Natural Wonders - Boerhavia Difussa / Punarnava

Boerhavia difussa  or commonly known as Punarnava is a tropical crawling root plant, with bioactive compounds in both leaves and root and used in Ayurveda and other traditional medicines.


Boerhavia Difussa is a plant of enormous importance in the purview of its chemical and therapeutic properties and grows throughout India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Burma and many other tropical countries.


The word Punarnava  literally means "the re-newer" or the one which renews the body as BD tends to revitalize and renew the body systems.

Historically, BD has been used for its anti-diabetic and diuretic properties; in other parts of the world has also been used for pain relief, anti-inflammation and treating indigestion.
Almost all anti-obesity medications contain punarnava as one of its ingredients.






Few benefits of Punarnava:

• diuretic
• suppresses proliferation of immune cells ( harmful during flu season but beneficial if the immune system is hyperactive)
• re-establishes brain power
• anti-proliferation effect on some cancer cells
• anti-oxidant properties
• anti aging
• disease prevention
• life strengthening activities
• chemical analysis gives a variety of chemical constituents, namely, rotenoids, flavonoids, xanthones, purine nucleoside, lignans and steroids.
• role in disorders of reproductive system, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, urinary system, cardiovascular system and cancer
• immune modulation
• hepatic protection
• treats obesity
• improves appetite
• maintains effective kidneys function
• blood purifier
• beneficial in treating Asthma
• treatment of Anemia, nervous weakness, paralysis
• constipation
• treats cough
• the roots help in killing intestinal worms
• heart tonic

Personally I have taken few times  Punarnava during the time when I was having problems with my kidneys - lupus nephritis stage IV. Punarnava was of course prescribed by my homeopathic doctor and I must say it had beautiful results with me. My kidney function improved after taking Punarnava,

Complement C4 and C3 improved and my total protein and albumin levels increased. 

Punarnava it's a natural medicine I would gladly suggest from all my heart to anyone with kidney disease but please you should always discuss with your doctor before taking.

Punarnava is a laxative, dosage should be determined by a qualified medical professional. Children below 12 of age and pregnant women should not take Punarnava.

Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness. 

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SOD / Superoxide dismutase

For years, scientists have sought a way to boost one of the body's most powerful natural antioxidant enzymes : superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Present both inside and outside cell membranes, SOD is one of the body primary internal anti-oxidant defenses, and plays a critical role in reducing the oxidative stress implicated in artherosclerosis and other life-threatening diseases. Studies have shown that SOD can play a critical role in reducing internal inflammation and lessening pain associated with condition as arthritis or lupus. 

When delicate SOD molecules are coupled with a protective protein from wheat and other plants, they can be delivered intact to the intestines and absorbed into the bloodstream, these powerful antioxidants go to work detoxifying potentially harmful substances and reducing oxidative stress that might otherwise contribute to aging and crippling diseases.

SOD oral supplements should only be taken if they are  enteric coated so it maximizes its absorption in the small intestine and is not destroyed in the stomach ! 

By strengthening the body's primary antioxidant systems, novel SOD-boosting supplements may offer the most powerful free radical protection available today.
















SOD is an enzyme found in all living cells and taken orally or as a shot can :

• remove wrinkles
• rebuild tissue
• extend length of life
• treat pain / swelling ( caused by sports injuries, RA, Osteoarthritis, cancer & lung problems in new born)
• improve tolerance to radiation therapy
• improve rejection rates in kidney transplantation
• minimize damage caused by heart attacks.
• reduce DNA damages
• reduce lactic acid build-up
• promote longevity
• bladder inflammations
• cancer prevention

SOD makes every cell in your body more resilient and able to fight off attacks better from the outside. No other antioxidant - nor carotenoids, nor flavoinoids, nor Vitamins A, C and E nor CoQ10 and not even Glutathione Peroxidase even comes close to the power of SOD.

I have taken my fair share of SOD over the years prescribed by my doctor and with great results, nowadays I prefer to take green barley as it also has in it SOD, I don't know but I feel better knowing that is from a plant aka a natural source.

We don't know for sure if SOD taken from vegetables ( barley, broccoli, wheat grass, Brussels sprouts and cabbage)  is lost or not completely due to stomach acid but I am still an advocate of eating them.

Be advised that you should discuss before taking SOD  with your doctor and homeopathic practitioner and take their views.



Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness.



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Gemmotherapy - the unknown gem

Gemmotherapy is a well-researched discipline in the academic world, but it is still relatively unknown among the general public in many countries. However, these remedies are proving to have such a wide range and potency of action that Gemmotherapy will undoubtedly develop by leaps and bounds in the coming years, as homeopathy has done over the past decades. 

Dr. Pol Henry, a Belgian doctor, was the first to conduct comprehensive research on the therapeutic properties of buds. He started treating patients with bud extracts in the 1960's and published his research and clinical findings in 1970, calling this new therapy "Phyto- embryotherapie". This discipline was further elaborated on and developed by a French homeopath, Dr Max Tetau, and other Belgian and French doctors. Dr Tetau also changed the name to "Gemmotherapy", the name by which it is now universally known. 

The name derives from the Latin "gemmae" meaning both bud of a plant and precious stone.

Buds and young shoots consist principally of embryonic tissue and enclose all the genetic information required for the development of the adult plant. In addition to containing vitamins, oligo-elements, and minerals, buds and young shoots are richer in nucleic acids and growth hormones than other plant tissues. 

Given that they are extracts of embryonic tissue, the gemmotherapy remedies are found to posses all the properties of the various parts of the plant, in this way the gemmotherapy extract of Linden Tree will be sedative ( as are the flowers), but also purifying and diuretic ( properties associated with the sapwood, or underside of the bark of the tree.)

The two principal forms of gemmotherapy remedies are :

• extracts of individual buds, each extract contains all the properties of one plant
• complexes: combinations of individual bud extracts, as designed to target specific problems

Examples and their use :

• blackcurrant : allergies, natural cortisone, chronic bronchitis, mumps, chronic hepatitis, pancreatitis, optic nerve atrophy, ovarian cysts, uterine fibrosis, gout etc.
• rosemary : digestive disorders, diabetes, atherosclerosis, normalizes blood pressure, prevents aging process, optimal cholesterol lowering, strengthens eyesight and memory,regulates nervous system. Used in joint pain, muscular and rheumatic and stiff neck.
• birch : tonic in cases of fatigue and exhaustion, mineral deficiencies, growth disorders, osteoporosis,anorexia in adults and children, detoxifies. 
• .tamarisk: support for bladder and urinary tract, iron deficiencies
• horsetail : consolidate the bone structure, to facilitate assimilation of calcium
• bramble : to counter knee osteoarthritis and osteoporosis 
• giant redwood : to strenghten bones, to make tendons and ligaments flexible 
• grape vine : to slow articular deformation
• virginia creeper : to relieve the small fingers joints, tendons and ligaments
• artigem : to relieve pain and improve the flexibility of articulations 
• fig tree :to reduce the problems of stress and a good night rest
• horse chestnut : to reduce skin problems in the face
• elm : to resolve skin problems, to drain the body
• hazel : to balance the nervous system
• linden tree : to promote a good quality sleep
• juniper : to help and relieve the liver

These are just few   examples of the many remedies that gemmotherapy has on offer. 

I was prescribed many of these by my homeopath doctor over the past 6 years (  btw in my home country you can not become a homeopath if you are not first a doctor with a diploma) and  the results have been always fantastic.

A couple of times a year  I take a course of 2 to 3 months of rosemary, black currant and birch. These three detox my liver and kidneys and black currant is a natural cortisone.

Note that black currant should be taken only if you are off prednisolone.

Please be advised you should discuss with your homeopathic practitioner about what remedies are best suited for you.

Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness.

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Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy ( CST) was developed and pioneered by osteopathic physician John. E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies fro 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.
CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

The touch used is a soft one, generally no grater that 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel; the practitioner releases restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and its effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including :

• migraine headaches
• chronic neck and back pain
• motor coordination impairments
• colic
• autism
• central nervous system disorders
• orthopedic problems
• traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
• scoliosis
• infantile disorders
• learning disabilities
• chronic fatigues
• emotional difficulties
• stress and tension-related problems
• fibromyalgia and other connective-tissue disorders
• temporomandibular joint syndrome ( TMJ)
• neurovascular or immune disorders
• post traumatic stress disorder
• post-surgical dysfunction and so on. 

Guys, I personally go to only one person/ therapist to get CST therapy. I know her for 6 years now, she has become a good friend also and I trust her abilities completely. What I am trying to say is that I don't give my trust to any therapist and I am advising  if you are interested in anything similar or CST  to pick wisely and take time to choose as not all therapists are good, not all are well seasoned  and not all are responsible of what they are doing.

I have had extremely positive results last few years with CST and I personally love it, I love it so much that I decided this summer to go and attend the courses and become a therapist myself. ( Don't ya worry I am not selling myself here lol, I am just learning it for myself and my family) .

Never, under any circumstance stop your medication if you've been to a CST session and if you are told by a practitioner to stop taking your medication, look at him/ her twice, smile and leave never to return. Drugs that you took for months or years can't and shouldn't be dropped in a blink of an eye. Weaning takes months or weeks at best and must be done in perfect safety for your body to be able to adjust.


This week I am going to my home country and on Saturday I am visiting my friend and will get a good 'ole CST session mixed with Healing touch; knowing she has golden hands and a wise heart makes me very relaxed and looking forward to Saturday. I almost always tend to fall asleep, so looking forward to my nap lol !


Recap : CST is wonderful, has results but choose wisely the practitioner and actually  you should choose wisely your homeopath and doctor ! Don't leave your body, health and well being in the hands of whomever, be responsible. Always.


Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness.


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Arnica Montana - the Healer

Before delving into Arnica Montana lets quickly explain a bit about Homeopathy, what it is and how safe it is.

Homeopathy is a form of holistic medicine used by over 200 million people worldwide ( I'd guess more but we will do with this number) to treat both acute and chronic conditions. It is based on the principle of " like cures like" - in other words, a substance taken in small amounts will cure the same symptoms it causes if it was taken in large amounts.
Homeopathic medicines are manufactured using a process combining serial dilution and vigorous shaking. They are perfectly safe for babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women who are under the supervision of a medically - qualified practitioner. 

Homeopathy is FDA approved since 1930.

Arnica Montana is one of the best known homeopathic remedies and it has been used for several studies to demonstrate the effect of the remedies on bruising and trauma. Some plastic surgeons swear by it for reducing bruising after cosmetic surgery ( mine also ! after both my reconstructive surgeries I was given by the nurse Arnica Montana 30Ch !)

Many people are "converted" to the homeopathic cause after seeing spectacular results with this humble herb.

What is Arnica Montana? Its an alpine plant, can potentially reach a height of 60 cm, grows in meadows up to 3000 m above sea level where its exposed to strong sunlight. Higher the altitude, the more aromatic the plant will become. It can be found throughout Europe.

You can find Arnica under the shape of : gel, cream and homeopathic pills.

Arnica can be used for:

• trauma remedy
• bruising injuries
• acute  trauma emergency
• after surgeries 
• muscle recovery after exercising
• insect bites
• minor injuries 
• toothache
• heal after natural childbirth / c section. 

It's actions are far more widespread, as J. Tyler Kent ( 1849-1916), an US homeopathic physician says :     " its a wonderful remedy, a misunderstood remedy, a misused remedy because its limited to bruises."

Arnica is also used ( but not limited to) :

• remedy for "bruised soul", its a remedy for someone who doesn't forget pains
• ailment for anger and irritability
• pain vividly recalled, like nightmares, post traumatic stress syndrome

Arnica has a fantastic ability to treat bruising but generally its ignored in the bigger remedy picture and emotional state. Homeopathic remedies aim to heal at a deeper level that the superficial expression of the body's imbalance.

If its sounds crazy to you then just stick to its healing properties as they are well documented.

I personally disagree with the people that refuse completely homeopathy and natural remedies, deeming them to be dangerous or better not even working.

I am the person that loves to bring arguments into conversations/ debates, and I like to ask anyone that has anything to say to bring valid arguments. So to say to me that these are dangerous you will need some valid arguments and studies to prove that . I presume you wouldn't consider tea dangerous, eh?  There is well documented information over the benefits of tea and drinking tea and you most surely enjoy tea when you are sick, down with cold or flu, or for dieting or health reasons and so on. We are clear then that plants are not dangerous, especially if handled correctly in safe dilutions as in the case of homeopathy. ( homeopathy doesnt use only plants.)

Homeopathy and natural remedies are NOT dangerous if taken wisely and under medical supervision.

Plants and homeopathy are mild compared to synthetic drugs and have little to no side effects if taken under supervision.  We cant say the same about synthetic substances, even taken under supervision. So please ponder with great discerning attention on the thought that homeopathy  can be dangerous !

There is  a time and a place for each of these to be used and I need to be clear, I am very much aware ( and indebted) just how life saving synthetic drugs are and can be and rest assured I am not belittling them.

I have known both worlds and homeopathy has won my heart through the help of my homeopath doctor; Arnica has helped me and my family and friends in  numerous occasions and we have always Arnica in our house. Few days back I bruised my leg, I immediately took Arnica and no bruising happened and healing started few seconds after the little accident.

My sister had a beer bottle explode in her hand few weeks back, many stitches, deep wound, she was very worried, told her about Arnica, she ordered it and she was so relieved, the wound started healing rapidly. As I said previously  I used this after  surgeries and on the first one, years back, I was still on Imuran and cortisone but I healed amazingly quickly and the surgeon was very pleased.

If you want to have Arnica Montana in the house you can and I can tell you that :

- Arnica Montana 15C ( or CH)  is less powerful than Arnica Montana 30C. I have always used either 15 or 30, after surgery I took  C30 every 8 hours, 5 pills under the tongue and no eating and drinking before/ after for 10 m.
- Arnica Montana 30Ch is to be used after surgeries, stiches, traumas, bigger bruising. For anything milder use Arnica 15C.
-For surgery or trauma, big bruising, use it as I was told, every 8 hours but for anything milder twice a day, 5 pills under the tongue.
- After my surgery I was told to take it for 2 weeks, so did my sister, for anything else for few days to one week should be enough.
- For children, half the dosage for adults &  please don't ever handle the homeopathic pills.

I dont know many homeopathic remedies by heart, but Arnica is definitely one of them ! I love this plant and the remedy.
Please be aware I am referring to Arnica as homeopathic remedy and not plant itself.


Pure Arnica herb is toxic if it gets inside the body in larger quantities. Never apply arnica gel/cream  on broken skin or on an open wound. 

 Never take arnica internally unless it's in the form of homeopathic pills.

Some people are sensitive to the compound helenalin found in arnica. If you develop a mild rash, then you are probably helenalin-sensitive and should stop using arnica.


Note : Homeopathic Arnica is a very diluted form of Arnica plant so it is safe. All homeopathy works on high dilutions.



Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness.



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Ceylon Cinnamon / Real Cinnamon

There are two ways to cinnamon and it's very important that you learn to differentiate these :

1.  Cassia Cinnamon which is the cheaper version & another plant ( Chinese cinnamon) 
2.  Ceylon Cinnamon or Real cinnamon ( Cinnamomum Verum ) native to Ceylon in Sri Lanka that possesses outstanding health benefits.

The extract that is sold in supermarkets comes from China, Vietnam or Indonesia and contains coumarin which is a natural compound of the cassia spice but when consumed in high dosages it can cause liver and kidney damage. This type of cinnamon should not be confused with the real cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon.

Unfortunately the cinnamon which is native to Sri Lanka and sourced from the plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum is rather unknown to most people. In the States and many parts of Asia what the majority consumes is not the real cinnamon but the Chinese cinnamon. Whilst the two share characteristics such as antimicrobial, inhibiting the growth of fungus and yeast and regulating blood sugar, their contents differ in the amount of coumarin which is a naturally occurring substance with strong blood- thinning properties.
The coumarin level in Ceylon cinnamon is small while in Cassia cinnamon is 1200 times higher.

So don't be surprised that cassia cinnamon will  and  can interact with other drugs including aspirin, NSAID's ( ibuprofen, naproxen)  and anti coagulants such as warfarin. Do not use cassia cinnamon for daily consumption as it can lead to liver and kidney damage !

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Ceylon Cinnamon health benefits are below.


Lab studies have found that Ceylon cinnamon may reduce inflammation, has antioxidant effects and fights bacteria.

• Anti-clotting: it may help stop blood from clotting, according to whfoods.com, cinnamon accomplishes this, " by inhibiting the release of an inflammatory fatty acid called arachidonic acid from platelet membranes and reducing the formation of an inflammatory messaging molecule. 
• natural anti inflammatory
• blood sugar control : powerful antioxidant and may help to control blood sugar on many levels.
• slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals.
• improves insulin response in people with Type 2 Diabetes
• as little as one gram a day has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol, in individuals with diabetes. According to whfood.com, cinnamon will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• boosts brain function and visual motor speed, working memory
• improves colon health and protection against heart disease 
• excellent source of fiber, calcium and minerals
• calcium and fiber remove bile salts from the body, which helps to protect the colon and reduces the risks of colon cancer
• relief from constipation and diarrhea
• used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its warming properties, such as during cold or flu.

1. I have not used it personally so I don't have any feedback to give  you guys. As always, please consult your doctor and homeopath before taking  Ceylon cinnamon.

Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness. 

1. 
   

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What you think you become.

I write for the 1% of you, I am aware. For the rest I am some sort of dangerous hippie and I can deal with that, no issues. So I will  be myself and I will never tell you to stay strong and wait for a cure.

Realistically speaking that's not going to happen, its  far too complicated, auto-immune diseases are a mystery and will remain so until our scientists will drop the blinkers and decide to look at the human in its entirety, body and mind. Conscious, subconscious, emotions, body.

I know there are many out there laughing hysterically in their minds at such an idea and that illness can be in any way our own creation .They are right, how could we be responsible that our body is damaged in any way shape or form?
Honestly I find these type of statements quite hilarious and made by emotionally immature people.

We easily notice when we get angry that the heart is beating faster, we sweat, our stomach cringes in pain, when we are sad we don't feel like eating, sleeping, when excited we don't feel hunger or tiredness; when we want to lose weight by starvation the body uses the muscles instead of fat and so on.
All signs that the body is intelligent and connected to our brain, they 'discuss' and take decisions of what is best  for survival or immediate or long term needs.
Now if we are clear here, lets move  forward. Its scientifically proven that we have between 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts a day. Ninety nine percent of these are repetitive, that internal repetitive nagging, that half dead thoughts talking incessantly, some telling always that you are not good enough, smart enough, skinny enough, someone doesn't love you, you don't love because x,y,z,  you feel ashamed, annoyed, scared, alone, ill, sick, dying.....thoughts and thoughts about  how you perceive yourself and the world and rarely  positive ones.
These thoughts, repetitive thoughts become part of the subconscious, and if we are not happy kids it means we are old enough to have a big subconscious full of mainly negative perceptions.

That's the explanation of the saying - "what you think you become". .

Let me take that further, you say you are sick, be sure you are and that will not change. Say you fight and a war it shall become. Say you cant and you have the answer. Say you are not responsible for who you are and that is the case. Say  what you want and you will become what you want.

I'd suggest to try and listen from time to time your internal chatter as it will give you proof of how your subconscious perceives  you and the world. Because that subconscious doesn't really care that you are not really serious when lamenting about your life, about others, about how much you hate yourself and your life and so on. It thinks that it your honest perception.

I will always say be responsible of who you are because you, my friend, you are the Creator of your own painted canvas. What you have now hanging on your wall is what you painted. You want another imagine, start painting something new.
Now change the word  canvas with the word destiny. Better?

The way you did it once you can do it twice: build brick by brick another subconscious. Be aware at least from time to time about the crap you are saying to yourself. And repeat.
Attention on intention is the key.

For the body to change it needs the mind to change its wavelength, from victim to responsible, from negative to wise, from powerless to courageous, from lack of self love to loving oneself. Bless your own selves with  love, forgiveness and admiration for your journey.

This is the first step into attaining health.

PS. I guess I left you with some questions, I will not explain more, some of the things  need to be discovered alone. Finding a treasure with our own abilities and courage makes the treasure even more valuable.


Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness.

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