This Rejoice & Praise God Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It’s also a place to read, post, and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts, and not by agenda-driven accusations and pronouncements.

We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.

Please show respect and consideration for our fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure your opinion addresses the issue only, and does not confront or denigrate the poster. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name-calling, ridicule, insults, baiting, and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.

In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores, and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here: 
https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

A Blessed 250th

One Nation Under God

The saying “one nation under God” is a part of the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America. An early version of the pledge was composed in 1885 by Captain George Thatcher Balch. Balch was an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War who wanted to find ways to teach patriotism to young children in the public schools. A few years later, in 1892, Francis Bellamy, a Baptist pastor from New York, significantly revised and expanded Balch’s original pledge in an effort to promote the 1893 World Fair. This version of the pledge went largely unaltered for decades when Congress officially adopted it in 1942 at the start of World War II.

However, the saying “one nation under God” was not a part of Bellamy’s pledge (the original draft simply stated, “One nation, indivisible”). In fact, Bellamy staunchly believed in the separation of Church and State and intentionally did not include any references to God in the pledge. It wasn’t until 1954 under the direction of President Eisenhower that the words “under God” were added to the pledge. This was mostly due to the growing fear of communism throughout the United States during the Cold War.

The inclusion of the phrase under God was meant to reaffirm America’s heritage as a predominately Judeo-Christian nation in the face of looming global threats (especially ones that were derived from atheistic, materialist worldviews such as communism). Having just come out of World War II, and with the Cold War in full swing, President Eisenhower sought to unify the nation and proclaim trust in God against destructive, godless forces.

In short, the saying “one nation under God” is simply the call of a citizenry to be a unified nation that trusts God to protect them from harmful and evil forces.

Is it wrong to pledge your allegiance to the country in which you are a citizen? No, the Bible does not forbid such an action. In fact, unity among the citizenry of a nation is a good and virtuous thing to pursue, so long as that nation is not directly contradicting the Word of God in its governance.

Ultimately, as Christians, our allegiance is to God alone. His Word is to be the ultimate authority in our lives (Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:16–17) as we seek to be good citizens of our nations (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1–3; Titus 3:1). In fact, the Bible puts a strong emphasis on being unified as God’s people as we live and interact with one another in our daily lives (John 17:11; Romans 15:5–6; Ephesians 4:3). So, in a nation like the United States where the majority of people identify as Christian, being “one nation under God” would be a natural outflow of living according to the biblical commands for unity.
https://www.gotquestions.org/one-nation-under-God.html

In God We Trust

“Nothing can be more certain than that our country was founded in a spiritual atmosphere and with a firm trust in God” These words were pronounced by Florida Representative Charles Bennett in 1955 on the House Floor as he proposed a bill that would require the words In God We Trust to be inscribed on all U.S. currencies. The bill was eventually signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on July 11, 1955. While In God We Trust had previously appeared on coins since after the Civil War, Bennett’s legislation codified the inscription on U.S. currency and led to a later act of Congress making the phrase In God We Trust the national motto of the United States of America.

While the exact phrasing of In God We Trust does not appear in the Bible, there are many passages that exhort readers to trust in the Lord. Solomon instructs his readers to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Isaiah records a song that includes the encouragement to “trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord we have an everlasting Rock” (Isaiah 26:4, NASB). David adds that people should “offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord” (Psalm 4:5, NASB). There are many similar instances in Scripture challenging people to trust in the Lord.

We also discover many instances in the Bible where people exemplified the saying In God We Trust. Jesus trusted His Father (Hebrews 2:13). Daniel trusted in God and was delivered from the lions’ den (Daniel 6:23). Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, also trusted in God, and He delivered them from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:28). David wrote that God doesn’t forsake those who have trusted in Him (Psalm 9:10).

On the other hand, there are numerous biblical warnings against trusting in anyone but God. Job explained that trusting in wealth is an iniquity tantamount to denying God (Job 31:24–28). Solomon cautions that the one trusting his own heart is a fool (Proverbs 28:26). Jeremiah records God’s warning against trusting in humanity: the one who trusts in “flesh” is like a bush in the desert, while the one who trusts in the Lord will be like a tree planted by water (Jeremiah 17:5–8).

In saying that people should trust Him, God is not saying that people should not trust each other. In fact, the kind of love He expects us to show “believes all things” and “hopes all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7, ESV). The warning is about trusting in humanity rather than trusting in God. The problem is that the heart is deceitful and sick, and the only one who understands the depths of that depravity is God (Jeremiah 17:9). He is the only One who is worthy of our full trust. If we trust in God—like the people of old who could say, “In God we trust”—we will not be disappointed (Psalm 22:5).
https://www.gotquestions.org/in-God-we-trust.html

Site rules stolen from our good friend PAVACA

There are Important Notifications from our host, Wolf Moon; the Rules of our late, good Wheatie; and, certain caveats from Yours Truly, of which readers should be aware. They are linked here. Note: Yours Truly has checked today’s post for any AI-generated content. To the best of her knowledge and belief, there is none. If readers wish to post any AI-generated content in the discussion thread for today’s post, they must cite their source. Thank you.

Do not forget to LABEL AI articles video and such.

This is a compilation of the research I have done for myself, Pgroup and any others with breathing problems. Given the Supreme Court decisions and other stuff, it is going to be a lot shorter than my normal articles.

Just for fun: 15 STRANGE AND RARE BIRDS YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN! (and boy are they weird.)

I saw a video on a concoction for improving lung health. LINK

At the bottom of the link is a list of 20 references.

Product (That I have not tried. I am researching it first.)

LungExpand Pro: Review the Unique Lung Clearing Breathing Solution for Healthy Respiratory System

Ingredients:

Umckaloabo Extract

Science Direct — Chapter: Umckaloabo/South African Geranium ()

…The elucidated mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of umckaloabo in bronchitis include immunomodulatory and cytoprotective effects, inhibition of interactions between pathogens and host cells, and an increase of ciliary beat frequency in the respiratory tract. By similar mechanisms umckaloabo appears effective for the common cold.

Clinical research indicates that umckaloabo, alone or in combination formulas, may be beneficial for reactive airways, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, upper respiratory infections, pharyngitis, acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and immune function.

Hedera helix

Bioactive phenolics fraction of Hedera helix L. (Common Ivy Leaf) standardized extract ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury in the mouse model through the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress

A double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over study was carried out on 30 children suffering from partial or uncontrolled mild persistent allergic asthma. Patients either received ivy leaves dry extract for four weeks in addition to their inhaled corticosteroid therapy or placebo, followed by a wash-out phase before switching to the other treatment. There was a significant improvement of MEF(75-25), MEF25 and VC after treatment with ivy leaves dry extract (MEF(75-25) change in the mean 0.115 l/s, p=0.044; MEF25 change in the mean 0.086 l/s, p=0.041; VC change in the mean 0.052 l, p=0.044), but not after treatment with placebo.

Pharmacological and therapeutic activities of Hedera helix- A review

Abstract:

The phytochemical analysis of Hedera helix revealed that the plant contained unsaturated sterols, oils, tannins, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, saponins, vitamins and minerals. The pharmacological studies showed that Hedera helix possessed respiratory, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunological, anticancer, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, gastrointestinal, and antithrombin activity. The current review discussed the chemical constituents, pharmacological and therapeutic importance of Hedera helix.

Hedera

Hedera helix. (100 mg/kg, once daily for one week) on lung histopathology was evaluated in a murine model of chronic asthma in mice sensitized with ovalbumin.

Mullein extract

Mullein Extract for Respiratory Health: Reviews, Studies, and Dosage Tips

According to studies of mullein’s pharmacological and chemical aspects, mullein contains various chemical constituents like saponins, iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, vitamin C and minerals [2]. 

Mullein provides:

• Saponins that contribute to its expectorant properties by loosening phlegm.
• Mucilage that soothes irritated tissues both in the throat and lungs.
• Flavonoids that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Glycosides that help relax smooth muscle tissue in the respiratory system.
• Antimicrobial compounds that help with many lung infections.

A number of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antihepatotoxic and anti-hyperlipidemic activity have been ascribed to mullein. The plant is used to treat tuberculosis, earache and bronchitis [2].

Sources:

[1] – https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/10/7/618, Searching for Scientific Explanations for the Uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A Review on the Case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae)

[2] – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0102695X13701261, ​​Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects

[3] – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308991417_Assessing_the_Effectiveness_of_Mullein_on_Respiratory_Conditions_Such_as_Asthma Assessing the Effectiveness of Mullein on Respiratory Conditions Such as Asthma

[4] – https://www.icliniq.com/articles/cancer/mullein-for-lung-cancer Mullein for Lung Cancer – All You Need to Know

Coltsfoot

Coltsfoot | Encyclopedia Of Herbology (I did not know there was such a source online)

Coltsfoot combines a soothing expectorant effect with an antispasmodic action. There are useful levels of zinc in the leaves. This mineral has been shown to have marked anti-inflammatory effects.

A review of the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Tussilago farfara L. (coltsfoot)

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Tussilago farfara L. (commonly called coltsfoot), known as a vital folk medicine, have long been used to treat various respiratory disorders and consumed as a vegetable in many parts of the world since ancient times…

Coltsfoot has diverse uses in local and traditional medicine, but similarities have been noticed, specifically for relieving inflammatory conditions, respiratory and infectious diseases in humans. Regarding its pharmacological activities, many traditional uses of coltsfoot are supported by modern in vitro or in vivo pharmacological studies such as anti-inflammatory activities, neuro-protective activity, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant activity. Quantitative analysis (e.g. GC-MS, UHPLC-MRM^HR) indicated the presence of a rich (>150) pool of chemicals, including sesquiterpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, chromones, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and others from its leaves and buds. In addition, adverse events have resulted from a collection of the wrong plant which contains PAs that became the subject of public concern attributed to their highly toxic.

Conclusions

So far, remarkable progress has been witnessed in phytochemistry and pharmacology of coltsfoot. Thus, some traditional uses have been well supported and clarified by modern pharmacological studies. Discovery of therapeutic natural products and novel structures in plants for future clinical and experimental studies are still a growing interest. Furthermore, well-designed studies in vitro particularly in vivo are required to establish links between the traditional uses and bioactivities, as well as ensure safety before clinical use. In addition, the good botanical identification of coltsfoot and content of morphologically close species is a precondition for quality supervision and control. Moreover, strict quality control measures are required in the studies investigating any aspect of the pharmacology and chemistry of coltsfoot….

4.1. Use for infection

Yakammaoto (射干麻黄汤), as a classic formula of traditional Chinese medicines, is used in the treatment of asthma, flu-like symptoms and cough with wheezing in the throat in China and Japan and is a formulation comprising nine various herbs as follows: Ephedra sinica, Pinellia ternate, Zingiber officinale, Tussilago farfara, Aster tataricus, Ziziphus jujube, Belamcanda chinensis, Asarum sieboldii, and Schisandra chinensis….

Globally, the world is scrambling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recently, a paper report on lung cleansing and detoxifying decoction (LCDD) widely was used in treating COVID-19 patients in China. LCDD is based on four formulae described in the classic TCMs text treatise on cold pathogenic and Miscellaneous Diseases by Zhang Zhongjing (AD 150–219) (Weng, 2020). Further investigated the buds of coltsfoot mechanism in LCDD mechanism against COVID-19 by network pharmacology and molecular docking. The resulted indicated that 14 compounds in coltsfoot may combined with SARS-CoV-2 3CL hydrolase and ACE2, thereby acting on many targets to regulate multiple signaling pathways, thus exerting the therapeutic effect on COVID-19 (Jian-xin et al., 2020)…

6. Pharmacology

There are some biological activities in the extracts or compounds of coltsfoot. Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiviral and anti-cancer are similar with traditional uses. In addition, many new biological activities have been discovered in modern research, such as anti-diabetic, neuro-protective activities, immunostimulating activities, anti-oxidant activity and cardiovascular. These biological activities are described in the table (Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7 ) and briefly described in below…

Serratiopeptidase

Serrapeptase is also known as serratiopeptidase. I take it and nattokinase daily and my lung health has improved.

Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase in patients with chronic airway disease.

Abstract

Objectives: The proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase (SER) is widely used in clinical practice in Japan. We investigated the effect of SER on sputum properties and symptoms in patients with chronic airway diseases.

Methods: This study was an open-labelled trial with a non-treatment control group. Patients were randomly assigned to oral treatment with (n = 15) and without (n = 14) SER 30 mg/day for 4 weeks. Patients collected sputum samples for about 4 h in the morning on the day the trial began and 4 weeks later. We measured the amount of sputum by weighing. Part of each sputum sample was weighed and then completely dried and reweighed. The percentage solid component, viscosity and elasticity of the sputum were measured. Mucociliary transportability index was measured using ciliated bovine trachea ex vivo. Sputum smears were also prepared to count sputum neutrophils. Patients’ symptoms were assessed by a questionnaire that used a visual analogue scale.

Results: After 4 weeks of SER treatment, sputum weight in the morning, percentage solid component, viscosity and elasticity of sputum, sputum neutrophil count, frequency of coughing and frequency of expectoration significantly decreased. The mean mucociliary transportability index increased from 13.3 +/- 1.8 to 24.4 +/- 2.5 (P = 0.0103).

Conclusions: SER may exert a beneficial effect on mucus clearance by reducing neutrophil numbers and altering the viscoelasticity of sputum in patients with chronic airway diseases.

Serrapeptase: Further Reading | Vitacure

Serrapeptase side effects and potential risks are few. No serious or adverse side effects have been reported from taking Serrapeptase; however, there are a few potential cautions. A very small number of isolated cases of gastrointestinal irritation mostly in patients with gastrointestinal ulcers have been reported with use. A smaller population described in medical literature, developed pneumonia. Although rare, it was theorized that removing scar tissue from the lungs (as Serrapeptase does) can increase the chance of infection due to airborne pathogens (52), this is mostly in elderly individuals with compromised lung function. For this reason Serrapeptase is not recommended for those people with advanced lung cancers or those that smoke. Discontinue smoking if beginning Serrapeptase, and consult your doctor if you are taking blood thinners as Serrapeptase can also enhance or amplify their effectiveness. In addition, always consult a physician before replacing prescriptions with natural supplements…

Serrapeptase for Mucus Build-up

In addition to being able to digest and break down dead tissues, Serrapeptase also has the ability to reduce the elasticity and thickness of nasal mucus as well as lower the number of neutrophils in mucus samples (24). Also, some studies have shown that patients have found Serrapeptase to be highly beneficial in cutting down the thickness of mucus and reducing recurring coughing compared to many of the common treatment methods (15). Similarly, patients with respiratory issues have also benefited from using Serrapeptase merely because it prevents the increased production of mucus and makes the mucus less thick.

Serrapeptase, unlike most medications, does not completely impede the product of mucus. Instead, it works on the elasticity and thickness of the mucus….

Letter writen by Dr. Hans Nieper featured in April 1997 issue of Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients.

I informed you some years ago that Serrapeptase is apparently active in the cleaning of coronary arteries from occluding layers. The results are so spectacular that even Tom Valentine reported on this progress in the US (DC) press after speaking to several parties here.

Serrapeptase is an enzyme produced by serratia bacteria living in silkworms. With this enzyme the worms melt a hole out of the cocoon. Unlike other enzymes in the field of biology, Serrapeptase dissolves ‘dead’ tissue, but not the silk and apparently also fibrinoid layers in the arteries which chemically could be compared to silk.​

A special problem in today’s civilized society is occluding processes in the carotid arteries of the neck. Very often we see patients where surgeons were reluctant to operate or to apply drill or laser technology to such occluded carotids. The reason for this is the potential risk that surgical debris will be pushed into the smaller cerebral vessels.

We have, therefore, started to apply Serrapeptase treatment to cases of severe narrowings of the carotid arteries, mostly in patients showing severe symptoms due to the narrowing, including amaurosis fugax (intermittent blindness). The therapeutic results are excellent, certainly lifesaving. It is, however, mandatory that the therapy be conducted for a very long time. The first reliable results can be expected after 6-8 months. Even up to 18 months after the onset of Serrapeptase therapy, patients have still displayed improvement.

I have also found Serrapeptase to be an extraordinary substance for safely removing fibrous blockages from coronary arteries, particularly the carotid arteries found in the neck, which supply blood to the brain….

Healthline — Serrapeptase: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage

Common ones include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension..

Serrapeptase may increase the clearance of mucus and reduce inflammation in the lungs in people with chronic respiratory diseases (CRD).

CRDs are diseases of the airways and other structures of the lungs. Common ones include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension — a type of high blood pressure that affects the vessels in your lungs. While CRDs are incurable, various treatments can help dilate the air passages or increase mucus clearance, improving quality of life. In one 4-week studyTrusted Source, 29 people with chronic bronchitis were randomly assigned to receive 30 mg of serrapeptase or a placebo daily.

Bronchitis is one type of COPD that leads to coughing and difficulty breathing due to the overproduction of mucus. People who were given serrapeptase had less mucus production compared to the placebo group and were better able to clear the mucus from their lungs. A 2021 studyTrusted Source also showed symptom improvement in subjects with pulmonary fibrosis who took serrapeptase. However, further studies are needed to support these findings.

Serratiopeptidase: A systematic review of the existing evidence

Pharmacodynamics
Serratiopeptidase is thought to work in three ways.

1. Anti-inflammatory: serratiopeptidase reduces swelling by the process of decreasing the amount of fluid in the tissues, thinning the fluid, and by facilitating the drainage of fluid. In addition, its enzyme activity dissolves dead tissue surrounding the injured area so that healing is accelerated.5,6 It may also act by modifying cell-surface adhesion molecules that guide inflammatory cells to their target site of inflammation. These adhesion molecules play an important role in the development of arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.6
2. Analgesic: it may help alleviate pain by inhibiting the release of pain-inducing amines like bradykinin from inflamed tissues.1
3. Fibrinolytic/caseinolytic: it may be beneficial in atherosclerotic disease as it acts by breaking down fibrin and other dead or damaged tissue without harming living tissue. This could enable the dissolution of blood clots, and atherosclerotic plaques.22

Effects of Systemic Enzyme Supplements on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis—A Pilot Study

5. Conclusions

The present study suggests that the oral supplements Serracor-NK and Serra Rx improve symptoms, the ability to perform activities of daily living, and mental and physical well-being, thus enhancing overall quality of life in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. While there is no drug to cure IPF, these supplements can help to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life in PF patients. This study was performed as a proof of concept. Further assessment in randomized, placebo-controlled trials with larger populations and for longer durations are warranted.

Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis

…Though doctors in the United States are only recently becoming aware of the benefits of added enzymes, doctors in Europe and Asia have been administering enzymes for decades.

Among the best enzymes for removal of scar tissue are serrapeptase and nattokinase. Chymotypsin and pancreatin are considered to be especially valuable against cancer tumors, especially pancreatic cancer tumors.

An especially powerful enzyme is serrapeptase, which is a proteolytic enzyme derived from a species of bacteria originally found in the intestines of silkworms. The bacteria Serratia mercesans E1 produces Serrapeptase, an enzyme that enables the silkworm to dissolve its silken cocoon and emerge after metamorphosis. Serratia is produced by fermented cultures. Studies have shown that serrapeptase reduces scar tissue, improves tissue healing and significantly reduces inflammation.

Serrapeptase also has the unique ability to digest non-living tissue that is a by-product of the healing response without harming living tissue. Serrapeptase is used to dissolve non-living tissues to include: scar tissue, fibrosis, blood clots, cysts and arterial plaque. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent against Sinusitis and for thinning mucous secretion and as an agent against varicose veins and fibrocystic breasts. It is believed that serrapeptase can play a key role in dissolving the outer protective layers of cancer cells and tumors to enable the immune system and other cancer fighters to better attack the cancer…

Vitamin D3 and Peppermint are the other ingredients.

Since none of these can be patented the scientific studies are going to be scarce.