Natural Remedies for Radiation Exposure

Someone sent me an email with this information... I could not find the source, but the information is valid and I thought some of you might like it. I wish I could give credit for the person who pulled it together.But I will give a "Thank You" and hope whoever wrote this will not be upset that I have posted it here. ~Christie

Fears about nuclear radiation have certainly come to the forefront in the past few weeks. It’s a peculiar kind of threat in our modern times – we can’t see it, nor, for the most part, do we really understand it.  Depending on your age, your experience with nuclear threats could includeBert the Turtle and his advice to simply “duck and cover”, the meltdown at Three Mile Island, the horrifying spectacle of Chernobyl, or perhaps just the vague notion that it has something to do with the place where Homer Simpson works.  We now add a new chapter – the continuing crisis at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear complex.

Fueled by fearful media speculation and a distrust of government reports, people are seeking ways to protect themselves and their animals from the looming threat of excessive exposure to nuclear radiation.  In doing research for our customers about the best natural solutions, we were reminded of the profound powers of nourishing foods and herbs that, when used regularly, provide a protective barrier against all manner of current environmental threats, including nuclear radiation. The truth is, we live in a radioactive world. We receive radiation from the sun, from the earth, from the food we eat, from airplane travels, and from countless electronics in our day-to-day life.

Following are suggestions and shared recipes of simple herbs and foods to help prevent damage from radiation and other environmental toxins.  They’re simple, affordable and effective, and it's easy to incorporate some or all of them into your daily life.

PLEASE NOTE:  Potassium iodide has found itself in the limelight, despite the fact that no health care organizations, physicians or others in the health care community (including us!) are advocating its use unless you live in the immediate vicinity of a nuclear meltdown.  Potassium iodide is potentially very dangerous to healthy individuals, it can only be used short term (no longer than two weeks), and it only protects the thyroid, not other parts of the body, in the event of extreme radiation exposure. Please be responsible and do your research before purchasing or taking potassium iodide.

Add Sea Vegetables (Seaweed) to Your Diet
(Kelp, Bladderwrack, Nori, Kombu, Wakame, Dulse etc.) The iodine in sea vegetables helps draw out radiation and protect the thyroid from radioactive uptake. If we have sufficient natural iodine in our bodies (Iodine 127 is the only natural iodine isotope), our bodies will not take in the heavier iodine 131 from radioactive particles. According to herbalist and internationally acclaimed seaweed expert Ryan Drum, if we continually take in 150 micrograms of iodine 127 daily, we will most likely be protected from adverse reactions to exposure to nuclear radiation, plus a host of other common environmental toxins.  We can do this by eating 3-4 teaspoons (5-10 grams) or taking 6-8 capsules (00 size) of seaweeds daily.

Incorporate seaweeds into favorite foods like soups, rice, muffins, even cookies!!  Mild dried seaweeds are pleasantly crunchy and salty, and make a delicious snack. For our animal companions we can sprinkle small amounts of powdered seaweed on their food.  Humboldt Herbals offers Dot’s Wonder Pet Powders that contain seaweeds and immune supportive herbs.

Related to the seaweeds are the algae including Chlorella and Spirulina, a blue-green algae first developed as a supplement in Japan, which has undergone serious investigation for its antitoxic, antioxidant and antitumor effects. Interestingly, the Japanese are the biggest consumers of not only Chlorella but also seaweed, suggesting that Japanese are way out in front when it comes to addressing the issues of radiation toxicity.


Eat Orange and Dark Green Foods
Japanese researchers found that diets high in carotenes significantly reduced DNA damage in humans exposed to radiation. Supplements of beta-carotene (or of vitamins C or E) did not show this effect. Eating lots of orange and dark green foods (sweet potatoes, winter squash, beets, carrots, kale, collards, chard, and spinach, for example) can protect you from radiation-induced cancers.


Eat Your Broccoli
Guinea pigs bombarded with radiation lived a lot longer if they ate broccoli or cabbage. All cabbage family plants - including arugula, turnips, radishes, cauliflower, mustard greens, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, kale, collards, and of course broccoli - protect your cells from the damaging effects of radiation.


Miso Broth
Miso broth is the classic food for prevention of radiation damage.  Miso is amazing medicine- containing live cultures, minerals, amino acids, and protein that support all the body’s systems and provide a radioprotective benefit.  There’s twice the protection if a quarter-ounce/5 grams of dried kelp seaweed is added to the soup. In scientific studies, seaweed was able to neutralize radioactive isotopes in the human body. Researchers at McGill University say radioactive strontium binds to the algin in brown seaweeds to create sodium alginate, a compound easily and harmlessly excreted. Common black tea exhibited the same anti-radiation effects in several Japanese studies.

You’ll find a variety of miso pastes in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.  Click this link to learn more about delicious miso.


Black & Green Teas
In Fighting Radiation and Chemical Pollutants with Foods, Herbs, and Vitamins (Vitality, 1991), Steven Schecter tells us that both black and green tea showed "radioprotective effects" whether taken before or after exposure to radiation. Among other modes of operation, tea catechins absorb radioactive isotopes and remove them from the body before they do damage. The action is similar he says, to that of sodium alginate (the "active ingredient" in kelp seaweed).


Mushrooms
Eating any amount of reishi (a mushroom) reduces damage from radiation.  Shiitake mushrooms do the same. If eating mushrooms isn’t your thing, Life Shield Immunity capsules from New Chapter are a wonderful blend of medicinal mushrooms that offers comprehensive deep immune support and radioprotective benefits. (Available at Humboldt Herbals)


Burdock Root
Burdock root (Arctium lappa) removes radioactive isotopes from the body. A dose is 1-4 ounces/300-120 grams of cooked fresh root, up to a pint of infusion daily, or several large spoonfuls of vinegar (but only if made with fresh roots).  You’ll find fresh burdock roots in the produce section at natural food stores.  In Japanese cuisine it’s called “gobo.”

Daikon radish has been used for drawing radiation, post nuclear fall out. You can make a delicious shredded salad that’s cooling and detoxifying with daikon, burdock and carrots – yum!


Beans
Dried beans, especially lentils can reverse DNA damage done by radiation. So can red clover (Trifolium pratense) and astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) - two powerful members of the legume (bean) family.


Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies can be taken before and after exposure to radiation: Plumbum (lead) is said to help those who feel overwhelmed and in need of protection. Belladonna is used to prevent and relieve radiation burns and pains - even long after the immediate exposure.


Eat Foods Rich in Selenium
Selenium protects DNA from radiation damage and helps prevent damage to the skin surface, too. Get plenty of selenium by eating a daily dose of 2 cups/500 ml of nettle infusion, one-half ounce/15 g kelp, 2 ounces/60 g cooked burdock root, or 1 cup/250 ml organic yogurt daily. Shellfish, green and black teas, and garlic contain significant amounts of selenium, as do many mushrooms. The best sources however are nettles (2200 mcg per 100 grams), kelp (1700 mcg/100 g), burdock (1400 mcg/100 g), catnip (Nepeta cataria), ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and astragalus.


American Ginseng
In clinical trial with humans, those who took American ginseng extract (Panax quinquefolium) for thirty days following exposure to radiation showed hastened recovery from injuries to their bone marrow, organs, skin, and blood cells according to Paul Bergner in The Healing Power of Ginseng, The Enlightened Person's Guide, Prima, 1996. He quotes Japanese researcher Dr M. Yonezawa as saying that "ginseng appears to be the most useful agent available for protection against radiation damage."


Nourishing Herbal Infusions
It’s important to keep yourself well nourished if you are exposed to radiation. Make it a habit to drink at least two big cups of nourishing herbal infusion daily. Nettles, red clover, and violet leaves supply generous amounts of the nutrients you need most: protein and minerals, especially potassium and zinc.


Other Herbal Allies
Great herbal allies to help your body eliminate heavy metals and radiation are nettle tea, cilantro, and milk thistle (helps your liver process toxins).  Deep immune building benefits are provided by astragalus, eleuthero and ginseng.  Yarrow Environmental Solution Essencefrom Flower Essence Services is a beautiful formula to support the body in environmental disasters, especially radiation.  Teas from Humboldt Herbals including Detoxify Tea, Blood Building Tea, Calcium Support Tea, I Love My Liver Tea, and Immune Boosting Broth are a lovely way to fortify your body and immune system, and our Savory Seasoning Sprinkle is packed with seaweeds and nutritive herbs!

For best results, cook with the herbs (kelp, astragalus, Siberian ginseng, ginseng, reishi, cilantro and burdock), brew nourishing herbal infusions with them (nettles, red clover, astragalus, burdock, catnip, and ginseng), make mineral-rich vinegars with them (nettles, burdock, catnip, cilantro, ginseng, and astragalus), or take a high-quality tincture of them (burdock, ginseng, Siberian ginseng, astragalus).



Epsom Salt Bath
Many natural health practitioners recommend bathing in Epsom Salts and baking soda to help neutralize exposure to radiation, especially after x-rays or long airplane flights. Epsom salt is not actually a salt at all, but the natural mineral compound, magnesium sulfate. It can be used internally as a natural laxative, or externally, as a soothing, healing soak for the body. Why is an epsom salt bath beneficial? Because the magnesium and sulfates are readily absorbed into the body, imparting their own particular health benefits.

Magnesium is an incredibly valuable mineral, one that many people are deficient in. It is involved in hundreds of different enzyme activities. It is needed for the metabolism of other minerals, the proper use of insulin, efficient muscle and nerve function, and for restful sleep. Balancing with calcium in the body, magnesium helps to maintain a normal heart beat and blood pressure. It protects artery walls in times of stress, and prevents the calcification of soft tissue. Deficiencies can be linked to common issues, such as insomnia and irritability, and even heart disease. Sulfates disinfect the blood and flush toxins from cells. This detoxification effect may be why Epsom salt baths are soothing for people who suffer from arthritis and joint pain. Protecting the body against the harmful effects of pollution and radiation, they help to slow the aging process. Sulfates are also necessary for the synthesis of new collagen, which is needed for healthy, young-looking skin.

Baking soda, which is technically sodium bicarbonate, has an alkalizing effect on the body. This can be very important in cases of over-acidity, which is common with the typical western diet. Red meat, cheeses, sugar, and refined foods are acid-forming. A baking soda bath acts to neutralize this effect. It is also useful for detoxing from an overuse of alcohol, caffeine, medications, and nicotine. After soaking in this compound, the body generally feels refreshed and renewed, with the added benefit of soft, supple skin.

For the bath, add one cup each of Epsom salt and baking soda to a hot bath, stirring with your hand to ensure that everything dissolves. Soak for at least 20 minutes, then rinse in a warm shower.  Ahhhhhhh. . . .

Recipes


To make a nourishing herbal infusion:
~ Put one ounce of dried herb into a quart jar; fill jar to the top with boiling water and cap tightly.
~ Strain after 4-8 hours and drink hot or cold. 
~ Refrigerate what you don't drink right away; drink that within a day.

To make an herbal vinegar:
~ Fill any size jar with fresh herb (best!!) or one quarter full of dried herb (not nearly so good). 
~ Pour room temperature apple cider vinegar over the herb, filling jar to the top. 
~ Cover with plastic wrap or a cork. 
~ Label with date and name of plant. 
~ Let sit for six weeks. 
~ Decant into a pretty bottle and use to season soups, beans, and salads.

Magical Medicinal Miso* Soup 

Saute one onion, sliced thin, until translucent. Add water, seaweed of choice (Kombu and Wakame are especially tasty), shitake mushrooms (dried or fresh), burdock root, carrots, and any other hearty roots you like. Simmer for 25 minutes.
If you’d like you can add shredded or sliced ginger near the end, so it’s strong, and some garlic. You can also add greens, like kale or spinach.
Because you don’t want to boil your miso, it’s best to put a large dollop of miso paste in each bowl and then pour the broth on top to dissolve it.  Drink bowls and offer bowls to all your loved ones and neighbors, kiddos and pets, family and friends.

Nourishing Sea Green Soup
(from Valerie Cooksley’s book: Seaweed)
This soup is detoxifying to the body, eliminating extra fluid and contaminants.  It has cleansing, rejuvenating, and energy-giving properties, and is steeped with nourishing benefits owing to its high-mineral content and chlorophyll –filled sea vegetables and field greens. For heartier soup one can increase soup stock to 2 quarts and add whole wheat soba noodles during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
1 ½  quarts soup stock (or 2 low sodium vegetable broth cubes)
¾ cup dried sea vegetables (assortment of kombu, wakame, nori, dulse, hijiki, alaria, etc.)
1 large sweet onion chopped
2 celery stalks chopped
2 carrots thinly sliced
6 cloves of garlic, chopped
½ cup green onion
3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 cups fresh spinach, chard, beet greens cabbage etc. chopped
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Black Pepper to taste
5 slices fresh ginger root
2 tbsp. Soy Sauce or Tamari
1 tbsp. miso
½ tsp. Celtic Sea Salt

Get Your Daikon Easy Shredded Salad

Shred 1 carrot, 1 daikon radish, and one carrot-sized burdock root

Mix with sesame oil and a little umeboshi vinegar (also a great medicine!), sesame seeds, whatever fresh herbs you’ve got on hand (I love mint or cilantro), and a little tamari. Eat and feel alive and well thanks to the plants, the sun, the water and the farmers.



Sesame Kelp Brittle

Recipe courtesy of the folks at She Sells Seaweed
~1/2 Cup Brown Rice Syrup
~1/4 Cup Olive Oil
~Dash of shoyu soy sauce
~1 cup sesame seeds
~1/2 Cup crushed Almonds
~1/4-3/4 cup or to your liking of finely crushed kelp (set oven on low heat and bake kelp for 10 min or until crisp and grind in food processor)

~2-3 tsp of fresh finely chopped ginger root
Heat syrup, oil and soy sauce in small sauce pan. When mixture begins to foam up add seeds, nuts, kelp, and ginger, and stir thoroughly. 
Line a large cookie sheet w/parchment.
Spread mixture onto parchment and then cover with another piece of parchment and roll out flat w/rolling pin (or glass or jar!). Remove top parchment.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes—and then for the last few minutes check every minute until golden. Remove from oven and rip away parchment after 5-10 minutes. Break into pieces and enjoy!!

Rosehip/Orange Jam (from Christa Sinadinos)
Concerned about potential radioactive exposure from Japan? Pectin is highly ionic and can draw and hold radioactive compounds, environmental toxins, and heavy metals. It enhances detoxification. Orange peel and rosehips contain pectin. Consider making a simple jam with 3/4 cup rosehips c/s 1/4 cup orange peel and 2 cups apple juice; steep overnight. Keep refrigerated and eat a tbs or two a day. Yum

Spring Detox Soup
1/2 celery bunch

1 butternut squash
2 cups shiitake mushrooms

1 onion

1 head broccoli

1 bunch beets

1 clove garlic

1 can tomatoes

6 cups stock
1 tsp smoked paprika
Chop up all the vegetables. In a large stock pot, add the beef stock and the chopped vegetables and the garlic and paprika. Add in the canned tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce and simmer for 30 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through. Puree in a blender.