01 - Soul Ingredients

BLACK CUMIN SEED

Black Cumin & D-Ribose - Dr. Jewkes report

Black Cumin is only 1 of many superior seeds in RAIN's SOUL.

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have discovered that an extract of black cumin/ nigella sativa seed oil, known as thymoquinone, can remedy one of the most virulent and difficult to treat cancers: pancreatic cancer. The extract does this by blocking pancreatic cell growth, and actually enhancing the built-in cellular function that causes programmed cell death, or apoptosis.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to treat. It usually presents no symptoms in its early stages, unless the common bile duct is obstructed by a tumor (in which case jaundice would occur). However, as the cancer progresses, more symptoms do present themselves. Nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, weakness and pain after eating are all symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, these symptoms could be indicative of other disorders as well, so it is a challenging cancer to diagnose that requires thorough testing. Many people are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread; therefore, treatment is often very complex since the cancer has advanced to other areas.

As of now, there is little known about its causes, and less known about how to treat it. There are a few clues to its origins, however. A 2007 study showed that diabetes during pregnancy can lead to pancreatic cancer later in life; smoking also increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer as well. There may also be some evidence to suggest a link between type 2 diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer, but there still is no succinct, hard evidence to prove a link. Through all of this, nigella sativa (also known as black cumin) may be a potential solution to pancreatic cancer and could be the breakthrough that is needed to solve this complex problem.

This herb is popular across the Middle East and India, and is widely known in those parts to aid in a variety of disorders. From emphysema and asthma, to colic and cancer, this herb has a colorful and storied history that stretches far back in time, even to the Biblical era. With pancreatic cancer being the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, killing approximately 34,000 people each year, more research needs to be conducted on the effectiveness of this herb in treating this and other cancers. Though more empirical data is needed, Middle-Eastern folklore describes nigella sativa as one of the most potent healing agents, curing a variety of disorders, other cancers, and having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Sometimes, especially in the case of this herb, folklore is more than just exaggerated stories of indigenous peoples; it can actually be useful in everyday life and provide the much needed help that conventional practices do not offer. In fact, according to Arab proverbs, nigella sativa is quoted as having the ability to cure all disease except death. Though its properties in healing all diseases has not been empirically verified, if folklore is going to be a guide to health and wellness, the best herb to start with would be nigella sativa.

Traditional treatments for pancreatic cancer are the same as the treatments for other cancers: loading the body up with toxins that kill the patient before killing the cancer (chemotherapy), and radiation. But, as with many other cancers, this method is not very successful (as mentioned before, 34,000 people die each year from pancreatic cancer). Side effects of the allopathic approach to this disorder include anything from skin reactions to disruption of insulin production, so pancreatic cancer treatments are often very uncomfortable.

Nigella sativa offers an alternative to this fate, giving cancer patients access to a treatment that actually works for them. As the path of allopathic remedies has dimmed on this cancer, sentencing its sufferers to a life of pain and misery, another, less invasive and more effective path has opened. Through herbal treatment, a way to a cure has been paved, offering relief that cannot be found amongst the cold hospital walls.

This study also helps dispel the myth that herbs are just herbs, and are thus ineffective in treating disease. This herb is just one of many that are now being discovered as breaking the mold and defeating the lie. This herb proves useful and helpful in treating every day illnesses and complex illnesses as well.

Besides their culinary uses, black cumin seeds also have a wealth of important health benefits and are one of the most cherished medicinal seeds in history.

The seeds of the black cumin plant contain over 100 chemical compounds, including some yet to be identified. In addition to what is believed to be the primary active ingredient, crystalline nigellone, black cumin seeds contain: thymoquinone, beta sitosterol, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, protein, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, folic acid, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorous.

Black cumin seeds have a particularly long and strong history use in Egypt. When archaeologists found and examined the tomb of Egyptian boy-king Tutankhamen (King Tut), they found a bottle of black cumin oil, which suggested that it was believed to be needed in the afterlife.

Physicians to the Egyptian pharaohs frequently used the seeds after extravagant feasts to calm upset stomachs. They also used the seeds to treat headaches, toothaches, colds, and infections. Queen Nefertiti, renowned for her stunning beauty, used black seed oil, likely due to its abilities to strengthen and bring luster to hair and nails.

Hundreds of studies have been conducted on black cumin which have shown that compounds from the seeds help fight diseases by boosting the production of bone marrow, natural interferon, and immune cells.

Several of the studies have shown that black cumin seed extract could assist individuals with autoimmune disorders and could possibly help to fight cancer. One recent study on black cumin seed oil demonstrated that it was effective against pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest and most difficult to treat cancers.

One of black cumin’s most popular and effective uses is the treatment of diseases related to the respiratory

system: including asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism and cold symptoms. The seeds help increase body tone,

stimulate menstrual period, and increase the flow of breast milk in nursing mothers.

Black cumin seed oil helps calm the nervous system, quells colic pain, stimulates urine production, helps treat

pertussis, improves digestion and helps prevent and lower high blood pressure.

The seeds are very effective in curing abscesses and tumors of the eye, abdomen and liver, probably due in

great part to the anti-tumor compound beta-sitosterol found in the seeds.

Black cumin also:

• Stimulates energy and helps in recovery from fatigue and low spirits.

• Is an effective cure for skin conditions such as allergies, eczema, acne, psoriasis and boils.

• Is anti-parasitic.

• Treats flatulence, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, constipation and dysentery.

NOTE: Those who decide to use black cumin seed oil should check labels and product information carefully.

Black cumin is commonly referred to as black seed oil, black onion seed, black caraway, black sesame seed,

and other names, but only Nigella sativa is true black cumin.

Black Raspberry Seed

Black raspberries and anthocyanins demonstrate powerful cancer fighting

power

Thursday, April 14, 2011 by: John Phillip

(NaturalNews) Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths. This devastating disease is on the rise

as our typical diet of processed foods continues to kill. A diet void of essential nutrients is the driving force

behind this largely preventable disease. Researchers continue to uncover the critical link between a diet packed

with natural plant based phytonutrients and cancer prevention. You can add these important foods to your

dietary arsenal and dramatically lower your risk of disease.

Study Shows a 45% Reduction in Colon Cancer Risk

Research conducted at the University of Illinois and published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research shows

that a diet supplemented with black raspberries lowered the incidence of colorectal cancer by 45%. The study

authors conclude that the high polyphenol content of the raspberries are likely to influence digestive gene targets

and may be of benefit to other digestive cancer lines as well.

Black Raspberries Shown to Reverse Gene Damage

A second study published in Cancer Research demonstrated that there are over 2000 genes that are

responsible for regulating digestive health. These genetic targets are down regulated with a diet of processed

foods, hydrogenated fats and sugar to favor the initiation and development of cancer. Supplementing with a

concentration of freeze-dried black raspberries was shown to return 462 of those genes to a normal state.

The study author concluded, "We have clearly shown that berries, which contain a variety of anticancer

compounds, have a genome-wide effect on the expression of genes involved in cancer development".

Researchers have shown that the active compound found in black raspberries inhibits tumor development by

suppressing the activity of a protein needed for the disease to progress. Further, black raspberries reduce levels

of dangerous systemic inflammation that lower tumor formation by 50%.

Anthocyanins are Powerful Antioxidants

Black raspberries aren`t the only member of the berry family known to prevent disease. Research has

concentrated on the antioxidant capacity of berries and how anthocyanins can reduce the risk from diseases

ranging from diabetes and dementia to stroke and heart disease. Information published in the Journal of

Agricultural and Food Chemistry explains that berry compounds have a significant biological activity that has

been shown to be a powerful inhibitor of cancers of the digestive tract.

The researchers tested the chemo-protective properties of anthocyanin-rich extracts (ARE`s) to determine which

exhibited the highest antioxidant power. They found that purple corn, chokeberry, bilberry, purple carrot and

grapes were at the top of the list. Anthocyanins impart the deep purple color to these foods that make them such

powerful agents against cancer.

Members of the berry family and foods rich in anthocyanins have been consumed by our ancestors for

generations. These potent compounds provide us with an important tool to prevent many diseases. Be certain

your diet includes a source of anthocyanins to dramatically lower your risk of digestive cancers.

Rain Soul and Black Cumin

Grape seed

Overview

Grapes (Vitis vinifera) have been heralded for their medicinal and nutritional value for thousands of years. Egyptians ate grapes at least 6,000 years ago, and several ancient Greek philosophers praised the healing power of grapes, usually in the form of wine. European folk healers made an ointment from the sap of grapevines to treat skin and eye diseases. Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding, inflammation, and pain, such as the kind brought on by hemorrhoids. Unripe grapes were used to treat sore throats, and dried grapes (raisins) were used for constipation and thirst. Round, ripe, sweet grapes were used to treat a range of health problems including cancer, cholera, smallpox, nausea, eye infections, and skin, kidney, and liver diseases.

But grapes, or the chemicals within them, especially oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), have been touted as powerful antioxidants. Some people believe they could help treat a number of conditions, from heart disease to cancer to aging skin, although scientific evidence is mostly lacking for those conditions. However, there is good evidence that grape seed extract can help treat chronic venous insufficiency and edema.

A study of healthy volunteers found that taking grape seed extract substantially increased blood levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals, which are harmful compounds in the body that damage DNA (genetic material) and even cause cell death. Scientists believe free radicals contribute to aging, as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer.

Plant Description

Grapes are native to Asia near the Caspian Sea, but they were brought to North America and Europe. This plant's climbing vine has large, jagged leaves, and its stem bark tends to peel. The grapes may be green, red, or purple.

What is it Made Of?

Vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPCs are highly concentrated in grape seeds. Lower concentrations of these compounds are also available in the skin of the grape, as well as grape juice and wine. Resveratrol is another compoud in grapes and grape skins that is related to OPCs. Resveratrol has become very popular as an antioxidant and is being studied in connection with a variety of diseases.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

Today, standardized extracts of grape seed may be used to treat a range of health problems related to free radical damage, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Grape seed extract has also been shown to protect against bacterial infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus. Some studies, mostly in animals, support these uses.

Flavonoids found in red wine may help to protect the heart by lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol. The so called "French paradox" is the belief that drinking wine protects people living in France from developing heart disease at the high rates seen in people living in the United States. So far, however, there is no clear evidence that taking grape seed extract helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Some researchers speculate that the alcohol in the wine, not the flavonoids, could be responsible for any healthful effects. Others think it could be the combination of alcohol and flavonoids.

Drinking alcohol to protect against heart disease is not advocated by the American Heart Association and other organizations because of the potential for addiction and other serious problems, such as car accidents and the increased risk of hypertension, liver disease, breast cancer, and weight gain. If you do drink red wine, you should have no more than 2 glasses (20 g ethanol) per day if you are a man, and no more than 1 glass per day if you are a woman.

Chronic venous insufficiency

In chronic venous insufficiency, blood pools in the legs, causing pain, swelling, fatigue, and visible veins. A number of high quality studies have shown that OPCs from grape seed can reduce symptoms.

Edema

Edema, swelling caused by surgery or an injury, seems to go away faster when people take grape seed extract. Edema is common after breast cancer surgery, and one double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that breast cancer patients who took 600 mg of grape seed extract daily after surgery for 6 months had less edema and pain than those who took placebo. Another study found that people who took grape seed extract after experiencing a sports injury had less swelling than those who took placebo.

High cholesterol

There is not enough evidence to say whether taking grape seed extract can lower cholesterol, although preliminary studies show promising results. A study of 40 people with high cholesterol looked at whether taking grape seed extract, chromium, a combination of both, or placebo for 2 months would lower cholesterol. The combination of grape seed extract and chromium was more effective than either grape seed alone or placebo in lowering total and LDL cholesterol.

Another study looked at the effects of a proprietary grape seed extract on lipid peroxidation (the breakdown of fats in the blood) in a group of heavy smokers. In the study, 24 healthy male smokers (aged 50 years or older) took either placebo or 2 capsules (75 mg of a grape procyanidin extracts and soy phosphatidalcholine), twice daily for 4 weeks. LDL cholesterol levels were lower in those taking the grape seed supplement than those taking placebo.

High blood pressure

Theoretically, grape seed extract might help treat hypertension or high blood pressure. Antioxidants, like the ones found in grape seed, help protect blood vessels from damage. Damaged blood vessels can lead to higher blood pressure. In several animal studies, grape seed extract substantially reduced blood pressure. More research is needed to determine whether grape seed extract helps people with high blood pressure.

Cancer

Studies have found that grape seed extracts may prevent the growth of breast, stomach, colon, prostate, and lung cancer cells in test tubes. However, there is no clear evidence whether it works in humans. Antioxidants, such as those found in grape seed extract, may help reduce the risk of developing cancer. Grape seed extract may also help prevent damage to human liver cells caused by chemotherapy medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining antioxidants with any chemotherapy drugs to make sure they interact safely together, and that they do not interfere with effects of the chemotherapy medications.

Other conditions

Grape seed extract is sometimes suggested for the following, although evidence is slight:

· Alzheimer disease

· Diabetes (improving blood sugar control)

· Improving night vision

· Protecting collagen and elastin in skin (anti-aging)

· Treating hemorrhoids

· Protecting against oxidative rancidity and bacterial pathogens

Info from the University of Maryland

D-Ribose

D-Ribose is a naturally occurring sugar or carbohydrate that has the capability to regenerate ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) levels in the body. Recent studies have shown it to be helpful for athletes, bodybuilders, cardiovascular health, fibromyalgia and muscle health. ATP is the body’s principal energy carrying molecule. D-Ribose is needed by the body to make ATP. During intense workouts, heart disease and fibromyalgia the energy levels in the body tend to drop by huge margins. Ribose is required at this time to rebuild the ATP levels in the body, thereby increasing energy.

D-Ribose Benefits:

*Athletes: It is known to enhance the output of athletes by reducing cramping and soreness of the muscles, decreasing exercise induced swelling of the joints and improving performance.

*Cardiovascular Health: It builds ATP in the heart and skeletal muscles and increases energy.

*Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: It reduces cramps and soreness of the muscle tissues and plummets fatigue. It leads to more energy generation, induces better sleep, mental clarity and reduces pain.

*Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): Research has shown that patients suffering from coronary artery disease and heart failure respond well to D-Ribose supplementation as it enhances the diastolic functional parameters and enhances the overall quality of life. It also increases cardiac energy metabolism and function following ischemia.

*Exercise and Performance: The compound is known to re-synthesize adenine nucleotides after intense workout sessions. It increases the exercise capacity and improves the overall performance of the individual. It plays a critical role in the production of ATP, which is the key provider of energy for short bursts while exercising.