The Important Chaga Tea Benefits

By Kathy Kaufman


Chaga tea is made from ground wild mushrooms belonging to the species Inonotus obliquus. It grows naturally as a parasite on birch trees as well as other tree types. Its physical appearance closely resembles burnt charcoal. The most favourable climatic conditions for the growth of the mushroom are found in Russia, Northern Europe, Korea and North America among others. There are many chaga tea benefits that have been identified to date.

The fungus has high levels of the superoxide dismutase (SOD). The enzyme plays a very important role in cells that have been damaged by superoxide radicals. The levels are particularly high in the epidermis and dermis of the skin. In these skin layers, it helps in the maturation of cells known as fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are very important in skin building.

Betulinic acid is another very useful component. The acid has been found to be a very effective anticancer agent. It works by triggering the process of apoptosis or programmed cell death. Others with similar properties are the beta glycans. Their mechanism of action involves modulation of the immune system so that the recognition and destruction of cancerous cells is easier.

There are also very high levels of thiamine (vitamin B1). This vitamin is required for the conversion of carbohydrates to produce energy. It is useful for treatment of conditions such as ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea and reduced appetite. It is also important in boosting the immune system in patients with HIV/AIDS. Other possible uses include treatment of conditions such as motion sickness, diabetic pain, alcoholism, glaucoma and cataracts.

There are other important vitamins in the mushroom. These include D2, riboflavin and niacin. Riboflavin is effective in increasing the rate of respiration and in metabolizing carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Medical uses use management of conditions such as glaucoma, eye fatigue and cataracts. Niacin is crucial in the synthesis of gonadal hormones, in treatment of schizophrenia and in memory stimulation. Vitamin D2 is useful in formation of cartilage and bone.

There is a myriad of constituents in the tea that have antimicrobial activity against bacteria, protozoa and viruses. Most components inhibit the growth and replication of bacteria. The main ones that are useful here include flavonoids, melanin, pantothenic acid, magnesium, copper, saponins, selenium and zinc among others. Saponins and Betulinic acid are particularly effective against malaria and other protozoa.

The mushroom has been found to have very high levels of iron. This element is a vital component of haemoglobin, the main component of red blood cells. Deficiency of iron results in decreased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This is characterised by symptoms such as easy fatigability, breathlessness, dizziness, general body weakness and susceptibility to infections. Vegetarians and athletes are at the highest risk of suffering from anaemia.

While there are many chaga tea benefits identified so far, there are a few side effects that you may need to look out for. For instance, there is an increased tendency to bleed. This is increased when the tea is taken alongside drugs such as warfarin, aspirin and other blood thinners. At the same time, the various components have been found to interfere with sugar metabolism such that one may suffer very low blood sugar levels. It is therefore important to take caution so as to avoid these side effects.




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Interesting Information About Spiritual Alchemy And The Hermetic Tradition

By Leonor Rivera


Spiritual alchemy is about the growth and development of the spiritual nature of the human being. It has its origins in the Hermetic tradition. The roots of the scientific method are found in this mystical discipline. The Hermetic tradition is a collection of Western mystical esoteric thought, meditation and practices. It includes astrology, herbalism, divination, and ritual magic.

The three main practices of the Hermetic school is divination, astrology, and alchemy. Divination would attempt to invoke the presence of God and heavenly creatures. It would also be used as a form of fortune telling. Astrology was an early form of astronomy. Alchemy is an early form of chemistry. As the esoteric schools transformed themselves into modern day scientists, many of the ancient practices fell by the wayside.

As civilization's ability to figure out the universe grew stronger, the less rational practices and systems were assigned to the world of the paranormal or occult. There is a little bit of the carnival side show thing about them. Some people think that those who take astrology and fortune telling seriously are a little kooky. Certainly, the devoted followers of these practices believe they get a lot of positive results from them.

As societies developed into advanced civilizations, individuals' material needs were easily maintained. This freed up time and resources to work on oneself. The purpose of these esoteric practices and rituals is to expand human consciousness to a higher level. Relieving stress is important component when following this path. A routine of yoga along with massage therapy helps eliminate the stress encountered in life. When stress is eliminated our spirits are opened to growth.

Development of the divine aspects of our being is the purpose of the Hermetic tradition. Material gain or riches is not the goal. Instead, the rituals, meditations and other practices are performed to achieve unity with the divine being. Throughout history there have special people with a curiosity about the mysteries of the universe. These kindred spirits would come together and start groups to follow their pursuits.

Men applied their knowledge into machines and technology that made life easier and more pleasant. The free enterprise system itself is a credit to the tradition of intellectual inquiry. Entrepreneurs applied their scientific knowledge to practical technology. This brought about the industrial revolution. In many ways, the Western esoteric disciplines were the beginnings of the modern day technological society.

As civilization progresses to an advance state, people have more leisure time. Some people with time on their hands are attracted to the old practices of the occult and magical practices. Many elements of the hippie culture of the 1960s sprang from this old tradition of the esoteric and mystical. Some of more popular practices are yoga, astral projection, massage therapy, herbal medicine, and meditation. There are many traditions that revolve around various ethnic and native cultures.

The purpose of spiritual alchemy is to attain a higher stage of consciousness. It employs rituals and symbols that have ancient origins. The various disciplines are grounded in the long heritage of Western esoteric mysticism. Progress is made by working regularly scheduled practices and disciplines. There ought to be a balance between physical, mental, and religious activities.




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Enjoying The Ultimate Electronic Smoking Experience By Using Superb Vaping Hardware

By Lana Bray


Periodically, users of electronic cigarettes have to purchase some of the device's components. This is done either to replace those that have broken down or to simply upgrade the unit itself. These days, it's very easy to get your hands on top-quality vaping hardware. This is the key to having the best possible experience with your electronic cigarette.

It's true that stiff market competition has driven manufacturers to come up with durable and superb devices. However, certain components are still bound to conk out inevitably. For example, the way an atomizer functions makes it prone to clogging or burning out. It's a good thing that a replacement may be easily bought from the maker itself or a third-party manufacturer.

Some people may not be completely satisfied with the rechargeable batteries that came bundled with the kits that they purchased at the onset of their new habit. Indeed, it really is an annoyance to see your electronic cigarette out of commission just because you forgot to bring the charger or an electrical outlet isn't available. What most vapers do, especially those who like uninterrupted use of their devices, is purchase compatible rechargeable batteries designed to store a lot of juice.

Whether to replace worn out parts or to upgrade your innovative device, it's important to purchase top notch components. You won't have a hard time finding them because of the fact that electronic cigarette use is all the rage these days. They are available at those stalls at the malls carrying kits and parts. A lot of these items are also being sold on the internet.

One way of finding the best components for your ultimate vaping experience is by purchasing and trying out different brands or models. Luckily, there's no need to experiment with various components and spend a lot of cash. There are plenty of product reviews posted on the internet, as well as forum sites which cater to the needs of today's vapers.

Using your trusted search engine, find where in cyberspace those reliable reviews are found. Majority of them come from electronic cigarette users who actually paid for the products that they are talking about. To help you decide whether or not they are the ones to get, focus on informative and honest online reviews which talk about the pros and cons equally well.

There are so many forum sites for users of electronic cigarettes. Look up topics which concern the various brand names and models of components that people have tried using. Registering is a huge advantage as it allows you to participate. Make online friends by posting questions as well as sharing some thoughts that could be of great help to other participants.

Whether online or offline, it's easy to get your hands on vaping hardware for your electronic cigarette. Ensure that the ones you are ordering have made a huge impact on others. It's important to pick the right parts for your device especially if you are a newbie in electronic smoking. By making the experience as pleasing as possible, you won't have any reason to go back to your former habit.




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Happy Head Massage Has Now Made Massage More Affordable Than Ever

By Michael Pritsker


How often do you go on a cruise in the Bahamas sipping Pina-Coladas and enjoying a massage on the beach? While it does sound peachy, is this the only time you should think about getting massages? Most of us still think of massage therapy as the weekly routine for the well-to-do-stay-at-home moms who don't know what to do during the day. They "reward" themselves for all the exhausting shopping they just went through at Neiman Marcus. And to be quite honest, you're not to blame! Most of the advertisements you see feature women lying down half-naked on a table by the beach resort with rose petals on their back.

This old stereotype might have been true 15 years ago. But that is no longer the case. Yes, massage therapy is relaxing, but it's also therapeutic. We live in a high-paced society that constantly asks us to do more, and then always puts us down for not doing enough. The perception of massage therapy is slowly and rightfully changing, morphing from a luxurious treat to an everyday & every-person necessity. Even though everyone would benefit from regular massages, here are 4 examples of the types of individuals who should consider getting a monthly treatment.

The Office Worker probably needs massage the most. Working a 9 to 5 job crouched over a computer screen can create a lot of neck and back problems. Your back is crouched over as you're sitting on the edge of your seat. You're putting tremendous stress on your lower back. Think about it - extend your arms out in front of you, and wiggle your fingers for 5 seconds. While you do that, try to notice your shoulder muscles tightening. It's not much, true, but your muscles are working none the less for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year (if you're lucky and get 4 weeks of vacation). In addition, although I have heard of some companies providing walking treadmills with computers for their employees, most of us sit down while we're at work typing away.

The next one is the type-A work out personality addict. We all agree that exercising is a healthy way to stay fit and top shape, relieve stress and optimize your energy level. But it would be even better served if accompanied by a great sports massage at the Happy Head in San Diego. It is much easier for a third party to stretch you out thoroughly than when you try to do it yourself. A great massage therapist can also contact certain areas of your body that you may not be able to on your own. When you exercise, your muscles are in a steady state of tension & your heart inches faster. This is when you burn the most calories. After you work out, your muscles require oxygen, electrolytes and correct hydration among other things to get well from the effort. Massages can assist the recovery happen faster and can even help stop injury before a workout or sporting event.

The Pregnant Woman: Prenatal massages are always a must. Adding 25 to 50 pounds to your body only increases the stress put on your back and your joints. And let's not forget the overall fatigue you go through creating another little human inside of you! The birth of your child will be a beautiful event, but let's try to make the pregnancy as enjoyable as possible as well. It is difficult to enjoy your pregnancy if you're constantly aching and tired - qualified massage therapists can help you through the process. No matter how well-intentioned your partner is with those shoulder rubs, it's just not the same.

The stressed out individual also needs massage. Many don't realize how detrimental stress, commonly referred to as the "silent killer" by doctors and health professionals everywhere, can be. This applies to almost everyone we know. Whether you're stressed out by your family or work circumstances, financial situation and hundreds of other daily life burdens, massages can help you decompress and leave you feeling better about yourself. It can boost your self-esteem and reinvigorate you. It can make you stronger in front of the challenges that await you. You often take care of other people; let the massage therapist take care of you for once. Just lie down and relax, as an experienced massage therapist will know what needs to be done.

Getting a massage now is easier than ever before. Getting a massage has been made more affordable now that Happy Head Massage is in San Diego. With the start of Asian style massage almost anyone can now get an affordable massage that is a fraction of the cost of other massage spas. Massage works wonders for muscle spasms, tension, stress, back pain and more.




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The Marijuana Plant: A Complete Chronicle

By Smokey Joe


Cannabis or marijuana is an indigenous crop of Central and South Asian regions, and its first documented use of marijuana dates to 3000 BC. Many Chinese and Asian relics found in grave sites and funeral spots contain marijuana leaves and resin. Aside from Chinese and Eastern Asian regions, Ancient text 'Vedas' touches on a plant that was worshiped and considered a medical relief 'Soma ' is associated to marijuana by many fans of text. Cannabis is naturally found in Himalayan Mountain Ranges, and is consumed and exported as a cash crop. Areas that are linked with native blow production includes Nepal, India, Kashmir, and Pakistan.

Folk have used marijuana for meditational purposes since traditional times, many Nepali friars still meditate utilising the plant, which helps them purify their mind and use it for concentration. It is well documented to once have been used as a medical herb throughout the history. Its extensive usage began with exporting of marijuana seeds and plants for medicinal purposes to Northern African Area, from where it made its way to Europe. This trade goes back as early as 500 A.D. In the western world it was used as a source of fiber. Marijuana plants were cultivated in great numbers during difficult times of World War II as the provision of hemp to western world from asiatic sources was halted due to tensions made by the war.

In the 19th century many literary classics touches on marijuana and try and describe its psychological facts, the trance it brings about and how it is consumed, Les paradis artificiels by Charles Baudelaire and The Hasheesh Eater by Fitz Hugh Ludlow are popular example of such literature.

In the U. S. A, marijuana was utilized as a pharmaceutical till 1942, It was used as a prescription drug to ease work pains, revulsion and seizures. Many people used it for its exhilarating effects as well even at that time. A campaign was launched by Bureau of Narcotics that portrayed marijuana use as addictive and a dynamic mind stimulant. This eventually gave birth to one of the most sterile disinformation film, Reefer Insanity, which was produced by a church group. In the 1950s it was employed by Beatniks as a stimulant in their own words, while in the 1960s it was used by Hippies as a method to fight against the authorities. This was when Buddhist/South Asian influence was high in music and literature of that time, and many of us were rebelling against war and changing a rather more tranquil life-style by meditating with marijuana and Buddhist way of life, the adaption of marijuana use like their Buddhist teachers (as mentioned above) was natural.

In 1970s Marijuana was classified a schedule I drug, which basically meant being the most abused drug and no medical use whatsoever. Almost all of the Marijuana made its way through the south border of United States from Mexico, but political pressures and actions by authority ceased the trade to a large extent. In the 1980s Reagan Administration applied a 0 toleration policy which exterminated all of drug trade from southern borders, which ended in indoor cultivation, California being the hotbed for production. These strict policies ended in decreased Marijuana usage in the late 1980s. Weed was legal in India until 1980s, though it was made illegal by the political pressures by the US and the administrations strict policies. 1990s once more saw an increase in marijuana consumption, particularly with college scholars.

Discussions have being triggered since the 1990s about the medicinal properties and potential use of the Plant. And since that point, over 15 states in the United States have either legalized medical usage of Marijuana or decriminalized it.




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Alternative Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Pancreas located in the upper abdomen.

 Contains pancreatic glands are responsible for many body functions such as insulin that controls the level of sugar in the blood, in addition to the use of sugar as an energy source.

 Pancreas also secretes the glands that help digest food.

 A cancerous tumor around the pancreas is termed as pancreatic cancer.

 This disease is considered a fatal disease and is considered a silent killer because the disease could not be detected until it reaches an advanced stage.

 Despite surgery and chemotherapy are considered as potential treatments for pancreatic cancer, today many alternative treatments for pancreatic cancer are available.

The multiple causes of this fatal disease include smoking, alcohol consumption and long-term presence of the diabetic state. Some alternative treatments for pancreatic cancer include radiation, green tea.


Radiation: Radiation therapy is a method of treating cancer by providing high energy X-rays to pass through the cancer cells and thus sealing the growth of cancer cell death. Radiation therapy is usually given with chemotherapy in the case of this disease.



 This treatment is completely painless and should be administered over a period of a few weeks.Green tea: Research has shown the ability of green tea to prevent cancer of the pancreas.

 This tea is closed snuff important molecule that cause the disease depends.

 This drink contains chemicals called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epigallocatechin (EGC), which play a crucial role in preventing cancer. ECG contained in green tea, promotes the growth of an enzyme that is useful in the prevention of this disease.

 Research has also shown that consumption of four cups of this tea a day helps to effectively combat breast cancer

Pancreatic Cancer Can Appear With Few Symptoms

Because of its lack of symptoms, pancreatic cancer often goes undetected until it is too late to be
successfully treated.

 Since there are so few warning signs, it is important to be aware which groups of people are more susceptible to this disease so that their health can be monitored more closely.

Cigarette smoking is perhaps the biggest risk factor for developing cancer of the pancreas.

 Those who smoke are nearly three times more likely to develop this type of cancer than those who do not smoke. Both race and sex may also play a role in pancreatic cancer.

 It appears that black people are more likely to develop this form of cancer than those of other races. Of those who do develop this condition, men are more prone to it than women.

Like some other forms of cancer, diet can also play a role in pancreatic cancer.

 Those who eat a high-fat diet that is low in fruits and vegetables are more likely to develop cancer than those who eat a healthy diet. People who are overweight or have diabetes may also have a higher chance of developing this type of cancer.

Because of its almost hidden location in the body it is hard to diagnose cancer of the pancreas.

 The pancreas is located behind the stomach and buried in a loop of the small intestines.

This means that it cannot easily be manipulated during a physical examination so small tumors often go undetected. In fact, cancer of the pancreas is usually not diagnosed until a tumor is quite large or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can include unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, and pain in the upper abdomen. Since the pancreas secretes enzymes that aid in the digestive process, a patient may also experience problems with digestion.

 They may also suffer with jaundice, a condition where the skin and whites of the eyes become yellowed as a result of improper function of the bile and bile ducts as a result of the cancer.

Although its prognosis is improving, pancreatic cancer is, for the most part, considered incurable.

This is because this type of cancer is generally not discovered until it is in the late stages where it has already spread to other organs.

 Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation may prolong life expectancy but it is not common for these procedures to clear the cancer completely.

For those diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, the outlook is not favorable.

 This disease is generally not discovered until it has already progressed to a point it involves other body organs.

 There are also usually no symptoms while the cancer is in the early stages, and no tests have been developed as of yet that successfully predict its formation.

Therefore, if you notice anything unusual in your body, or the way your body works, it is important to see your doctor for an examination. Getting a head start on cancer is the best way to prevent and possibly cure it.

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