Category: Featured Articles

And, for the record, all the healthiest people walking around who don't catch the flu are the ones who refuse flu shots while taking care of their immune system. It's the vaccinated people who always seem to be sick for one reason or another, have you noticed?

In any case, it's important to find ways to boost your immune system and shield yourself from colds and the flu without resorting to jabbing yourself in the arm with a cocktail of mercury, formaldehyde, aluminum and MSG. Oh yes, all those things are found in vaccines, according to the CDC.

In fact, if you really like shooting up with brain-damaging mercury and essentially giving yourself a chemical lobotomy, just take more vaccines! It's the only legal way to inject these chemicals into your body where they will quickly enter your bloodstream and be delivered right to your brain!

So to avoid all that, here's my list of the top 20 ways to boost your immune system without resorting to deadly vaccines and all the toxic additives they contain.

The top 20 ways to boost your immunity to colds and flu without using a vaccine
1) Take a vitamin D supplement every day. Check our Vitamin D guide for details about choosing the proper dosage.

2) Get as much sunlight as you can for as late into the year as you can manage. Even getting sunlight on just your face helps produce more vitamin D in your body.

3) Drink immune-boost beverages like organic Cocoa Mojo, which contains a blend of 4 medicinal mushrooms. And it tastes like a delicious hot chocolate!

4) Use a high-quality air filter in your home to filter out bacteria and mold spores that may be circulating inside your home.

5) Get regular exercise to boost your circulation and immune strength. This exercise should be frequent and moderate. Do not over-stress yourself at the gym, or your immune system will be temporarily compromised.

6) Take supplements especially designed to protect your respiratory tract. These include Lomatium, Osha, Elderberry and more. You'll find many of these in the herbal medicine cabinets offered at the NaturalNews Store.

7) Take measures to minimize your exposure to immune-damaging chemicals such as those you'll find in laundry products, cosmetics, personal care products and fragrance products. The artificial fragrance chemicals found in most of these products are carcinogenic and cause liver damage.

8) Get off all medications that you can safely eliminate! Work with a naturopath to accomplish this, of course, as quitting medications cold turkey can also be dangerous. Most medications suppress your immune system, liver function, kidney function and even your reproductive function.

9) Eat more meals that are rich in pungent spices. Eat more curry, which is rich in turmeric. Eat more ginger. Eat more cilantro, rosemary, thyme and other rich spices. This includes cloves and nutmeg, two spices you'll typically find in eggnog drinks. These spices boost immune function and taste great, too!

10) Clean up your diet. If you're eating cheese and drinking processed milk, those substances are to be avoided during the winter influenza season, especially. In many people, cheese and dairy products tend to cause sinus stuffiness, which is really a lack of sinus circulation. This can make you more susceptible to physically catching and harboring a virus floating around.

11) Boost your trace minerals intake, especially zinc. Both zinc and selenium are hugely important for immune function. Zinc is especially well known for functioning as a shield support against many viral attacks. One of the best ways to boost your trace minerals intake is to switch to a natural sea salt or a high-mineral salt. We'll be offering these salts by Thanksgiving, by the way.

12) Move your lymph! Rebounders (mini trampolines) are great for this purpose. Jumping rope also works, as does just hopping in place for a few minutes each day. You can also do arm rotations and other simple movements to keep your lymph circulating. Lymph movement is crucial for immunity.

13) Take immune-protective herbal tinctures such as goldenseal, garlic, echinacea, osha root and elderberry. All of these herbs are found in the Enerfood Herbal Medicine Cabinet – intermediate. We also have a "basic" and "advanced" kit available.

14) While you're at it, wash your hands more frequently. Many of the infections we receive during the flu season come from us touching contaminated surfaces and then touching our eyes, nose or mouth. The simple act of washing your hands can dramatically cut down on viral infections.

15) At the same time, demand high levels of hygiene by those around you. Ask them to wash their hands, for example. Ask them to boost their immunity with herbs, nutrients and supplements that really work. In fact, when others fail to boost their immune systems, it's actually highly irresponsible on their part. Merely relying on a vaccine is actually putting other people at risk, since vaccines don't work 99 times out of 100.

16) Have an emergency supply of colloidal silver available. Not only do you want the liquid colloidal silver, you may also want to consider an inhalable form of silver like what you'll find in the Silver Lungs product. At the Natural News Store, we currently carry GHC's colloidal silver product called Silver Fuzion, and we'll soon be carrying Sovereign Silver products.

17) Get plenty of sleep. A lack of sleep compromises the immune system.

18) Reduce your levels of chronic stress, if possible. Stress also compromises your immune system, and it even "uses up" nutrients in your body, leaving you nutritionally depleted.

19) Drink more "live" vegetable juice. If that sounds too cold, make yourself some warm but raw vegetable soups. Search online for recipes. My favorites include a raw avocado soup recipe using red peppers, to which I add some Tobasco sauce. You make these soups in a blender like the Vita-Mix.

20) Laugh a little! Watch some comedy movies, or spend some fun time with family and friends. Laughter boosts immune function at many levels. It's good for your body and your mental health. Find creative ways to expose yourself to comical situations and you'll benefit as a result. 🙂

The study, which is featured in the new Jeffrey Smith documentary Genetic Roulette (http://www.naturalnews.com/037272_Genetic_Roulette_movie_GMO.html), examined the blood of 30 pregnant women and 39 non-pregnant women. The research team, led by Aziz Aris and Samuel Leblanc, looked for glyphosate (Roundup); gluphosinate, an active ingredient in various broad-spectrum herbicides; Cry1Ab, the Bt toxin of gluphosinate; and several metabolites of both glyphosate and gluphosinate.

Upon observation, they noticed that the non-pregnant women all had high levels of both glyphosate and gluphosinate in their blood, while none of the pregnant women had either of the two chemicals in their blood, illustrating that some type of metabolic change takes place when women become pregnant. As far as the other chemicals were concerned; however, 100 percent of the pregnant women and their unborn babies tested positive for 3-methylphosphinico propionic acid (3-MMPA), a metabolite of gluphosinate, while 93 percent of maternal blood and 80 percent of fetal cord blood tested positive for the Bt toxin Cry1Ab.

This is highly concerning, as it shows not only that these two untested chemicals are effectively bypassing the digestive systems of pregnant women, but that they are also persisting in their bloodstreams for an untold amount of time, where they proceed to infect the bloodstreams of unborn children. The long-term health effects of such exposure are largely unknown, as few formative safety studies have ever been conducted on either Bt toxin or the pesticide and herbicide chemicals used on GMO crops.

Gluphosinate, Cry1Ab both linked to causing major health problems
Existing studies do suggest; however, that gluphosinate, the precursor to 3-MMPA, can cause cancer, DNA damage, and reproductive toxicity. The European Union (EU) actually banned the use of gluphosinate in member states after determining that the herbicide is a significant threat to environmental and human health. (http://www.cbgnetwork.org/2785.html)

"This paper shows that this GM protein (Cry1Ab) can survive extensive food processing to enter the diet," says the U.K. group GM-Free Cymru. "It can then survive human digestion to enter the blood of the person eating it and then cross the placenta to enter the fetus." (http://www.gmfreecymru.org.uk/pivotal_papers/crucial24.htm)

Another recent study found that rats fed a lifetime of GM corn, many varieties of which contain the Cry1Ab toxin, developed horrific tumors all over their bodies. Compared to a control group not fed GM corn, GM corn-fed male mice died prematurely at a 66 percent higher rate, and GM corn-fed females died prematurely at a 250 percent higher rate. (http://www.naturalnews.com)

Be sure to check out the informative new film Genetic Roulette, which takes a comprehensive, in-depth, and scientific look at the non-safety of GMOs, and how these untested poisons are destroying the health of the world: http://geneticroulettemovie.com/

by: John Phillip

(NaturalNews) It is likely no surprise to most health-minded individuals that consuming excess calories from sugary beverages and being overweight or obese are not mutually exclusive and independently lead to a significantly increased risk for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Caloric intake from sweetened drinks provides no antioxidant support for the body and does not contribute to the daily nutrient requirements we all need to maintain optimal health. Amazingly, to date, there have been no conclusive studies to confirm the metabolic disarray caused by sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB's).

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health have now published the result of a study in the New England Journal of Medicine that has determined that greater consumption of SSB's is linked with a greater genetic susceptibility to high body mass index and increased risk of obesity. The study validates the existing view that environmental and genetic factors may act together to increase obesity risk.

The lead research author, Dr. Lu Qi commented "Our study for the first time provides reproducible evidence from three prospective cohorts to show genetic and dietary factors, sugar-sweetened beverages, may mutually influence their effects on body weight and obesity risk. The findings may motivate further research on interactions between genomic variation and environmental factors regarding human health." The scientists note that over the past 30 years, calorie intake from SSB's has increased dramatically around the world and many nutritionists believe play a significant role in the current obesity epidemic.

Sugar sweetened beverages shown to double obesity risk in genetically-susceptible people
To perform the study analysis, researchers reviewed data from three large cohort studies. All of the individuals reviewed completed food-frequency questionnaires detailing their food and drink consumption. Participants were refined to include 33,097 men and women of European ancestry for whom genome-type data was available. Participants were divided into four groups according to how many sugary drinks they consumed: fewer than one serving of SSB per month, between one and four servings per month, between two and six servings per week, and one or more servings per day.

The study found that the genetic effects on body weight and obesity risk among those who drank one or more SSB's per day were about twice as large as those who consumed fewer than one serving per month. The researchers determined that frequent consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of obesity in genetically susceptible individuals. The study authors conclude "SSBs are one of the driving forces behind the obesity epidemic… the implication of our study is that the genetic effects of obesity can be offset by healthier food and beverage choices."

Consuming calories from nutritionally-depleted sugary drinks promotes chronic disease and leads to significant weight gain in the vast majority of genetically predisposed people. Choose non-caloric beverages including water, green and white teas and organic coffee to promote vibrant health and to aid weight management issues.

Now, breaking research suggests a strong link between widely used drugs known as benzodiazepines (which include Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ambien, Halcion, Restoril, Lorazepam and dozens more) and a doubling in the risk of developing dementia.

The study by scientists from Harvard University and the University of Bordeaux in France, was just published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and involved 1,063 men and women who were all free of dementia at the start of the trial. Followed for several years, those who began taking benzodiazepines demonstrated a 50 percent increase in developing Alzheimer's type problems compared to those who never used the drugs.

"The analysis of the cases of dementia in the first population group shows that individuals who began treatment after five years during the follow-up period had an increased risk of developing dementia," one of the lead researchers, Tobias Kurth, said in a media statement; he noted that the results were"robust."

So were the people who developed dementia taking high amounts of benzodiazepines for very long periods? Not at all. In fact, patients who had taken the pills at least once over the course of a week or so at some point in the previous 15 years were found to be at heightened risk. While the people in the study were elders, the research raises disturbing questions about what these popular pills are doing to anyone of any age who takes them.

If you take a drug like Xanax for years as a young or middle-aged person, does it mean you are raising the odds you'll end up with dementia? Unfortunately, no one knows. After all, previous studies have shown that side effects of benzodiazepines, along with problems like nausea, headache and lethargy, can cause memory impairment and personality changes. Some research has found impaired cognitive abilities can last long after a person goes off the drugs – suggesting they may well cause changes in the brain that last.

Dr. Kurth, who works jointly at Harvard University's School of Public Health and the University of Bordeaux, cautioned that this single study "does not necessarily show everything that is going on, so there is no need to panic." However, he admitted in a statement to the press that "There is a potential that these drugs are really harmful. If it is really true that these drugs are causing dementia that will be huge."

This is not the first worrisome clue that benzodiazepines have dangerous long-term effects. In 2011, scientists from Cardiff University found that Britons between the ages of 45 and 85 who had taken the drugs at least once over the last two decades were 60 percent more likely to develop dementia. And this year, a U.S. study by scientists showed that people taking between four and 18 of these pills a year were 3.6 times more likely to die prematurely. People taking 132 pills a year or more were 5.3 times more likely to face an early death

The new BMJ study concludes: "Considering the extent to which benzodiazepines are prescribed and the number of potential adverse effects, indiscriminate widespread use should be cautioned against." However, that caution could continue to fall on proverbial deaf ears. After all, these drugs are huge money makers for the drug industry, which keeps coming up with new uses for them – they are now heavily advertised as sleeping pills.

Prescribed primarily for anxiety, panic attacks, to relax muscles and as sleep aids, this family of drugs accounts for approximately 33 percent of all prescription drugs in the U.S. and they rake in over a billion dollars yearly for Big Pharma.

The many problems with Splenda
Splenda, also known as sucralose, is a combination of maltodextrin and dextrose and is 600 times sweeter than regular sugar. Splenda is a synthetic compound discovered in 1976 by scientists in Britain seeking a new pesticide formation and is similar in chemical composition to DDT. Splenda is found in countless products and advertised as a "safe" alternative to sugar. "The inventors of Splenda admit around fifteen percent (15 percent) of sucralose is absorbed by the body, but they cannot guarantee us (out of this 15 percent) what amount of chlorine stays in the body and what percent flushes out" (Brahmini, 2012). Chlorine is considered a carcinogen. Possible side effects of Splenda include: "gastrointestinal problems (bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea), skin irritations (rash, hives, redness, itching, swelling), wheezing, cough, runny nose, chest pains, palpitations, anxiety, anger, moods swings, depression, and itchy eyes." (Brahmini, 2012)

A 12-week study performed by Duke University on rats determined that Splenda caused pH imbalances in the body, disrupted absorption in the intestinal tract, depletion of good bacteria, swollen livers, kidney calcification and promoted weight gain (Gerson, 2008). No long-term studies have been performed regarding the dangerous effects of Splenda on humans, yet this product continues to be put on the shelves of our grocery stores, advertised and bought by "health conscious" consumers, trying to make healthier decisions.

Au naturale
Our society needs to get away from the common perception that sugar substitutes are safer, healthier options; they are NOT! Agave is an example of a natural sweetener that is not chemically processed. Sugar in the raw form and Stevia are some other examples of natural, healthy sweeteners. Organic honey can also be used to sweeten many things naturally. Just because a product is on the shelf, does not mean it is safe. The Food and Drug Administration has approved many unsafe products for human consumption. NutraSweet is a known neurotoxin that has been proven to cause tumors and had been previously banned in Europe; yet was previously deemed safe for human consumption, like Splenda has been today. The truth is, the long-term consequences of ingesting man-made chemical substitutes are unknown, but it is better to be safe than sorry, and avoid products containing such ingredients at all costs.

Always read labels and question anything that has a long name that you cannot pronounce; more than likely it is a chemical you should steer clear of.

In healthy adults, no flu vaccine delivers protection from the flu.

Boom!

It doesn't protect against transmission of flu viruses from person to person, either.

Boom!

So all the promotion and all the pandering and all the scare tactics and all the "expert medical opinion" and all the media coverage…useless, worthless, and irrelevant.

Billions of dollars of financed lies about flu vaccines were just that: lies.

It gets worse, because the entire theory about how and why vaccines work is sitting on a razor's edge, ready to fall into the abyss of discarded fairy tales.

We've been told that vaccines stimulate the immune system with a "rehearsal" of what will happen when an actual disease comes down the pipeline. When the disease does show up, the immune system will be locked and loaded, ready to destroy the attacking germ.

But since flu vaccines don't protect against flu or even stop the transmission of flu viruses from person to person, the so-called "rehearsing" of the immune system is merely somebody's fancy story. A legend. A myth.

Also, you can forget about the widely sold herd-immunity tale. How can the group be immune when vaccines are doing nothing to prevent the free movement of germs from person to person?

As always, The Cochrane Collaboration did an exhaustive review of all previous studies on flu vaccines they could discover. They rejected the studies that were badly constructed. In some cases, to expand available data, they contacted individual researchers who had conducted studies.

Therefore, Cochrane's findings represent the best of the published literature on flu vaccines. However, because the Cochrane team owes nothing to pharmaceutical companies, they analyzed the literature with sober eyes and minds.

Here is an interesting comment from the analysis: "The review showed that reliable evidence on influenza vaccines is thin but there is evidence of widespread manipulation of conclusions…"

Now who in the world would benefit from such manipulating?

Oh yes. One other thing.

The Cochrane review, published by John Wiley and Sons, appeared online on July 7, 2010.

Over two years ago.

We must have missed the massive mainstream media coverage. Perhaps we were fishing that day, or buying tires for the car, or vacationing on our yachts in the Mediterranean.

What? There was no massive media coverage? Impossible. I mean, surely…

Reports indicate that the 47-year-old farmer sued Monsanto back in 2004 after inhaling the Lasso product while cleaning his sprayer tank equipment. Not long after, Francois began experiencing lasting symptoms that prevented him from working, which he says were directly linked to exposure to the chemical. Since Lasso's packaging did not bear adequate warnings about the dangers of exposure, Francois alleged at the time that Monsanto was essentially negligent in providing adequate protection for its customers.

To the surprise of many, the French court agreed with the claims and evidence presented before it, declaring earlier this year that "Monsanto is responsible for Paul Francois' suffering after he inhaled the Lasso product … and must entirely compensate him." The court is said to be seeking expert opinion on how to gauge Francois' losses in order to determine precisely how much Monsanto will be required to compensate him in the case.

"It is a historic decision in so far as it is the first time that a (pesticide) maker is found guilty of such a poisoning," said Francois Lafforgue, Paul Francois' lawyer, to Reuters earlier in the year.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to alachlor can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, spleen, and eyes, and may lead to the development of anemia and even cancer. The EPA apparently views alachlor as so dangerous, in fact, that the agency has set the maximum contaminant level goals (MCLG) for alachlor to zero in order to "prevent potential health problems." (http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/alachlor.cfm)

In 2007, France officially banned Lasso from use in the country in accordance with a European Union (EU) directive enacted in 2006 prohibiting the chemical from further use on crops in any member countries. But despite all the evidence proving that alachlor can disrupt hormonal balance, induce reproductive or developmental problems, and cause cancer, the chemical is still being used on conventional crops throughout the U.S. to this very day.

Detox Protocol

 White House double-take
While First Lady Michelle Obama digs up the White House lawn to plant an organic garden, her husband promotes a GMO agenda within his administration. "You know, in my household, over the last year we have just shifted to organic," she said in a New Yorker interview during Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. Organic produce from the garden feeds the Obama family and visiting dignitaries alike. Seems okay so far. But then take a look at Obama's laundry-list of presidential appointed positions with biotech ties: USDA head Roger Beachy, a former director at Monsanto, FDA food safety czar Michael Taylor, one-time vice president for public policy at Monsanto, Commissioner of the USDA Tom Vilsack who created the Governors' Biotechnology Partnership. Under President Obama, 10 new GM crops have been approved for 'safe consumption.'

Spiked fences protect organic gardens from the people
The political elite in China enjoy the safest of food — organic produce, grass-fed beef from Inner Mongolia, rice free of pesticides, chemicals or genetically modified organisms. Compare this with the food supply of ordinary citizens that is laden with pesticides, industrial chemicals and GMOs. Children have become sick and died from tainted baby formula and milk products. Blindness and death have resulted from adults consuming fake liquor. Yet Chinese leaders have their own protected food sources of the highest quality. In Beijing, an organic farm is surrounded by a six-foot spiked fence while security personnel guard the entrance. The garden produces food for top-notch officials only. Beidaihe Sanitorium, a seaside haven for retired party cadres, exclusively uses a specialty rice that is organic and free of GMOs. As for the public, they can purchase the small remaining surplus of the grain at 15 times the cost of regular rice. All the while, the government continues to approve GMOs and harmful chemicals for general consumption.

GMO-free meals at Monsanto
Remember the notice at a Monsanto staff canteen stating the decision "to remove, as far as practicable, GM soya and maize from all food products served in our restaurant. We have taken the above steps to ensure that you, the customer, can feel confident in the food we serve." According to Tony Coombes, the company's spokesperson, "Yes, this is the case, and it is because we believe in choice."

Evidently the average citizen is not allowed the same courtesy of choice considering GMOs have infiltrated the food supply and are not labeled in North America. Only those who can afford the price tag of organic food are able to protect themselves from harmful contaminants. As for the rest of the population, they are the ones who will suffer the devastating health consequences of a corrupt system.

Sources for this article include:

"Meet Monsanto's Number One Lobbyist: Barack Obama" Jon Rappoport. Infowars, September 24, 2012. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from: http://www.infowars.com

"White House Will Not say Where It Gets Its Meat (And I Don't Blame Them)" David Kirby, Huff Post Green, April 20, 2010. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

"Does Monsanto Man Mitt Romney Secretly Eat Organic?" Tom Philpott. MotherJones, September 26, 2012. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from: http://www.motherjones.com

"In China, what you eat tells who you are" Barbara Demick, Los Angeles Times, September 16, 2011. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from: http://articles.latimes.com

"Amid milk scare, China's elite eat all-organic" Associated Press, NBC News, September 24, 2008. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26874854/#.UGrObal9mlI

"GM food banned in Monsanto canteen" Michael McCarthy, The Independent, December 22, 1999. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from: http://www.independent.co.uk

About the author:
Carolanne enthusiastically believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, Carolanne has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of organic living, gratefulness and joyful orientation for over 13 years. Through her website www.Thrive-Living.net she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people from around the world who share a similar vision.

Monounsaturated fatty acids are found in high amounts in nuts and oils, such as olive oil and vegetable oil. They can also be found in meat and dairy products. Although monounsaturated fats are present in a wide variety of foods, olive oil is perhaps the most acclaimed source of these beneficial fats.

Monounsaturated fatty acids have been linked to improved heart health, lower bad cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar control. The recent study by scientists from a variety of research institutes across France has now made the connection between higher olive oil consumption and the healthier appearance and aging of skin.

Although this study did not seem to account for sunscreen use, it did attempt to adjust for sun exposure and other important influences on skin health (such as menopause). The connection between higher monounsaturated fat intake in the diet and healthier skin was only found among individuals getting the bulk of their monounsaturated fats from olive oil – not from animal products.

The study does not demonstrate a causal connection between consumption and complexion, but olive oil is frequently used as a topical treatment for skin disorders and can safely be used as a rich moisturizer. The benefits keep mounting in favor of olive oil as a "wonder drug," and the number of body systems helped by regular olive oil consumption appears to be growing as well.

For those who do not enjoy the taste of olive oil, vegetable oils seemed to confer the same benefits in the French study. Severe facial photoaging, caused by damage to the skin from UV radiation, was associated with lower olive and vegetable oil intake. Those individuals with higher olive oil intake had fewer wrinkles, less skin discoloration, and less skin slackening or sagging.

The researchers hypothesize that this association is due to the protective effect vegetable sources of monounsaturated fatty acids may have on cells' ability to resist damage from UV light. Readers should be aware that individuals in the study with high olive oil intake also tended to have healthier diets in general; olive oil consumption may be a marker for a healthier lifestyle, which could explain some of the association between consumption and skin health.

Four commonly used bitter herbs which are used traditionally and in the medical community to support the liver, gall bladder, and other ailments are milk thistle, dandelion, Oregon grape root, and gentian root, from which gentian violet is manufactured.

Milk thistle protects liver cells
Milk thistle protects liver cells by coating them with phytochemicals. These chemicals heal damaged liver cells and protect healthy cells from becoming damaged.

The medical journal Phytochemical Research states that milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is the most well-researched herb for the treatment of liver disease. The seeds and fruit in milk thistle contain the most silymarin, an antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and toxin blocker.

In animal testing, milk thistle was able to reduce liver damage caused by acetaminophen, radiation, carbon tetrachloride, and other environmental toxins. Milk thistle has been demonstrated clinically to treat liver damage from alcohol, hepatitis, and other liver disease.

Dandelion stimulates digestion and bile action
Dandelion root and leaf is a classic bitter liver tonic herb. Along with Oregon grape root bark, gentian root, and wormwood leaves, dandelion stimulates digestion, stimulates the liver to produce more bile. This action cleanses the liver and gall bladder.

The International Journal of Molecular Science published an in-depth study in 2010 of the effects of dandelion root and leaf on cholesterol-fed rabbits. While one can never assume that an animal study will benefit humans, plenty of empirical evidence supports the idea that dandelion is beneficial for humans.

This study points out that dandelion has been shown to possess the ability to reduce cholesterol, rheumatism, oxidative stress which contributes to atherosclerosis, and acts as a diuretic.

This was a cross-matched study involving rabbits who were fed a normal diet, a high-cholesterol diet, a high cholesterol diet with dandelion leaves, and a high cholesterol diet with dandelion root.

The results showed that both dandelion root and leaves were able to positively change both the antioxidant activities and lipid profile in the rabbits. The conclusion was that dandelion could be used to help prevent liver and heart disease.

Oregon grape root is a favorite among dermatologists
Dermatologic Therapy noted the healing benefits of Oregon grape root in a 2003 paper describing herbs which are useful in the treatment of skin conditions. While the paper specifically mentioned Oregon grape root for acne, it stated that the herb has "anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and bile-stimulating properties."

Gentian root supports liver function as well as being a fungicide
Gentian root extract is a fungicide, an immune booster, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Its bitter principles stimulate the secretion of both gastric juices and bile.

In an uncontrolled clinical study, a gentian root tincture in an alcohol base increased and prolonged gall bladder emptying. It also helped to enhance protein and fat digestion.

These four bitter herbs are particularly beneficial for people who have been exposed to environmental toxins, are in the habit of consuming alcohol, eat a large amount of meat, have high cholesterol levels or a "fatty liver."