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.

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.

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.

Slowly but surely, the world is coming to realize the harmful effects of pesticides and fertilizers. As a result, organic products are increasing in popularity – and for good reasons. Grown without the intervention of dangerous chemicals, consumers can enjoy improved health and a clear conscious when using organic products, which aren’t only better for their health but are also better for the planet. Plus, products such as organic tea provide a richer flavor that isn’t hindered by trace amounts of chemical flavors.

How Organic Tea is Grown

Organic tea is made from plants grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, only natural fertilizers, such as compost, are used. Other well-established organic agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, are also followed. Crop rotation, naturally replenishes nutrients in the soil, which means farmers don’t have to depend on chemical amendments to produce bountiful crops.

Why Organic Tea is Good for You

Tea, in general, has long been known for its healing properties and for its ability to calm and soothe nerves. Drinking non-organic tea, however, includes also ingesting the harmful chemicals used to grow the plants. As a result, the benefits of the tea are wasted. Why ruin such an amazing natural product by throwing harmful chemicals into the mix?

Why Organic Tea is Good for the Planet

Organic tea is beneficial to the planet for a number of reasons. First of all, the practices utilized with organic farming ensure the soil remains fertile for years to come. Non-organic farming practices have a tendency to strip away the nutrients, making it necessary to either move to a new plot of land (which may involve cutting down more trees) or using artificial measures to improve the soil.

Organic farming is also beneficial to the planet because it doesn’t involve chemicals. Just as ingesting these chemicals is harmful to your body; the soil, water, and air pollution that they cause is harmful to the planet.

The Cost Factor

Because organic farming is more time consuming and because the crop yields are typically less than when using non-organic farming techniques, the cost of organic tea is generally higher than non-organic tea. But with the improved flavor and potency of the organic tea, not to mention the health benefits, many consider the extra cost to be well worth it. In addition, the extra cost goes toward compensating the farmers rather than paying a corporation to create more harmful pesticides and fertilizers.

Studies on Organic Tea

A report published in Japan stated that drinking ten cups of this organic tea per day has been shown to provide men with three more cancer-free years than those who drank less than three cups. Another Japanese study indicated that drinking five or more cups of green tea per day reduces the chances of developing breast cancer and also helps slow down the spread of the disease.

Yet another study conducted by Western Reserve University in Cleveland showed that drinking four or more cups of the tea every day helps prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps reduce the symptoms of the disorder in those who are already suffering from it.

Preparation

Regardless of the type of organic tea you decide to brew, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it maintains the greatest flavor when brewed. First, take care to never over brew the tea, as it will destroy the taste and many of its benefits.

To prepare your organic tea, you will need to fill a kettle with cold water. Place it on the stove and heat it until it boils. Then, remove the kettle from the heat and allow the water to stand for about three minutes. Next, place your organic tea bag, (or 2-4 grams of loose tea), into your cup and pour the heated water on top. Allow the organic tea to sit in the water another three minutes and then remove it. Finally, allow the brewed organic tea to cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!