Hello list members,

I hope this edition finds all of you well. I am going to start, with this issue, a series on the different body systems. In this issue I will start with the Pineal gland. I hope that you find this series both informative as well as interesting. As always, I ask that you forward this newsletter to anyone that you know of that might be interested. As I informed everyone of last issue, I know have a message board as well, so all are welcome to use it to discuss or post information that you have an interest in. It can be accessed at the following URL:

I suggest you read my Disclaimer.

The Pineal Gland
Some Interesting Facts
Slippery Elm

The pineal gland belongs to the endocrine system. It is shaped like a pinecone and is only about the size of a pea. It is a reddish gray gland in the center of the brain and is attached to the upper portion of the thalamus. This gland, as with many of the other glands, works in conjunction with other glands or organs. In the pineal glands case, it works in conjunction with the adrenal glands to affect such things as skin pigmentation, and it also helps with potassium and sodium levels within the body.

This tiny gland is believed by some to be the "seat of the soul" and involved with our spirituality. It controls your mental stability, and your mental and sexual growth. The majority of those involved in the health sciences believe that many of the pineal glands functions are yet to be understood. This gland controls aging, sleep habits, as well as other glands, and controls calcium passing in and out of every cell.

Melatonin is a hormone which is produced in the pineal gland. This hormone has been shown to slow the aging process as well as help with the immune system. When light received through the retina decreases, Melatonin production increases. The pineal gland can effect the menstrual cycle by igniting the secretion of gonadotrophins, which are hormones that stimulate either the ovaries or the testes. This gland also inhibits the thyroid action. Melanocyte is a cell that produces an enzyme that forms the pigments that make up the color of the hair and the skin. Even though it is not completely understood, it is believed that there is a correlation between the action of the melanocyte and the pineal gland.

In a few of the Alternative disciplines, the pineal gland is located in the following areas:

Kinesiology:
On top of the head at the crown chakra.

Iridology:
In both eyes, Left eye at 9 minutes, Right eye at 51 minutes, and must touch the autonomic nerve wreath.

Reflexology:
On the padded part of the big toe on each foot toward the next toe.

Exposure to sunlight and geomagnetic fields help to improve the function of the pineal gland, while tobacco, drugs, stress, and a lack of vitamin A are detrimental to the health of the pineal gland. Enlargement of this gland can interfere with or close off the canal that circulates fluid that runs from the brain to the spinal cord. If the gland is overactive (hyperactive), abnormal growths like tumors can form and some mental illnesses are linked to this condition. If under active (hypoactive), SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) can occur. Some of its symptoms include; limiting social contact, a decline in energy levels, loss of or a decrease in sexual appetite, weight gain, as well as over sleeping and withdrawal. This condition is primarily associated with winter. Abnormal and/or rapid growth of the sex glands, introverted behavior of children, and Vitiligo (loss of skin pigment) are other conditions that can occur with a hypoactive pineal gland.

Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamin E, Essential Fatty Acids, B-6, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium

Amino Acids
L-Arginene (take with L-Lysine), L-Ornithin, L-Taurine, L-Tryptophan

Herbs
Alfalfa sprouts - stimulates the pineal gland

Gotu Kola - feeds the entire brain as well as the glands

Parsley - stimulates the pineal gland

Wood Betony - feeds the pineal gland and can assist in reversing Vitiligo.

Additions to the Diet
Wheat germ, olive oil, melons, and pineapple juice help to stimulate the pineal gland.

Peanuts contain L- Arginine

Lecithin is found in higher quantities in the pineal gland than any other area of the body.

1 cup of ground flaxseed eaten daily for 90 days will improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetics.

Four times as many people die from infections obtained in a hospital as are killed in automobile accidents.

Steamed carrots provide more Beta-carotene than raw carrots.

The liver produces more than 95% of your cholesterol.

SLIPPERY ELM
(Ulmus fulva)

           

A deciduous tree growing in Central and North America and Asia, grows to heights of about 50 feet or more. The inner bark of this small tree, which is used medicinally, is tough and flexible with a fibrous type of texture.

The inner bark of this elm tree has long been used as a survival health food. It was said to help keep George Washington's army alive during the terrible winter at Valley Forge. In addition, many pioneer families survived on slippery elm gruel when no other food was available.

Native Americans used this herb extensively as both an internal and external remedy. This medicinal herb was used by about a dozen tribes as a demulcent (herbs that soften and relieve irritation of mucous membranes), salve, and mild laxative. In addition, the Indians applied this bark in the form of a poultice to wounds and burns. The Ojibwas of North America used the bark to make a tea useful for treating sore throats and coughs.

Slippery Elm is useful in the treatment of a variety of ailments. Chewing and swallowing the bark provides a soothing effect for relief from an irritated throat. This herb can also be used by weak or debilitated people as a mild food to build up the body. It is especially helpful when no other food can be kept down. Slippery elm is a highly nutritive, tonic herbal food and is further helpful for conditions of tissue deficiency.

Because this herb is so gentle, delicate stomachs can retain it when other substances may be rejected. Its gentle properties also make it an excellent remedy for infant diarrhea and as a preventative measure for colic.

Used externally, this herb can be used to treat inflamed skin surfaces, burns, boils, or skin diseases. Internally, slippery elm is effective in the treatment of catarrhal infections, diarrhea, dysentery, ulcers, and inflamed conditions of the lungs, stomach, intestines, and urinary organs.

Most of the effects of this herb can be explained on the basis of the large amount of mucilage-containing cells which surround every fiber of the bark. After the bark contacts water, the mucilage cells then swell and produce a lubricating, demulcent, emollient, or laxative effect.

This herbs greatest reputation is for its treatment of the gastro-intestinal tract. This herbs mucilage absorbs poisons from the GI tract which provides a calming and soothing effect on the entire digestive system.

Ailments such as asthma are disease symptoms caused by the body's elimination of poisons from the digestive tract. Since slippery elm prevents poisons in the digestive tract from being absorbed into the blood stream, this herb stops the body's need to use other means of poison elimination (i.e. asthma).

This herb may also be used in the treatment of consumption, tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, gastritis, nephritis, gastric ulcers, scalding urine, croup, inflammation of the bowels, skin eruptions, sores, poison ivy, female problems, tumors, and vaginal irritation. It is also high in calcium, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine.

Slippery elm can be taken in capsules to soothe intestinal irritation. Use 1-3 capsules 2-3x daily with plenty of water. The powder should be sucked on for throat irritations and coughs. For debility or nourishment it is best used in bulk form. 1-2 teaspoons can be mixed with juice or warm milk in a blender or the powder can be made into a type of gruel by mixing it with applesauce. Slippery elm can also be moistened and applied externally as a poultice for swelling or skin irritations.

This information came from a handout that was prepared by:

NATURE'S FIELD
P.O.Box 425
Springville, Utah 84663