VITAMIN A ARTICLES
I want to thank WAPF and Pam Schoenfeld for her articles on vitamin A, they are excellent. I canΚΌt wait for my chance to provide this info to the moms at our local ZoeCare holistic clinic. The article on vitamin A for growth and development (Spring 2026) could suffice for several sessions!
Throughout the article I could think of examples where her concerns have played out in real time for myself, my family and friends.
Mary Walkes, Chapter Leader
Yankton, South Dakota
TESTIMONIALS STILL WELCOME
During the closing panel of last yearβs conference, an idea was floated that our outreach and influence could be extended even further by modeling what good eating (and healthy living in general) actually looks like. This is the kind of thing that really attracts others.
One easy way to do this is with testimonialsβsimilar to the kinds of letters printed here in the journal, but maybe shorterβof some solution, pracΒtice or insight that has improved your life (or that of family members, friends or acquaintances) as a result of any knowledge or support youβve received the Weston A. Price Foundation. Our expressions of health and satisΒfaction might well be the information and inspiration emulated by others to improve their own lives!
We are still happily receiving short letters from the community, which will be organized into general topics for easy access and perusal. (You can send them in the form of PDFs, standard word processing docs or just included in an email.) Please send to wap.jewels@ gmail.com.
We continue to be grateful to you all in making the Weston A. Price FounΒdation the awesome movement that it is. Thank you.
Mark Hurwit, volunteer
Eugene, Oregon
VICTORY IN CANADA
Success! A bill was introduced here in Canada to reverse a previous government action that placed natural health products in the same category as pharmaceutical drugs. I contacted the WAPF with a written announcement for them to send to WAPF members here in Canada. We were delighted to see that the bill to protect natural health products passed unanimously on March 10 in the House of Commons! It is now working its way through Parliament on its way to becoming law!
Thanks very much for your email to the Canadian WAPF members. The reason given for this surprising outΒcome was the overwhelming amount of correspondence received by the MemΒbers of Parliament. This is a testimony to what a few dedicated people can do to make positive changeβWAPF memΒbers make a difference! Thank you!
Roger Coutts Umstead
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
REINSTATED
In September 2020, I visited my local library to pick up books checked out online. While picking up the books that were placed near the front door, the librarian asked me to don a mask.
I declined and stated that I had a βI-need-to-breatheβ exemption. She asked me to wait so she could add me to a list but I walked out without saying a word. I did not need or want my name on their list.
The next week when I went in to get a new book, she was waiting for me and handed me a βpinkβ slip, literally it was pink. The slip stated I was now barred from every branch of our local library district. Unbelievable, as I am a taxpayer. To get my card back, I was
required to meet with their security officer and their social worker. No way was I doing that nonsense.
Fast forward to October 2025, while driving home from the Wise Traditions conference in Salt Lake City, I was relaying my story to a friend who drove with us. She knows one of our loΒcal county commissioners and offered to write her an email explaining my situation. Three days later, I heard from the head of security at our library disΒtrict stating that I was reinstated since the mask mandate had been lifted. I feel like this is a testimony to standing up for your beliefs and sticking up for what we know is right and not being bullied.
By the way, I was still using the services by borrowing a library card from someone I knowβafter all I am a taxpayer. Standing up for our food, medical and, in this case, the right to read is imperative in todayβs society. Hopefully my story will empower othΒers to do the same.
Gina B, Chapter Leader
Colorado Springs North, Colorado
LIFESTYLE CHANGED
WAPF has changed the way I view my entire lifestyle and health. While it started with food and nourishment, I later expanded to think about all the inputs in our environmentβfrom dropping cleaning and beauty products, sunscreen and the like, to seeking farm-fresh real milk, to rethinking allowable (or worse, βnecessaryβ) annual vacΒcines, radiation and much more.
I continue to be so very grateful that I found the Wise Traditions journal, podcast and materials. Frankly, my whole worldview and familyβs health have been profoundly affected for the better.
Dixie Huey
Florida
COOKING WITH KIDS
From an early age, I required my children to make one breakfast and one dinner every week. Even an eight-year old can learn to make bacon and eggs and do it well. In the beginning, I had to spend a lot of time with them, but eventually I didnβt even have to be in the room when they prepared the meal; they could follow new complex recipes without any help. If they already have this practical experience doing it, I think thereβs a much better chance of them preparing healthy meals for themΒselves after they move out, and for their own families in the future.
Cooking with your children gets them away from electronic devices, and makes them a contributor to the family; it satisfies one of Maslowβs top hierarchy of needs. It also helps a parent learn to let their child fail in small ways (like adding too much salt to a meal, or frying an egg without any grease), while providing opportunities for the children to learn from those mistakes. All of this helps them develop a wide variety of different skills that no one can ever take away from them.
Steve Araiza
Houston, Texas
INVASIVE PLANTS?
IΚΌm a WAPF member and wanted to bring something to your attention (if youΚΌre not already aware of it). I recently saw online that New Jersey is banning thirty species of trees and plants that they consider to be invasive starting in 2030. Maybe this is not uncommon and itΚΌs just the first IΚΌve seen of this kind of thing, but something about it made me take notice.
I think after seeing how common, well-established treatments were deΒmonized and made inaccessible to us during the pandemic, and also knowΒing that traditional natural remedies for ailments are discouraged, mocked and minimized in favor of synthetic medications, I just wondered whether there was something more to thisβthat it wasnΚΌt just an aesthetic decision or ecological decision.
It may still be a stretch that the motives are nefarious, but I did do an online search of each of the species and all but one had known medicinal or food-source uses. Some even had environmental benefits (like removing PCBs and cleaning contaminated soil and water). Are they just ignorant or is this intentional in preparation for the next plandemic? See the sidebar for some of the species and the information I found on them.
Faith K
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Editorβs Note: Many of these are comΒmon garden plants. Will New Jersey ofΒficials raid people’s gardens and spray wih toxic herbicides?
SIDEBAR
INVASIVE SPECIES OR MEDICINAL PLANTS?
β’ NORWAY MAPLE (Acer platanoides): Seed oil from A. platanoides has been identified as a source of gamma-linolenic acid, a beneficial dietary supplement.
β’ TREE OF HEAVEN (Ailanthus altissima): Also known as chunpi, its dried root and stem bark are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, gastrointestinal inflammation, spermatorrhea, epilepsy, asthma and menstrual bleeding. Studies show it has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and tumor-inhibiting properties.
β’ MIMOSA TREE or PERSIAN SILK TREE (Albizia julibrissin): Considered highly medicinal in traditional Chinese mediΒcine, and used for centuries to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia and irritability. Its inner bark and flowers are valued for their sedative, anti-inflammatory and calming effects.
β’ PORCELAIN BERRY (Ampelopsis glandulosa): Used in traditional Asian medicine as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic and liver tonic. Its roots, leaves and fruits are historically used (often topically) for treating bruises, boils, abscesses and aches. Studies also show high antioxidant activity in the plant.
β’ JAPANESE ANGELICA TREE (Aralia elata): A highly valued medicinal and edible plant in East Asia, often used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Rich in saponins, its roots and bark are used to treat rheumatism, liver diseases, diabetes and to reduce fatigue and stress. Modern research highlights its potential in protecting the liver, fighting tumors, reducing inflammation and protecting the nervous system.
β’ JAPANESE BARBERRY (Berberis thunbergii): The berries contain a unique compound called berberine, which acts as an antioxidant. It may help improve blood sugar control, treat diarrhea and fight inflammation related to dental infections and acne. Can be used in jam or jellies or added to salads.
β’ JAPANESE CLEMATIS (Clematis terniflora): A plant in the Ranunculaceae family, it is native to East Asia, Europe and North Africa. Traditional Chinese medicine uses this herb to treat tonsillitis, rheumatoid arthritis and prostatitis.
β’ AUTUMN OLIVE (Elaeagnus umbellata): Considered medicinal and highly nutritious, with berries containing up to seventeen times more lycopene than tomatoes, autumn olive is rich in carotenes, vitamin C, antioxidants and phytochemicals. It is used to treat inflammation, coughs, cardiovascular issues and to boost immune function. The berries, flowers and seeds are used to treat chronic diseases and reduce oxidative stress. Autumn olive has potential cancer-fighting properties, especially for prostate and skin. Extracts help manage diabetes (antidiabetic) and protect the liver.
β’ WEEPING LOVEGRASS (Eragrostis curvula): Used in South African traditional medicine where its roots are utilized to address intestinal disorders and blood impurities. It is primarily valued as a forage grass, for erosion control and in rehabilitation.
β’ WINGED BURNING BUSH (Euonymus alatus): Considered a medicinal plant, particularly in traditional East Asian medicine, where it is used to treat conditions like hyperglycemia, diabetes, arthritis and gynecological issues. It contains numerous active compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor properties.
β’ ENGLISH IVY (Hedera helix): English Ivy leaf extract is a recognized medicinal herb, primarily used to treat respiraΒtory conditions. It is widely used in Europe for its expectorant, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in syrups and drops for bronchitis, chronic coughs and mucus reduction.
β’ JAPANESE HOP (Humulus japonicus): Researched by NIH, in traditional Chinese medicine, H. japonicus has been used to treat pneumonia, diarrhea, hypertension, leprosy and tuberculosis. The leaves serve as a treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculosis, cervical lymphadenitis and hypertension. In addition, previous studies have indicated that the extract possesses antioxidative, antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties.
β’ EUROPEAN PRIVET (Ligustrum vulgare): Historically, leaves and bark were used for gargles, sore throats, wounds and skin infections, it is a diuretic and anti-inflammatory.
β’ AMUR HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera maackii): Used to treat respiratory issues (colds, pneumonia) and as an anti-inflammatory. It is valued in traditional Chinese medicine for clearing heat and detoxifying.
β’ MORROWΜS HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera morrowii): Although the plant is generally considered toxic to humans, it has some historical medicinal use.
β’ PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE (Lythrum salicaria): The plant has a long history of traditional medicinal use, primarily valued for its strong astringent and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and inflammation of the gut. It is also applied topically for wound healing and skin issues. In places where the growΒing conditions are healthy, loosestrife does not become βinvasive,β it stays fairly well balanced. But in unhealthy places, it thrives. Part of the reason is that itβs doing a job: loosestrife is one of our pollution remediator plants! Purple loosestrife can actually remove PCBs from contaminated water and soil and in fact, one study on its efΒficacy on the Hudson River had significant success. Plus, loosestrife can absorb excess phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural runoff.
β’ JAPANESE CRABAPPLE (Malus toringo): Can be used to make jams and jellies and has high levels of antioxidants like quercetin and anthocyanins. Its fruit is used to aid digestion and reduce inflammation, while the bark has historically been used to treat fevers. It is also a rich source of vitamin C.
β’ CHINESE SILVER GRASS (Miscanthus sinensis): Young shoots and flowers are edible, and roots and stems have traditionally been used for detoxification. A known diuretic and anti-inflammatory, it has detoxicant properties. The juice from young stems has been used to treat poisoning. ItΚΌs a good resource for biomass and bioenergy.
β’ EURASIAN WATER-MILFOIL (Myriophyllum spicatum): Aquatic plant with roots that can be consumed raw or cooked (reportedly sweet and crunchy when cooked).
β’ ORIENTAL PHOTINIA (Photinia villosa): Traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal ailments and serve as a tonic or stimulant. Fever reducer. Research suggests antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-cancer properties.
β’ CALLERY or BRADFORD PEAR (Pyrus calleryana): The bark can be used for sprains and bruises (externally) and leaves can be used as diuretic
β’ COMMON BUCKTHORN (Rhamnus cathartica): Powerful laxative, purgative and βcleansingβ agent for rheumatism.
β’ JETBEAD (Rhodotypos scandens): Toxic.
β’ MULTIFLORA ROSE (Rosa multiflora): Considered medicinal and edible, despite its status as an invasive species in North America, its rose hips, flowers and leaves are used to support immune function, reduce inflammation, treat skin conditions and provide high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C.
β’ EUROPEAN WATER CHESTNUT (Trapa natans): Both highly edible and medicinal, its starchy, chestnut-like kernels are eaten raw, boiled, roasted, or ground into flour. Ayurveda and Unani medicine uses it to treat conditions like diarrhea, inflammation, sore throat and general fatigue. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
β’ SIEBOLDβS ARROWWOOD (Viburnum sieboldii): Primarily used in traditional and folk medicine, its bark and leaves are valued for astringent properties to treat gastrointestinal issues, while some Viburnum species provide mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Ripe berries are edible, and the bark can be used in tea to treat fevers and infections, relieve pain and reduce inflammation; leaves are used in poultices for minor wounds.
β’ JAPANESE WISTERIA (Wisteria floribunda) and CHINESE WISTERIA (Wisteria sinensis): Many oriental medicinists use wisteria gall extracts for treating gastric cancer and cancer of breast and stomach, as well as rheumatoid arthritis. The flowers are edible.
β’ SERICEA LESPEDEZA (Lespedeza cuneata): In East Asian traditional medicine, it is used as a diuretic, for improving circulation and for treating coughs and asthma. Its high tannin content makes it a natural anthelmintic (dewormer) for livestock.
β’ RUNNING BAMBOO (Phyllostachys): Various partsβincluding leaves, shoots and shavingsβare used for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to treat fever, infections and digestive disorders.
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