Licorice Root & Herpes

Herpes is a viral infection caused by one of two types of the herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex type 1 usually causes infections above the waist, while type 2 causes infections below the waist, principally on the genitals, anus and buttocks. However, either type can infect almost any site on the skin, according to National Institutes of Health researchers Dr. Adriana R. Marques and Dr. Stephen E. Straus in the 2008 edition of "Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine." There is no cure for herpes, so herbs such as licorice root have attracted attention as a means of reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.

History

In the 2006 edition of "Natural Pharmacy," holistic medicine specialist Dr. Alan R. Gaby says that licorice root, known by the botanical names Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has a "long and highly varied record of uses." According to Gaby, it remains one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, in which practitioners use it to treat viral infections such as herpes, as well as other conditions as varied as diabetes and epilepsy. Although it is commonly referred to as licorice root, that is technically a misnomer since both the root and underground stems, called rhizomes, are used in herbal remedies.

Types

There are two types of licorice root: standard and de-glycyrrhizinated, sometimes abbreviated as DGL. People with herpes should choose standard preparation since glycyrrhizin is one of the components thought to confer therapeutic benefits for herpes. Standard licorice comes as the dried, unprocessed root, liquid extract, cream, pills or gels. People with herpes should avoid the dried, unprocessed root because the coarse particles may irritate herpes sores. All other forms can be adapted for topical use.

Use

Patients can apply a thin layer of liquid extract, cream or gel directly to herpes sores using a cotton swab or fingertips. Pills should be crushed and mixed with an amount of water or sweet almond oil sufficient to form a thin paste. Patients can then apply the paste to herpes sores. For patients with herpes sores inside the mouth, Gaby recommends making a mouth wash of approximately 1 tbsp. of crushed licorice root pills with 1 cup of warm water. Patients should swirl a small amount inside the mouth for three or four minutes, then spit the solution into the sink. Unused solution can be covered and refrigerated for later use. Patients should use licorice three or four times per day until herpes sores heal.

Risks

Taken orally, licorice root may cause side effects such as increased blood pressure and fluid retention. However, these risks do not apply to people who use the herb topically. The major risk of topical licorice root is skin irritation. Licorice root preparations are not standardized, so even a previously tolerated form of the product can cause irritation when a new batch is purchased. People who experience irritation should discontinue use and see a doctor if symptoms persist after three days. Licorice root has not been subjected to the same studies as conventional medications for herpes, so there are no guarantees that it will be effective. Licorice root does not replace conventional medications for herpes or any other condition. People who experience frequent, severe or prolonged symptoms should see a doctor.

Benefits

Licorice root contains two compounds thought to benefit herpes. Glycyrrhizin is an anti-inflammatory that quells swelling, redness and discomfort, while flavonoids in licorice extract counteract the growth of the herpes simplex virus, at least in test tubes. The net effect may be a reduction in the severity and duration of herpes symptoms. However, Gaby cautions, the use of licorice root extract for herpes is mainly based on tradition, not science. As of October 2010, the National Library of Medicine lists no clinical trials to support the effectiveness of licorice root on herpes.

Cinnamon Kills Viruses

There is increasing evidence that Cinnamon kills viruses. Antibiotics do not work against viruses because they are not alive. A bacteria is a reproducing life form. A virus are DNA/RNA fragments  on a protein coat that has injected itself into a living cell and gets that cell to reproduce. That means killing those cells will essentially kill you. A viral drug works by stopping the viruses injecting themselves into the cells. A bacteria by comparison stands separate from a cell and can therefore be isolated killed separately without killing the cell.

With advent of the Ebola virus and other pandemics like SARS perhaps it is time to look for a natural solution. One such solution for a possible anti viral drug to kill a virus is cinnamon. Specifically Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil and maybe even Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil. This would the super concentrated Cinnamon from the Cinnamon bark and the cinnamon leaves.

Cinnamon Bark Oil, distilled from the bark of the Ceylon Cinnamon Tree has high levels of Cinnamaldehyde (about 40%-60%) known for it’s wonderful medicinal properties from blood sugar control to powerful anti-bacterial properties that can penetrate the brain blood barrier when taken internally.

Cinnamon leaf Oil distilled from the leaves of the tree has much less cinnamaldehyde (about 15%) but it has another magical ingredient, Eugenol (about 40-75%) which is also an extremely powerful bacteria killer. The Leaf Oil is not as refined as the Bark Oil or smell as nice, but it’s much cheaper and great for topical applications, especially to kill anti biotic resistant bacteria. If you have gone for a hospital stay, this is the thing to take because it is effective against so many antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Cinnamon kills a virus we say? Yes. So while Cinnamon has been known mostly for its powerful anti-bacterial properties, it is becoming evident that it could also be a virus fighter. Legend has it that during the 1918 influenza outbreak, workers at cinnamon factories seemed immune to the Spanish flu which decimated the population. According to this Stanford University article a popular remedy for the Spanish flu (a virus) was cinnamon in powder or oil form mixed with milk to reduce temperature.

So what is the evidence for Cinnamon as a Virus fighter? Well here it is.

1.     HIV and Cinnamon

An Indian study based out of Pune India claimed that a Cinnamon derived procyanidin polymer can turn HIV infected people into HIV controllers (those who carry the Virus but do not develop full blown AIDS). Apparently they extracted a molecule (which remains unknown) which protects an important defense protein by neutralizing the HIV virus. While not a cure they suggest this polymer could enhance the immune response system against HIV.

This survey of Indian plants for HIV found two varieties of Cinnamon Cinnamomum cassia and Cardiospermum helicacabum, have compounds that are effective against HIV-1 and HIV-2. While this study was not done with Ceylon Cinnamon, the probability it applying to Ceylon Cinnamon is reasonable. Besides Cassia Cinnamon has high levels of Coumarin which can damage your liver.

2.     Adenovirus and Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a common a common ingredient in traditional Asian herbal medicine, particularly for chest related ailments. This study shows that cinnamaldhye (found especially high in distilled Cinnamon Bark Oil) is effective against the adenovirus, a respiratory illness. Symptoms of respiratory illness caused by the adenovirus infection range from the common cold syndrome to pneumonia, croup, and bronchitis, diarrhea, pink eye, fever, bladder inflammation and neurologic disease.

3.     Herpes and Cinnamon

This abstract found that Cinnzeylanine isolated from Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon Cinnamon) inhibits the proliferation of herpes simplex virus type 1 in Vero cells. Another study in 2000 found Eugeol (the common ingredient in Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil) was virucidal and showed no cytotoxicity at the concentrations tested. Meaning it was effective against HSV-1 and HSV-2 (Herpes) at doses of 25.6 & 16.2 microg/mL.

So can we conclude that Cinnamon is effective as a virus fighter? All we can say it is early days. What this shows is that both Cinnamaldehye (from steam distilling the bark) and Eugenol (from steam distilling cinnamon leaf) are both effective, albeit for different strains of viruses.

Dr. Mercola references Professor Michael Ovadia in 2007, a spiritual scientist from Tel Aviv University, as having has signed a research and license deal on his patent-pending cinnamon extract, which has potent anti-viral properties. Nothing has come out of it yet.

The main thing we can learn from this is Cinnamon has the potential to be an antiviral. A little bit of Cinnamon, taken in moderation as part of overall program of moderate exercise and a health diet is really all we can do. We tend to think of Cinnamon as a preventer as opposed to a cure and that is the approach we should all use. The Chinese had this saying; you fire your doctor if they get you sick but keep them as long as you remain healthy.

HOW TO TAKE CINNAMON TO KILL A VIRUS

All the research is fine a dandy, but how do you take it to kill a Virus you ask. You can’t really swallow some Cinnamon Bark Oil or Leaf Oil.  Cinnamon Oils are so powerful, that more than a drop or two might burn your insides.

If you do take Cinnamon Bark Oil you should consult a medical professional. And only use good quality Cinnamon Oil. Technically both Cinnamon leaf oil and bark oil can be taken internally provided they are steam distilled to a high quality with high levels of cinnamaldehyde (in Cinnamon Bark this should be 40% and up) or high levels Eugenol (in cinnamon leaf oil this should be 70% and up). There are also some good books on Amazon on essential oils that you try to follow.

In the meantime you can try our  Ceylon Cinnamon Black Tea infused with Cinnamon Bark Oil. If you are allergic to caffeine you can just boil some Ceylon Cinnamon sticks and make a tea out of it. Each stick has only small amounts of Bark Oil but taken cumulatively everyday it probably adds to an overall healthy life style that just might ward of that virulent flu.

This entry was posted in Cinnamon Benefits & Recipes and tagged adenovirus, cinnamon, cinnamon bark oil, cinnamon leaf oil, cinnamon oil, fighter, Herpes, HIV, virus by . Bookmark the permalink.

Herbal Tea For Herpes

Tea for herpes

Listed below are herbs, which made in the form of an aqueous extraction (tea), which have been clinically proven to help prevent or treat the herpes simplex virus. All herbs should be labeled as certified organic and come from a reliable, trusted source.

Infusions for Herpes

Camellia sinensis

Lemon balm

Sage

Rosemary

Thyme

Peppermint

Prunella

Camellia sinensis (green tea)

Green tea made from camellia sinensis contains polyphenols called catechins. The catechins found in green camellia tea are able to inhibit viruses such as HIV, influenza, and the herpes simplex virus.

While the catechins in green camellia tea were not readily available by drinking the tea, the medical journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy reported in 2008 that the green tea could be applied topically to outbreaks of both herpes simplex- 1 and herpes simplex- 2 virus strains.

In vitro, HSV- 2 could be deactivated with the catechins in green camellia tea in as little as ten minutes. HSV-1 could be deactivated in as little as thirty minutes.

In vitro refers to experiments done in a laboratory, not on living subjects.

The implications for this discovery is that green camellia tea could be used as a vaginal microcidal, especially in pregnant women affected with genital herpes.

Other teas for herpes

In 2006, scientists in the Department of Biology at the University of Heidelberg, in Heidelberg, Germany, wanted to observe the antiviral effects of a certain family of herbs on the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Lemon balm, sage, rosemary, thyme, peppermint, and prunella were all made into aqueous extracts and applied to herpes simplex- 1 (oral herpes), herpes simplex- 2 (genital herpes), and a drug resistant strain of HSV- 1 in vitro.

All of the herbs performed very well against all three kinds of herpes viruses. In order to find out how the herbs affected the herpes viruses, the aqueous extracts were applied at different stages of infection.

Before the infection stage, each of the herbs were very effective against all of the herpes viruses. With very strongly concentrated aqueous extractions, the herbs killed more than 90% of both the herpes simplex- 1 and herpes simplex- 2 virus cells.

Strong teas made from these herbs also killed over 85% of the drug- resistant oral herpes virus.

The scientists concluded that each of the herbs would be excellent choices for a topical treatment against recurring herpes outbreaks. This means that the tea would be applied directly on the skin.

Herbalists might suggest that a person affected with herpes drink three cups of the tea over the course of a day on a daily basis. A strong infusion can be made by using a tablespoon of dried herbs in each cup, then pouring steaming hot filtered water over the herbs.

Once cooled, the used herbs could be placed directly on the affected area and wrapped securely with a gauze bandage.

Lemon balm (Melissa ofiicinalis)

Lemon balm is a soothing mint with a distinctly lemon scent. The herb is nicknamed bee balm, because bees are highly attracted to the plant. Lemon balm is often used in herbal treatments for the brain, central nervous system, and migraine headaches.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage has been used as both a culinary and healing herb for centuries. Its peppery flavor makes sage a favorite for poultry and sausage seasoning. Sage is a favorite digestive herb.

When taken cold, sage will reduce a fever. When taken hot, it will help force a fever and sweating. Sage works well as an astringent for skin, and helps relieve itching.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary, a pungent mint used to flavor meat, vinegars, and liqueurs, is widely used in herbal healing preparations for its antioxidant and antispasmodic capabilities. Rosemary is showing promise in the medical community for Alzheimer’s, osteoarthritis, and cancer.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme was once worn by knights in armor when they went into battle as a sign of courage and for wound care. Ancient Egyptians used thyme as an antibacterial herb when they prepared mummies for burial.

Thyme is a strong antiseptic, and is the main ingredient in a very popular mouthwash. It is used to treat athlete’s food, yeast infections, whooping cough, and asthma.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint is the classic “minty” herb. Not only does peppermint aid digestion, it soothes irritable bowel syndrome and tension headaches. Peppermint has anti-bacterial properties and can be used as a pain reliever.

Prunella (Prunella vulgaris)

Prunella is sometimes called “heal all.” As the name suggests, prunella is used in traditional herbal medicine to heal everything from sore throats and minor skin abrasions to liver disease.

The antibiotic, antiviral, and antiseptic phytochemicals in prunella make it a favorite “go to” herb for infectious diseases.

Decoctions for Herpes

Turkey rhubarb root

Garlic

Turkey rhubarb root

Turkey rhubarb root is commonly known simply as rhubarb. Its purgative action makes the herb an effective colon cleanser. Traditional herbalists also use rhubarb to treat stubborn skin infections.

In 2001, scientists at the University State Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, were experimenting with the antiviral properties of certain herbs on the herpes labialis (oral herpes) virus.

The scientists wanted to compare a prescription topical cream for HSV- 1 with a cream of their own creation, made from turkey rhubarb root and sage extracts. They compared a laboratory- made sage cream, turkey rhubarb root and sage cream, and Zorivax.

While a cream or ointment is not the same thing as a tea, the scientists made the cream with aqueous (water) and aqueous- ethanol (grain alcohol tincture) extracts of sage and turkey rhubarb.

The scientists discovered that it took 7.6 days for the herpes lesions to heal with sage cream alone, 6.7 days for the rhubarb- sage combination, and 6.5 days for Zorivax. Overall, the rhubarb-sage cream was just as effective as Zorivax, while sage by itself was not.

The implication of the study, as documented by the scientists themselves, was that “a rhubarb root... and sage extract showed a promising activity.”

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a powerful anti-microbial and anti-parasitic. It has been used since ancient times to heal any number of infections.

Knowing that garlic had been clinically demonstrated to possess antiviral chemicals, scientists at Brigham Young University decided to test it on herpes simplex virus- 1, herpes simplex virus- 2, and other viruses.

In the study, the scientists took fresh garlic extract, commonly known as fresh garlic juice, and applied the extract to all of the viruses. Garlic killed all of them, including herpes.

Once again, while the clinical study used fresh garlic extract, garlic can be made into a tea. Since garlic is a tough substance, using the decoction method of extraction would garner the best results.

One caution when making herbal teas for therapeutic purposes

When most people think of “herbal tea,” they think of a relaxing, delicious cup of chamomile or spearmint tea. When herbalists use teas for therapeutic purposes, on many occasions the herbs are quite bitter and taste horrible.

It is perfectly acceptable to add raw honey to any herb tea for flavoring. However, sugar or artificial sweeteners should never be used with traditional medicinal herbs. These sweeteners do more harm than good, and defeat the integrity of the healing herbs.

Sources

Pubmed.gov, “Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro “ S. Nolkemper, et al. Planta Medica. December 2006; 72(15): 1378- 82.

Pubmed.gov “Epigallocatechin Gallate Inactivates Clinical Isolates of Herpes Simplex Virus,” Charles E. Isaacs, et al. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. March 2008; 52(3): 962- 970.

Mountain Rose Herbs.com “Lemon Balm Her

Camellia sinensis leaf

An extract of the leaves of the tea plant camellia sinensis. Commonly referred to as green tea extract. See Truth In Aging's Green Tea Article.

Functions:

Biologically speaking, a significant amount of scientific evidence points to the antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties of green tea. Many studies, including those conducted by the American Association for Cancer Research and in the journal Preventative Medicine, have demonstrated how drinking green tea can help prevent the formation of cancerous tumors, in both mice and humans. While there are only limited studies to prove its effects on the skin (Source: Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, and Photomedicine, February 2007, pages 48–56), most skin experts generally recommend green tea as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging ingredient.

The cosmetic and dermatological communities fervently laud green tea, mainly due to the fact that it contains the polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG polyphenols are widely known for their anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant abilities, and have been shown to inhibit the body's immune suppression and skin cancer induction that typically follows UVB exposure. A 2001 study in the journal Carcinogenesis demonstrated how, after exposure to sunlight, the dermal application of EGCG can effectively reduce the body's oxidative stress and increase its enzyme and amino acid activity (mainly catalase and glutathione).

With regards to its anti-inflammatory effects, a 2003 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry demonstrated how green tea also works to reduce UV induced inflammations (as measured by double skin swellings). It's been shown to be an extremely effective treatment for reducing the redness and irritation associated with Rosacea. Furthermore, recent research suggests that EGCG indirectly acts as a sun-protecting ingredient by quenching the body's UV induced free radicals, in turn preventing the breakdown of collagen and reducing the skin's UV damage (Source: Journal of Dermatological Science, December 2005, pages 195–204). In fact, green tea has been shown to enhance and work synergestically with other UV absorbing ingredients.

There exists far less research to support green tea's ability to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. Considering its well documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it no doubt can help slow down the development of some of the visual signs of aging. Yet whether green tea can actually reverse some of the damage done and improve the appearance of aging skin, further research is warranted. In a 2005 study, 40 women with substantial photoaging were administered a combination of green tea supplementation and green tea face cream. ON one hand, after 8 weeks their skin showed no visible differences in clinical grading than that of the placebo group. On the other hand, laboratory skin biopsies of the women treated with green tea showed a significant improvement in their elastic tissue content.

While more research is required to prove the ingredient's benefits on mature skin (wrinkles, sagging), there's very little doubt surrounding the preventative anti-aging benefits of green tea, particularly when it is used in conjunction with sunscreen ingredients. Traditionally, the topical application of only high doses of the extract were thought to have subtstantial effects on the skin. Recent research, however, suggests that concentrations as low as .4% can benefit the skin. You may find camellia sinensis leaf extract in virtually avery type of personal care product such as facial moisturizer, cleanser, body lotion, anti-aging treatment, sunscreen, foundation, shampoo/conditioner, hair dye, rosacea treatment, acne treatment and shaving cream.

Apple Cider Vinegar For Colds And Allergies

Struggles with sinus pain are terribly unpleasant, and in the thick of cold and flu season, bugs and infections are creeping up all over the place. Even with one inhale of this warming pungent drink, you'll be able to breathe through your nose and feel less cloudy in your head. One of the most important things to do when you're sick is drink plenty of fluids to replenish what your body has lost, but this brew takes things to the next level. Not only does the concoction soothe your symptoms with cayenne's anti-inflammatory powers, but the apple cider vinegar boosts your immune system and energy levels to help you heal. Try out this strange and spicy brew and find some relief.

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 wedge lemon

DIRECTIONS

Bring water to a boil.

Combine hot water and apple cider vinegar in a small glass or mug.

Add honey and cayenne pepper. Stir well. Top off with a squeeze of lemon.

Take a deep breath of the mixture, and start drinking.

INFORMATION

Category Drinks, Hot Drinks Yield 1 serving

NUTRITION

Calories per serving 66

Personal mission puts Dallas Uber driver at forefront of company’s anti-drunken-driving campaign

As an Uber driver, Gerald Ogden has sung along to Justin Bieber with college students, dressed up as Captain Jack Sparrow to drive partygoers on Halloween and watched a man vomit out the window of his meticulously clean SUV.

While being the only sober person in a car full of drunk people might sound like a nightmare to some, that’s exactly why Ogden does the job.

Ogden, a 32-year-old Dallas personal trainer, began to drive for Uber in the spring after a friend got hit by a drunken driver. He said he donated the extra money to a GoFundMe page that raised more than $11,000 to help pay her medical bills.

Now, he says, he continues to drive 40 to 50 hours a week not only to supplement his income but also to prevent drunken driving. “We’re giving them an alternative,” explained Ogden, who said he, too, was once hit — but not seriously injured — by a drunken driver.

Ogden plans to take Uber’s #PledgeToProtect, which asks its drivers to provide 50 trips in December in an effort to prevent drunken driving. For the first 500 drivers who take the pledge and the first 500 Uber customers who promise not to drink and drive, Uber will donate to Dallas Challenge, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of the city’s youth.

An Uber spokeswoman said several other Texas cities, including Austin, San Antonio and Houston, will also participate in the campaign, which kicks off Monday.

Ogden sat in the driver’s seat of his 2012 black Ford Edge last week, preparing for his first holiday season as a driver. An Uber card hung from the rearview mirror. The vehicle’s black leather seats were smooth, its floor mats free of crumbs. Life’s daily clutter — crumpled receipts, a used water bottle, a spare red tie — was hidden away, stuffed into the driver’s door storage area.

He said he gets his car washed almost daily. He considers it a business investment.

On his cellphone, the Uber app showed his location, a blue dot hovering alone on the map.

He waited to see if someone would request a ride. No one did. It wasn’t a busy time: noon in the suburbs during a holiday week.

But Ogden said he regularly gets requests without leaving his Lake Highlands neighborhood. “Anywhere they’re going to be drinking, people more and more are taking Uber,” he said.

More often than not, Ogden said, customers make conversation and ask him why he became an Uber driver. That’s when he tells them his story.

He recalls the time he and a buddy got sideswiped by a drunken driver on U.S. Highway 75, causing the car to fishtail .

He tells them about his friend Jenna, an actress in Los Angeles who was going to grab some food when someone who was suspected of being drunk ran a red light and T-boned her vehicle, leaving her in critical condition.

“It’s not just about [the driver] and the risk they’re taking,” he said. “They’re putting other lives at risk.”

Ogden was telling this to a customer one night when she told him that she was, in fact, an Uber employee and wanted to pass his story along to the team at the office. That’s how Ogden became the local face of the company’s #PledgeToProtect campaign.

But Ogden said recognition wasn’t what he was looking for when he signed up to drive for Uber. He just wanted something to do, some way to make a difference.

“These things kind of leave you feeling helpless,” he said.

Later that afternoon, Ogden went in search of customers. As he cruised down Northwest Highway toward Highway 75, his phone beeped over his Bluetooth. He had a hit.

“All right,” he said. “Here we go.”

By SARAH MERVOSH 

Food delivery: Amazon, DoorDash, Postmates lead explosion of doorstep delivery options

Years ago, Amazon hooked shoppers on cheap books delivered in days. Now, the e-commerce giant is blowing up the online marketplace again by reaching into the fast-growing world of food delivery.

Amazon’s one-hour delivery arm, Prime Now, announced plans this week to provide Los Angeles-area residents with doorstep delivery of meals from local restaurants such as Umami Burger and Wokcano. The news comes as app-based food delivery services are growing at a rapid clip as consumers demand hassle-free, doorstep deliveries on everything from groceries to tacos to alcohol.

“These are people who don’t leave the house very much,” said Roland Foss, whose Mission Market convenience store in Fullerton delivers via ordering systems by DoorDash, Eat24 and GrubHub.

Many food companies, from Irvine-based Taco Bell to Foss’ mom-and-pop shop, are using third-party applications, which help increase sales with very little to lose in terms of capital investment.

The three services allow Foss to sell everything from microwavable meals to vaping products to customers who might never walk through his tiny storefronts in Fullerton and Anaheim.

“We are platform agnostic, and I don’t mind being on as many platforms as possible,” Foss said. “I’m just expanding the footprint of my potential customers and earnings.”

Demand for food delivery services also has become attractive for private equity investors who sunk $1 billion in the U.S. delivery market over the 12 months ended in June, according to Rosenheim Advisors, a consulting firm in the food-related tech sector.

“It’s definitely a frenzy,” said Brita Rosenheim, a principal and founder of the New York-based firm. “There’s more appetite for this category over the last couple of years.”

Several brands are emerging as nationwide leaders, including DoorDash, Postmates and Instacart, which are partnering with popular food and retail brands such as Starbucks, Taco Bell, 7-Eleven, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Whole Foods Market and Target.

But like any emerging trend, the market is prone to saturation.

Experts note that online food orders don’t represent new business, just business purchased in a different way. The amount of food consumed, overall, isn’t necessarily boosted because of online ordering, said Phil Lempert, a food industry analyst and editor of the popular online trade publication SupermarketGuru.

“I think there’s going to be a huge shakeout, and most of these small delivery companies, will ... go away,” he said.

Rosenheim agreed, adding that mergers are on the horizon.

“There’s a lot of money going into this space, and there’s absolutely consolidation to come. And we’ll start to see that in (the next) 18 months,” she said.

And business owners like Foss will probably play a key role in who survives as they test a host of options.

Since summer, Foss has been working with GrubHub and Yelp-owned Eat24 to provide mobile ordering to customers in the greater Fullerton area. Typical orders include sandwiches, cookies, chips and frozen foods. But there’s a catch: Those two services leave delivery up to the business.

In many cases, Foss is making the deliveries himself – which is not ideal, or efficient, he said. Sometimes it’s challenging to find homes in gated communities. One time, he couldn’t get into a secured apartment complex, so he left the person’s delivery outside the gate and sent the customer a message.

“There is some risk, and that just slows things down,” he said.

This month, Foss partnered with DoorDash, an Uber-like food delivery service that is spreading quickly across the country. The company provides an app-based ordering system, as well as the delivery drivers, called Dashers.

Even though the Bay area-based courier service takes a larger cut of overall sales, Foss said it’s worth it. The service takes care of delivery. Plus, DoorDash does what Eat24 and GrubHub won’t do: deliver alcohol and tobacco.

The latter, which includes cigarettes and vaping products, is proving to be lucrative for Mission Market.

“So far, tobacco is dominating,” Foss said, adding that “if DoorDash comes through, then I will cut the others loose.”

Here’s a look at the major food delivery players in Southern California:

DoorDash

Founded two years ago in a Stanford dorm room, DoorDash offers delivery of everything from tacos to toothbrushes. To date its primary partnerships have been with nationally known restaurants and food retailers such as Taco Bell, KFC and 7-Eleven.

Its network of independent contract “dashers” deliver meals in more than 250 cities across the U.S. DoorDash is available in all parts of Orange County except La Palma, Los Alamitos and Cypress.

Depending on the city, dashers can fetch everything from a bucket of fried chicken from KFC to an Iced Americano from Portola Coffee Lab for a delivery fee of $5.99. Fees vary and don’t include tipping, which is optional.

Delivery options depend on the city. Restaurants available for delivery also change depending on location. DoorDash provides an estimated time of delivery, which can take longer than an hour during peak days and hours.

This week, the DoorDash suffered a major publicity blow when Irvine-based In-N-Out Burger sued the company for delivering its food without permission. The suit, filed Nov. 6, also maintains that DoorDash is using an imitation In-N-Out logo on its app that confuses consumers into thinking In-N-Out has authorized the company to deliver its food.

DoorDash on Friday didn’t respond directly to In-N-Out’s accusation. In a statement, the company said: “While we have various relationships with different merchants, we are proud to help people get their favorite food delivered directly to their door.”

Postmates

Founded in 2011 in San Francisco, Postmates offers on-demand delivery of personal services, such as dry cleaning, as well as groceries and electronics and restaurant meals.

But its bread and butter, so far, is food delivery, which accounts for 80 percent of its business, said Sean Plaice, Postmates’ co-founder and chief technical officer.

“Food is to us like books were to Amazon,” said the former Orange County resident.

As a 4-year-old player in an emerging market, Postmates has set the bar for same-day delivery, he said.

The company’s fleet of couriers are in 40 metropolitan markets in the country, compared with 19 for DoorDash. Its couriers are available in most every city in Orange County. For as little as $4.99 (plus a 9 percent service fee), customers can use Postmates around the clock.

Citizen couriers or drivers, like Uber, roam the streets and “accept” requests based on the best match – typically someone who is closest to the location from which the order originates. Unlike DoorDash, orders can be customized. For example, you can order school supplies or bandages from retailers not necessarily showing up on the Postmates app.

“You can get anything delivered from anywhere,” said Plaice. “I’m proud to say we’re pioneers in this.”

GrubHub

In February, GrubHub expanded its foothold in the online food ordering sector by buying two restaurant delivery companies: Aliso Viejo-based Restaurants on the Run and Boston-based DiningIn.

The company curates online orders for more than 35,000 restaurant partners around the country. Since completing the acquisitions, GrubHub has created a delivery network to reach more than 30 markets, the company said.

Restaurants on the Run has a built-in delivery system for chains such as El Torito, BJ’s Restaurants and California Pizza Kitchen.

The company, founded in 1993, specializes in large corporate food deliveries. Individuals can make small orders, but some restaurants require a $20 minimum order on top of delivery fees.

To compete with delivery services that offer lower fees, GrubHub said it plans to “reduce fees over time.”

Amazon Prime Now

Amazon’s Prime Now and its one- or two-hour delivery service serves customers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including the Orange County cities of Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Orange.

The service offers tens of thousands of items, including household goods, groceries and electronics.

The delivery service, which operates in 13 metro areas across the U.S., can only be accessed through its mobile app. Members can check delivery options by entering their ZIP code.

This week, Amazon said Prime Now customers in Los Angeles can get delivery from local restaurants, including Umami Burger, Baby Blues BBQ, Wokcano, Hurry Curry of Tokyo, Feast from the East and John O’Groats Restaurant.

It’s unclear when that service will enter Orange County. AmazonFresh also delivers groceries in parts of Orange County.

UberEats also delivers meals in the Los Angeles area. Earlier this year, a company representative said it plans to eventually enter the Orange County market, but it hasn’t established a time-frame for that move.

News researcher Ian Wheeler contributed to this report.

Amazon Flex, UberRush Create Freelance Delivery Industry

The logistics space is just about to heat up.

On-demand transportation company Uber and eCommerce giant Amazon have launched their own courier services to deliver packages. With two big brands entering the logistics domain, it could mark the beginning of an all new freelance delivery industry.

Targeting Small Businesses with UberRUSH

Uber launched UberRUSH earlier in October in Chicago, San Francisco, and New York City.

The company is partnering with local businesses to deliver “pretty much anything in minutes” and is getting a good response already. According to an official announcement posted on the company’s website, hundreds of local businesses are “using UberRUSH to make faster, cheaper, and more reliable deliveries.”

With UberRUSH, businesses can manage and track deliveries in a timely manner. Further, it facilitates business expansion by allowing companies to reach a broader customer base without investing in the infrastructure needed. “Because couriers don’t need to make round trips, you can actually expand your delivery zone,” explains Uber.

The company has teamed up with eCommerce platforms including Shopify and ChowNow to enhance customer experience.

Crowdsourcing Delivery with Flex

Close on the heels of Uber’s entry into the logistics space came another big announcement, this time from Amazon.

The company launched Amazon Flex, its on-demand service that will hire hourly contractors who have their own cars and smartphones to deliver packages.

Flex will be part of Amazon’s premium one-hour delivery service, Prime Now, which is available in select places.

Amazon will pay drivers anywhere between $18 and $25 per hour and give them the flexibility to choose their own schedule and make as many deliveries as  they want, seven days a week. They just need to be at least 21 years old and have a car, a clean background check, driver’s license, and an Android phone.

Amazon’s decision to enter the on-demand economy comes at a time when the company is trying to bring down the cost of delivering items while ramping up its Prime Now service.

Flex is currently available in Seattle and expected to roll out in nine more cities soon.

Beginning of a Freelance Delivery Industry

Amazon and Uber’s entry into the on-demand space creates opportunities to build a new freelance delivery industry.

As Dave Clark, Amazon’s senior vice president of worldwide operations says, “There is a tremendous population of people who want to work in an on-demand fashion.”

It presents an especially attractive opportunity for small businesses.

As the demand for more delivery people goes up, it’s likely that more and more people may launch a part-time  or  full-time business performing deliveries for both Uber and Amazon. It remains to be seen how large a market this could be, but it may set the pattern or similar delivery services relying on contractors in the future.

Image: Uber

Into The Wild

http://www.metropolitancollege.com/Into%20The%20Wild.pdf

Treasure Island

http://www.planetpublish.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Treasure_Island_NT.pdf

7 Things You Need To Know About GMO Salmon

It’s taken nearly 20 years but AquAdvantage salmon will soon be served in restaurants and appearing at your local fish counter. AquAdvantage is a man-made breed of salmon that’s part Atlantic salmon and part Chinook salmon with a few genes from other fish thrown in that rev up the animal’s growth processes so they’re active most of the year, as opposed to only part of the year. With these changes, AquaAdvantage’s developer, AquaBounty Technologies, says the salmon grow at twice the rate of farm-raised fish.

The approval by FDA is controversial and contested. Here’s what you need to know for now.

Is the genetically modified salmon safe to eat?

The Food and Drug Administration says it “rigorously evaluated extensive data submitted by the manufacturer, AquaBounty Technologies, and other peer-reviewed data…” and determined that it “is safe to eat by humans and animals.”

Most studies on animals that are fed genetically modified foods don’t show serious health effects, though there are a few that hint at potential harm to organs like the kidneys, liver and heart, as well as increased risk of cancers and early death in these animals.

Will I know which salmon is genetically modified and which are not?

Not necessarily. There is no regulation requiring that AquaAdvantage fish be labeled as being genetically altered fish. Any labeling would be voluntarily by the companies’. The FDA issued two recommendations asking manufacturers to voluntarily label their products, along with guidance about how to note the genetic changes.

Some groups are calling for mandatory labeling. Scott Faber, executive director of a campaign called Just Label It said this in a statement: “The decision to approve GMO salmon without a mandatory disclosure is yet another example of how FDA’s outdated policy keeps consumers in the dark.”

Is it the first approved GMO animal approved for sale in the United States?

Yes. But up to 80% of the processed foods sold in the U.S. contain GMOs, mostly from plant crops. Corn, soy, potato and even some apple crops are genetically engineered to either produce more or to resist insects and drought. (See here for a chart of these crops.)

Why are some people against GMOs?

There are three major concerns about changing genes in wild plants or animals. First, the alterations could change the plant or animal in ways that could be harmful for people who eat them. The changes could also harm the plant or animal and make them less fit to survive. Finally, on a broader level, introducing new hybrid species could alter the environment in unpredictable and potentially worrisome ways. ‘

In the salmon’s case, if the genetically altered fish were to make its way into rivers and oceans, it could outcompete the wild salmon, which is smaller, for food and breeding grounds.

What if the GMO salmon gets into the wild somehow?

For now, AquaBounty says that’s unlikely to happen since it plans to grow AquAdvantage in land-based tanks. The company will also use only female fish that are sterile so breeding in the wild is also unlikely.

But some environmentalists point out to NPR that the company’s egg production facility, on Prince Edward Island, is near an estuary that feeds into the ocean and that the fish will be allowed to mature in a location in Panama that is located near a river, making escape a remote but nevertheless real possibility.

Will changing the genes harm the fish?

The data isn’t clear on this yet. While AquaBounty’s president once told Reuters that AquAdvantage is “an Atlantic salmon in every measurable way,” studies by researchers who have compared genetically modified salmon to their wild counterparts have shown that the fish behave differently. The genetically altered fish tend to eat more to support their growth-promoting genes, and prefer spending time near the surface of the water alone, as opposed to swimming in groups. They also show some reduced immune functions.

Where will the genetically modified salmon be sold?

AquaBounty says it may take as long as a year to raise enough fish to supply supermarkets. But certain retailers, including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Aldi, have said in the past that they will not sell the genetically modified fish.