Gem Therapy is a modality of healing that comes more from Vedic astrology (Jyotish) and medical astrology rather than directly from Ayurveda. A rudimentary understanding of the effects of gems can be an important part of an Ayurvedic Practitioners practice especially when working in conjunction with a Vedic astrologer. Most gemstones have a stronger effect on the subtle body rather than on the physical body. As we know disease manifests first in the subtle body or "blue print" of the body before manifesting in the physical body. So this can be an important method to address the root cause of disease.

All gem stones, with the exception of coral and pearl, are the finest and purest consolidation of minerals that exist, formed under extreme heat and pressure inside the Earth. Healing stones are crystals of clear and purified minerals that are also found in the human body.

The simmering debate over vitamin D came to a boil as the scientific organization representing hormone experts embraced daily recommendations for the vitamin that far exceed those put forward in late 2010 by a U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) panel. The Endocrine Society asserted in July that people need two to three times as much vitamin D as the IOM had recommended.

The IOM daily levels top out at 600 to 800 international units for most people, the amount found in many multivitamins. In calling for substantially more D, the endocrinologists cited widespread deficiency in all age groups and pointed out that very few foods naturally contain the vitamin. A torrent of recent studies have linked vitamin D deficiency - particularly at northern latitudes - with heart disease, cancer, infections, asthma, preterm births, high blood pressure and, among the elderly, difficulty with mental tasks. Two trials now in progress in the United States and New Zealand may clarify the vitamin's health-giving potential. But results are still several years off.

-Nathan Seppa

Honey proves a better option for childhood cough than OTCs

Playing to the sweet spot of Egyptian tongues more than 5,000 years ago, honey is the world's oldest sweetener. Still valued for its natural goodness, the golden elixir is recognized today for its exceptional antioxidant qualities, which make it an immunity-boosting powerhouse with antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Researchers in a Penn State University College of Medicine study found honey more effective than dextromethorphan (DM) (found in many over-the-counter cold medications) at reducing the frequency and severity of nighttime coughing in children. Parents also rated honey most favorably for symptomatic relief of their child's nocturnal cough and sleep difficulty due to upper respiratory tract infection. Honey soothes the throat on contact and is thought to activate endorphins. To enhance immunity, enjoy 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey a day.