Ramfah sa Mindanao!

Sa wakas, sinipag akong magsulat ngayon dito sa blog ko.  Pangako, sisipagan ko na talaga ang magsulat, medyo ginaganahan na ulit eh.  Huwag lang mahu-hook ulit ng Facebook!

Nagkaroon ulit ako ng pagkakataon na makapunta sa Mindanao (medyo napapadalas ngayong taon actually, well, sana nga parati, huwag lang ngayong taon)...at siyempre, kapag ako nakapunta ng Mindanao, kahit malayo, kailangan kong rumamfah ng Davao, ang paborito kong lungsod sa Pilipinas!

Pero, bago ako maglakwatsa ng Davao, trabaho muna…at ang destinasyon ko naman ngayon eh HINATUAN at MARIHATAG ng Surigao del Sur.  Grabeh, malayo pala ang byahe galing Davao.  Lima  o anim (5 o 6) na oras ang byahe, pero okay lang, nakakapagod pero enjoy naman, maganda ang mga daan pati na rin mga tanawin.  Magaganda talaga ang daan dito sa Mindanao at ang kabutihan pa n'un, walang bayad o toll fee!

Mapa muna tayo ng Mindanao.  Sa dilaw na bahagi ako medyo naligaw, at grabeh, malayong byahe pala siya!

At ayun ang HINATUAN at MARIHATAG! Talaga pa lang nasa gilid sila ng Mindanao! At nakaharap mismo sa Pacific Ocean!

Sa Hinatuan Surigao del Sur muna kami pumunta, at bago magsimula ang aming trabaho, habang naghihintay, naggala-gala muna ako at marami akong magandang nakita!  

Eto...

May doppler radar pala ang PAGASA d’un, isang malaking tore na kumukuha ng taya ng panahon, na mukhang isang malaking….

Terminal papuntang HInatuan, kada 30 minuto ay may dumadaan na mga sasakyan, tulad ng bus, Starrex Van (sosyal, pampasahero lang nila ‘yun!), tricycle, at habal-habal!  Nasa tabi mismo 'to ng dagat.  

Eto terminal nila, mas malapitan na kuha.

Interesado ako sa habal-habal, iba't-ibang lugar kasi, kakaiba!  Eto 'yung medyo madalas na makikita...  

Kitams!

Pero, sa Hinatuan,, iba ang nakita ko! Sanay akong makakita ng habal-habal, kaso kakaiba ‘yung version na nakita ko dito…may bubong!

Eto, may nakita kong nakatigil sa terminal.  Heheheh, may bubong!  Para nga naman ‘di mabasa ang mga pasahero.  At ‘yung iba, may seatbelt pa raw! Saan ka na!

Gusto ko sanang sumakay, kaso wala akong oras at takot ako, heheheh...kaya kinausap ko ang isang drayber at tinanong ko na lang kung paano pumunta sa Hinatuan Enchanted River.  Sikat na sikat na puntahan kasi ‘yun sa lugar na ‘yun.  Malapit na lang daw ‘yun, kaso wala pa akong panahon makapunta d’un.  Sa susunod na lang, at least ngayon alam ko na kung paano pumunta d’un.

Tapos, sa paglalakad ko, may nakita akong grupo ng mga tao na abalang-abala, na-curious ako, kaya’t pinuntahan ko.

Abalang-abala sila sa kung ano man ang ginagawa nila.  Ano kaya 'yun?

Mga taong namimingwit ng isda na gamit lang ang sima at tanse.  Walang fishing rod, simple lang pero ayos!

At marami sila, ma-matanda, ma-bata! Kada umaga, ganito ang makikita mo dito.  

Meron na ngang hinuhugasan ang kanyang mga nahuli...may ulam na si manong!

At eto, may malaking nahuli!

Sa tabihan lang ‘yan, pero kaya nilang makahuli ng malaki at mamahaling isda!

At sa paligid ay makikita ang maraming mga bangka.  Naisip ko tuloy, sa tabi pa lang, mamahaling isda na ang nahuhuli nila, ano pa kaya kung sa dagat mismo?

Eto 'yung mga bangka nila.

Nag-enjoy ako ng husto sa paglilibot, pero naalala ko na kailangan ko ng bumalik sa lugar namin para sa activity, kaya dali-dali akong bumalik. 

Okay naman ang naging takbo ng activity namin at napahanga ako sa local choir nila.  Ang mga miyembro ay empleyado rin ng gobyerno.  Kumanta sila ng panalangin, pambansang awit at awit ng bayan nila (Hinatuan hymn).  ‘di nga ako nakapagpigil at tinanong ko ‘yung organizer kung pwedeng pumalakpak pagkatapos ng awit nila, napangiti siya, heheheh….

Okay sa olrayt!  May bonus pa na kanta ni Jason Mraz! Updated ah!  Sorry, nakalimutan ko name nila...pero sa LGU ng Hinatuan naman sila eh, madaling malaman.

At nang matapos ang activity, byahe naman papuntang MARIHATAG, Surigao del Sur.  Pero, bago kami pumunta d'un, nagpalipas muna kami ng isang gabi sa isang resort malapit d’un…KANISULAD resort (sorry ‘di ako sigurado sa pangalan).  Gabi na kami ng makarating sa resort.  Madilim na kaya ‘di na makita ang dagat, pagkatapos kumain ng hapunan, nagpahinga na kami kaagad. 

Okay naman sana ‘yung resort, malawak ang mga kwarto, kaso hindi maganda ang serbisyo.  Kape lang ‘di pa kayang i-serve ng mga tauhan.

Kinaumagahan, ramfah galore!

Maganda ‘yung bakawan nila…mga bakawan sa ibabaw ng purong batong bundok mismo!  Unas o kati (low tide) n’ung umaga, kaya nagawa ko pang makalakad sa ilalim ng bakawan.

At eto ‘yung mga cottage nila…maganda at sobrang barato hah!

Happy!

At may tore pa!

Feeling may-ari!

Ramfah pah!

Pagkakain ng agahan, alis na papuntang MARIHATAG naman.  Isang oras din na byahe.  Maaga kaming nakarating at bago magsimula ang aming activity, takas muna papuntang dagat. 

Grabeh, nasa dalampasigan kami, pero ang kita at ramdam naming ang lakas ng alon, nakakatakot!

Tapos, balik na kaagad ulit, pero sa pagbalik, nakakita ulit ako ng habal-habal at nakapagpa-picture na rin ako sa wakas!

Sa wakas!

Tapos, n’ung pahinga n’ung tanghalian, nakatakas ulit ako para makapaglibot-libot ulit...at marami nga akong mga interesanteng nakita!

Eto ‘yung terminal nila.

Maraming habal-habal sa terminal nila!

Habal-habal in action!  Nakakatuwa talagang panoorin!

Isa pang klase ng habal-habal na karaniwang ginagamit sa pangkalakal o negosyo, grabeh talagang dumiskarte ang Pinoy!

Tapos, may nakita ako na akala ko suman.  Well, para kasi siyang suman, pero gamot o tambal daw nila, lalo na sa masasakit ang tiyan.  “Pili” ang tawag nila.  Gawa sa katas o dakta ng pili, ‘yung wax!  Kuha ng kapiraso, tunawin sa mainit na tubig at inumin.  Uutot ng uutot daw ang mangyayari para mawala ang sakit ng tiyan!

Pampautot!

Hapon na rin kami natapos sa activity namin, at saka lumarga.  Sa paglarga, nadaanan naming ang isang rest area na ang ganda ng tanawin – mga bakawan!

 

Graveh, ang ganda ng view!

Gabi na kami nakarating sa hotel, sa SanFran naman kami natulog, at the usual, kain lang at tulog ulit.

Kinabukasan, byahe na papuntang Davao City, at siyempre excited talaga.  At pagdating nga ng Davao, ramfah! 

Kinagabihan, sa MTS naman ako rumamfah.  Tuwang-tuwa ako, kasi nataymingan ko na P.L.O. o Popong Landero Organization ang tumutugtog.  Paborito ko sila at napakagaling talaga!  Napakaswerte ko pa at tinugtog nila ang mga paborito kong kanta nila, walang kupas!

P.L.O.

Haaay, at n’ung natapos, balik hotel....tulog!

Kinaumagahan, airport na…masaya na malungkot.  Masaya kasi nakabalik ulit ng Mindanao, malungkot kasi mami-miss ko na naman.

  

Organic Food and Farming for All!

Uy, kitakits!

 

Halloween ComicFest 2013

Uy, kitakits!

 

The Transformative Power of Art Part III: Moving the Soul with Color

Inaanyayahan ang lahat!

Tanglaw

Tanglawan

Mga kaluluwang yakap ng dilim

At mga pusong bagabag

Puspos ng gulo’t kawalang saysay

Tanglawan

Mga anino ng kahapong

Tangan ay bulag sa sulyap sa ngayon

At kawalan ng pakialam sa kapwa

Na tila baga sila’y ‘di kapatid.

Magkaisa, mga Anak ng Liwanag

Magpakatibay kayo

Ang panaho’y dumating

Upang ang tunay na layunin’y gampanan na.

Isang dakilang pagkakataong

Ibahagi ang banal na alay

Na buhat sa dambana ng inyong kaluluwa

At ipagdiwang ang inyong tunay na pagkatao.

Ngayon ang pagsilang ng isan bagong mundo

Na nais nating matunghayan

Na ating aabutin

Sa pamamagitan ng pagmamahalan at pagsabay sa musika ng sanlibutan.

Isinalin sa Filipino ni Neph Botor, hango sa tulng “Light” ni Ome Bailey, handog para sa TANGLAW, DIWA, LIKHA ng Makiling (28-29 Hunyo 2013)

 

EARTHDANCE 2013

'yung unang Earthdance nakapunta ako...sana, ngayong taon maka makapunta rin ako....

 

ART RE-FRAMED 2013: VAN JAMES' ART, NATURE and SELF LECTURE/WORKSHOP

Maganda sana makapunta dito!

 

Signing ni Carlo P!

Uy, magandang pumunta dito!

 

Ako ay nagbalik....

Pasensiya na...napakatagal na pala ng huli kong post dito...naging busy kasi eh...tsaka gawa ng FACEBOOK! Pangako, pipilitin ko na uling mag-post dito...:D

What Are Avocados Good For?

Bravo, Avocado!

Avocado Nutrition Facts

Botanical name: Persea Americana

Spanish conquistadors had their own historian, Oviedo, who reported positively about avocados discovered in Mexico around 1519. But this interesting fruit has graced Central and South America for perhaps 10,000 years, according to the avocado-inspired drawings and artifacts found in early Aztec settlements.

A judge from Santa Barbara took the first Mexican avocado trees to California in 1871. California now grows 90% of the U.S. avocado crop in more than 6,000 groves.

To enjoy an avocado (also called an "alligator pear"), it first has to be prepared. A common chef's maneuver: cut around the long side of the fruit down to the seed with a large knife. Twist the top half off like a jar lid. Then firmly tap the knife blade on the center of the seed a few times until it sticks. Practice makes perfect. Twist the knife and voilà – it's out. Carefully score the avocado flesh without nicking the peel, and then scoop it out with a spoon.

Health Benefits of Avocado

When it comes to nutrition, avocados are in a class by themselves because of the unusually large number of benefits they offer - more than 20, last count. Loaded with fiber, one avocado contains 36% of the daily requirement of vitamin K, 30% of the folate, and 20% each of the daily requirements of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5, needed to break down carbohydrates), vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium - more than twice the potassium of a banana. Vitamin E, niacin, and riboflavin levels deserve honorable mention. Eaten with other foods, your body is better able to absorb the nutrients, such as alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein.

Avocado is one of the few fruits that will provide you with "good" fats. That means it can help keep your cholesterol levels already in the healthy range, and help lower your risk for heart disease.

Avocados are one of the best fruits for your health. See: The Best and Worst Vegetables to Eat

Avocado Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: One avocado, peeled (136 grams)

• Calories: 227
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Sodium: 3 g

Studies Done on Avocado

Loosely described, lipids, their derivatives, and related substances are fatty acids. Scientists discovered only 40 years ago or so that they're not just simple building blocks, but perform complex, cell-regulating tasks on a molecular level, like messaging hormones, for example.

One study was undertaken to see if avocados might have more lipids than other fruits and vegetables, which, while rich in carotenoids, are lipid challenged, impeding nutrient absorption. Researchers found that adding avocados to salad and salsa (foods used in the study) can significantly enhance your body's ability to take up the benefits of carotenoids, due primarily to the lipids in the avocados1.

The yellow-green color of avocados prompted another study, since color in other plant-based foods indicates carotenoid and other "bioactive" action, indicating possible cancer-fighting properties. The premise was that the monounsaturated fat in avocados might help your body absorb important bioactive carotenoids in combination with other fruits and vegetables, and therefore significantly reduce your risk of cancer2.

Another study showed that the lipids extracted from avocados might prove photo-protective against harmful effects of radiation, such as sun damage, inflammation, and even skin cancer, if ingested before exposure3.

Avocado Healthy Recipe: Crisp and Crunchy Green Salad

Avocado Healthy Recipes

Ingredients:

• 1 head red- or green-leaf lettuce, or Romaine
• 1 whole avocado, chopped into chunks
• 1 cup of sunflower seed sprouts
• 1 medium tomato, chopped small
• 1 medium cucumber
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Procedure:

• Prepare the lettuce leaves and place in a large bowl.
• Cut up the remaining vegetables and add them to the salad.
• Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet on medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Whisk together the olive oil and vinegar, add the crushed garlic, pour over the salad and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

From Healthy Recipes for Your Nutritional Type by Dr. Joseph Mercola

Avocado Fun Facts

Because ancient Aztecs considered avocados a fertility fruit, and the Mayans used them as an aphrodisiac, a stigma against the fruit carried clear through the 19th century. Growers finally launched a campaign to convince consumers they could eat avocados without compromising themselves.

Summary

Not just for guacamole, sliced avocados lend a buttery texture and delicious flavor to sandwiches and salads. But the health benefits of avocados are stellar, especially with the lipid content that allows your body to absorb nutrients they wouldn't otherwise.

Avocados are also very high in essential vitamins and minerals, including fiber, vitamins K, B5, B6 and C, folate, and potassium.

Other sources:

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1844/2

http://www.avocado.org/recipe-details/view/31488/baby%27s-first-california-avocado

http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/avocado-nutrition-facts-great-benefits-from-a-mighty-fruit

http://www.avocado.com

http://lipidlibrary.aocs.org/Lipids/whatlip/index.htm

http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes

References:

1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15735074, Carotenoid absorption from salad and salsa by humans is enhanced by the addition of avocado or avocado oil, Aug. 2012

2 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15629237, Inhibition of prostate cancer cell growth by an avocado extract: role of lipid-soluble bioactive substances, Aug. 2012

3 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20978772, Polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols derived from avocado suppress inflammatory response and provide non-sunscreen protection against UV-induced damage in skin cells, Aug. 2012

Article Source: http://foodfacts.mercola.com/avocado.html

Stevia: The Wonderful Sugar Substitute

Stevia: Why This Sugar Substitute is Good For You and Which Ones to Buy
By Esse Johnson

It may seem at first boring and mundane, but there’s good reason to become familiar with the history of the now famous shrub. While modern science is in a tizzy to nail down and agree upon health benefits of stevia, its history has much to expound.

Origins

The stevia plant is part of the large sunflower family and native to subtropical parts of South and Central America, Mexico, and the US states Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The Guarani people were historically nomadic and are now known to Paraguay, parts of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Bolivia. The Guarani are said to have used the “candy leaf” for more than 1500 years. In their native tongue it’s called ka’a he’ê, which means sweet herb.

This nation of people has used the herb for sweetening mate, a common tea drink, as well as a refreshing treat just chewing the leaf. But they’ve also known it to be medicinal, and to this day herbal medicine in Paraguay and Brazil uses stevia to treat illness and promote health.



Modern Use

Notably, Japan has also been using the plant leaf and one of its extracts, stevioside, for many decades. In fact, after years of rigorous testing to ensure the plant’s safety, stevia now dominates 40% of all table and food additive sweeteners in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Additionally, many outside of the US have long since found that stevia can help to protect the gums and teeth, making it suitable for use in toothpastes and mouthwashes.

In the US, however, there has been controversy. Despite the plant’s 1500+ year track record of approval, the FDA banned its import in 1991 calling the sweet leaf an unsafe food additive. There was and is a common assertion that the FDA’s original rejection was not in the interest of public health, but Monsanto’s booming line of artificial sweeteners. Whatever the case, the ban was greatly contested and by 1994, lifted. From there, sellers had to position and market stevia as a nutritional supplement, marginalizing the product to health-buffs and possibly preventing a mass exodus of calorie-counting buyers from the synthetic to the leaf.

Fifteen years later the FDA gave the nod, not to the use of the whole plant but to extraction of so-named “active constituents.” Today, the whole stevia plant is still considered a supplement and cannot be used as a food additive. But as of 2009, instead of the whole leaf, the FDA has approved the use of “stevia-based” sweeteners.

This makes the products patentable. A plant cannot be patented and owned; but a process of extraction and the resulting product can be, and this makes for much better profits to the manufacturer. Thus, CocaCola and PepsiCo grabbed their corner of the sugarless market via their products Truvia and PureVia, respectively.

Therapeutic Value of Stevia

According to a report from the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council:

In addition to being a sweetener, stevia is considered (in Brazilian herbal medicine) to be hypoglycemic, hypotensive, diuretic, cardiotonic and tonic. The leaf is used for diabetes, obesity, cavities, hypertension, fatigue, depression, sweet cravings, and infections. The leaf is employed in traditional medical systems in Paraguay and Brazil.

The maker of Body Ecology’s Liquid Stevia Extract shared on his website that stevia’s use extends to softening skin, smoothing wrinkles and even healing blemishes and wounds. Perhaps most researched to-date is the sweet leaf’s effects on blood sugar, and its potential in preventing, or healing, diabetes.



Sweet Leaf and Blood Sugar

Numerous animal and human studies from around the world have demonstrated that stevia is safe. One of the hottest questions in the scientific community now is whether or not the leaf also has the power to keep blood sugar levels under control.

In a 2011 animal study, researchers fed diabetes-induced rats stevia for 10 days and compared the results to a placebo group. The blood glucose level of the stevia group showed “delayed but significant decrease,” yet, unlike the conventional drugs, it did not cause hypoglycemia. This is GOOD. In addition, whereas the drug has been known to cause unwanted weight loss, the stevia resulted in “lesser loss in the body weight as compared with standard positive control drug glibenclamide.”

The herb has been shown to nourish the pancreas and encourage more insulin production, perhaps lending to the increase of insulin and insulin sensitivity. But these results are still inconclusive. Concerning its efficacy in improving the type 2 diabetic condition, there have been mixed results. Some have found that people with type 2 diabetes experience significantly lowered blood sugar after consuming stevia; whereas others have shown little to no difference. Nevertheless, people in Brazil and Paraguay have been using the herb to prevent and treat the condition. No doubt, further clinical and epidemiological studies need to be done.

Importantly for type 2 diabetics and others looking to swat out sugar, the natural sweet leaf has a glycemic load of 0, which means it does not raise blood sugar or cause an insulin spike.

Improves Hypertension, Heals Wounds and More

Research over the years has also shown that stevia may help to lower high blood pressure. Some skincare products have incorporated the ingredient as a skin tightener and to improve complexion. Since the first millennium stevia has been applied to wounds for its antibacterial cleansing powers and to assist in healing. Some have even claimed results applying it to flare-ups of eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. If you have one of these on your scalp, for instance, proponents say try adding a little whole leaf stevia extract to your shampoo. It may burn a wee bit at first, but the discomfort should quickly subside and you may see an overall reduction in inflammation, redness, itching and flaking. If you try it, or already have, let us know!



Potential Counterfeits & What to Buy

It’s likely that stevia’s health benefits are real but mild and varied, but there is no scientific argument against its benefits as a sugar replacement, nor its safety as a food additive. Yet, the FDA has done a strange thing:

1. They’ve declared as potentially unsafe a leaf that has been apparently safely used for a screamingly long time;
2. put the stamp-of-approval on toxic chemical artificial sweeteners that are now demonstrated to cause cancer and a slew of mild and severe chronic illnesses including obesity and diabetes 2; and then
3. approved for the GRAS list (generally regarded as safe) a scientifically unproven-as-safe fraction of the whole, utilizing primarily rebaudioside A.

Rebaudioside A, or “rebiana,” is the sweet constituent of Truvia and PureVia. These two are examples of products that aren’t pure stevia, but “stevia-based.”

To make them, rebiana is pulled out from stevia’s synergistic body of plant chemicals and used solely for its strength as a sweetener. We’ve thoroughly researched and observed the safety of the whole leaf, but how do we know that rebaudioside A is, by itself, completely safe over the long haul?

Answer: we don’t.

It could be, but as of yet we don’t have enough experience or long-term studies to be sure. Without the remaining agents of the plant our bodies are likely to respond differently. Even if nature fully provided all we need to properly digest and make use of the plant, by throwing out everything but the sweet we could find ourselves snagged in a health risk, yet again.

So, my recommendation is to stick to the whole leaf at least until we know more. Whole leaf stevia can have a strong aftertaste, but this is largely a result of the method of processing. Try out different brands till you find the one you like best.

Stevia can be enjoyed in beverages, salad dressings, cooking, baking and more.

References:

Stevioside and related compounds: therapeutic benefits beyond sweetness

Antidiabetic activity of medium-polar extract from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bert. (Bertoni) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Evaluation of supplementary stevia (Stevia rebaudiana, bertoni) leaves and stevioside in broiler diets: effects on feed intake, nutrient metabolism, blood parameters and growth performance.

An evidence-based systematic review of stevia by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

Other Sources

Agriculture Information: Medicinal Properties of Stevia

PARC: Sugar Leaf, A New Breed of Sweetener

Stevia Science an Diabetes Mellitus

Body Ecology: A Brief But Interesting Early History of Stevia

Stevia: The Holy Grail of Sweeteners

http://www.stevia.net/history.htm

Stevia

Stevia: A Healthy Sweetener for Diabetics?

The World’s Best Kept Natural Sweetener REVEALED! (Free Report by Dr. Mercola)

Article Source: http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/why-stevia-is-great-sugar-substitute/

The Indigo Evolution Full Length Documentary Indigo Children

"The Indigo Evolution" is a documentary that attempts to answer the question - Are these 'Indigos' only the fanciful notions of a few individuals embracing new-age, metaphysical beliefs, or is there real evidence that they truly do exist? Most importantly, why are they here and how can we help them achieve their goal of creating a world based upon the laws of compassion and peace? Interviews with some of the most profound children on the planet today combined with discussions with authorities in the fields of medicine, psychology, education, philosophy, and religion will provide information for the viewer to draw their own conclusions to these questions.

'The Indigo Evolution' is a documentary about the shifting human, evolving beyond the five sensory perceptions into a multi-sensory being of light ! The term Indigo refers to the Indigo color Aura seen around certain individuals who exhibit certain enhanced abilities well beyond their age and learning. Commonly labeled as suffering from some kind of deficit (ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia ...) these children clearly have more of something most of us fail to recognize. Their non conformance to authority and the social conditioning sometimes earns them the label of being problem children.

Indigo Evolution, a feature-length documentary by James Twyman, was released Jan. 28, 2006 in more than 350 churches and wellness and spiritual centers around the world. The attendance far exceeded expectations, demonstrating how interest in understanding the "Indigo phenomenon" has grown. Indigo Evolution illuminates the lives of children who are referred to as "Indigos." The movie describes them as creative, eccentric and independent. Impatient with the status quo, these children possess a high degree of integrity and intuition. Many are both intelligent and gifted, often in the areas of art and technology, and some are said to bring healing gifts.

According to Indigo Evolution, Indigos often sound very wise for their age; however, they are very sensitive physically, emotionally and spiritually, and not always comfortable in their own bodies. They easily experience sensory overload to lights, smells, sounds, touching and toxins, and need help in becoming grounded. Many Indigos have attention and social problems in school and may frequently correct the teacher. While their behaviors vary, their philosophy of life is consistent; they have a high level of social consciousness and desire to make the world a better place. They are here to bring the Dawn of the Golden Age!

Hopi Elders reveal ancient prophecies:
After the premiere test screening of "The Indigo Evolution", the Hopi nation contacted James Twyman, and told him that they were willing to reveal their ancient and guarded secrets about the children of the planet in this movie. The new section containing interviews with Hopi elders about their ancient prophesies and how they relate to the Indigos was added to the documentary. Their message was astounding, and has now become the central theme for the entire film. The Hopi elders shared that it is not too late to reverse the tide of earth cleansing, but only if we come together, and the children have a critical role to play.

About the Filmmakers:
James Twyman (Producer / Director) is a singer/songwriter and the author of "Emissary of Love-The Psychic Children Speak" and "Messages from Thomas: Raising Psychic Children." James wrote and was the Executive Producer for the movie INDIGO which premiered in January 2005.

Stephen Simon (Executive Producer) has produced such films as "Somewhere in Time" and "What Dreams May Come" and is the author of "The Force is With You: Mystical Movie Messages That Inspire Our Lives."

Kent Romney - (Co-Producer / Co-Director) This is Kent's first feature documentary as a Director and Producer. In recent years, traveling to distant lands and cultures of our world, he worked on production teams that created film and television projects shown on The Discovery Channel, National Geographic, ABC Primetime and other broadcast networks. As a filmmaker, he creates video and film projects reflecting his interests in adventure travel, social topics, cultural issues and spiritual growth.

Doreen Virtue - (Associate Producer) holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in counseling psychology, is the author of more than 20 books about angels, chakras, Crystal Children, Indigo Children, health and diet, and other mind-body-spirit issues. She is recognized as an expert in the area of Indigo Children and her books on the subject include "The Care and Feeding of Indigo Children" and "The Crystal Children."

Herbs For The Liver

The liver is an organ often overlooked or underestimated. The liver cleanses the body, metabolizes nutrients and processes toxins. If liver health deteriorates, symptoms like fatigue, hormonal imbalance and headaches may begin to appear. [1] In essence, proper functioning of your other organs is dependent on liver functioning.

Many people take all sorts of medications to treat various kinds of ailments without considering their effects on the liver. With so many chemicals and synthetic drugs being ingested these days, the liver must work harder to fulfill its task of cleansing, detoxifying and purifying your body. It is ironic that something meant to treat disorders may be harmful in other ways.

It is good to know that many natural herbs that remedy other health conditions are considered "liver-friendly". Research has also identified particular herbs that directly promote liver health and may assist with prevention of cirrhosis, or be of benefit in cases of hepatitis B and C. [2] 9 herbs considered beneficial to the liver are described below:


Milk Thistle

One of the most popular liver herbal remedies and found in a large number of liver tonic formulas, milk thistle is considered beneficial to the liver because the anti-oxidant compounds of milk thistle have been found by researchers to aid in detoxification process by flushing out toxins like alcohol, regeneration of damaged liver tissue and stimulation of bile production. [3] Scientists have found that one of these active compounds is silibinin which alleviates hepatic conditions by reducing inflammation and fibrosis. [4]Consequently, 5 clinical trial analyses involving 602 cirrhosis patients have suggested that milk thistle can reduce liver-related mortality. [2]

Dandelion

In a scientific study, leaf extracts of dandelion leaves were fed to the mice for a month to investigate their hepaprotective effects. Results have confirmed the benefits obtained in hepatic functioning were due to the herb's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. [5] Aside from its leaves, the dandelion's roots are a popular liver aid [1] that is known throughout centuries as a diuretic and used by herbalists to combat fatty liver and cirrhosis. [3]

Licorice

The American Cancer Society mentions licorice as a potent herbal remedy to treat liver diseases like hepatitis and cancer among others because of the chemical glycyrrhizin it contains. [6] Another study reports the benefits of licorice is linked to interferon production which is responsible for the plant's ability to protect the liver from harmful poisons. [1]

Artichoke

Used in European medicine since 18th century, artichoke has been proven to provide protective effects on liver cells because of the influence of active antioxidant substances. [7] Specifically, artichoke has been found to support liver regeneration and bile production which is essential for digestion. Some clinical trials have also demonstrated the efficacy of artichoke in lowering triglyceride levels. [1]

Turmeric

Belonging to the same family as ginger, turmeric stimulates enzymes that detoxify and as researchers from UCLA have discovered, can likewise fight carcinogens by keeping malignant cells from spreading. [3] Initial researches on liver cells have suggested turmeric extracts may block the replication of hepatitis B virus. [2] Moreover, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric has been demonstrated in clinical studies as effective in reducing liver triglycerides - which are also linked to metabolic disorders like visceral obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver and diabetes. [8]

Greater Celandine

You may not have heard of this but greater celandine is probably one of the best herbs for the liver. It is widely used in treating many hepatitis illnesses, like jaundice, and it promotes liver detoxification. Best noted as a blood cleanser, greater celandine is known for its analgesic, antibacterial, anti-microbial and liver protecting abilities. Though there are limited studies that can prove greater celandine’s effectiveness in detoxifying the liver, researchers believe that it works by increasing the production of bile. According to research, increased bile production eventually results to improved digestion and detoxified liver. [9]

Chicory root

For a very long time now, chicory root extract has been widely used in treating many liver disorders. While the ancient Romans use this herb in cleansing their blood, old Egyptians use it to purify both the liver and the blood. Furthermore, chicory root is believed to be effective at increasing the body’s resistance against the formation of liver stones and gallstones. 
According to research, chicory root works primarily by increasing the production of bile. By so doing, digestion is improved because excess bile can break down additional fats, which in turn results to better blood composition. In the long run, this can positively affect the health of the liver and the gall bladder. [10]

Furthermore, chicory root is also effective in protecting the liver against the harmful effects of drinking excessive amount of coffee. The herb can be used to treat a wide range of liver disorders because of its phenolic compound content. Considered as a hepatoprotectant compound, phenolic inhibits the massive damage triggered by intake of carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol. [11]

Yellow Dock root

Considered as an excellent tonic for the liver, yellow dock root is also a good herb that promotes the health of the liver. Generally used as a blood purifier, yellow dock root is also famous for its liver-detoxifying effects. Just like most herbs that are beneficial for the liver, yellow dock root also works by enhancing the body’s bile production which results to improved digestion.

Also, yellow dock root works by stimulating regular bowel movement thereby preventing waste from lingering any longer at the intestinal tract. It also promotes frequent urination. According to research, regular elimination of waste from the body is effective in preventing the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream, gall bladder, and liver, most especially. [12]

Astralagus

Considered as one of the most important herbs discovered by the Chinese, astralagus proves to be one of the most beneficial herbs for the liver. Results of a scientific study revealed that this herb is capable of reducing liver damage that has already been incurred as well as in protecting the liver against further possible damage. [13]

More than its ability to lower acidity in the stomach, astralagus is also useful in improving digestion as well as in eradicating chemical toxins and heavy metals from the body. As mentioned earlier, improved digestion often leads to better bowel movement. In the long run, this can affect the liver positively. [14]

Like the above herbs which are all-natural, the American Liver Foundation recommends natural methods like healthy diet and weight, regular exercise, regulated / decreased alcohol intake and proper hygiene as most effective to boost liver health. [2] As the old saying goes, prevention is always better than cure.

Herbs For The Liver - References:

[1] http://www.naturalnews.com/027607_liver_detox_herbs.html

[2] http://altmedicine.about.com/od/aznaturalremedyindex/a/liver_herbs.htm

[3] http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/top-9-herbs-for-liver-cleansing/

[4] Milk thistle and its derivative compounds: a review of opportunities for treatment of liver disease. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23140176

[5] Dandelion leaf extract protects against liver injury induced by methionine- and choline-deficient diet in mice. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23256442

[6] http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/licorice

[7] Artichoke--untapped potential of herbal medicine in the treatment of atherosclerosis and liver diseases. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23421107

[8] Curcumin prevents liver fat accumulation and serum fetuin-A increase in rats fed a high-fat diet. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23430567

[9] http://www.buzzle.com/articles/celandine-herb-uses-and-side-effects.html

[10] http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-chicory-root/

[11] http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_chicory.htm

[12] http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-yellow-dock-root/

[13] http://www.livestrong.com/article/23233-astragalus-root/

[14] http://www.natural-health-and-healing-4u.com/benefits-of-astragalus.html

Article researched and created by Cathy Ongking, © herbs-info.com 2013