Natural Science Know Your Own Body

From Rastafari Education Daily,
A regular column by kaya, Sep 03, 2005         

Summary: The Natural Science Overview of the Circulatory System that INI have surveyed provides INI wid a basic overstanding of the system. I have included some herbals that have been used by herbalists around the world to strengthen, cleanse and treat the blood and its cells and the problems which sometimes arise. Of course as usual if Rastafari would like any other information, please contack I.

 
It says in the Book of Genesis that the life lies in the blood, and one can see why. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to every cell of the body, carries away waste products, and plays a central role in the body's defense against intruders. The circulatory system keeps approximately five liters (for the average adult human) of blood circulating constantly through the body. Its most important organ is the heart, that double pump that forces the blood through the blood vessels. The body's circulatory system really has three distinct parts: circulation through the lungs (pulmonary circulation), the heart (coronary circulation), and the rest of the system (systemic circulation). Pulmonary circulation, in which blood goes from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart, is when the blood exchanges carbon dioxide, a waste product it has picked up from the rest of the body, for oxygen, which it will carry to the rest of the body. The de-oxygenated, carbon-dioxide-laden blood returning to the heart from the body enters the right side of the heart through two veins (one for blood coming from the lower half of the body, the other for blood from the upper half). The heart pumps it to the lungs, where it drops off carbon dioxide to be excreted (exhaled), and picks up oxygen. The blood then returns to the left side of the heart, which pumps it out to the rest of the body. The flow of the blood from the heart to the rest of the body and back to the heart is systemic circulation. The heart pumps the now oxygen-rich blood out through the arteries, which are wide, thick-walled blood vessels. Then the blood moves into smaller vessels called capillaries, where it releases the oxygen and nutrients it carries to the body's cells. At the same time, it picks up waste products like carbon dioxide. The blood then flows into the veins, which carry it back to the heart. During systemic circulation, blood flows through the kidneys, in a phase called renal circulation. The kidneys filter out waste products like urea and excess salt, which will be excreted in the urine. Blood also passes through the small intestine, in a phase called portal circulation. It picks up sugars from digested food and then collects in the portal vein, which passes through the liver. The liver filters sugars from the blood to store for the body to use as energy later. Like any other organ, the heart itself needs blood to supply it with nourishment and carry away wastes. The movement of blood through the capillaries of the heart for these purposes is called coronary circulation. INI can support and strengthen INI blood an circulation wid a number of herbs, like ones I have listed here: Cayenne - Stimulates the blood and the heart, increasing and strengthening the pulse as-well-as regulating the cholesterol and lipid levels. Kelp - Increases contractile force in the atria. Kelp is a general nutritive tonic to the blood, supplying essential vitamins and mineral salts. It is also an important adjunct to any cleansing program since it can bind radio active Strontium, Barium, Cadmium and Zinc, some of our most dangerous pollutants, in the gastrointestinal tract, thus preventing their absorption into the body. Gentian Root - Is invaluable to the body's circulation and overall health by strengthening its ability to digest and assimilate food. The effect of Gentian on the vascular system is to help insure that the abdominal organs receive a rich supply of blood. It has also been found that Gentian Root increases the sensitivity of many glands and organs to the effect of adrenaline, the endogenous hormone that is secreted when the body needs quick energy, and also, helps prevent the onset of Brittle Diabetes. Ginger Root - Will stimulate circulation in the G.I. tract and other parts of the body, and will help the body digest and the blood assimilate the Cayenne. It is stimulating to the circulation and will help to warm cold hands and feet. Others uses include relief of headaches, aches and pains, and as a cleansing agent through the kidneys and bowels. Blue Vervain - Is valued by many herbalists as an agent that will help to improve poor circulation problems and its anti-inflammatory principles make it a valuable ingredient in a blend designed to improve the circulation of blood going to infected, feverish areas. Prickly Ash Bark - Is an excellent circulatory stimulant; although it is slower working than Cayenne, its effects are longer lasting. The berries contain the volatile oil and are more active in stimulating circulation. It is also a blood purifier, useful for skin diseases and accumulations in the joints. Butcher's Broom - Builds up structure of the veins; for hemorrhoids and varicose veins; improves circulation and specifically for circulation and the urinary tract. Increases circulation to help prevent post-operative thrombosis, phlebitis, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. Strengthens the blood vessels and helps to keep the veins clean and healthy. Helps to prevent blood clotting via its diuretic effect.

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