Problem with the National List Regulation

As far back as 2002, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ratified the recommendation of a list of 38 ingredients being added to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

The government acted on criticisms that the regulation §205.606 was being too broadly interpreted. They decided to clarify the rule and reign in the wanton approval of non-organic substances. From the Federal Register, June 2007 issue:

Until recently, some producers, handlers and certifying agents have misinterpreted National List regulations §205.606 to mean that any non-organic agricultural product which was determined by an accredited certifying agent to be not commercially available in organic form could be used in organic products, without being individually listed pursuant to the National List procedures.

In January 2005, this gap was effectively closed when they stipulated that the approved items had to be present on the National List in order to be sanctioned for use as “organic.”

“Smooth Transition” Means Longer Time with Unapproved, Mislabeled Ingredients in Circulation

The ruling, further, made provision for the “smooth transition” to compliance with the more strict interpretation of regulation §205.606:

• Mislabeled products can remain so labeled, and on the market until June 2007
• At that time, there would be no new items accepted into the market
• All pre-existing supplies can be sold until stores depleted
• Once depleted, then they had to comply with the formulaic changes, change their labeling, or face fine

About the 38 Non-Organic Ingredients added to the National List

On the website, The Daily Green, Karen Berner has complied information about the 38 ingredients, from sources including the USDA, Organic Trade Association, and Organic Consumers Association. In her article she covers:

• Who supported inclusion of the 38 ingredients in the National List
• Why Organic Consumers Association is against their inclusion
• Where the ingredients come from and where they can be found

The Name is Changed, Only

The Federal government is allowing producers to sell non-organic food ingredients listing them as “organic.” Putting these non-organic materials in the “safe” organic categories, however, does not change the substance to something safe. It only serves business and confuses the consuming public. With this possibility of non-organic mixed with organic, a good rule of thumb would be to suspect anything that doesn’t say “100% Organic.”

For now, you can’t call just anything “organic.” It must appear on the National List as “organic.” The question remains, though, should there even be a list of pretend organic substances in the first place?

Most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event such as a big exam, business presentation, or first date. Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that fill people’s lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear that are chronic, unremitting, and can grow progressively worse. Tormented by panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, flashbacks of traumatic events, nightmares, or countless frightening physical symptoms, some people with anxiety disorders even become housebound.

Often times when people are stressed out by everyday life and circumstances they turn to prescription drugs for relief. While some of these drugs may help ease stress, they are only a temporary solution to the problem.

So is there a natural way to treat anxiety? The good news is..YES! Holistic medicine has become popular within the last 5 years and more people are looking for a safer alternative in treating anxiety. Here are some ideas to consider if you or someone you know need a help with anxiety.

1 - Take 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily to improve hormone balance and natural mental wellness.

2 - Make a herbal sachet or small pillow stuffed with cotton and herbs for relaxation at night. Use lemon balm leaves, chamomile, catnip and valerian and keep it next to your pillow at night.

3 - Consider using St. John’s Wort, another herbal remedy for depression and anxiety. Dubbed “herbal Prozac” by some, St. John’s wort can be grown at home, or purchased in herb or supplement form. Again, take under the recommendations of a professional.

4 - Try Native Remedies’ Pure Calm supplement (see link under resources, below) as a natural treatment for anxiety. This alternative medicine combines herbs in a liquid form for fast assimilation.

5 - Try Kava in capsule or drink form. One of the primary herbs used to treat anxiety, Kava is a root known for its calming effect on the nervous system. It is a mild sedative and used to help treat tension, too. It can not be used in conjunction with prescription medicines, however. Kava should only be taken a few times a week. Contact an herbalist or homeopathic doctor for proper dosages.

Note*

Anxiety disorders often occur with other illnesses.

It is common for an anxiety disorder to accompany depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, or another anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can also co-exist with illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid conditions, and migraine headaches. In such instances, the accompanying disorders will also need to be treated. So, it is important, before beginning any treatment, to have a thorough medical examination to determine the causes of symptoms.

If you’re looking for a fun and easy project to help ease stress and tension, check out these step-by-step instructions on how to make your very own personalized stress ball.

What Exactly Is a Stress Ball?

A stress ball is an object that fits in the palm of your hand and can be easily squeezed to decrease muscular and emotional tension. It may be in the shape of a ball, or it may be something a bit more interesting, such as a funny face, a body part, or a pack of cigarettes (for those trying to quit!)

How Does a Stress Ball Work?

Whenever you make a fist, regardless of whether or not you have something in your hand, you create muscle tension. And when you release your grip, your muscles relax. This process of acute muscle tension and relaxation can flush out muscle tension and relieve stress. You can perform this stress management technique without a stress ball, by simply tensing and relaxing the muscles or your hands, or anywhere on the body that tension exists. But a stress ball gives you something to focus on and may aid in relieving stress. more…

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

According to an article, Fibromyalgia Research, by Dr. Edward F. Group III, for many years the symptoms of fibromyalgia were misdiagnosed, often as growing pains. Since the 1980s, much more is known about the disease and treatment. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Chronic pain
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Irritability
• Sleeplessness
• Dermatological disorders

What Relief is Available?

If you’re living with fibromyalgia and you want to lessen the medications that you take over the span of possibly years, consider the natural remedies to promote your best health. Currently treatment is focused on the specific symptoms as they manifest. According to WebMD and other researchers, alternative treatments are reportedly relieving symptoms of fibromylagia.

• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Physical therapy
• Mental health care
• Mild exercise

Following are other suggested practices for overall better health which may provide relief from fibromyalgia symptoms:

• Meditation
• Nutrition and supplements
• Colon cleansing
• Chiropractic manipulation

Studies show that fibromyalgia symptoms tend to fluctuate over time and weather changes. There are indications that the symptoms in many sufferers lessen over time. Many people are finding that even mild exercise is helpful both for pain relief and for reducing sleeplessness, two of the most common complaints of fibromyalgia sufferers. Some theories suggest that the occurrence of some symptoms bring about the disease. Some argue that the disease brings on the symptoms. No one as yet has mentioned a cure.

What is intraMAX™?

intraMAX is a 100% carbon-bond liquid microcomplexed™ trace mineral supplement, plus an all-in-one multivitamin and much more. It contains 70+ trace minerals along with other health promoting “super foods” which totals more than 415+ essential carbon-bond organic microcomplexed™ nutrients in each bottle.

Why do we need organic minerals?

Because of soil depletion. Soil depletion occurs when chemical fertilizers kill the microorganisms in the soil that produce minerals for the plants. When an organic humus bed is destroyed, plants grown in that soil lack minerals as documented in 1936 by Dr. Northen in Senate Document 264. Without key trace minerals, the body cannot utilize amino acids, fats and vitamins properly. Minerals are indispensable to every organ, gland and muscle in the body. Without minerals, life cannot exist as they are the stimulus that produces energy and are required for all life functions. Trace mineral products generally have a metallic taste. Drucker Labs has great 100% all natural Tropical Passion flavors so that taking Organic Trace Minerals is now enjoyable. With 72+ different minerals which are extracted from an ancient organic humus bed that was living organic matter and near 100% bio-available, Drucker Technologies 100% Organically IntraMAX Rx™ with natural Fulvic Acid provides the trace minerals missing from today’s foods!

intraMAX™ contains over 415+ nutrients ALL-IN-ONE

• 70+, 100% organic microcomplexed™ trace minerals (full spectrum)
• proprietary organic “carbon-bond” intraCELL™ V Technology
• 124 antioxidants (”free radical” scavengers / anti-aging)
• 40 amino acids (”building blocks” of protein)
• carbon (living), (144,500 mg/l)
• 7 essential fatty acids (EFA)-omega 3, 6 & 9
• oxygen - 427 mg/l (dissolved & stabilized)
• 14 digestive enzymes (pure plant derived)
• 43 super green foods & phytonutrients
• 54 herbs (adaptogenic & supportive)
• 38 essential oils (organically bound)
• 64 vitamins and nutrients (essential)
• 19 macro minerals (100% organic)
• 23 vegetables (antioxidant rich)
• 65 electrolytes (100% organic)
• aloe vera (organically bound)
• 8 protein mineral nutrients
• 30 fruits (antioxidant rich)
• silver (organically bound)
• 13 probiotics (non-dairy)
• noni (organically bound)
• 11 carotenoids (mixed)
• 25 fibers (all natural)
• ultra hypoallergenic
• 11 optimum seeds
• 110 bioflavonoids
• fulvic acid (9.2%)
• 100% drug free
• NO additives
• 100% natural
• 100% vegetarian
• intraMAX™ does NOT contain: preservatives, colloids, fat, cholesterol, wheat, gluten, caffeine, corn, yeast, rice flour, peanuts, nuts, soy, dairy, fish or fish oil, animal products, artificial additives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, fillers, pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, starch, binders, coatings, excipients, or flow agents.

Learn more about this great product at www.ghchealth.com.

According to a study by the University of Michigan Health Systems, one specific compound found in Green Tea can be the key to preventing & treating Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The Green Tea compound that has researchers excited is called Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

EGCG shows promise because scientists believe that it could restrict the amount of inflammatory molecules associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers also believe that EGCG can also decrease the joint damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

“Our research is a very promising step in the search for therapies for the joint destruction experienced by people who have rheumatoid arthritis,” said Salah-uddin Ahmed, Ph.D., the head researcher for this study.

While researchers are very optimistic about the long-term benefits of EGCG, it is still unknown how it will truly effect humans, as only animal tests have been done. However, the results of the primary tests look very promising for eventual human benefits.