimated three to five grams of curcumin in 100 grams of turmeric. Curcumin has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, and it can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX), as well as other enzymes that have been implicated in inflammation.Cloves: One of the most potent anti-inflammatories with anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. Beneficial against muscle pains from injuries, arthritis and rheumatism. It also contains eugenol and its mild anesthetic benefits are useful for toothaches, gum pain and sore throats. Also offers relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis, and eliminates intestinal parasites, fungi and bacteria.Nutmeg: A study in the Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering found that nutmeg extract has antibacterial activity that can significantly reduce certain strains of E. coli. Nutmeg is also beneficial for joint pain and gout, and nutmeg oil has been traditionally used to treat toothaches. ** Please note that nutmeg contains volatile oils comprised of alkyl benzene derivatives, terpenes and myristic acid. The spice has a long history of abuse; taking too much nutmeg (one to three nuts; in some cases less) can cause side effects such as nausea, hallucinations, swelling and shock.Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect against bacteria and fungi. Also eliminates intestinal gas and relaxes and soothes your intestinal tract, while boosting your immune system. Can also protect against atherosclerosis by lowering cholesterol levels and preventing the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL).Peppermint: Traditionally used to sooth the digestive tract; a study published in the journal BMJ in 2008 found peppermint oil may even be beneficial in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Also known to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, and can help relieve symptoms of allergies and asthma.Cinnamon: A powerful antimicrobial agent that also enhances your antioxidant defenses. It's been found to kill E. coli and many other bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory compounds help relieve pain and stiffness of muscles and joints due to arthritis. Also helps prevent urinary tract infections, tooth decay and gum disease.To boost mental health and/or reduce anxiety:Nutmeg: According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, an extract of nutmeg seeds elicited a significant antidepressant-like effect in mice; in some doses comparable in potency to the antidepressants imipramine and fluoxetine. In fact, reducing anxiety and treating insomnia are two ailments that nutmeg has been traditionally used for.Natural salt: According to a 2008 study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior, salt may be a natural mood-elevating substance. Sodium deficiency can induce behavioral changes such as reduced motivation, fatigue, and feelings of depression. However, it's important to understand that common table salt and the salt used in processed foods is the highly processed variety, and NOT at all the same as the natural salt your body needs to perform its vital functions, including the maintenance of proper brain function. So when adding salt to your meal, make sure you're using a natural unprocessed salt, such as Himalayan salt.Turmeric—A Potent Cancer-Fighter!A couple of spices deserve further review; one of which is turmeric. It was already mentioned twice above, both as an immune booster and potent anti-inflammatory. But perhaps its greatest value lies in its anti-cancer potential.In India where turmeric is widely used, the prevalence of four common U.S. cancers -- colon, breast, prostate and lung -- is 10 times lower. In fact, prostate cancer, which is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in U.S. men, is rare in India and this is attributed, in part, to the curcumin in turmeric.Dr. William LaValley from Austin Texas is one of the top natural medicine cancer physicians I know and he recently shared this important information with me.Interestingly, curcumin—the active ingredient in turmeric—actually has the most evidence based literature backing up its anti-cancer claims of any other nutrient!Numerous studies have looked into this potential cancer-fighting link, with promising results. For instance, curcumin has been found to:Inhibit the transformation of cells from normal to tumor, as well as inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells already existingHelp your body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout your bodyDecrease inflammationEnhance liver functionInhibit the synthesis of a protein thought to be instrumental in tumor formationPrevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth (known as anti-angiogenesis)Curcumin affects over 100 different pathways once it gets into a cell. Interestingly, this also applies to the metabolite of curcumin and its derivatives, which also have anti-cancer properties. According to researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, curcumin blocks a key biological pathway needed for development of melanoma and other cancers.The spice actually stops laboratory strains of melanoma from proliferating and pushes the cancer cells to commit suicide by shutting down nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), a powerful protein known to induce abnormal inflammatory response that leads to an assortment of disorders such as arthritis and cancer.Best of all, curcumin appears to be safe in the treatment of all cancers!To get the full benefits that curcumin has to offer, you will want to look for a turmeric extract with at least 95 percent curcuminoids that contains only 100 percent certified organic ingredients.The formula should be free of fillers, additives and excipients (a substance added to the supplement as a processing or stability aid), and the manufacturer should use safe production practices at all stages: planting, cultivation, selective harvesting, and then producing and packaging the final product.For further details on how to use curcumin, please see this previous article.Cinnamon—An Excellent Choice for DiabeticsThe other spice I want to review further is cinnamon, simply because of its potential benefits against diabetes, which is a problem of epidemic proportions in the US.Researchers have investigated the "insulin-like" effects of cinnamon for a number of years now, and it keeps proving it's a viable contender in the fight against diabetes.Among this spice's most impressive health benefits is its impact on blood sugar and ability to improve glucose control. For example, just half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day has been shown to significantly reduce blood sugar levels, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In another earlier study, cinnamon was found to increase glucose metabolism 20-fold!Interestingly, cinnamon lowers your blood sugar by acting on several different levels, including:• Slowing the emptying of your stomach to reduce sharp rises in blood sugar following meals• Improving the effectiveness, or sensitivity, of insulin• Enhancing your antioxidant defenses. A study published in 2009 stated that "polyphenols from cinnamon could be of special interest in people that are overweight with impaired fasting glucose since they might act both as insulin sensitizers and antioxidants." Yet another bioflavanoid compound called proanthocyanidin may alter the activity of insulin signaling in your fat cells.Researchers have suggested people with diabetes may see improvements by adding 1/4 - 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to their food, and I see no reason not to give this a try if you enjoy cinnamon (along with doing the other essentials to improve diabetes, including eliminating fructose and grains from your diet and exercising daily).Clearly, adding ample amounts of cinnamon to your diet is an incredibly inexpensive and great tasting tool for diabetics, and the likelihood of this food causing any long-term complications is very small.Go Ahead, Spice Up Your Life!All these benefits give you ample reasons to be adventurous in adding spices to your meals, and to be generous in the amounts you use. It will be worth it for the flavor enhancement alone, and the boost it will give your health is the icing on the cake!For helpful recipes, see PlanetGreen's article, which offers cooking advice for many of the herbs and spices mentioned here.
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Unlock the Benefits of Cayenne Pepper in Your Spice RackDanica CollinsThe benefits of cayenne pepper might actually be of greater value to your health as a staple in your medicine cabinet rather than in your spice rack.The cayenne pepper, or Capiscum annum, derives its proper name from a Greek word meaning “to bite,” a clear allusion to the pungent properties of the plant and its seeds.However, it’s the many medicinal benefits of cayenne pepper that earned it the nickname “The King of Herbs”.Many people think of this spicy little beauty as just a delicious way to boost the flavor of their cooking, but the health benefits of cayenne pepper is a valuable medical tool with a wide range of uses.According to a combination of herbal lore and medical research, cayenne pepper benefits may:• Ease congestion• Aid in weight reduction• Prevent tooth decay• Support digestion• Heal ulcers• Stop hemorrhaging• Relieve infection• Cure arthritis• Numb pain• Clean the blood• Regulate blood pressure• Lower cholesterol• Nourish the heartPart of the logic behind the many herbal applications of capsicum is that it is a catalyst, and can be used to enhance the effects of other treatments. Little is known about the pharmacological activities of capsicum in humans, but it is abundantly clear that capsicum is a stimulant. In fact, it has been called “the purest and most certain stimulant in the herbal materia medica.”The Dispensatory of the United States of America, 23 ed., 1943, states that “Capsicum is a powerful local stimulant, producing, when swallowed, a sense of heat in the stomach, and a general glow over the body without narcotic effect.”Chili peppers have long reigned over the canon of folk medicine. Archeological remains show that capsicum was a dietary staple in Mexico 9,000 years ago. In Indonesia, capsicum is used as a traditional remedy for gonorrhea. In central Africa, it’s used as a calming, stress-relieving tonic. In Hawaii, it’s used for backaches, rheumatism, and swollen feet.Cayenne Pepper Health Benefits: Treating Heart ConditionsSome reports even suggest that capsicum, one of the benefits of cayenne pepper can prevent heart attacks. One study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 1979 found that capsicum contained the most natural vitamin E — often used to treat heart conditions — of all the edible plants analyzed by the research team.In a fresh, ripe pepper, the researchers measured 3-10mg/.100gs, meaning capsicum can be considered a significant dietary source of vitamin E.Additionally, the form of vitamin E found in capsicum is an especially stable one, which makes it particularly well-suited for medical applications.Recently, capsicum research has been centered on the pepper’s potential viability as a cancer treatment. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, capsaicin (the same component of the cayenne that makes the peppers so peppery) causes cancer cells to commit apoptosis. In plain language, that means that capsaicin causes cancer cells to kill themselves.This claim comes from a study done by a team of researchers from the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, along with colleagues from UCLA. The researchers discovered that the capsaicin component of the cayenne pepper caused human prostate cells to undergo programmed cell death.As exciting as these results are, the Association has been careful to emphasize that more studies need to be done before it’s clear how capsaicin can be used in treating humans.The benefits of cayenne pepper range from cancer to our daily health needs. Another promising line of research is the use of capsicum as an important aid to weight reduction. Studies done over the last 30 years indicate that capsicum has enormous potential for promoting fat loss.A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated that capsicum has been successfully used to increase the loss of abdominal fat for overweight or obese individuals.Other studies indicate that capsicum can help those looking to shed pounds by:• Normalizing insulin and glucose levels• Boosting energy• Increasing metabolic speed• Suppressing hunger• Promoting satiety (the feeling of fullness)Those last 2 items — suppressing hunger and promoting satiety — can be strengthened if you also consume green tea regularly as a part of your weight management strategy.There are just as many good ways to work capsicum into your diet as there are good reasons. If you like spice, go for the peppers themselves — the options for using peppers in cooking are endless! If your mouth can’t take the heat, there are a number of good quality supplements available that won’t leave your tongue tingling.
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Herbal Arthritis Remedies: Using Frankincense Can Help Diminish PainDanica CollinsA sacred oil from India is found as one of a little known herbal arthritis remedies and has been shown to treat osteoarthritis and alleviate joint pain as effectively as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has been used in the Middle East for religious rituals and healing for thousands of years. The herb is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and analgesic.Recently, European and American medical professionals have begun to confirm the tremendous health benefits of frankincense, and are increasingly incorporating it into clinical practice.Speedy Relief from Arthritis PainOne the most promising applications for frankincense is in treatment of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis and a major culprit behind knee and hip pain.Osteoarthritis is caused by a breakdown of cartilage in the joints. This painful and often debilitating condition affects 28% of adults over age 45 and 37% of adults over age 65 in the United States.Studies show that herbal arthritis remedies such as an enriched frankincense extract could significantly reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis within 1 week!One trial, led by Siba Raychaudhuri of the University of California, Davis, investigated the effects of 30% AKBA (3-0-acetyl-keto-beta-boswellic acid), a concentrated version of one of the active ingredients in frankincense.According to Raychaudhuri, “AKBA has anti-inflammatory properties, and we have shown that [frankincense] enriched with AKBA can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis.”Herbal Arthritis Remedies: An Herb Fit For a KingPractitioners of Ayurvedic medicine in India have used frankincense for centuries. They call the herb Gaja-bhaksha or Sallaki Guggul, and have used the gum resin to treat everything from fevers to…respiratory diseases…diarrhea…leprosy…dysentery…ringworm…and heart conditions.Pliny the Elder, commander of the early Roman Empire and author, naturalist, and philosopher, mentioned frankincense as an antidote for hemlock poisoning. The ancient Egyptian elite used it in rejuvenating facial treatments. However, its most famous historical use is as a precious gift given to kings and other nobles.Frankincense is also used ceremonially by several religious denominations.Its sweet, earthy aroma stimulates and elevates the mind. It’s said to be a helpful aid for:• Visualization• Improving your spiritual connection• Centering the self• Recovering from emotional trauma• Overcoming stress and despairHow Frankincense Targets ArthritisResearchers believe that frankincense’s medicinal properties come from boswellic acids. Boswellic acids have proven anti-inflammatory abilities, and may be useful for the treatment of conditions such as:• Bursitis• Tendonitis• Rheumatoid arthritisAs mentioned above, boswellic acids are also very powerful against osteoarthritis.Additionally, preliminary research indicates that boswellic acids may actually protect your cartilage from damage and deterioration before it occurs.In June 2011, Dr. Emma Blain and Professor Vic Duance of Cardiff University, with Dr. Ahmed Ali of the Compton Group, spoke to the media about the benefits of frankincense for alleviating arthritis pain.The team believes that an extract of a rare species of frankincense–Boswellia frereana–blocks the generation of molecules that degenerate and inflame cartilage tissue. Their work so far has focused on “whether and how these extracts can help relieve the inflammation that causes the pain.”Ending Inflammation Without the Side EffectsBoswellic acid appears to reduce inflammation in a way similar to mainstream non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which make up approximately half of all drugs used to treat pain.Unfortunately, long-term use of NSAIDs–as for a chronic condition like arthritis–often results in irritation and even ulceration of the stomach.Dr. Raychaudhuri noted, “The high incidence of adverse effects associated with currently available medications has created great interest in the search for effective herbal arthritis remedies and safe alternative treatment.”It seems frankincense is a wonderful candidate for that position! Considering the negative side effects associated with mainstream osteoarthritis treatments, it becomes even more appealing.A recent study in India found that compared to the common osteoarthritis drug Ketoprophan, frankincense is:• Less toxic• More beneficial• More potentHerbal Arthritis Remedies: How to Use FrankincenseNatural health experts recommend taking a 400mg dose standardized to contain 37.5% boswellic acids, saying that this dose can be taken up to 3 times daily. And even though this herb has shown the potential to reduce pain in as little as a week, results may not always be immediate.Therefore, most practitioners advise using frankincense consistently for at least 8 weeks before deciding whether or not it’s working for you.Side effects at the 400mg dose are rare, but in some instances, individuals have had mild allergic reactions or some gastrointestinal distress.Experts advise that pregnant woman should not take frankincense and its safety for young children, nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease is unknown at this time.
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Miraculous Essential Miracle Prevents Cancer and Treats Magnesium DeficiencyDanica Collins


If you’ve ever experienced aches and pains … that rundown feeling … or any other low-grade symptoms that you (or your doctor) can’t explain, it might be a signal that you have a magnesium deficiency. 


Magnesium deficiency is a dangerous condition that has been recognized since around 1971. That’s when Dr. Edmund B. Fink of the West Virginia University’s School of Medicine identified magnesium deficiency as a common and often undetected ailment.





Contrary to popular belief, magnesium is the most common mineral deficient in the American diet — not calcium. According to many health practitioners, without sufficient magnesium, the body degenerates rapidly, ages prematurely and accumulates toxins and acid residues.



Initial symptoms can be subtle. Since most magnesium is stored in the tissues, the first signs may be leg cramps, foot pain, or muscle twitches.

Other symptoms of magnesium deficiency can gradually develop, including, but not limited to:

• Low Energy
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Restless legs, Muscle Twitches
• PMS and Hormonal Imbalance
• Poor Sleep
• Muscle Tension and Cramps
• Abnormal Heart Rhythms
• Headaches
• Anxiousness
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Kidney Stones

Chronic deficiency can produce long-term damage and even be fatal. Meanwhile, replenishing magnesium levels provides innumerable health benefits.

“Magnesium may be the most under-rated mineral in human nutrition,” says Mike Adams, health editor of Natural News. “It’s not only pivotal in preventing heart disease, it also prevents diabetes by helping the body properly regulate sugar metabolism.

There are perhaps a thousand benefits for magnesium in the human body, and yet most people are magnesium deficient!”


Can Magnesium Deficiency Cause Cancer?



Some leading researchers say it can indeed cause cancer. “Of the minerals inside the cell, all are vitally important, but magnesium has a role that permits perpetuity of function, and the lack of it will impact a cell’s efficiency and duration of its useful life,” says Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, author of Obesity, Cancer & Depression: Their Common Cause & Natural Cure. “Magnesium deficiency in the body is a very serious unrecognized problem.” 




Researchers point to a wealth of studies showing a link between magnesium deficiency and cancer:

• A Polish study concluded that inadequate magnesium is an important risk factor in predisposing individuals to leukemia.

• Other researchers found that 46% of the patients admitted to an intensive care unit in a tertiary cancer center presented as deficient in magnesium (hypomagnesemia).

• Animal studies show that magnesium deficiency has caused lymphopoietic neoplasms in young rats.

• Researchers from the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota concluded that diets rich in magnesium reduced the occurrence of colon cancer. A previous study from Sweden reported that women with the highest magnesium intake had a 40% lower risk of developing the cancer than those with the lowest intake.

• Several studies have shown an increased cancer rate in regions with low magnesium levels in soil and drinking water. In Egypt, the cancer rate was only about 10% of that in Europe and America. Among the rural fellah (peasants and agricultural laborers), it was practically non-existent. These cancer-free populations have an extremely high magnesium intake of 2.5 to 3g — which is 10 times more than in most Western countries.

• The School of Public Health at the Kaohsiung Medical College in Taiwan found that magnesium exerts a protective effect against gastric cancer, but only for the group with the highest magnesium levels.


Why Magnesium Pills and Powders Are Not the Answer 
to Magnesium Deficiency


Supplementing magnesium has not always been easy. In the past, large, hard-to-swallow pills were the norm. These pills were cheap but could not be properly digested or absorbed by the body, thereby leaving a load of unused magnesium for the kidneys and liver to process and excrete. While the body’s magnesium levels remained nearly unchanged, the functioning of the liver and kidneys was threatened.



Powdered magnesium supplements gained popularity over the last decade, providing better absorption. But for many people, too-quick absorption causes a laxative effect that ironically results in further magnesium loss.



The most superior form of magnesium supplementation is thought to be a very convenient and effective transdermal spray. These sprays are applied to high-circulation areas on the skin, allowing for easy absorption into the bloodstream. Transdermal magnesium can help your body maintain optimal magnesium levels — without the drawbacks of other supplement forms — because your body only absorbs the magnesium it needs.

Dr. Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., author of The Magnesium Miracle, describes the unique benefits of topical magnesium chloride oil: “It’s not actually an oil at all, but a super saturated solution of magnesium chloride. Magnesium oil can be sprayed or rubbed on the body, and is readily absorbed through the skin. It helps to greatly increase the amount of magnesium in body tissues and overcomes the problems that some people have with loose stools when they try to take enough magnesium to meet their needs.”


How to Choose a Topical Magnesium Product That Delivers Therapeutic Effects



Not all types of magnesium, no matter what form of the supplement, deliver the same recognizable benefits. For example, the most common form of magnesium sold in pharmacies and grocery stores — magnesium oxide — has been shown to have as low as a 4% absorption rate. Similarly, transdermal magnesium can vary widely in quality and absorbability. 



The best lab-certified pure topical magnesium is made from a Dead Sea extract and contains magnesium chloride hexahydrate. 



This is the only form of magnesium that can be accurately measured in liquid form.
It’s the form most commonly used in hospitals and patient-care facilities where exact doses are needed. Because magnesium chloride hexahydrate comes from a liquid (most easily used by the body), it is bioavailable and readily accepted by your body.



Not surprisingly, however, very few companies go to the necessary lengths to provide the ultra-pure food/pharmaceutical grade magnesium chloride in a form that is easy to use, effective, and available without prescription. 



In fact, there is only one publicly available product that contains magnesium chloride hexahydrate in an ultra-purified water solution. This means your body is supplied with the maximum amount of magnesium possible … and you are provided with all the benefits of this life supporting, ultra-energy nutrient.

Find out how easy it is for you to raise your magnesium levels, and consequently improve your health … recharge your energy levels … reduce aches and pains … and prevent cancer … using the only transdermal magnesium product with ultra-pure food/pharmaceutical grade magnesium chloride.

Read more…

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