toxicity - pesticides, herbicides and insecticides - Blackherbals.com

Continued from page 46 - What do Pesticides, Herbicidesand Antibiotics have in Common?Crops Bolster the Pesticide Industry, found that thedramatic rise in the application of herbicides such asglyphosate between 2001 and 2010 has led to anexplosion of growth of herbicide-resistant weeds.From 2001 to 2010, toxic herbicide application grew by81 million pounds – 26 percent. But the application ofglyphosate to the three biggest genetically engineeredcrops skyrocketed from 15 million pounds in 1996 to150 million pounds in 2012 – this is a ten-fold rise in theapplication of glyphosate.Prior to the domination of glyphosate and geneticallymodified "RoundUp Ready" seeds, atrazine was theleading herbicide used. Both atrazine and glyphosatehave been linked to endocrine disruption, and atrazinehas been the subject of study by university researchersfor its causing mutations among frogs and fish.As a result of the growth of GMO herbicide-friendlyseeds, glyphosate-resistant weeds have been reported in21 states – up from zero states reporting prior to 2000.The resistant weeds began in the South and spread toother states. By 2012, 92% of Georgia farmers reportedglyphosate-resistant weeds, and states throughout theMidwest were being swamped by them.These resistant weeds include ragweed, amaranth,horseweed, bluegrass and waterhemp. Ragweed ofcourse is also a common hayfever allergen – andhayfever is also on the rise in the U.S.SuperPest Growth from Increasing Pesticide UseA similar problem is appearing as a result of the growingapplication of pesticides onto genetically modifiedcrops. Research from the University of Minnesota foundthat the corn rootworm is developing a resistance toGMO corn and the pesticides applied to it such as Bt and2,4-D. A recent interview with agronomist ToddClaussen from the Brownfield publication indicates thatIowa farmers are dealing with 40 to 50 times therootworm infection considered normal – and heattributes this to resistance to soil insecticides.What do these mistakes have in common? All three wereproduced by scientists forgetting the fundamentalbiology lesson that every living organism strives tosurvive and thus will adapt and develop resistance totoxins that attempt to interrupt that survival.And the consequences of these adaptations mirror theattempts to inhibit them. In the case of the application ofstatic antibiotics, we are running out of them as bacteriabecome resistant. In the case of the application of toxicchemicals onto pests and weeds, those pests and weeds arebecoming resistant to those toxic chemicals.There are two backlashes to these developments. The firstis that we have to increase the application of these toxinsin order to get similar results. This means that we becomeexposed to more toxins - as illustrated in all threeinstances: The rise in antibiotic use, pesticide use andherbicide use.The second backlash is that as these living organisms adaptthey become stronger. This means it becomes moredifficult to inhibit them by any means. (Rendering theadage: "I've created a monster!")Both of these consequences ruins it for other livingorganisms – including humans – which become threatenedby a combination of those stronger living organisms andthe increased exposure to toxins.Is there a Solution to our Toxic Science?The solution is to work within nature's means. This meansfinding those strategies that naturally inhibit thosepathogenic organisms. In the case of weeds and pests, croprotation and the feeding of organic biomass into the soil.This will enrich the soil and help strengthen the plants'own immunity against pests – can help resist pests, alongwith the utilization of natural predators that already exist innature. Naturally enriching the soil will also give rise tonatural stewards of plants such as earthworms – whichhelp combat other pests and help nourish plants with theirown waste production as they convert natural fertilizers.In addition to these, there are numerous natural substancesthat repel pests, including castor oil, extracts of mint, basil,garlic and other natural means that utilize evolution torepel pests.In the case of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the solution liesin employing those natural agents – inclusive of manydifferent antibacterial herbs – that inhibit the growth ofbacteria. Another important tool are those probioticbacteria that are already living within our bodies and canproduce their own antibiotics that fight off pathogenicbacteria – as well as fungi and viruses.The other means to protect ourselves naturally comes inthe form of increasing our own natural immunity. Thiscomes by way of a better diet, plenty of exercise and ahealthy lifestyle in general.The bottom line is that scientists and humanity in generalmust become better skilled in observation. This meansobserving nature and its consequences.http://www.naturalblaze.com/2013/07/what-do-pesticidesherbicides-and.html☻☻☻☻☻47-- Traditional African Clinic July 2013