GMOs: respected analyst says they could destroy life on the planet

(Alliance for Natural Health) Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a scholar, statistician, Wall Street analyst and advisor, professor at New York University, and the bestselling author of Fooled by Randomness  and The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. He predicted the 2008 financial crisis by pointing out that commonly used risk models were wrong. (He was correct, and he became quite wealthy from the strategic financial decisions he made at that time.)

Now his analysis of our use of genetically modified organisms shows that GMOs could cause “an irreversible termination of life at some scale, which could be the planet.” Taleb and his two co-authors argue that calling the GMO approach “scientific” betrays “a very poor—indeed warped—understanding of probabilistic payoffs and risk management.”

Taleb believes GMOs fall squarely under the rule that we should always err on the side of caution if something is really dangerous. This is not just because of potential harm to the consumer, but because of systemic risk to the system, which in this case is the ecosystem that supports all life on the planet:

Mighty healing in a tiny package—unleash the power of mustard seed for cancer, inflammation and more

A familiar staple in Indian food, mustard seed is much more than a peppery-tasting spice. It also addresses a number of health ailments, including: cancer, asthma, weight gain and hair issues -- as well as variety of other concerns. Ingesting the seed is one method for reaping the benefits, taking a detoxifying bath with mustard powder is another. For inflammatory conditions, applying mustard oil topically helps to relieve arthritis and skin complaints. However you choose to employ this unassuming seed, be assured that a powerful remedy is right at your fingertips.

Shatter stone herb cleanses liver, dissolves kidney and gallbladder stones

If you struggle with kidney stones, or feel your liver could use a tune-up, a small Amazonian berry offers a powerful solution. A popular herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a favorite of naturopaths worldwide, Phyllanthyus niruri (chanca piedra or "shatter stone" in Spanish) is known for supporting kidney, bladder, liver and gallbladder health. The berry also demonstrates significant antioxidant properties, lowers blood pressure, balances blood sugar and is effective in treating over 90 different issues. Needless to say, this versatile herb may seem like a miracle when health is less than perfect.

A painless answer to kidney and gallbladder stones

Revered throughout Central and South America, chanca piedra can be a godsend for those contending with stones in the kidney or gallbladder. Repeatedly found to inhibit, and even dissolve, calcium oxalate crystals (the main component of kidney stones), the berry helps individuals sidestep the painful - and sometimes dangerous - experience of passing large stones. It also reduces spasmodic activity in the kidneys, bladder and ureter, which further assists in smoothly expelling stones from the system. The ancient medical system of Ayurveda also recognizes the herb as a premiere remedy for discouraging stone formation. And Traditional Chinese Medicine uses the berry to address liver complaints.

Cannabis dissolves cancerous tumor in young infant, deemed a 'miracle baby' by physician

Instead of opting for chemotherapy and radiation in an attempt to shrink an inoperable brain tumor, the father of an eight-month-old baby pushed for alternative treatment with cannabis oil. The baby's physician, Dr. William Courtney, was initially skeptical early in his career about cannabis as medicine but has since seen such impressive results that he's now a staunch advocate for its use.

"They were putting cannabinoid oil on the baby's pacifier twice a day, increasing the dose... And within two months there was a dramatic reduction, enough that the pediatric oncologist allowed them to go ahead with not pursuing traditional therapy," said Dr. Courtney in an interview with The Huffington Post.

92-year-old granny is the “Weed Queen” of marijuana cuisine

(Real Farmacy) Meet 92 year old, Aurora Leveroni, aka ‘Nonna Marijuana’—the Italian medicinal weed chef from northern California. Aurora knows that food is medicine She has a backyard farmacy where she grows various strains of marijuana, which she uses in all her edibles. She runs a  genuine mom and pop, garden to table medical marijuana operation.

“Those of us still around now—in our late 80s and 90s—know we were the lucky ones who ate foods that were as nature intended, instead of letting preservatives destroy our bodies’ natural immune systems.”  (1) – Nonna Marijuana

Purple potato wedges with feta {Low-salicylate}

For a very short period of time, we have local purple potatoes in season. And they’re gorgeous—bright, vibrant and just itching to be used. As usual, I needed a swift lunch before launching into the never-ending list of demands. Potato wedges are easy, fast and satisfying—a perfect fit. I have to admit I was a little disappointed that the stunning color of the potato didn’t survive the cooking process, but the wedges were delicious all the same. 

How to start a 1-acre, self-sustaining homestead

(Mother Earth News) Expert advice on how to establish self-sufficient food production, including guidance on crop rotations, raising livestock and grazing management. Your 1-acre homestead can be divided into land for raising livestock and a garden for raising fruits, vegetables, plus some grain and forage crops. Illustration by: Dorling Kindersley

Everyone will have a different approach to keeping a self-sufficient homestead, and it’s unlikely that any two1-acre farms will follow the same plan or methods or agree completely on how to homestead. Some people like cows; other people are afraid of them. Some people like goats; other people cannot keep them out of the garden. Some people will not slaughter animals and have to sell their surplus stock off to people who will kill them; others will not sell surplus stock off at all because they know that the animals will be killed; and still others will slaughter their own animals to provide their family with healthy meat.