Researched and written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, and Retired Pharmacist.

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the evergreen tree Syzygium aromaticum. They are commonly used as a cooking spice and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

Clove, a spice native to Indonesia's Maluku Islands, has been esteemed for centuries in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Historically, it has been utilized to address many ailments, including dental pain, digestive issues, respiratory conditions, and reproductive health concerns. The therapeutic properties of clove are attributed mainly to its rich phytochemical composition, notably eugenol, eugenol acetate, and β-caryophyllene, which confer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects.[i]

In traditional practices, cloves were commonly employed to alleviate toothaches and oral infections, owing to their potent analgesic and antis...

Understanding Copper's Dual Role in Our Bodies and Its Link to Cancer

Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, and Retired Pharmacist

The Benefits and Needs of Copper:

Copper is essential in the human body. Copper is a vital trace mineral necessary for survival. It plays a crucial role in forming red blood cells, maintaining nerve cells, and supporting the immune system. It also aids in the absorption of iron and the development of healthy connective tissue. However, like many things, balance is key.

Copper is essential for cardiovascular health, bone strength, and aiding antioxidant defenses. Copper is integral in various enzymatic reactions and energy production within mitochondria.

High Levels of Copper and Cancer Risk:

Excessive copper can lead to oxidative stress and DNA damage, potentially increasing the risk of cancer development. Copper plays a significant role in this process due to its involvement in redox reactions, which are chemical reactions tha...