A natural, safe compound found in the Tauroniro tree (Humiria balsamifera) of South America has been found to effectively deter mosquitoes and ticks.
The substance, known by the rather daunting name isolongifolenone, has been used in derivative form widely and safely as a component of fragrances in cosmetics, perfumes, deodorants, and paper products. The results of research into the compound are presented in the February, 2009 issue of Journal of Medical Entomology.
The chief author, Aijun Zhang, a chemist for the U.S. Agricultural Service, found that isolongifolenone deters the biting of the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti (L.) and Anopheles stephensi Liston more effectively than the widely used synthetic chemical repellent N,N-diethyl-3-methyl benzamide, usually known as DEET. And it repelled blacklegged ticks and lone star ticks as effectively as DEET.
Since "isolongifolenone is easily synthesized from inexpensive turpentine oil feedstock," Zhang and his coauthors wrote, "we are therefore confident that the compound has significant potential as an inexpensive and safe repellent for protection of large human populations against blood-feeding arthropods."
In addition, a new, patented method developed by Zhang and his colleagues to efficiently produce isolongifolenone would make it even more cost effective.
Insect repellents containing DEET are nasty and toxic, but mosquito and tick bites are more than just annoying, in many parts of the world they can lead to serious illnesses including malaria and Lyme disease. A nontoxic, inexpensive repellent that outperforms DEET is certainly good news, and I hope further testing confirms these results. In the meantime, I recommend using repellents that contain geraniol; some research suggests that this natural, plant-derived substance is safe and effective.
Naturally Healthy In Just Eight Weeks!
From managing stress to eating for health conditions, Dr. Weil’s Optimum Health Plan can help guide you to better health in just eight weeks. Visit today to learn more the program, and when you take the tour get a free recipe!
Vitamin D for Cold Prevention
The latest news about vitamin D suggests that it helps protect against colds and flu. A research team from the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Children's Hospital of Boston looked at levels of vitamin D taken from blood samples provided by nearly 19,000 individuals who took park in a national survey and compared them with participants' reports of upper respiratory infections. Those whose vitamin D levels were lower than 10 nanograms per milliliter of blood were nearly 40 percent more likely to have had a recent cold or flu than those with vitamin D levels of 30 nanograms or higher. Deficiencies of “D” were more common among people with a history of asthma or some form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A prospective study is needed to determine whether supplementing with vitamin D will protect against colds and flu. You can raise your levels of “D” by taking a daily supplement of 1,000 IUs and from eating foods such as fortified milk and cereals, eggs, salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. Our bodies make vitamin D naturally with exposure to sunlight, but research suggests most people don’t get enough sun exposure during the winter.
The Benefits of Vitamin D
Find out if you are getting enough of this important vitamin at Dr. Weil’s Vitamin Advisor. Learn more about vitamin D, get your free, personalized recommendation, and when you make your first purchase in March, get free shipping for life!
Work Your Brain, Limit TV to Preserve Memory
Here’s more evidence that keeping your mind active can help prevent or delay memory loss as you get older. The latest news on this issue suggests that reading, playing games, spending time on the computer and engaging in crafts such as pottery and quilting can cut your risks of memory loss by 30 to 50 percent compared to people who don’t do those things. The findings come from a study to be presented at the upcoming meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers gathered information from 197 seniors with mild cognitive impairment or diagnosed memory loss and 1,124 individuals of the same age with no memory problems. The amount of time participants spent watching television also appeared to affect their risk of memory loss: those who watched for less than seven hours daily were half as likely to develop memory loss as those who watched for more than seven hours per day. Participating in social activities and reading magazines during middle age also reduced the risk, by about 40 percent.
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Mediterranean Stuffed Grape Leaves
This easy, exotic Greek treat makes a fine appetizer, but it can also be enjoyed as a side dish with lunch or dinner. The raisins and mint give the rice a sweet and aromatic taste, and the simplicity of chive "ribbons" wrapped around the grape leaves dresses them up a bit. For hors d'oeuvres, use 36 leaves and 1 ½ tablespoons of filling for each leaf.
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Healthy Aging Tip
Courtesy of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging
Nutrition Month: Eating for Your Energy by Snacking Right. Don’t blindly choose energy bars (which tend to be high in fat), and avoid candy or cookies (which can give you an immediate sugar high, but set you up for a slump later on). Instead, try healthier snacks that contain some protein, carbohydrates, and beneficial fats or ones which are whole food, low-fat options. Good options include a handful of unsalted nuts, fresh or dried fruit, yogurt, vegetable sticks, and wholegrain bread or crackers.
Featured Discussion:
“Is soy making my breasts sore?” asks Libra87.
I have been vegan for about 2 weeks…(I was)… a lacto-ovo vegetarian before that. My breasts the last few days have gotten sore and swollen. I already ate a fair amount of soy and never had a problem, but I have increased the amount these last few weeks. I am not sure if this has anything to do with it or not. I have never had these types of problems before.
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What’s New
6th Annual Nutrition & Health Conference - Public Forum
Chicago, May 10th, 2009
Come see Dr. Weil in Chicago on Sunday, May 10th for a discussion between today's top health, nutrition, and food authorities at this exciting public event! You're invited to be a part of the 6th annual Nutrition and Health Conference and to join Dr. Weil and a group of bestselling authors, health and nutrition experts, nutrition researchers and journalists for an exciting and informative discussion of what is "good" food - from the personal to the global. Our goal is to provide the general public with an understanding of how daily choices affect long-term health and well-being, and the information necessary to activate change, including the ins-and-outs of an optimum diet. Open to all.
6th Annual Nutrition & Health Conference - Health Care Professionals
Chicago, May 10-13, 2009
Expanding on the growing success of previous Nutrition and Health conferences, the 2009 meeting, co-directed by Dr. Andrew Weil, will assemble an outstanding faculty of internationally-known scientific researchers, skilled clinicians, innovative chefs, and best-selling authors whose work focuses on the interface between nutrition and healthful living. The course provides essential information for health professionals who address issues of food and nutrition in their clinical practices, including the latest research findings, practical recommendations for clinical care, and challenging discussions of public policy.
Seattle Theatre Group Presents Andrew Weil, M.D.
06-06-2009
Seattle, Wash. June 6th, 2009 8:30 p.m
Seattle Theatre Group presents Andrew Weil, M.D. Live at The Paramount Theatre on Saturday, June 6 at 8:30pm for a discussion on Optimal Health. Open to all. Ticketing and registration information available here.
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