THC in cannabis prove to help prevent spread of HIV: study shows
- By Ethan A. Huff - Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Should it ever be withdrawn from the federal government's most restrictive list of "dangerous drugs" and instead be treated as the honest medicine that it truly is, marijuana, or more properly cannabis, would almost surely put the pharmaceutical industry out of business. There are a number of reasons for this, and one of them has to do with how cannabis can help prevent the spread of HIV in test-positive patients without causing harmful side effects.
A new study out of Louisiana State University found that administering a daily dose of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, to monkeys infected with SIV, the non-human primate version of HIV, helped protect the creatures' immune systems against the spread of HIV. Specifically in the monkeys' stomachs, which is where HIV tends to harbor and spread infection, THC helped minimize the damage inflicted upon intestinal tissue.
Published in the journal AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, the study involved giving SIV-infected monkeys a daily dose of THC for 17 months, during which time they were individually analyzed for markers of HIV spread. At the end of the study period, the team involved with the research learned that THC helps not only protect stomach tissue against disease progression but also promote a healthy population of normal-functioning cells around damaged tissue, which could indicate its potential to reverse and even cure the disease.
"These findings reveal novel mechanisms that may potentially contribute to cannabinoid-mediated disease modulation," wrote Dr. Patricia Molina, the study's lead author, about the findings. "It adds to the picture and it builds a little bit more information around the potential mechanisms that might be playing a role in the modulation of the infection."
Federal government prohibition of cannabis forcing millions to needlessly suffer
The findings are promising, and they affirm earlier ones made by Dr. Molina back in 2011 concerning the potential of THC to lengthen lifespan in HIV-infected patients. Medicinal THC was also shown in a 2012 study out of the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia to help protect the brain against HIV-infected cells, even in patients with late-stage HIV and AIDS.
And yet at the same time, continued federal prohibition of this all-natural plant, which exists in literally thousands of unique, therapeutic forms, is hampering the ability of researchers to better understand the full clinical potential of cannabis. Not only are researchers unable to obtain the necessary federal funding for cannabis research, but they are also restricted from testing the medicinal plant on actual humans in clinical trials, which is considered the gold standard of therapeutic inquiry.
Because of this, the approximately 1.1 million Americans who currently live with HIV have few options other than to take harsh antiretroviral drugs, which, besides causing adverse events like nausea, pancreatitis, and peripheral neuropathy, have not been shown to actually cure the disease. And whether or not there is a strain of cannabis out there that has this capacity remains difficult to establish due to entrenched government prejudice against this healing herb.
"Since the federal government continues to classify marijuana as a Schedule I drug -- the most restrictive of the five categories under the Controlled Substances Act -- it's difficult for scientists to get funding for any research in this area," writes Tara Culp-Ressler for ThinkProgress.org. "The government controls access to a small legal supply of marijuana for research purposes, and often refuses to back projects that could lead to important treatments simply because they require cannabis."
"Researchers have repeatedly complained that drug prohibition stifles scientific innovation."
Sources for this article include:
Seven reasons why THC in cannabis is good herbal medicine
- By Ethan A. Huff - Friday, July 25, 2014
With a growing number of states, particularly in the southern U.S., starting to accept the medicinal benefits of cannabidiol, or CBD, a therapeutic compound found in the cannabis plant that is beneficial for treating seizures, inflammation and other health conditions, the more widely known cannabis compound tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is being left in the dark. But emerging science clearly delineates that, like CBD, THC is also good medicine. Here are seven reasons why:
1) Pain Relief. Though it sometimes gets a bad rap for its cerebral effects, THC is a powerful pain reliever that activates certain pathways in the central nervous system associated with pain. In fact, THC is the primary pain-relieving compound found in cannabis, as it blocks pain signals from being sent to the brain. THC is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from neuropathic, or nerve-related, pain, based on the findings of numerous studies.
It is important to note that, prior to 1937 when cannabis officially became a prohibited substance in the U.S., it was commonly used to treat pain naturally, without triggering harmful side effects. THC-rich cannabis, in fact, had been part of the official U.S. Pharmacopoeia up until 1942, which is right around the time that "Reefer Madness" paranoia took over and the plant was suddenly and erroneously vilified as a dangerous "gateway drug" with no beneficial properties.
2) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thankfully, much of this is now changing, which is good news for our nation's war veterans, many of whom battle with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the Veterans Association (VA) still prescribes SSRIs and other dangerous pharmaceuticals as treatment for this harrowing condition, emerging science is showing that the THC in cannabis is a safer, preferable alternative.
3) Nausea and vomiting. Believe it or not, a pill form of THC has been available as a treatment for nausea and vomiting since the 1980s. But the official government position is still one that views THC in natural plant form as having no medicinal benefits, despite evidence showing that this natural cannabinoid eases stomach pain while stimulating the appetite, which is especially helpful for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
4) Appetite stimulant. There are many reasons why a person's appetite might be lacking. With so many chemicals, GMOs (genetically-modified organisms), pesticides and other toxins floating around in our environment and food supply -- not to mention the gut-damaging effects of vaccine ingredients -- it is no wonder that many people are sick and not getting enough nutrients in their bodies.
THC, however, can help reduce stomach pains and stimulate a person's appetite, including in patients with cancer and HIV-associated wasting syndrome. THC can also help otherwise healthy individuals put on more muscle and boost their nutritional intake.
5) Asthma. Believe it or not, research dating back to the 1970s cites THC as a highly medicinal compound in the treatment of asthma. Trials have shown that smoking marijuana can actually calm asthma attacks, though ingesting cannabis via edibles or a vaporizer may be preferable to avoid agitating one's lungs.
6) Glaucoma. One of the first conditions to be identified as a target of cannabis, glaucoma is another condition that responds exceptionally well to THC. Glaucoma sufferers have found that marijuana cannabinoids can relieve eye pressure in ways that no pharmaceutical ever could, all without causing any harm.
7) Sleeping aid. The latest statistics estimate that as many as 12 million Americans suffer from some kind of sleeping disorder. Many of these folks have turned to dangerous, FDA-approved sleeping drugs like Ambien that can lead to sleepwalking and other dangerous behaviors, not to mention alter one's brain chemistry for the worst.
But the THC in cannabis provides natural relaxation and calm that numerous studies have shown works much better at promoting truly restful sleep. THC has also been linked to improving nighttime breathing and reducing sleep interruptions, including in those who suffer from sleep apnea. And unlike synthetic pharmaceuticals, THC induces natural sleeping patterns that provide real rest, relief and recovery.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.nabp.net [PDF]
http://www.businessinsider.com
More news on THC
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THC in cannabis shown to help prevent spread of HIV: study
Marijuana can help decrease the spread of HIV in patients
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'High-less' medical marijuana now being grown at Israeli plantation
Vaccine dangers: The facts do not lie
- By Jonathan Landsman - May 23, 2014
Do you remember the 2009 "Swine Flu Pandemic" - which supposedly threatened millions of unvaccinated people? Naturally, if we ask the pharmaceutical industry, the Swine Flu vaccination campaign was a 'huge success'. Unfortunately, according to the National 2009 H1N1 Flu Survey, an estimated 46 million people were duped into believing that a flu shot was their only hope.
Modern healthcare is run by criminal organizations. How else can you explain the never ending use of fear tactics to convince people that chemical injections will strengthen immunity and prevent disease? On the next NaturalNews Talk Hour, Jonathan Landsman and Mary Tocco, a widely-respected vaccine researcher will expose the truth (and lies) about vaccines.
Visit: http://www.naturalhealth365.com and enter your email address for show details + FREE gifts!
All vaccines are contaminated with deadly substances
Now I know that the above statement sounds 'radical'; some may even accuse me of being a 'conspiracy theorist'. But, the fact remains that medical experts - with far more knowledge about vaccines than me - have admitted enough to convince me to avoid vaccines - until they come up with a safer method of delivery.
Remember what the (now deceased) head of vaccines at Merck once said about the Hepatitis B vaccine? Dr. Maurice Hillerman, once on camera, admitted that Merck's Hepatitis B vaccines - contaminated with a virus - caused the AIDS epidemic in the United States. Oh, by the way, he went on to say that all Merck vaccines are contaminated with cancer and other viruses.
Dr. Larry Palevsky, a board certified NY pediatrician, routinely gave vaccines to his patients - until he noticed them losing eye contact and then began researching the topic. He discovered that all vaccines are contaminated with viruses that are so small they can never be removed. He no longer gives out vaccines and treats young patients for autism and other neurologic injuries related to vaccines.
And, finally, one of the most cited scientists in the world - Dr. Garth Nicolson - has a serious warning for anyone considering vaccines. As a cell biologist, publisher of 600 medical and scientific peer-reviewed papers, editor of over 14 books (his credentials go on and on), Dr. Nicolson is not just saying that vaccines are contaminated with mycoplasma but is warning the U.S. that they are. (keep reading)
On the next NaturalNews Talk Hour, we'll expose the truth about vaccines. Join us for an informative program. Visit: http://www.naturalhealth365.com and enter your email address for show details + FREE gifts!
Weaponized mycoplasma in vaccines cause chronic disease
You better sit down for this one. Dr. Nicolson - President, Chief Scientific Officer and Research Professor at the Institute for Molecular Medicine - has said that "mycoplasma is a bacteria, but it's a bacteria without a cell wall, so it's a very primitive bacteria. It's lost a lot of its genetic information, so it has to depend upon the host to survive and grow." But, here's the shocking news.
According to Dr. Nicolson, 'mycoplasma will sometimes get genetically engineered to be used as a non-lethal biological warfare weapon'. For example, Gardasil - promoted by the pharmaceutical industry as a way to 'protect BOTH your son and daughter from certain HPV-related diseases' - is contaminated with a man-made (genetically altered) version of the HPV DNA. This is the same virus it was supposed to protect against - which now threatens the healthy DNA of our children with a diseased version.
Stop the madness. Before you allow yourself to get vaccinated - educate yourself and make an informed decision. Your life depends upon it.
This week's guest: Mary Tocco, vaccine researcher and holistic health educator
Find out what the vaccine industry is hiding from the general population and why - Sun. May 25
Mary Tocco has been in the natural health care field for over 32 years and spent 23 years managing and promoting a chiropractic clinic in Michigan. She then opened Vitality Health with her daughter, Dr. Renee Tocco, in Charleston, SC in 2004. She is co-founder of the American Chiropractic Autism Board and is helping to manage Hope For Autism, BioNutritional Training Conferences.
She is the radio host of, "Healing Our World" heard on Republic Broadcasting Network Internet and satellite. The program is focused on what in the world is making us sick, natural healing methods and empowering people to make a difference in their world. Education is power.
Shocking vaccine statistic!61% of all human tumors (at autopsy) now contain the SV40 monkey virus - which is traceable to the Polio vaccine of the 1950s and 60s. Don't become a vaccine statistic. On the next NaturalNews Talk Hour, Jonathan Landsman and Mary Tocco talk about the #1 concern over vaccines, what to do with a vaccine-related injury plus much more.
Health Benefits of Hugging - 10 Reasons Why We Need at Least 8 Hugs a Day
The article below is the result of decades of scientific research published by the French and Italian scientists 30 years ago. The wisdom of the 8,000 years of matriarchal rule in Persian Empire, overthrown 3,500 years ago, and other parts of Asia were proven right, that children raised with love, hugs and affection will grow up to become loving, caring, affectionate, smart, healthy, compassionate and prosperous individuals.
Hugging therapy is definitely a powerful way of healing. Research study of over 100,000 people shows that hugging (and also laughter) is extremely effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress.
Research shows a proper deep hug lasting 5 seconds, where people’s hearts are pressing together and greeting each other by kissing on both cheeks, can benefit you in the following ways:
1 - The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication. Hugging is extremely important in the healthy growth of children and establishing a healthy relationship between the children and their parents.
2 - Hugs can instantly boost the hormone oxytocin production levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, anger and sickness by raising your body immune system.
3 - Holding a hug for an extended time of five seconds lifts one's serotonin hormone levels, elevating healthy positive mood and creating happiness and wellness.
4 - Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure of chests together increases positive emotional charge, which activates the Solar Plexus Chakra. This stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body's production of white blood cells, which keep you healthy and disease free.
5 - Hugging boosts self-esteem and self-confidence. From the time we are born our family's hugs and touch shows us that we are loved, special and not alone. The associations of self-worth and tactile sensations from our early years are still imbedded in our nervous system as adults. The cuddles we received from our Mom, Dad and other family members, while growing up, remain imprinted at a cellular level, and hugs remind us at a somatic level of that. Hugs, therefore, connect us to our ability to love one-self, teaching us what love is and how to love.
6 - Hugging relaxes muscles. Hugs release tension in the body and mind. Hugs reassure and take away pain and soothe aches by increasing blood circulation into the soft tissues.
7 - Hugs balance out the nervous system. The galvanic skin response of someone receiving and giving a hug shows a change in skin conductance. The effect in moisture and electricity in the skin suggests a more balanced state in the nervous system - parasympathetic.
8 - Hugs teach us how to be caring, capable of giving and receiving love and affection. Hugging educate us how the energy of love flows both ways between family members and loved ones.
9 - Hugs are so much like meditation and laughter. They teach us to let go and be present in the moment. They encourage us to flow with the energy of life. Hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feelings and your breath.
10 - The energy exchange between the people hugging is an investment in the relationship. It encourages empathy and understanding. And, it is synergistic, which means the whole is more than the sum of its parts: 1+1 = 3, or more! This synergy is more likely to result in win-win outcomes.
There is a saying by Virginia Satir, a respected family therapist: “We need minimum of four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for healthy growth.”
Eight or more might seem quite high, but while researching and writing this article I asked my child, “How many hugs a day do you like?” She said, “I am not going to tell you how many I like, but it is way more than eight.” Her answer really made me smile and touched my heart. And, I realized how organic and deep the need for hugs is.
As a loving father, I get plenty of hugs from my little princess and her Mamma. And as a yoga therapist, I often give and receive them from my students at the end of a session. I find that love, is a miracle drug.
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