CLICK HERE for Granny Storm Crow’s List – 2020
CLICK HERE for Granny Storm Crow’s Mini Dictionary (Updated March 2020)
September, 2021
It’s the beginning of September- rather late for me to send out a new List, but I’ve finally got it whipped into shape. So far, 2021 isn’t much better than 2020! In northern California, the weather has been miserably hot, the air is smoky and no real cooling is expected until fall. A lightning-caused fire even forced us to evacuate for the better part of a week.
Fortunately, we were (somewhat) prepared to evacuate. A dear friend was able to put us up at her home, so the company was good. However, we spent those days wondering if we would have a home to come home to. The fire came to less than a mile from where we live, but missed our little neighborhood completely. Many others were not as lucky.
New studies related to Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System are coming out at an ever-increasing pace. The News Articles from 2010 to 2021 is for those unfamiliar with Cannabis, or just want a condensed version of the studies, as they can provide information in a short and easy to read form.
The Mini-Dictionary has plain language definitions for some of those puzzling scientific terms. The Pre-2000 mix of studies and news, a few of the articles date clear back to the 1800s, are (usually) easier to read and often deal with the basic questions about Cannabis use (how long to hold a “hit”, does Cannabis “go bad”, etc).
Please feel free to share my List with your friends- they deserve to discover the truth about this amazing herb. For decades, our governments have lied to us shamelessly about Cannabis. It’s time for us to spread the truth. And like my Grandfather once said, “If the truth won’t do, then something is wrong!”
Take good care,
Granny
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March, 2020
First of all, I want to thank all of you who sent condolences after my husband’s passing in January 2019. Your messages of love were like stars of light in a very dark time. They helped me find my way back to ‘being me’ after being overwhelmed with grief. I’ve had some sweet little emotional highs recently, like making an old-fashioned ‘Sun Bonnet Sue’ quilt for my friend’s beautiful baby girl. But I must admit that the latest ‘high’ was wonderfully and absolutely mind-blowing for me!
I’m in ‘High Times’ magazine! ‘Higher Profile: Granny Storm Crow, Grass Roots Advocate’
The author, Sharon Letts, and I had met briefly, years ago. We recently reconnected via email, “hit it off” again, and the article happened. I thought she’d end up posting it up in her blog, or some small local publication, but when I opened the link, there was that little red and white ‘HIGH TIMES” logo! WOW! Anyway, between quilting and “life, the universe and everything”, once again, I got started late on checking the thousands of links in my List. I was able to properly edit “only” a little over 2,000 pages- the current studies section, plus the repeats of those studies that are in other sections.
You’ll know which ones have been checked- they now show the names of countries after the study’s title. Most new studies now list the institutes that the scientists are affiliated with, so I’ve added their countries. It’s not all Israel, Canada and the US doing the majority of studies any more. There are some surprising “new players” in the world of cannabinoid research, Brazil is one example. When possible, I am also including links to the studies in other languages.
But I want you to see what I see – that whether as a medicine, an industrial crop, a promising food source, or a safer ‘intoxicant’ – all the nations that legally can, are researching Cannabis. Endocannabinoid System research is basically found world-wide, since all humans and higher animals have an Endocannabinoid System. I find it hopeful that scientists, whose countries may be old enemies, or new political rivals, can be ‘adult’ enough to put aside their differences sufficiently to create coherent, scientific documents that benefit their various countries, and the scientific world as a whole.
Meanwhile, far too many of our politicians can’t agree on even ‘common sense’ matters! Throughout 2019, various polls noted that about two-thirds of the American public wants Cannabis legalized. Are our politicians listening? And that’s all I’m saying about politics, except, “PLEASE VOTE WISELY!” Back to the List- you may note that some of the abstracts now have two URL’s. Not all abstracts are created equal. More information is a good thing, so, two sources. And speaking of information, the List is meant to be shared, so share it with your friends (and maybe your doctor?). I have tried to provide all of you with the medical, sociological, and historical sources you will need to learn more about Cannabis and how the cannabinoids affect us.
One word of caution, are all the studies in my List ‘pro-Cannabis’? The answer is no. Nothing in this world is 100% safe, or good and there are some situations when Cannabis should be avoided and you should know about them. Yet, that is no excuse for decades of lies and harsh punishments for Cannabis use that our governments have inflicted upon us. It’s 2020, time to see our way to legalization and sharing the truth about Cannabis. And like my grandfather once said, “If the truth won’t do, then something is wrong!”
A little very stoned musing – Is Cannabis “the Tree of Life, for the healing of nations?” Will medical patients, ‘stoners’, scientists and researchers be the ones to start the dialogs we need to keep our world’s ecology from falling apart? Could Cannabis research become a friendly ‘space race’ with a more cooperative goal of healing the earth and its people?
Granny Storm Crow
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September 2019
It’s been over a year since I wrote to all of you. In answer to your emails asking, “What happened to the January 2019 “Granny Storm Crow’s List”? To put it at its simplest, this has been a very rough year for me. Last fall, my disabled husband’s health took a huge turn for the worse. His heart was failing. Much of my fall and winter was spent taking him to and from doctors, the ER, or worse, to the hospital. His last hospital stay was a two week long nightmare. His care was less than what he would have gotten at home. I finally got him out of there and back home.
Toward the end of January, one day after our 51st wedding anniversary, he passed away at home, while holding my hand. My brain felt “paralyzed” and I just could not do anything. My closest friends and family all told me to just take care of myself- the world would survive without a January List. I took their good advice. Eventually, the numbing brain-fog began to wear off a little, but reading and sorting medical studies was still out of the question. So instead, I dove into the dull, mindless work of checking the links, one by one. It needed doing, and it gave me time to heal.
To most folks, the List appears as this huge, unchanging monolith of information, but it is constantly changing. Abstracts become full studies (and vice versa) changing their URL’s, there was that switch from http to https that made many links invalid, older links got deleted or archived, and I even had a whole site just vanish, so I had to find duplicates at other sites. By the time I had finished checking all the links, I had a huge backlog of new studies to deal with. I am still not quite caught up, but I am a full month past my usual deadline for the summer List, so ready or not, here it is!
As usual, I divided up the List into sections, my “beautiful monster” has grown to over 6,000 pages of links on just about everything related to Cannabis. It’s quite a change from the original 60 pages I shared on my 60th birthday! The news articles is a good place to start your Cannabis education. Most of us “old timers” had to learn about Cannabis bit by bit from scattered sources. The news articles give a short, understandable summary of medical studies and their findings. Interestingly, news articles often contain details the “official” abstract may not, so are worth reading.
The new studies from 2015 to mid-August 2019 is the biggest section simply because new studies are coming out at an amazing rate. For students, medical professionals and patients, this can be the most useful section. Besides hundreds of recent medical studies, this section also contains a large “Cultivation” section with articles on Cannabis growing dating back as far as 1789, hundreds of recipes in “Methods of Use”, and the “History” of Cannabis, both ancient and modern, is explored.
There is a section dedicated to the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) – endocannabinoids, their receptors and related enzymes. The information on “Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency” and “Omega-3” is quite thought-provoking. In my opinion, the study of the ECS, and its genetics, is the future of medicine … but I may be a bit biased. The next section begins with the “Phytocannabinoids”, THC, CBD and all their friends and relatives. Because of our illogical ban on actual Cannabis research, this section is far too thin. I expect this to change soon. Canada, Israel, Mexico and other “medically legal” countries will be doing more Cannabis research, while the US is falling behind.
Then we jump to the synthetic cannabinoids, the “Spice/K-2” drugs. In the lab, these are used to study the functions of a single type of receptor. The illegal “Spice” street drugs are usually made in countries where quality control is “optional”. And unlike natural Cannabis, these synthetic drugs have killed. Avoid them like the plague they are! The last section contains the “older” studies from 2014 on back. Don’t ignore these just because they are a bit older. There is a lot of good info in them! The “ancient” studies can answer can some of those basic questions like, “Does Cannabis go bad?” or “How long should you hold your hit?”, and you’ll even find a few “Reefer Madness” articles thrown in there for your amusement, or horror.
On a final note, I find that I am still not quite back, either intellectually or emotionally, to where I should be, but I am healing. Keeping busy is the best medicine for me and my List keeps spreading the truth about Cannabis and how it can heal. And as my late grandfather once said, “If the truth won’t do, then something is wrong!”
Granny Storm Crow
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January 2018
Well, we are still waiting for Trump to make good on his words- “Marijuana is such a big thing. I think medical should happen — right? Don’t we agree? I think so. And then I really believe we should leave it up to the states”.* Was that just another meaningless “campaign promise”?
When will our federal government bow to reality and the will of the people, and de-schedule cannabis? An effective herbal medicine that is safer to use than common aspirin has no business being a Schedule I drug! And we all know cannabis is a far safer intoxicant to use than alcohol.
Just why are medicines that can cause “suicidal thoughts or actions” perfectly fine to prescribe, while a simple herb that lifts your mood is strictly forbidden by federal law? Why are synthetic forms of THC (Marinol, Syndros, and Cesamet) considered as legitimate medicines that can be prescribed, yet THC, when extracted from a plant, is Schedule I – having no medical uses?
Our government’s Compassionate Investigational New Drug Program has been in existence since the mid-1970’s. Every single month, the aging patients in the program have received 300 pre-rolled, government-issued “marijuana cigarettes” to be used for medical purposes. If cannabis has no medical uses, why has our government continued to provide medical marijuana for those patients for decades?
Over at PubMed (a .gov site), studies detailing the varied medical uses of cannabis and the cannabinoids are being published at an increasingly rapid rate. Yet our government stubbornly clings to its out-dated claims that cannabis has NO medical uses.
This List of studies and news articles is my protest to our government’s prohibition of all forms of cannabis. It is my hope that you will share my List and its information with others. Once the facts about cannabis become known, the need for full federal legalization becomes obvious!
In 1938, hemp was called “The Billion Dollar Crop”.** To put that into perspective, in 1938 you could get a brand new luxury car, a Chrysler Royal Brougham, for all of $975. So how much do you think the industrial hemp market would be worth today? And that amount is bolstered by the many new and remarkable uses for hemp that have been created during the last 80 years.
The government’s deliberate ignorance and outright lies about this useful, healing plant must end! For 80 years, our government has waged a futile and expensive war not only against this plant, but against its own people. The cruel fiction of “Schedule I” must give way to the facts – cannabis IS medicine and hemp is a multi-billion dollar crop just waiting to happen. And as my late grandfather once said, “If the truth won’t do, then something is wrong!”
Granny Storm Crow
*The Donald Trump Quote You Didn’t Hear… http://www.outsiderclub.com/the-donald-trump-quote-you-didnt-hear-pot-stocks-investing-inlegal-marijuana/1840
** New Billion Dollar Crop http://www.hempfarm.org/BillionDollarCrop.html
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July 2017
Well, Obama is history, and gone with him any hope of a last-minute legalization. With the new president, all we can do is wait and see what happens. There may be some hope for legal medical use with Trump. “Marijuana is such a big thing. I think medical should happen — right? Don’t we agree? I think so. And then I really believe we should leave it up to the states”*. I’m just sitting here looking at my 5 little clones on the window sill, hoping that legalization actually will be left up to the states, so everyone can share the freedom that I have. As of today, over half of the states (28) have legalized some form of medical use, while 8 states, and interestingly, Washington DC, have legalized both medical and adult recreational use. Eventually, our federal government must bow to reality, and the will of the people, and deschedule Cannabis. If it does not, it will be guilty of ignoring the voice of a clear majority of its citizens, as well as the medical facts. So just how “free” are we, when the government can decree that we are not permitted to grow a safe and effective medicinal herb in our own backyards and homes?
The laws prohibiting Cannabis are certainly not due to any concerns over “public safety”, since we are perfectly free to grow ornamental plants that can kill, such as oleander, foxglove and castor bean plants. Whether you approve of our new president and his actions, or not, becoming more politically, socially, and environmentally conscious, and more active on a local level, seems an appropriate reaction to his presidency. Reach out to others of a like mind. Without my friends helping me, this List would reach far fewer of you (hugs to “Old Hippie of the “Beyond Chronic” blog for much-needed technical assistance, and Anne Marie for creating the Facebook page). From getting that annoying pothole fixed, to ending human trafficking, there are more than enough things on this earth that need fixing. Find your “good cause” and help heal the world.
Making it easy for you to learn more about Cannabis is my goal. And don’t let the size of my List frighten you – it’s really quite easy to use. Everything has been sorted into categories to make it easier for you. Just start with the news articles, then move on to the studies as you learn more. The List is here as a gateway to your education about Cannabis, not an endpoint. Because of the irrational prohibition of Cannabis, we are only beginning to understand the potential of this pleasant, healing herb. Already, our fascination with Cannabis and its “high” has led to a completely new, major branch of medical science, the study of the Endocannabinoid System. Science is all about the facts. Our drug laws should be based on science, not racism, politics, religion, or personal bias. For 80 years, the truth about Cannabis has been suppressed and ignored. And as my grandfather once said, “If the truth won’t do, then something is wrong!”
Granny Storm Crow
*The Donald Trump Quote You Didn’t Hear… Leaving Marijuana to States a Boon for Investors
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July, 2016
In the news today, the DEA has loosened up their restrictions on Cannabis research slightly, while keeping it as a tightly controlled Schedule 1 drug – having no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse.
Meanwhile, here in the real world, over 33 million American citizens (1 in every 8 adults) admit to currently using Cannabis. Several polls show about 55% of voters support full legalization of Cannabis, with an overwhelming 89% calling for medical legalization. A recent video shows the President’s eldest daughter sneaking a quick puff on a joint – just like countless numbers of ordinary high school graduates have done at concerts since the 1960’s. At least five more states will vote on legal recreational use this November.
Illegal or not, Cannabis use is a part of our American culture. We now have 25 states and Washington DC that accept medical Cannabis. Another 16 states have “CBD only” laws. That makes 41 states that have recognized that Cannabis and its individual phytocannabinoids do have medical uses. This fall, the public will vote to add even more states to that total. Yet the DEA insists that having 41 states recognizing the medical use of Cannabis does not constitute “accepted medical use in the United States”!
Malia Obama has had her puff and will face no serious consequences from it (beyond what her parents will do to her). She will still attend Harvard as planned, but that is not the case for many other students! Our government “robs” thousands of our young adults of a brighter future by denying them student loans and grants, because they, like the President’s daughter, had a puff and got caught at it. How many bright young minds have we lost to this destructive policy?
The United States continues to hold the shameful distinction of having the largest percentage of its citizens in prisons and jails. With the DEA clinging to this irrational classification of Cannabis, over 33 million otherwise law-abiding American adults remain criminals! In 2010, Harvard economist, Jeffrey Miron, did a study that indicated our government would save over $20 billion each year with Cannabis legalization. Confirming these monetary benefits, Colorado is experiencing an astonishing financial boom with full legalization.
The original 1937 laws against “marihuana” were based on racism, corporate greed and an attempt to maintain the political/economic status quo. And today? Minorities are still arrested at far higher rates than whites. Equal opportunities for education are denied. Lobbyists protect profits by continuing to “donate” large sums to politicians. Needlessly restrictive and complex laws are passed, in spite of numerous studies citing the safety and effectiveness of Cannabis. Cannabis prohibition is a failed, highly destructive social experiment that needs to end. So how do we end it? It’s simple. All you really need to do is spread the truth about this healing herb. And as my grandfather once said, long ago – “If the truth won’t do, then something is wrong!”
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January, 2016
It’s a cold, foggy day here in northern California, and here I am again, sitting at my computer, figuring out what to say to all of you. Most of the time, the words I need come so easily to me, but not today! I’ve got a good case of writer’s block, but there are a few things I know I need to mention. Lately, Cannabis has become a very hot topic, both in the news and the world of science. It is getting harder to keep up with all of the new information. Yet, it’s still joy-filled work for me and I get to learn so much. I don’t see me stopping doing this.
One major change in the List, all of the recent news articles are now separate from the studies. Between all the news articles and studies, the 2010-2016 “Conditions” section was just getting too darn big – over 1,600 pages of links! I think being able to read the information as news will speed learning for the beginners. And those of you who are “into” the studies, you won’t have to wade through all those news articles to “get to the meat”.
I am hoping that all of you are registered to vote [US]- several states have either medical, or full legalization coming up later this year. Be sure that personal growing is allowed – otherwise you will be just trading one drug lord for another! The growing and personal use of medicinal herbs should not be a crime! With legalization comes responsibility. If you grow outdoors near others, try to pick strains with a more pleasant odor such as “Agent Orange”, “C-99”, “Grape Ape” or any good “Lemony” strain. Your home-grown doesn’t need to smell like a road-kill skunk to be good! And consider using a herbal vaporizer if your smoke may drift to another’s home. Vaping is healthier than smoking and easier on your lungs (See “Methods of Use – Vaporizers” in the “Conditions” section). We need to respect those who choose not to use Cannabis, and should ask for only the same level of courtesy in return.
2015
My Goodness! How my List has grown over the last few months! And there have been some rather unexpected new “branchings” in the List recently. Acetaminophen, black tea, flax, echinacea, and magnolias? How did they manage to sneak into my list on cannabis, cannabinoids, and the endocannabinoid system?
The answer is simple, the plants all contain compounds that interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Science has discovered that cannabinoids are, indeed, made by other plants. So far, none of them cause the same dramatic psychoactive CB1 receptor reaction (the high) as THC. They seem to be mostly limited to the CB2 receptors (no high, just healing).
Acetaminophen, on the other hand, is transformed by your body into a compound called AM-404, which blocks the break-down of anandamide, your body’s own version of THC. Just like THC, anandamide makes you “feel good” and decreases pain. Blocking the breakdown of the fragile anandamide by AM-404 results in more anandamide being in your body, relieving your pain. The acetaminophen, itself, does nothing to relieve your pain!
As much as I would like it to be, cannabis is not 100% safe – nothing is! There is something you need to understand about the endocannabinoid system – it is a system of checks and balances. The amounts of endocannabinoids vary according to the body’s needs. As an example, during a woman’s ovulation, her anandamide levels spike, then drop drastically for the implantation of the egg. THC during ovulation would have little effect, but just days later, THC might interfere with implantation. Women trying to get pregnant should avoid cannabis.
Teens under the age of 16 should not be using cannabis unless there is a medical reason. The adolescent brain undergoes a “rewiring job” and the endocannabinoid system is right in the middle of things. The fear is that THC will cause “misconnections” resulting in subtle personality changes or neurosis. Like alcohol, cannabis should normally be reserved for adults.
Likewise, cancer is not just one disease, which is why one treatment does not work on all types of cancer. Most cancers appear to be slowed by THC, but there are a few rare exceptions. When exposed to THC or similar synthetics, A549 lung cancer cells start reproducing, while exposure to CBD slows them down*. The usual “high THC” RSO could be a disaster for a small minority of cancer patients. We need more research, but that can’t happen without legalization!
Our government [United States] has lied to us about the effects of cannabis for over seven decades. They have blocked virtually all research into cannabis and how it heals. They have ranked a never fatal herbal medicine with the most deadly kinds of drugs, against all scientific evidence! Yet, somehow, that inconvenient truth keeps coming out – cannabis heals! It is time that we, as a nation, demand that the truth be openly acknowledged and research into this amazing plant begun! As my Grandfather said, “If the truth won’t do, then something is wrong”.
*Critical appraisal of the potential use of cannabinoids in cancer management (full–2013) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3770515/
#North American English (for the most part) is used across this site, thank you.
While I agree in theory, these people should get their pharmacology right. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is not hydrocodone, and neither is Oxycontin, which is oxycodone. Two completely different drugs. For starters. Also, didn’t mention that paracetamol action is mediated by the endocannabinoid system, therfore a natural cannabis preparation could replace it. Good idea, but very poorly executed. I have nothing against bagging Big Pharma, but at least get your facts right, otherwise there can be no credibility.
We don’t have to live in a medicated world, but we certainly choose to. The crux of the matter is that we refuse to proactively think about prevention because we reactively commit to treating the symptoms of underlying health problems. This is the allopathic model. We want the quick fix so we can continue our poor lifestyle and dietary habits. It doesn’t have to be this way, but it is. We can blame doctors, the medical institutions and healthcare systems all we want, but self-responsibility is our only recourse if we are ever to surface from this mess. There are no excuses–if you’re taking one of these drugs, consult with a Natural Health Practitioner this week about phasing out your medication and phasing in these powerful natural foods and remedies.
Of the over 4 billion prescriptions written every year, the United States and Canada make up more than 80% of the world’s prescription opioids (psychoactive medications). Between 1997 and 2012 prescription opioids increased in dosage by almost 500%. Pharmaceuticals and medical errors are now a leading cause of death. Painkillers are the leading cause of accidental death.
In the last 15 years of life, people are experiencing more pain for longer periods than at any point on our historical record. If you think life expectancy has increased to the benefit of mankind, you’re not looking at the numbers.
78% of U.S. prescriptions written in 2010 were for generic drugs (both unbranded and those still sold under a brand name). The most prescribed drugs aren’t always the best selling drugs, there’s a difference.
Prescriptions for pain, cholesterol reduction, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, antacids, antipsychotics, diabetes and antibiotics make up 100% of the most prescribed drugs.
Make a commitment to yourself right now and start incorporating some of these amazing foods into your diet with no consequence of side effects. When you accept this, you will get off prescription medications for good.
Check out the top 7 most prescribed drugs and the best natural remedies to treat and prevent disease.
1. HYDROCODONE (Vicodin)
Use: For Pain
Currently the single most prescribed drug in the world. More and more doctors are getting huge payouts from pharmaceutical companies to promote these hydrocodone, especially generic drugs. They make up more than 20% of the top prescribed medications.
Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), told Fox News that doctors are handing out narcotics like candy. Some doctors are giving patients prescriptions for narcotics for even minor injuries.
How it Works:
It is an orally psychoactive compound that works as a narcotic and analgesic. It is biotransformed by the liver into several metabolites. It is highly dependent on metabolism by the Cytochrome P450 pathway.
Consequences:
Respiratory depression; bradycardia; coma; seizures; cardiac arrest; liver damage; and death. Inherited genes such as the Cytochrome P450 affects metabolic pathways–some cannot process it at all, whereas a smaller percentage can get even more strength from it than usual.
Natural Foods:
Ginger, turmeric, berries, cayenne pepper, celery/celery seeds, cherries, dark green veggies, walnuts.
See: Natural Healing Remedies: 10 Foods That Fight Inflammation And Pain
2. STATINS (Generic versions of Lipitor/Zocor/Crestor)
Use: Reduction of LDL Cholesterol
Approximately 15% of the top prescribed medications are generic statins. A study published in January 2012 in the Archives of Internal Medicine linked statins to 48 percent increased risk for type-2 diabetes.
The are NO scientific studies ever documented which have proved through causation that lowering LDL cholesterol prevents disease. The obsessed culture of lowering cholesterol may actually be causing cancer.
How it Works:
Statins artificially lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting a critical enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Consequences:
Inflammation and pathological breakdown of muscle, acute kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, interference with sex hormones and death.
Natural Foods:
Nuts, spinach, apples, turmeric, cranberries, tomatoes, green tea, fatty fish, beans, alfalfa herb, capsicum fruit, garlic, psyllium, fenugreek seeds, butcher’s broom, licorice root, hawthorn berry.
See:
– New Data Shows Lycopene Reduces Heart Disease Up To 26 Percent
– Two Apples a Day More Effective At Reducing Heart Disease Than Statin Medications
– Top 5 Foods and Herbs To Control Cholesterol
– World Renown Heart Surgeon Speaks Out On What Really Causes Heart Disease
3. LISINOPRIL (Prinivil/Zestril) AND NORVASC (Amlodipine)
Use: Reduction of High Blood Pressure
In combination, Lisinopril and Norvasc make up a whopping 23% of the top prescribed medications. This makes them the most prescribed generic medications (if combined) for cardiovascular disease and blood pressure. Individually, Lisinopril constitutes approximately 14% and Norvasc about 9%.
How it Works:
Lisinopril is typically used for the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and heart attacks. Norvasc is used for hypertension and angina. It accomplishes this by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle so it essentially interferes with the metabolism of calcium.
Consequences:
Cancer, blood disorders, development of breasts in men, impotence, depression, tachycardia, enlargement of gums, inflammation of the liver, elevated blood glucose, hepatitis, life threatening skin conditions.
Natural Foods:
Any foods high in vitamin C (chili peppers, guavas, bell peppers, thyme, parsley, dark leafy greens, broccoli), any foods high in magnesium (chocolate, green leafy vegetables, Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, blackstrap molasses, pumpkin and squash seeds, pine nuts, and black walnuts) and any foods high in potassium (mushrooms, bananas, dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, oranges and dates). Coconut oil/water and CoQ10 are also very effective for lowering blood pressure.
See:
– Magnesium Reduces Blood Pressure Naturally Without Side Effects
– Low Salt Diets Do Not Decrease Blood Pressure, Period
– Vitamin C Supplements Reduce Blood Pressure Without Side Effects Associated With Medication
– Low Potassium Linked To High Blood Pressure
4. SYNTHROID (levothyroxine sodium)
Use: Hypothyroidism
A synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, generic Synthroid makes up more than 11% of the top prescribed medications. It’s used to treat hypothyroidism. The related drug dextrothyroxine (D-thyroxine) was used in the past as a treatment for elevated cholesterol but was withdrawn due to cardiac side-effects.
How it Works:
It replaces the thyroid hormone which is naturally occurring in the thyroid gland essentially halting natural production.
Consequences:
Long-term suppression of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) causes cardiac side-effects and contributes to decreases in bone mineral density (high TSH levels are also well known to contributes to osteoporosis.) May also cause elevated blood glucose levels, heart failure, coma and adrenal insufficiency. TSH directly influences the whole process of iodine trapping and thyroid hormone production so use of synthroid directly affects how the body metabolizes iodine.
Natural Foods:
Any foods containing iodine such as seaweed, kelp, radish, parsley, fish, seafood, eggs, bananas, cranberries, strawberries, himalayan crystal salt. Also, copper, iron, selenium and zinc are essential in the production of thyroid hormones. Exercise a minimum of 20-30 minutes per day — enough to raise the heartbeat.
See:
– Seaweed Extracts Can Help You Lose Weight, Mostly Body Fat
– 8 Critical Nutrients Lacking In More Than 70 Percent of Diets
– The Number One Reason So Many Women Have Trouble Losing Weight
5. PRILOSEC (omeprazole/generic versions of nexium)
Use: Antacid
A proton pump inhibitor which constitutes just over 8% of the top prescribed medications. Omeprazole is one of the most widely prescribed drugs for reflux disease (GORD/GERD/LPR) and ulcers internationally and is available over the counter in some countries.
How it Works:
It suppresses gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the gastric acid ions in cells. The absorption of omeprazole takes place in the small intestine essentially turning off the switch which promotes healthy digestion of foods. Omeprazole is also completely metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system.
Consequences:
Angina, ulcers, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations, elevated blood pressure, development of male breasts, inflammation of the pancreas, irritable colon, mucosal atrophy of the tongue, liver disease/failure, elevated blood sugar, muscle weakness, skin conditions, tinnitus, inflammation of the eyes, urinary frequency, testicular pain, anemia and blood cell disorders.
Natural Foods:
Grapefruits, probiotics, broccoli sprouts, manuka honey, mastic gum, marshmallow tea, glutamine, slippery elm, deglycyrrhized liquorice (DGL), aloe vera juice, baking soda, pickle juice.
See:
– Grapefruit Heals Stomach Ulcers
– Broccoli Sprouts May Prevent Gastritis, Ulcers and Stomach Cancers
– Manuka Honey Reverses Antibiotic Resistance, Treats Disease
6. AZITHROMYCIN AND AMOXICILLIN
Use: Antibiotic
In combination, azithromycin and amoxicillin contribute towards a mind-blowing 17% of the top prescribed medications. Then we wonder why we have antibiotic resistance. On their own, each contributes about 8.5%. Azithromycin is one of the world’s best-selling antibiotics and derived from erythromycin. Amoxicillin is usually the drug of choice for children.
How it Works:
Inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls and interfering with their protein synthesis. These drugs also inhibit the protein synthesis of good bacteria needed for immunity and proper digestion.
Consequences:
Inflammation of the liver, inflammation and destruction of the stomach lining, destruction of healthy bacterial populations, inflammation of the colon, allergic reactions, obesity, human antibiotic resistance.
Natural Foods:
Sunlight (vit D), garlic, coconut oil, turmeric, foods high in nicotinamide (vit B3) such as salmon, sardines and nuts. Also manuka honey, olive leaf extract, green tea, pau D’Arco, rose water, myrrh, grapeseed extract, golden seal, oregon grapes, oregano oil, andrographis paniculata, and probiotics.
See:
– Garlic Proven 100 Times More Effective Than Antibiotics, Working In A Fraction of The Time
– Before Antibiotics Ever Existed, Sunlight Was Used To Treat Diseases With Great Success
– The Most Potent B Vitamin That Combats Infections Better Than Antibiotics Ever Could
7. GLUCOPHAGE (metformin)
Use: Oral anti-diabetic drug
Glucophage drugs round up the top 7 but the prescription rate of this drug is rapidly increasing. It makes up about 7% of the top prescribed medications. It is the first-line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, in particular, in overweight and obese people. It also acts to indirectly lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
How it Works:
By suppressing natural glucose production by the liver, the drug activates an enzyme which plays an important role in insulin signaling, whole body energy balance, and the metabolism of glucose and fats.
Consequences:
Lactic acidosis, impaired liver/kidney function, decreasing thyroid stimulating hormone and testosterone, increased homocysteine levels, malabsorption of vitamin B12, B12 deficiency, bladder cancer, heart failure. The biggest consequence of diabetes drugs is that it causes pancreatic function to substantially decrease inhibiting several hormones and causing other imbalances which are never correctable without abstaining from the drug.
Natural Foods:
Black tea, Sunlight (vit D), potentially coffee (more research needed), turmeric, nuts, chia seeds, green leafy vegetables, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, red grapes, steel cut oatmeal, broccoli, spinach, green beans and strawberries. 90% of all cases of diabetes can be resolved by eating foods with a low glycemic load, and pursuing both weight training and aerobic exercise.
See:
– Study on Black Tea Consumption From 42 Countries Shows It Lowers Diabetes Risk
– Two More Bombshells For Vitamin D: It Prevents Both Type I Diabetes and Cavities
– Coffee’s Anti-Diabetes Benefit
– Healthy Diet, Moderate Exercise Reduce Diabetes Risk Better Than Drugs
– How Turmeric Has An Anti-Diabetic Effect On The Body
The drugs on which we spend the most money are those that are still new enough to be protected against generic competition. That’s why drugs like Abilify and Seroquel (antipsychotics), as well as Plavix (blood thinner) and Advair Diskus (asthma inhaler) don’t make the list.
Dave Mihalovic is a Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in vaccine research, cancer prevention and a natural approach to treatment.
Source: Prevent Disease The 7 Most Prescribed Drugs In The World And Their Natural Counterparts
While I agree in theory, these people should get their pharmacology right. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is not hydrocodone, and neither is Oxycontin, which is oxycodone. Two completely different drugs. For starters. Also, didn’t mention that paracetamol action is mediated by the endocannabinoid system, therfore a natural cannabis preparation could replace it. Good idea, but very poorly executed. I have nothing against bagging Big Pharma, but at least get your facts right, otherwise there can be no credibility.
We don’t have to live in a medicated world, but we certainly choose to. The crux of the matter is that we refuse to proactively think about prevention because we reactively commit to treating the symptoms of underlying health problems. This is the allopathic model. We want the quick fix so we can continue our poor lifestyle and dietary habits. It doesn’t have to be this way, but it is. We can blame doctors, the medical institutions and healthcare systems all we want, but self-responsibility is our only recourse if we are ever to surface from this mess. There are no excuses–if you’re taking one of these drugs, consult with a Natural Health Practitioner this week about phasing out your medication and phasing in these powerful natural foods and remedies.
Of the over 4 billion prescriptions written every year, the United States and Canada make up more than 80% of the world’s prescription opioids (psychoactive medications). Between 1997 and 2012 prescription opioids increased in dosage by almost 500%. Pharmaceuticals and medical errors are now a leading cause of death. Painkillers are the leading cause of accidental death.
In the last 15 years of life, people are experiencing more pain for longer periods than at any point on our historical record. If you think life expectancy has increased to the benefit of mankind, you’re not looking at the numbers.
78% of U.S. prescriptions written in 2010 were for generic drugs (both unbranded and those still sold under a brand name). The most prescribed drugs aren’t always the best selling drugs, there’s a difference.
Prescriptions for pain, cholesterol reduction, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, antacids, antipsychotics, diabetes and antibiotics make up 100% of the most prescribed drugs.
Make a commitment to yourself right now and start incorporating some of these amazing foods into your diet with no consequence of side effects. When you accept this, you will get off prescription medications for good.
Check out the top 7 most prescribed drugs and the best natural remedies to treat and prevent disease.
1. HYDROCODONE (Vicodin)
Use: For Pain
Currently the single most prescribed drug in the world. More and more doctors are getting huge payouts from pharmaceutical companies to promote these hydrocodone, especially generic drugs. They make up more than 20% of the top prescribed medications.
Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), told Fox News that doctors are handing out narcotics like candy. Some doctors are giving patients prescriptions for narcotics for even minor injuries.
How it Works:
It is an orally psychoactive compound that works as a narcotic and analgesic. It is biotransformed by the liver into several metabolites. It is highly dependent on metabolism by the Cytochrome P450 pathway.
Consequences:
Respiratory depression; bradycardia; coma; seizures; cardiac arrest; liver damage; and death. Inherited genes such as the Cytochrome P450 affects metabolic pathways–some cannot process it at all, whereas a smaller percentage can get even more strength from it than usual.
Natural Foods:
Ginger, turmeric, berries, cayenne pepper, celery/celery seeds, cherries, dark green veggies, walnuts.
See: Natural Healing Remedies: 10 Foods That Fight Inflammation And Pain
2. STATINS (Generic versions of Lipitor/Zocor/Crestor)
Use: Reduction of LDL Cholesterol
Approximately 15% of the top prescribed medications are generic statins. A study published in January 2012 in the Archives of Internal Medicine linked statins to 48 percent increased risk for type-2 diabetes.
The are NO scientific studies ever documented which have proved through causation that lowering LDL cholesterol prevents disease. The obsessed culture of lowering cholesterol may actually be causing cancer.
How it Works:
Statins artificially lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting a critical enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Consequences:
Inflammation and pathological breakdown of muscle, acute kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, interference with sex hormones and death.
Natural Foods:
Nuts, spinach, apples, turmeric, cranberries, tomatoes, green tea, fatty fish, beans, alfalfa herb, capsicum fruit, garlic, psyllium, fenugreek seeds, butcher’s broom, licorice root, hawthorn berry.
See:
– New Data Shows Lycopene Reduces Heart Disease Up To 26 Percent
– Two Apples a Day More Effective At Reducing Heart Disease Than Statin Medications
– Top 5 Foods and Herbs To Control Cholesterol
– World Renown Heart Surgeon Speaks Out On What Really Causes Heart Disease
3. LISINOPRIL (Prinivil/Zestril) AND NORVASC (Amlodipine)
Use: Reduction of High Blood Pressure
In combination, Lisinopril and Norvasc make up a whopping 23% of the top prescribed medications. This makes them the most prescribed generic medications (if combined) for cardiovascular disease and blood pressure. Individually, Lisinopril constitutes approximately 14% and Norvasc about 9%.
How it Works:
Lisinopril is typically used for the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and heart attacks. Norvasc is used for hypertension and angina. It accomplishes this by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle so it essentially interferes with the metabolism of calcium.
Consequences:
Cancer, blood disorders, development of breasts in men, impotence, depression, tachycardia, enlargement of gums, inflammation of the liver, elevated blood glucose, hepatitis, life threatening skin conditions.
Natural Foods:
Any foods high in vitamin C (chili peppers, guavas, bell peppers, thyme, parsley, dark leafy greens, broccoli), any foods high in magnesium (chocolate, green leafy vegetables, Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, blackstrap molasses, pumpkin and squash seeds, pine nuts, and black walnuts) and any foods high in potassium (mushrooms, bananas, dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, oranges and dates). Coconut oil/water and CoQ10 are also very effective for lowering blood pressure.
See:
– Magnesium Reduces Blood Pressure Naturally Without Side Effects
– Low Salt Diets Do Not Decrease Blood Pressure, Period
– Vitamin C Supplements Reduce Blood Pressure Without Side Effects Associated With Medication
– Low Potassium Linked To High Blood Pressure
4. SYNTHROID (levothyroxine sodium)
Use: Hypothyroidism
A synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, generic Synthroid makes up more than 11% of the top prescribed medications. It’s used to treat hypothyroidism. The related drug dextrothyroxine (D-thyroxine) was used in the past as a treatment for elevated cholesterol but was withdrawn due to cardiac side-effects.
How it Works:
It replaces the thyroid hormone which is naturally occurring in the thyroid gland essentially halting natural production.
Consequences:
Long-term suppression of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) causes cardiac side-effects and contributes to decreases in bone mineral density (high TSH levels are also well known to contributes to osteoporosis.) May also cause elevated blood glucose levels, heart failure, coma and adrenal insufficiency. TSH directly influences the whole process of iodine trapping and thyroid hormone production so use of synthroid directly affects how the body metabolizes iodine.
Natural Foods:
Any foods containing iodine such as seaweed, kelp, radish, parsley, fish, seafood, eggs, bananas, cranberries, strawberries, himalayan crystal salt. Also, copper, iron, selenium and zinc are essential in the production of thyroid hormones. Exercise a minimum of 20-30 minutes per day — enough to raise the heartbeat.
See:
– Seaweed Extracts Can Help You Lose Weight, Mostly Body Fat
– 8 Critical Nutrients Lacking In More Than 70 Percent of Diets
– The Number One Reason So Many Women Have Trouble Losing Weight
5. PRILOSEC (omeprazole/generic versions of nexium)
Use: Antacid
A proton pump inhibitor which constitutes just over 8% of the top prescribed medications. Omeprazole is one of the most widely prescribed drugs for reflux disease (GORD/GERD/LPR) and ulcers internationally and is available over the counter in some countries.
How it Works:
It suppresses gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the gastric acid ions in cells. The absorption of omeprazole takes place in the small intestine essentially turning off the switch which promotes healthy digestion of foods. Omeprazole is also completely metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system.
Consequences:
Angina, ulcers, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations, elevated blood pressure, development of male breasts, inflammation of the pancreas, irritable colon, mucosal atrophy of the tongue, liver disease/failure, elevated blood sugar, muscle weakness, skin conditions, tinnitus, inflammation of the eyes, urinary frequency, testicular pain, anemia and blood cell disorders.
Natural Foods:
Grapefruits, probiotics, broccoli sprouts, manuka honey, mastic gum, marshmallow tea, glutamine, slippery elm, deglycyrrhized liquorice (DGL), aloe vera juice, baking soda, pickle juice.
See:
– Grapefruit Heals Stomach Ulcers
– Broccoli Sprouts May Prevent Gastritis, Ulcers and Stomach Cancers
– Manuka Honey Reverses Antibiotic Resistance, Treats Disease
6. AZITHROMYCIN AND AMOXICILLIN
Use: Antibiotic
In combination, azithromycin and amoxicillin contribute towards a mind-blowing 17% of the top prescribed medications. Then we wonder why we have antibiotic resistance. On their own, each contributes about 8.5%. Azithromycin is one of the world’s best-selling antibiotics and derived from erythromycin. Amoxicillin is usually the drug of choice for children.
How it Works:
Inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls and interfering with their protein synthesis. These drugs also inhibit the protein synthesis of good bacteria needed for immunity and proper digestion.
Consequences:
Inflammation of the liver, inflammation and destruction of the stomach lining, destruction of healthy bacterial populations, inflammation of the colon, allergic reactions, obesity, human antibiotic resistance.
Natural Foods:
Sunlight (vit D), garlic, coconut oil, turmeric, foods high in nicotinamide (vit B3) such as salmon, sardines and nuts. Also manuka honey, olive leaf extract, green tea, pau D’Arco, rose water, myrrh, grapeseed extract, golden seal, oregon grapes, oregano oil, andrographis paniculata, and probiotics.
See:
– Garlic Proven 100 Times More Effective Than Antibiotics, Working In A Fraction of The Time
– Before Antibiotics Ever Existed, Sunlight Was Used To Treat Diseases With Great Success
– The Most Potent B Vitamin That Combats Infections Better Than Antibiotics Ever Could
7. GLUCOPHAGE (metformin)
Use: Oral anti-diabetic drug
Glucophage drugs round up the top 7 but the prescription rate of this drug is rapidly increasing. It makes up about 7% of the top prescribed medications. It is the first-line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, in particular, in overweight and obese people. It also acts to indirectly lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
How it Works:
By suppressing natural glucose production by the liver, the drug activates an enzyme which plays an important role in insulin signaling, whole body energy balance, and the metabolism of glucose and fats.
Consequences:
Lactic acidosis, impaired liver/kidney function, decreasing thyroid stimulating hormone and testosterone, increased homocysteine levels, malabsorption of vitamin B12, B12 deficiency, bladder cancer, heart failure. The biggest consequence of diabetes drugs is that it causes pancreatic function to substantially decrease inhibiting several hormones and causing other imbalances which are never correctable without abstaining from the drug.
Natural Foods:
Black tea, Sunlight (vit D), potentially coffee (more research needed), turmeric, nuts, chia seeds, green leafy vegetables, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, red grapes, steel cut oatmeal, broccoli, spinach, green beans and strawberries. 90% of all cases of diabetes can be resolved by eating foods with a low glycemic load, and pursuing both weight training and aerobic exercise.
See:
– Study on Black Tea Consumption From 42 Countries Shows It Lowers Diabetes Risk
– Two More Bombshells For Vitamin D: It Prevents Both Type I Diabetes and Cavities
– Coffee’s Anti-Diabetes Benefit
– Healthy Diet, Moderate Exercise Reduce Diabetes Risk Better Than Drugs
– How Turmeric Has An Anti-Diabetic Effect On The Body
The drugs on which we spend the most money are those that are still new enough to be protected against generic competition. That’s why drugs like Abilify and Seroquel (antipsychotics), as well as Plavix (blood thinner) and Advair Diskus (asthma inhaler) don’t make the list.
Dave Mihalovic is a Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in vaccine research, cancer prevention and a natural approach to treatment.
Source: Prevent Disease The 7 Most Prescribed Drugs In The World And Their Natural Counterparts
Granny Storm Crow's List 