The Human Companion National Canna-Art Competition

Finally the time to launch! Tomorrow ii will release the full details of how to enter this competition. In this post ii share the amazing prizes from our sponsors!

It really has been so amazing organizing this years book competition for The Human Companion Plant and this year is a Fine Art competition.

 

The competition will run from 1 to 30 June midnight and all the basic rules will also apply to this competition. 

The main information post for this competition will be on Facebook @thcplant and Twitter @human_companion. This is the post where ii will upload all the entries for public viewing because public likes will also count towards the judging process. 

Anyone in South Africa may enter this competition except for the judges and their immediate families and there is no charge for entries. 

By law we cannot allow under 18's to enter, however ii will accept entries via consenting adults and Artists can submit multiple entries.

It's really taking everything to not drop a hint about the theme and task of this competition but ii can say that it is a Canna Art Competition and that the theme is Cannabis related. This competition will also pave the way forward to taking the human companion plant closer to humankind! That's all ii can say for now! So exciting!!!

A huge shout out to all our amazing sponsors who never hesitate to assist in enhancing Cannabis Events around the country. We are delighted to have such valuable sponsors and judges on our team this year. And ii don't mind sharing the amazing sponsored prizes to get the creative energies flowing!

It is so exciting to experience the buildup of atmosphere within the excitement! 

An Art Competition to honor the human companion plant! 

We are really hoping that this competition will serve as a platform for artists to showcase their original artworks within the emerging Canna-Art culture. We cannot wait to see all the creations from our artists from all around the country! 

Please if you know of any established or up-and-coming artists, don't be shy, please share this flyer or post with them and any enquiries can be sent Email: 

thehumancompanionplant@gmail.com 

Cannabis and brain cells ~ The Truth

One of the greatest scare-tactics of anti-Cannabis campaigners is the supposed damage to brain cells and memory loss. We all need to know how Cannabis works on brain cells but we need the truth and the scientific evidence. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is the most studied physiological system today and the findings are incredible! 

Can Cannabis cause ‘dagga-psychosis’? 

The scientific debate about Cannabis psychosis has pursued for almost 100 years and is slowly now being put to bed. There is still absolutely zero scientific evidence that Cannabis can cause psychosis of any nature. And thus also means that there is zero evidence that Cannabis causes damage to brain cells. In 2017 Professor David Nutt was here in South Africa. He was a specialist witness at the well known legal case, The Trial of the Plant in our High Courts. He is a Neuro-Psycho-Pharmacist from England who testified on this very topic because of his extensive research of the effects of Cannabis on brain cells.

We must never lose sight of the fact that Cannabis is a medicine. And that THC is the most important component of all the healing properties of the plant. Decades of “Reefer Madness“ brainwashing, has left doubt in people’s minds as to whether Cannabis is safe or not. If the governments of this world can prove ‘dagga-psychosis’ then they can ultimately control Cannabis medicine.

We can never allow this to happen especially in light of the mountains of research proving the opposite. There is not even one scientific paper with any real evidence that can’t be argued against. Look closely and you might see that any psychosis which Cannabis may cause is in people who don’t consume it. There is simply no evidence to prove that whole herbal Cannabis damages brain cells. And there never will be! The important thing is that we can prove that Cannabis offers anti-psychotic, neuro-genetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic healing properties. [1] [2]

The more we accuse Cannabis of causing mental illness the more the plant continues to produce positive results. It is known that everywhere in the world 1 in 4 people suffer from mental illness. It doesn’t matter which country you Google search, the statistics are exactly the same 1 in 4 people are suffering. Everywhere you look, England, America, India, South Africa, it’s the same 1 in 4. This includes depression. And so many people have more than one mental illness which can co-occur with others. It would be ridiculous to suggest that Cannabis could be responsible for even a portion of these statistics. In fact a lot of these people are feeling better by self-medicating with Cannabis.

The truth is that there is more research to prove that Cannabis does not cause psychosis than there is to prove the opposite. This continues to prove that Cannabis is a safe medicine and doesn’t cause any damage to brain cells.

Why does our memory fail us? 

How do we explain the short-term memory loss some people experience when using Cannabis? And, not everyone experiences this lapse of memory. Physicians and psychiatrists now accept that the short-term memory loss is only short-lived. It passes within a few minutes in most people. [3] There are no deaths ever recorded from taking whole herbal Cannabis. And there is no proof of anyone ever permanently losing their memory from using herbal Cannabis. No other medicine can bear this testimony.

The medical reality is that Cannabis does help us to forget certain memories. Think about the trillions of thoughts rushing through our brains every second of the day. Surely there must be some kind of a filter system? Cannabis helps us to recycle unwanted thoughts and memories, especially the bad stuff we don’t even want to remember. For example all the negative images we have to endure on social media platforms or on the late-night news. When Cannabis interacts with our brain cells it acts as an inhibitor of the cannabinoid receptors on the brain cells that affect our memory.

This Cannabis-induced inhibition of brain cells can, in some people, lead to changes in memory concerning painful emotions and memories. Doctors refer to these as aversive memories and fear. And so this all means that bad memories are specifically targeted by Cannabis to be shifted into our brains’ recycle bin. Cannabis- induced inhibition of brain cells leads to reduction in endocannabinoid levels and so allows selective modifications of aversive memories in the brain cells that control our memory center. [4] [5]

Cannabis directly targets brain cells 

One of the main functions of Cannabis is neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells. Contrary to mass main-stream media propaganda, research continues to show that Cannabis does not kill brain cells. Instead Cannabis actually helps us to develop new brain cells! A study published in The International Journal of Neuropharmacology acknowledges cannabinoids as a cause of neurogenesis in the brain. It was shown that Cannabidiol (CBD) increases adult neurogenesis while having no effect on learning. [6]

“Most ‘drugs of abuse’ suppress neurogenesis. Only Cannabis promotes neurogenesis” ~ Dr Xia Zhang (Canadian Researcher) [7]

We now know that cannabinoids, derived from Cannabis, have always played a role in creating new brain cells. So, it follows naturally that a deficiency of cannabinoids could result in an increased risk of brain cell damage. This is why it’s so important to supplement the ECS with Cannabis. It is interesting to note that the human brain is 60% fat. And that all the chemicals within Cannabis are highly fat-soluble substances.

It is really important to realise how Cannabis directly targets brain cells, by design. There is a natural affinity between Cannabis and brain cells and scientists see this as a biological link. This is why we have so much success in treating all kinds of brain conditions. The brain is the main focus area of Cannabis. [8] But we have to continuously enhance our ECS with Cannabis starting sooner than later to avoid these brain conditions.

How does Cannabis grow new brain cells?

Scientists can now prove that the cannabinoid known as CBC (Cannabichromene) is involved with the growth and survival of NPSC’s. Neural Progenitor Stem Cells are brain stem cells proving that Cannabis plays a role in their growth and existence. [9] [10]

NPSCs are the precursors to the three types of brain cells,  being neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. NPSC’s are now being investigated to help regenerate brain cells. This is because they are able to create all of the brain cells. Cannabis inhibits the creation of proteins that cause the NPSCs to convert to other brain cells. It’s the ECS that decides what brain cells are being developed, and when they are being developed, at cellular level. Scientists now know that Cannabis can literally grow new brain cells. [11]

One of the most common side-effects of pharmaceutical drugs is memory loss. 

Certain pharmaceutical drugs are known to cause memory loss, as well as other intellectual and perception problems. Most of these drugs start with “anti”; for example, antihistamines, antidepressants, antibiotics and of course antipsychotics. Some more are anti-hypertensives, anti-epileptics, anti-cholesterol, anti-inflammatories, antispasmodics; even sleeping tablets and other sedative-hypnotics available.

The problem is that all these drugs affect our basolateral amygdala complex. This is the part of the brain that stimulates our fear response. And this is what leads to symptoms resembling dementia like confusion, psychosis, blurred vision, hallucinations, delirium and indeed memory loss.

Acetylcholine is the main neurotransmitter concerned with memory and learning function. There is a natural decline in Acetylcholine production that is normal with old age. This is why senior citizens are more at risk of memory loss and need Cannabis to regenerate their brain cells.

Cannabis can help you to avoid future brain cell damage 

It is not only prescription drugs that cause memory loss; a lot of over-the-counter medicines will do the same because they block this important neurotransmitter known as Acetylcholine that is primarily concerned with our memory. Some names you may recognize are Advil used for pain and insomnia, Benadryl – Diphenhydramine generic used for allergies. Nytol and Sominex used for insomnia and Tylenol also used for insomnia as well as pain. Even Zantac used for acid reflux will has this side effect.

We know that senior citizens are at greatest risk and we must protect ourselves now. Using certain over- the-counter medicines like anti-histamines contributes to developing dementia and Alzheimer’s, with memory loss being noticeable within 60 days. [12] Imagine how, after a life-time of consuming these drugs, their side-effects slowly eat away at our memory. Sometimes it is simply too late, and the damage is too great. The only way to prevent damaged brain cells is to supplement the ECS with Cannabis.

It is really hard to imagine how a plant that targets the brain would in any way harm the brain. And can even generate new brain cells. It should occur to us that we need to teach young people the truth about Cannabis and brain longevity. And certainly medical doctors should at least be given a basic education of the ECS and people need to be aware of the functions of Cannabis especially for our brain cells. People need to know and believe that Cannabis is a safe medicine and every one of us needs this plant. [13]

CITATIONS for Cannabis and brain cells ~ The Truth 

[1] (Shane Darke et al August 2019) “Characteristics and Circumstances of Synthetic Cannabinoid Related Death”. Clinical Toxicology Journal PMID 3139266

[2] (Antonio Waldo Zuardi et al 2012) “A Critical Review of the Antipsychotic Effects of Cannabidiol: 30 years of a Translational Investigation”. Journal Curr Pharm Des 2012. Volume 18 Issue 32 pages 5131-5140

[3] (Rebecca D Crean et al 2012) “An Evidence Based Review of Acute and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis Use on Executive Cognitive Functions”. Journal of Addiction Medicine Volume 5 Issue 1 pages 1-8. 1 March 2012 PMCID PMC 3037578 NIHMSID NIHMS 266295 PMID 21321675

[4] (Nature Neuroscience, 2010) Reduction in endocannabinoid tone is a homeostatic mechanism for specific inhibitory Nature Neuroscience Journal Volume 13 (592-600) 28 March 2010

[5] (Marsicano, 2002) The endogenous cannabinoid system controls extinction of aversive memories Nature International Journal of Science Volume 418 (530-543) 1 August 2002

[6] (Jack A Prenderville, 2015 )”The role of cannabinoids in adult neurogenesis” British Journal of Pharmacology Volume 172 Issue 16 PMCID: PMC4543605/PMID 25951750 16 June 2015

[7] (Wen Jiang, 2005) “Cannabinoids promote embryonic and adult hippocampus neurogenesis and produce anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects” Journal of Clinical Investigation Volume 115 Issue 11 PMCID: PMC1253627/PMID: 16224541 13 October 2005

[8] (Marzo N. , 2013) “The effect of Cannabichromene on adult neural stem/progenitor cells”. Journal Neurochemistry International Volume 63 Issue 5 pages 432-437 November 2013

[9] (Rui S Rodrigues et al April 2019) “Cannabinoid Actions on Neural Stem Cells: Implications for Pathophysiology”. Molecules Journal Volume 24 Issue 7 page 1350 – PMCID: PMC6480122 PMID 30959794

[10] (Noriko Shinjyo et al November 2013) “The Effect of Cannabichromene on Adult Neural Stem Progenitor Cells”. Neurochem International Journal Volume 63 Issue 5 pages 432-7 PMID 23941747

[11] (Chi Xu et al January 2016) “Effects of addictive drugs on adult neural stem/progenita cells”. Journal Cellular Molecular Life Science Volume 73 Issue 2 pages 327-348 PMCID: PMC4833708 NIHMSID NIHM5730757 PMID: 2648052

[12] (Sunil Swarmi MBBS, MPH, PhD, 2018) “Anti-cholinergic Drug Use and Risk of cognitive Performance in Older Adults with Questionable Cognitive Impairment: Cross Sectional Analysis”. Journal Drugs and Ageing 22 February 2018. Volume 33 Issue 11 pages 809-818. PMCID PMC 5823249 NIHMSID NIHMS 5938055 PMID 27638818

[13] (Alban, 2018) “Drugs That Cause Memory Loss (& what you can do)” posted bebrainfit.com 10 May
2018

 

THC drug testing in the workplace

 

People often ask me what they can take to pass a THC test by emptying their THC receptors before the dreaded drug test. Back in the 90’s in Port Elizabeth we had a Rastafari Shaman named “Doctor Dave”. He had a brilliant technique to down regulate THC receptors and reduce the THC level in fat cells in the body. Sadly he was hit by a bus and passed away and ii was never able to get his method and ii have never met another healer with this ability. For sure it seems that there are very few ways to pass a surprise THC test but some people are convinced that they have the perfect remedy.

First of all ii would like to voice my stance on this topic. Personally ii feel that this whole random or routine drug testing at the place of work where you survive….ii am convinced that this is one of the unseen brutalities of governments that enables them to monitor people who use ganja for personal reasons. In my opinion these laws completely violate any human rights reasoning including the International Human Rights Commission.

They pretend that they do not understand the functioning of the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) and this facilitates them to continue shouting “More research….there isn’t enough science yet….” This is why it’s so important for people to do their own research and realize that they can heal themselves from any medical condition whether mental, physical or spiritual.  

These inhumane laws need to be changed to align with current labor law as it pertains to substances like alcohol and cocaine for example, for appropriate occupations such operating heavy machinery. It is unforgivable to penalize ordinary citizens for firstly being employed, and secondly for exercising their natural God-given right to supplement their health, no matter who their gods might be. And on this subject millions of sovereign citizens are persecuted for using Cannabis as a sacrament, for example Rastafari and Hindu people.

The next law that must be changed urgently are the laws that control the legal category of Cannabis and specifically THC. The entire plant must be removed from the legal system and must be free! Free like tomatoes!

The time that THC stays in the human system varies from person to person

We must realize that there are 8 billion different Endocannabinoid systems in the human species. Yes, each one is as unique as the fingerprint and the iris of the eye. So THC duration varies and everyone is different.

Testing positive for THC in a drug test depends on a few factors. Most important is the level of THC in the plant. We must also realize that today’s ganja is much much strong than back in the 1960’s. Back then 6% THC was considered high and they used this in their propaganda programs like “Reefer Madness” making people believe that they could go insane from using Cannabis. Today we are looking 20 to 30% and there are even “Over 90’s clubs” for super potent THC medicine. It is very important to respect the herb because Cannabis is a medicine not a party drug!

Each person’s metabolism is also unique and frequency of use and hydration are also important things to consider along with age and body mass.

In general THC stays in the system for at least 28 days regardless of the person’s tolerance

The reason why alcohol, cocaine and other party drugs don’t stay in the system long is simply because they are not supposed to be there and the body works effectively to get rid of these substances but eventually the body will take strain and deteriorate. Heroine for example can only be detected up to an hour after use. Even over the counter anti-inflammatory pills like Ibuprofen, those pink little tabs people take for pain and inflammation can manifest a positive THC metabolite reading in urine. And there is real scientific evidence that in some people CBD (Cannabidiol) can convert to THC in the gastric acid. This is a concern for employees who think that they are taking CBD safely and legally.

 

THC on the other hand, is the main activator of the human ECS and is most certainly designed to be in our bodies. This is why the body has always produced a human version of THC. This endocannabinoid is known as Anandamide and this means ‘bliss” in Sanskrit. 

 

People have been asking me for decades why ii think THC is illegal and ii always say that it’s because it is illegal to be happy! The fact that the Irish scientist who got to name the human version of THC and christened this vital molecule as “Ananadamide” is proof of my lifelong way of thinking about so-called legalization.

 

Other important things to remember is that THC can be detected in your hair for up to 90 days and anywhere up to and even beyond a month in a urine test. Again this is also only in general, that THC will remain in your blood for at least 36 hours. And don’t think that you have the advantage of being bald or even trying to shave! Word has it that a lot of employers with zero-tolerance even think about taking your hair from your armpits or groin.

 

The test ii like the most is the oral saliva test because THC only stays in the saliva for 48 hours

 

The saliva or mouth-swob test seems the easiest to manipulate if you study the way drugs show up in saliva. Using peroxide mouth wash and brushing your tounge profusely you might be able to reduce your THC levels in saliva. Especially, if you into dabs because surely concentrates can accumulate in the mouth. These tests can detect THC within 5 minutes of use and random roadside oral tests can detect THC up to 12 hours after use. In my opinion you should rather observe the 48 hour window period.

But ii still very strongly feel that ordinary citizens should not be forced to take THC tests, especially in South Africa, where it is perfectly legal to consume as much Cannabis as we like in the privacy of our homes. This idea of giving laws with one hand and taking away our rights with new laws is now unfashionable and frankly unacceptable in terms of human rights.

 

So how can you naturally protect yourself from unfair drug testing at work?

 

It all depends on how much time you have before the next test and what type of test you are expecting. Everyone has their own theory as to what works for them. From charcoal, creatine, vitamin B complex, detox drinks, to extreme hydration methods that could end up damaging your kidneys. Dilution seems to be the most common but truly the least effective. Seldom do ii hear of this method working with urine tests.

 

Many people have wild stories of what their special detox program is and how many times you need to pee 2 hours before the test. Tried and tested so many of these remedies. Some people say you have to sweat it out! Well ii am not too sure about this because exercise will surely bring the THC out of the cells (fat cells) and back into the blood and into the urine so ii would be careful of that.

 

Today there’s a huge market for ‘fake urine” products that apparently contain all the right pee-chemicals including albumen and at the precise specific gravity testing. Some even come with the required hosepipe to fill the specimen cup without anyone noticing.

 

In my opinion using zinc-sulphate and Cranberry with Citra Soda can offer the best solutions. In natural medicine we do use pure cranberry juice as a detox and ii have heard of people successfully passing a THC test in this way. Of course each person is different. Some people also swear by green tea but you will really have to drink a LOT of green tea to pass a drug test. There are a number of scientific studies confirming that zinc can lower THC metabolites in urine.

 

We cannot continue to blame the pungent aroma of ganja or our natural biological system that demands cannabinoids especially THC for getting into trouble with the authorities and employers. But neither can they use these two organically natural factors to persecute people who use Cannabis either medicinally or recreationally, it matters not because all Cannabis use is medicinal whether the person realizes this or not.

We have to step up the pressure to take back this plant that is rightfully ours for our survival. No other plant can claim to heal 700 known medical conditions and no other plant that is registered, controlled and researched as an illicit drug can claim to never ever have killed a single human being…ever! No other plant is truly worthy to be referred to as the human companion plant.

 

I will really love to hear from you what your most effective THC detox remedy is!

 

 

HEALING DIABETES WITH HERBAL TEA: EXPLORING THE ANTI-DIABETIC PROPERTIES OF TERPENES AND FLAVINOIDS IN THREE SOUTH AFRICAN PLANTS

Healing diabetes with herbal tea is not so unusual because next to water, tea is the most consumed non-alcoholic beverage. Therefore healing diabetes with herbs is fast becoming a popular modern day solution for this ever challenging health condition.

There are three main types of diabetes. All three types involve the production and secretion of the hormone known as insulin, produced in the pancreas. Insulin is the essential hormone that converts glucose into energy. It is responsible for the biological function of metabolism concerned with energy expenditure in the body.

Type 1 diabetes is where an auto-immune process has destroyed the insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. Type 2-diabetes is the most common version and develops over time. The body gradually becomes unable to use insulin properly, or doesn’t produce enough insulin. Third is gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, genetics and lifestyle.

People who suffer from diabetes constantly have high blood sugar and cannot produce enough insulin

Diabetes is a critical condition and statistics reveal that over 400 million South Africans are affected and thousands go undiagnosed. [1] Further, it is estimated that another 5 million South Africans have pre-diabetes. This is when blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type-2-diabetes. Of greater concern is the alarming statistics in the development of the chronic complications of diabetes. Kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, lower leg amputations and blindness are some of the symptoms of this devastating disease. [2] 

Diabetes is a slow-onset condition and early detection is of paramount importance

Healing diabetes involves the recognition of the onset of the disease and to determine the best mode of treatment. This disease is generally believed to be incurable; and the pharmaceutical drugs available are not affordable to the poor. There are several means of managing and treating diabetes, however, natural remedies are proving more effective. This is because unlike synthetic drugs and oral medications healing diabetes with herbs does not cause undesirable side effects.

Extreme eating and lazy lifestyles are the main accomplices to the development of diabetes. Of course some people are genetically pre-disposed but this disease is predominantly preventable. And it is possible to still have a healthy quality of life by healing diabetes with herbal teas.

People have become urbanized and no longer care for healthy food but instead invest in processed takeaways. It is known that high sugar diets can lead to obesity and diabetes and we are seeing this everywhere today. To truly cure diabetes we must first control the corporate marketing of unhealthy foods in our own minds. Then we must put in place proper health systems that provide standard preventative and curative care for affected individuals.

Healing diabetes with herbs will provide new therapies with less side-effects 

Safe curative treatments for diabetes are yet to be developed although traditional healers still practice herbalism for the treatment of diabetes. People diagnosed with diabetes need the best possible treatment available and this includes patient education. As diabetes continues to increase, so does the need to create awareness and strategize how to reduce the risk of diabetes.

The world’s diabetic population is diverse and we need herbal healing for individual treatment plans. When the pancreas starts showing signs that it can no longer produce enough insulin we must immediately start considering herbal remedies. By healing diabetes with herbal remedies we can access safer, cheaper and more effective treatments.

Healing diabetes with herbs will not interfere with synthetic drugs like insulin 

Herbs can be used as an anti-diabetic remedy alone, but can also be used safely with other drugs like insulin. In fact most anti-diabetic herbs will also alleviate the awful side-effects of some diabetic drugs. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, swelling and headaches are some examples. Likewise the resurgence of herbal medicines has led to increasing concerns over their safety, quality and efficacy. This is an important medical development because it led to human clinical trials and published research papers that prove the safety of herbal medicine.

Which plants can be used to heal diabetes? 

In nature we are blessed with at least 389 medicinal herbs that have been identified and proven to treat diabetes. [3] However, it has been reported that more than 1200 traditional plants may have been used traditionally to treat blood sugar. [4] These plants are recognized to contain valuable medical properties to treat both high and low blood sugar. There is even a plant named “the insulin plant” that originates from India. [5] As custodians of herbal healing traditional healers may hold the key to unlock many diabetic complications.

In this article we will analyze the top three herbs used for traditional healing of diabetes in South Africa. Let’s start with the national flower of the country.

P1 Sugarbush (Protea repens) 

South African’s enjoy 1700 species of Protea plants but most people feel that all Protea flowers are equally our national flower! Protea Sugarbush or “Suikerbossie” as it is known in South Africa occurs mainly around Cape Town where the fynbos biome grows.

The Sugarbush has been exploited for centuries for the nectar produced by the flowers. This abundantly produced nectar was collected in the past to be boiled into sugary syrup, so-called bossiestroop, meaning ‘bush syrup’. This traditional medicine was used to treat chest conditions and as a component of cough mixtures. It was also used traditionally to treat diabetes. This remedy became an essential component of folk medicine chests in the Cape. The First Nations of the Cape of Good Hope taught their colonialists the secrets of the honey-pot of the Protea plant. [6] 

The Khoi-Khoi people teach traditional healers to heal diabetes by making a tea from the leaves of the Sugarbush plant. This is how we still do it today, although many healers now use capsules to administer the crushed leaves. Besides anti-diabetic properties this plant also has wound healing and blood cleansing properties that also aid in the healing of diabetes.

P2 Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) R. Br. (Fabacea), Cancer bush, Kankerbossie [7]

Sutherlandia is another Western Cape medicinal plant traditionally used to treat diabetes. This plant has been shown to have anti-diabetic properties in animal studies. [8] This study investigated Sutherlandia in preventing insulin resistance in human liver cell cultures and to identify genes regulated by this plant

We must understand that insulin resistance is a precursor to type-2-diabetes and is considered a serious condition

The results prove that healing diabetes with herbs can prevent insulin resistance in liver cells.

This study also revealed that Sutherlandia can alter human gene expression and points towards the mechanisms of the plants’ anti-diabetic actions. Healing diabetes by drinking ‘kankerbossie’ tea has been helping people overcome their condition for thousands of years. [9] Diabetics who use the leaves as tea report a drop in blood glucose levels and Sutherlandia has no signs of toxicity or side-effects. [10]

Sutherlandia can cure diabetes and cancer 

Aptly nicknamed ‘The Cancer Bush’ this herb displays anticancer activities and this supports the claims of South African Traditional Healers. The reason why Sutherlandia cures cancer is because it possesses apoptotic properties, meaning it can destroy any mutant cells. [11] Another reason is that Sutherlandia is loaded with antioxidants that are known to destroy free-radicals that cause cancer. People should be competing to use herbs to rid their bodies of free-radicals to beat cellular-oxidation and cancer.

Chemicals like terpenes, terpenoids and flavonoids have been identified as being responsible for the health benefits of Sutherlandia. Terpenes are the chemicals that give plants their fragrance but they also have their own unique healing abilities. These chemicals play role in the bioactivity of Sutherlandia and the anti-diabetic and anticancer properties of this plant are well established. [12] It’s amazing to know that we can literally heal diabetes and cancer by simply sipping on some tea!

P3 Cannabis sativa (dagga)

How does Cannabis control our blood sugar?

Dagga is already a household name for healing hundreds of medical conditions and diabetes is no exception. In fact Cannabis is now known for healing 700 known medical conditions.

Here is the link as a reference of this fact and you will notice how many auto-immune conditions are on this list. These type of diseases only really started surfacing in society after CBD (Cannabidiol) was removed from the worlds food-chain in the 1930's. In my opinion this was the very reason for the sudden appearance of an overwhelming count of cancers and auto-immune conditions. This is proof of Endocannabinoid deficiency and people need Cannabis to supplement the ECS. 

It is becoming more and more obvious that our hormones play a crucial role in the way our bodies uptake and regulate energy. The importance of this is that Cannabis and the ECS regulate the functions of our hormone system. Cannabis regulates blood sugar levels, by controlling the secretion and release of hormones like insulin and Melanin Concentrating Hormone (MCH). Scientists now know that MCH plays a role in the growth of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, and the secretion of insulin. When MCH induces appetite it also increases insulin secretion from the beta cells and enhances the growth of the beta cells.

 Our sleep hormones also regulate our blood sugar

Melatonin is the hormone usually associated with our sleep waking patterns. Research proves that it also has a specific function in the control of insulin secretion from the islets of the pancreas. [13] This proves that melatonin has a distinct and detailed effect on insulin secretion. This is based on the biological fact that the pancreatic beta cells all have melatonin receptors. It is well known that sleep disorders and shift-working, are closely associated with reduced glucose tolerance and type 2-diabetes. [14]

Twenty years ago scientists had no idea of the functional importance of hormones like melatonin. Through the study of the ECS we realize that many hormones act on diverse physiological processes in the body. [15] 

Pancreatic cancer is the toughest to treat

Cancer of the pancreas is known to be one of the hardest to cure because early detection is almost impossible. This cancer is vicious and kills over 90% of its victims within five years. Researchers at Harvard University state that Cannabis killed all the tumor cells in 70% of mice with pancreatic cancer. These scientists were so surprised at the results that they had to run additional tests for confirmation. They published their research in the Journal Frontiers on Oncology in 2019.

Their findings are attributed to particular chemicals within Cannabis known as flavonoids and in particular Caflanone (FBL-03G). The American FDA has approved Caflanone ‘orphan drug’ status meaning that it can cure previously incurable diseases. This flavonoid successfully destroyed tumor progression in animals with pancreatic cancer and research is ongoing at Harvard Medical School. This proves that flavonoids are also involved in the apoptotic functions of the anticancer properties of Cannabis.

Jamaican ‘Black Swan’ is an ideal dagga strain to treat pancreatic cancer 

Doctors and scientists are starting to realize that Cannabis medicine is so much more than just THC and CBD. Terpenes and flavonoids within Cannabis all have their own special healing properties over and above the cannabinoids.

Dr. Henry Lowe is chairman of the pharmaceutical drug company known as Flavocure and he has studied Cannabis since 1974. He discovered a unique strain in Jamaica named ‘Black Swan’ because of its rich flavonoid content, particularly Caflanone. The company has isolated this strain specifically for their research in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The most amazing fact about this treatment is that there are no side-effects, which is unheard of in pharmaceutical human trials. [16]

What do these three plants have in common to heal diabetes?

At the time of writing this paper (2021) there was not one single scientific paper referencing Sugarbush having anti-diabetic properties, not one! The search was relentless and eventually ii found a scientific link revealing the chemical responsible for anti-diabetic properties in many medicinal plants. 

This chemical is the terpene scientifically known as Linalool. As mentioned before terpenes are the chemicals within plants that are responsible for the aroma, fragrance and taste of plants and their fruits. Terpenes also have healing properties that contribute to the medicinal value of many herbs including Cannabis. Linalool is found in many plants like lavender, and is also the terpene responsible for sweet-tasting strawberries!

“Linalool can comprise up to 66% of the Proteas fruity scents.” [17]

No other plant on Earth contains this much Linalool and even ganja rarely presents more than 1.5%. It is exciting to discover that all three plants contain the chemical known as Linalool also found in hundreds of plants. This spicy lavender-resembling terpene is the secret molecular plant-link to regulating blood sugar in human beings. Sutherlandia also contains Linalool and this is what produces the much needed anti-diabetic properties of this plant. [18]

Equally exciting is that modern scientists are finally acknowledging the anti-diabetic properties of plants and their chemical components. Linalool is now scientifically proven as an effective plant derived anti-diabetic treatment. [19] These revelations bring joy to traditional healers who lack the resources to scientifically publish their own valuable disciplines of medicinal knowledge. Molecules like Linalool will surely lead to a terpene boom in the future because of their ancient healing properties.

Can we afford to not heal diabetes with herbs?

Healing diabetes by using plants has been part of folk medicine and traditional healing systems forever. If no proof prevailed to the healing abilities of herbs then they would not be studied for their potent hypoglycaemic effects. Herbal intervention is completely natural and is woven into the cultural fabric of indigenous peoples. Modern medicine is losing its worth in terms of being effective and people are becoming more interested in herbs and self-medicating.

Natural medicine is needed because it provides health maintenance and is nurturing as plants are...

Healing diabetes by serving herbal teas is the best preventative primary care that we can offer to our communities. In SA herbs are used by different healers, such as herbalists, diviners, Inyanga;s Rastafarians, alternative and allopathic healers, and even ordinary people. This creates unique situations where traditional knowledge and science meet in the mountains to provide insight into healing herbs. [20]

The good news is that by healing diabetes with herbs we stand an excellent chance of reducing numbers with the least cost to physical and mental side-effects. We must become conscious that we can heal ourselves from almost any known disease by taking responsibility for what we consume. Diabetes is a worldwide health crisis because of poor nutrition and it should be on the forefront of every country’s agenda.

Citations for “Healing diabetes with herbal tea”

 [1] (Daniel Asmelash and Yemane Asmelash 28 April 2019) “The Burden of Undiagnosed Diabetes Mellitus in Adult African Population: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Diabetes Research Volume 2019 Article ID 4134937 https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/4134937

 [2] (Thylefors B. 1990) “The WHO program for the prevention of blindness.”  International Journal of Ophthal. Volume 14 page 211.

[3] (Padavala Ajay Babu et al 13 April 2006) “A database of 389 medicinal plants for diabetes”. Journal Bio-information Volume 1 Issue 4 pages 130-131 PMCID: PMC 1891668 PMID: 17597872 http://www.progenebio.in/DMP/listz.htm

 [4] (R.J. Marles and N.R. Farnsworth 1995) “Anti-diabetic Plants” Journal Phytomedicine Volume 2 Issue 2 pages 137-189 https://www.academia.edu/marles

 [5] (Akhila J Shetty et al April 2010) “Effect of the insulin plant (Costus igneus) leaves on dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia”. International Journal of Ayurveda Research Volume 1 Issue 2 pages 100-102 PMCID: PMC2924971 PMID: 20814523

 [6] (Ian Edwin Cock, October 2018) “Medicinal Plant images” Giffith University Pharmacognosy Communications Volume 8 Issue 4 page 170 Figure 1: “Protea is a genus of flowering plants from South Africa that are commonly referred to as sugarbushes. Protea repens is perhaps best known for its medicinal properties, although other species are also used in similar ways. The flower nectar is boiled to produce a syrup. This syrup is used to treat chest disorders, and as a component of cough mixtures. It also has been used traditionally to treat diabetes.” https://www.researchgate.net

[7] Sutherlandia frutescens (l.) r.br. (syn. Lessertia frutescens (L.) Goldblatt and J.C. Manning)

[8] (S. Williams et al, 27 March 2013) “Sutherlandia frutescens prevents changes in diabetes-related gene expression in a fructose-induced insulin resistant cell model.” Journal of Ethonopharmacology Volume 146 Issue 2 pages 482-489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.01.008Get rights and content

 [9] (Oluwaseyi M et al, 1 February 2014) “The Meeting of Science and Traditional Knowledge” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Volume 20 Issue 2 page 71 PMCID: PMC3924790 PMID: 23837689

 [10] (B.E. Van Wyk, October 2011) “The potential of South African Plants in the development of new medicinal products.” South African Journal of Botany Volume 77 Issue 4 pages 812-829 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2011.08.011

[11] (Kenneth Anye Chinkwo, 8 April 2005) “Sutherlandia frutescens extracts can induce apoptosis in cultured carcinoma cells.” Journal Ethnopharmacol Volume 8 Issue 98 pages 163-70. PMID: 15763378 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 [12] (Stander A, Marais S, Stivaktas V, et al 2009) “ In vitro effects of Sutherlandia frutescens on cell numbers, morphology, cell cycle progression and cell death in a tumorigenic and a non-tumorigenic epithelial breast cell line.” Journal Ethnopharmacol 2009; Volume 124 Issue 45–60 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

 [13] (Maria Cecilia Picinato et al October 2002) “Melatonin Inhibits Insulin Secretion and Decreases PKA Levels Without Interfering With Glucose Metabolism in Rat Pancreatic Islets”. Journal Pineal Res Volume 33 Issue 3 pages 156-60 PMID 12220330

 [14] (Elma Peschke et al March 2013) “Melatonin and Pancreatic Islets: Interrelationships between Melatonin, Insulin and Glucagen”. International Journal of Molecular Science Volume 14 Issue 4 pages 6981-7015 PMCID PMC3645673 PMID 23535335.

 [15] (Dr Ethan B Russo, 2004) “Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD): can this concept explain therapeutic benefits of cannabis in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other treatment-resistant conditions?” Neuro Endocrinol Letters February 2004

[16] Medical Cannabis Network 14 January 2020 “Black Swan: rare Jamaican cannabis strain could treat pancreatic cancer.” https://healtheuropa.eu

 [17] (Sandy-Lynn Steenhuisen et al March 2013) “Effects of volatile compounds emitted by Protea species (Proteacae) on antennal electrophyusiological responses and attraction of cetoniine beetles.” Journal Chem Ecol.

 [18] (B.E. Van Wyk, October 2011) “The potential of South African Plants in the development of new medicinal products.” South African Journal of Botany Volume 77 Issue 4 pages 812-829 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2011.08.011

 [19] (Tanaji A More et al, 2014) “Anti-diabetic activity of linalool and limonene in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat: a combinatorial therapy approach”. Int Jnl Pharm Pharm Sci Volume 6 Issue 8 pages 159-63

 [20] (Aston Philander L. 18 November 2011) “An ethnobotany of Western Cape Rasta bush medicine”. Journal Ethnopharmacol Volume 138 Issue 2 pages 578-94