We spent the night in Kittery, Maine, and then headed out taking the Route 1 coastal route, absolutely beautiful spots to stop along the way, and then inland a bit to 95 to make quicker time, then spent a night in Bangor, and finally headed to our favorite location to spend some time, Bar Harbor and the Acadia National Park.  We had vacationed here many times in Black Woods Campground with our children, it was nice to see the old spots again and remember.

Once again, the garden isn’t the only place where green things are growing.

Kelp grows in both the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and other oceans throughout the world. It is a fast-growing plant, and the leaves have little air pockets or blisters in them that cause them to float to the top of the water.

Orientals have used Kelp for centuries to treat the genito-urinary tract. They have also used it to soften hardened masses such as cysts and tumors.

Kelp is a source of Iodine, when is helpful in treating Goiter and some causes of obesity. Historical uses include treating constipation, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, indigestion, ulcers, colitis, gallstones and reproductive problems in both males and females.

What Science Has to Say:

One of Kelp’s main components is algin, a gelatinous fiber whose product include sodium alginate and alginic acid. Algin absorbs most nutrients and toxins from the digestive tract. This results in less blood and tissue absorption of toxins and a lowered caloric intake. Because of this, algin is able to help treat obesity, atherosclerosis, and is a blood purifier. I have a lot more I could write on Sodium Alginate, and if you’d like more info, ask, and I’ll post more in a comment. But know this, Sodium Alginate greatly reduces absorption of environmental pollutants and heavy metals…such pollutants contribute to diseases like leukemia, bone cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, anemia, and decreased production of blood cells.

I don’t want to lose you, there’s a lot more to share on Kelp, so I’ll add more in a later post.

Added 12/30/08 – I forgot to add the following on Kelp:

More Scientific information:

Iodine is another important constituent of Kelp. It is well known for its effects on the endocrine system. It stimulates the production of several iodine-containing hormones. Disturbed function of the endocrine glands is believed to be major underlying cause of atherosclerosis and subsequent heart disease.

Iodine is an important nutrient for the thyroid gland, which produces a hormone called thyroxin, which may be involved in the regulation of blood cholesterol levels. Metabolism is increased aiding in weight loss.

An industrial innovation for improving lipid metabolism has recently (actually some years ago now) been developed which prevents hyperlipemia and treats diabetes. The way it works is that kelp is fed to chickens which biologically incorporate its iodine in their eggs. The eggs are then a dietary source for diabetics and people with hyperlipemia. (of course this Nutritionist is wondering why the diabetics don’t just take kelp .

The thyroid has several other functions, and the thyroid is benefited by iodine which is found in kelp. Let me know if you’d like me to scan and email in pdf format more information, with the bibliography for the information provided in these posts. If you would like a fact sheet about any of the items marked in red, please send me an email. Thanks!

What Science Has to Say:

Milk Thistle contains silymarin, a mix of bioflavonoids that have properties that protect the liver. German scientists isolated silymarin in 1968, and it is now one of the most researched and prescribed herbs in European medicine. It also contains high amounts of chromium, fat, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, tin and zinc.

How do the medicinal properties act on the liver? It changes the structure of the outer liver cell membrane, preventing liver toxins and poisons from entering the interior cell. It stimulates protein synthesis in liver cells which generates DNA and RNA, helping to regenerate liver cells, but interestingly, DOES NOT stimulate growth of malignant cells.

Salymarin also inhibits the enzyme lipoxygenase, which forms leukotrienes from oxidized polyunsaturated fats that damage the liver. As an antioxidant, silymarin is at least ten times more powerful than vitamin E. The gluthathione (GSE) content of the liver is increased with salymarin. GSE detoxifies hormones, drug and chemicals. An easy way of saying this, is that it is very helpful in cleansing the liver of environmental toxins.

Studies in Germany find that the herb is highly effective with few side effects. It approves use during lactation and pregnancy as there are properties that promote lactation.

There are several other studies I could share with you, and if you want the references for the studies mentioned, please so email me.  I can send fact sheets about Milk Thistle as well, just ask.

Spirulina is a blue-green algae, long before a company decided to make blue-green algae their primary product, I was taking the powder in capsule form. It contains the complete spectrum of 8 amino acids, is high in protein, chlorophyll, and beneficial minerals. There are very few “plant” sources for vitamin B12, and Spirulina is one of them. I still use a liquid B12 as sources I’ve read show there are still concerns as to the the bodies ability to use the B12 in Spirulina…it’s “bio-availability” is in question.

Some like to take Spirulina before their meals, and feel that is suppresses the appetite. It is so rich in protein and nutrients, that it may satisfy cravings for certain foods so that you are not inclined to eat as much.

Though Spirulina grows naturally, it is also cultivated in the waters of warmer climates. If you are interested in trying Spirulina, click here.

Thank you for reading!

But Alfalfa is wonderful for people, too. Like Aloe Vera discussed in an earlier post, it is an herb that many know about. It is able to draw nutrients from deep within fertile soil because of its deep root system. For hundreds of years the herb has been used in folk medicine for inflammation, arthritis, and rheumatism. Because the nutrient content is good for many things in the body, it is considered a body tonic herb.

Among the nutrients pulled up into the leaves from the soil, and taken in from the sun, are:

• Protein
• Fat
• Beta carotene
• Vitamins E, B1, B2, C, D and K
• Isoflavonoid phytoalexins
• Isoflavone phytoestrogens
• Alkaloids asperagine and trigonelline
• RICH source of Chlorophyll

There are studies that show that the herb reduces cholesterol absorption and the formation of plaque in arteries. The herb is said to have blood purifying properties, aids in some reduction of cholesterol level, and relaxes smooth muscles. It can help reduce blood sugar levels and help balance the good bacteria in the digestive system. (Contact me if you would like study sources.)

Alfalfa is the source of chlorophyll in something I like to add to my drinking water called “Liquid Chlorophyll“. 

Alfalfa is available on every herbal supplement shelf.

If you are interested in receiving a fact sheet about any of the items marked in red, please send me a request by email. Thank you!