Trump Ordered by Federal Judge to Pay Snap Benefits

 Washington, D.C. — Relief may be on the horizon for the roughly 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits to help feed their families. On Friday, two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must tap into contingency funds to continue payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown — a major win for millions facing food insecurity.

Judges Rule in Favor of States and Nonprofits

In a landmark decision from Massachusetts federal court, Judge Indira Talwani ruled that the government is legally required to access the emergency contingency fund to make at least partial SNAP payments. The administration now has until Monday to inform the court whether it plans to release the funds.

Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, another judge granted a temporary restraining order blocking the administration from freezing SNAP payments altogether. That ruling, made from the bench, orders the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to distribute contingency funds immediately and report back by noon Monday.

Government’s Argument Rejected

The administration had argued that the $5 billion contingency fund could not legally be used to cover SNAP benefits without new congressional appropriations. But Judge Talwani dismissed that claim, stating the USDA is “statutorily mandated” to use those funds when necessary.

“At core, Defendants’ conclusion that USDA is statutorily prohibited from funding SNAP because Congress has not enacted new appropriations is erroneous,” Talwani wrote. “To the contrary, Defendants are mandated to use the previously appropriated contingency reserve.”

She added that while the emergency funds may not fully cover all November benefits, the government can and should supplement the reserve with other appropriated funds to prevent interruptions in food assistance.

Millions at Risk of Losing Food Access

Without this ruling, SNAP funds were set to run out Saturday, leaving tens of millions of Americans — including children, seniors, and low-income families — without their main source of money for groceries.

SNAP provides eligible families with an average of $187 per month on a prepaid card to purchase food. For many households, these benefits are the difference between eating and going hungry.

Trump Responds on Truth Social

In a Friday night post on Truth Social, President Trump said he had “instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible.” He also blamed Democrats for the delay and claimed it would be his “honor” to restore the funding, “just like [he] did with Military and Law Enforcement Pay.”

The Legal Battle and the Stakes

The Massachusetts case, brought by two dozen states and the District of Columbia, argues that the administration’s move to cut off payments was unlawful and would have catastrophic effects on public health.

“Shutting off SNAP benefits will cause deterioration of public health and well-being,” the states said in their filing. “The loss of SNAP leads to food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition — all of which have long-term negative health impacts, especially on children.”

Officials warned that the suspension could increase costs for states already struggling with hunger and poverty. Food insecurity is linked to poor concentration, decreased cognitive function, depression, and behavioral problems in children — effects that ripple across generations.

What’s Next for SNAP

The USDA previously stated that “the well has run dry,” insisting it lacked the authority to issue payments during the shutdown. But the court’s decision changes that — at least temporarily.

Judge Talwani clarified that Congress placed no restrictions on the use of the contingency reserve under the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

“This court has now clarified that Defendants are required to use those Contingency Funds as necessary for the SNAP program,” she wrote.

While the ruling ensures some immediate relief, experts warn that the contingency funds may only last a few weeks. Without congressional action, another lapse could occur in December.

“When Food Stamps Stop: What to Know About the SNAP Freeze and How to Get Help”

Millions of Americans have seen their SNAP (food stamp) benefits cut or delayed in 2025. Learn why this happened, who’s affected, when benefits might return, and how to find free food and government assistance near you.

When Food Stamps Stop: Why SNAP Benefits Were Cut and Where to Get Help

Across the United States, millions of families are feeling the devastating impact of recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. The program that once provided stability for struggling households has now left many wondering how to feed their families after sudden benefit reductions or suspensions.

Why Were SNAP Benefits Cut?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government issued emergency SNAP allotments to help Americans afford food amid job losses and record inflation. Those extra benefits officially ended in 2023. By late 2024 and into 2025, additional budget cuts, federal funding disputes, and new eligibility rules have left many states unable to issue full payments—or any payments at all.

Some of the delay stems from the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has paused USDA funding for SNAP distribution in several states, including Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Officials have warned that unless Congress reaches a funding agreement, SNAP benefits may remain suspended for millions.

Who Is Most Affected

The hardest hit include:

• Low-income families relying on monthly EBT deposits.

• Seniors on fixed incomes who already spend most of their income on medicine and housing.

• Single parents and essential workers who do not earn enough to keep up with rising grocery costs.

For many of these households, SNAP was the difference between having three meals a day and going to bed hungry.

When Will Benefits Be Reinstated?

As of late October 2025, there is no confirmed reinstatement date for full SNAP funding. The next Farm Bill will determine how and when food assistance resumes, but lawmakers remain divided. Some states may issue partial benefits or emergency food distributions depending on available resources.

Where to Find Free Food and Assistance

If you’ve lost or seen a reduction in your benefits, there are legitimate national and local resources to help right now:

🥫 National Programs

• Feeding America: Find your local food bank or pantry by ZIP code.
  👉 https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP):
  A USDA initiative that provides free groceries through community organizations.
  👉 https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/emergency-food-assistance-program

• 211 Assistance Line:
  Call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.211.org/ to find verified free food, housing, and utility help anywhere in the U.S.

🛒 Online & State Resources

• Benefits.gov: Check for state food and cash programs, temporary assistance, or emergency meal funds.
  👉 https://www.benefits.gov/

• SNAP Online Retailers: Even with reduced benefits, you can still order groceries from Amazon, Walmart, or Instacart using your EBT card where available.

The Bigger Picture

Advocates argue that cutting food programs during high inflation only deepens poverty and hunger. As food prices rise faster than wages, millions of Americans—many working full-time—are now visiting food banks for the first time in their lives.

Access to nutritious food isn’t a privilege; it’s a human necessity. If you’re struggling, know that help is available. Community pantries, nonprofit groups, and neighbors are stepping up where federal aid has paused. Don’t hesitate to reach out—you are not alone.

Herpes and Herbs: What Helps — and what the science actually says

 Herpes simplex virus (HSV) — commonly called herpes — includes two related viruses: HSV-1 (usually oral/cold sores) and HSV-2 (usually genital). Both viruses establish lifelong latency and cause recurring outbreaks in many people. Prescription antiviral drugs (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) are the standard of care and reliably shorten outbreaks and reduce transmission; herbs are most often used as complementary, symptomatic treatments rather than curative agents. CDC

Below I summarize the herbs most commonly recommended for herpes, what laboratory and human studies say, what traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approaches exist, and important safety notes.

1. Oregano (and carvacrol/thymol)

Oregano essential oil and its main components — carvacrol and thymol — show clear antiviral activity against enveloped viruses including HSV in laboratory studies. Several in-vitro studies demonstrate that carvacrol can inhibit HSV replication and may disrupt the viral envelope and entry into cells; these mechanisms explain why oregano oil is often touted as “antiviral” against HSV in lab work. However, that work is primarily in the lab (cells or animals), not large human trials. Topical oregano oil is potent and can irritate or burn the skin if not properly diluted. BioMed Central+1

Practical note: if someone uses oregano oil on cold sores, always dilute it in a carrier oil (e.g., fractionated coconut oil) and test on non-sore skin first. Avoid ingesting undiluted essential oil.

                            Buy Oregano Capsules Here

2. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) — the best studied topical herb

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has the strongest human-trial support among botanical options for topical treatment of cold sores. Randomized topical trials have shown that lemon balm extracts can reduce healing time and viral activity when applied early on a cold sore, and in vitro work also shows inhibition of HSV infectivity. Because lemon balm is gentle and available in creams or lip balms, many people use it as a first-line botanical topical. PubMed+1

3. Propolis (bee resin)

Propolis — a resinous substance bees make from plant sap — has both lab and clinical data suggesting benefit for HSV lesions. A number of studies, including comparative clinical trials, report that topical propolis can reduce healing times and lesion severity for genital and oral herpes; recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews also support an antiviral effect versus placebo in some settings. Availability in creams and gels makes it a common naturopathic choice. PubMed+1

4. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and glycyrrhizin

Licorice root and glycyrrhizin (an active compound) have demonstrated antiviral activity against several herpesviruses in lab studies and animal work. Glycyrrhizin appears to interfere with viral replication and modulate autophagy and immune pathways relevant to HSV. However, licorice can have systemic side effects (high blood pressure, low potassium, fluid retention) if taken in large oral doses or for long periods, so caution is needed. MDPI+1

5. L-lysine and nutritional approaches

L-lysine, an amino acid often taken as an oral supplement, has been investigated for preventing recurrent cold sores. Some clinical data and reviews suggest benefit for reducing frequency or severity for some people, though trial results are mixed and larger randomized trials are limited. Typical supplemental doses used in studies are in the gram range; always check interactions with other supplements/meds and don’t exceed recommended amounts without medical input. PMC+1

Cure for Herpes

6. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspectives

TCM uses multi-herb formulas (not single herbs) and looks at herpes through the lens of heat, dampness, and toxicity affecting the channels. Modern pharmacological reviews of Chinese herbs identify multiple compounds and formulas with anti-HSV activity in lab models and some small animal and early clinical studies. Some specific modern TCM formulas (investigated in recent research) show promise in inhibiting HSV replication or modulating immune responses — but most evidence remains preclinical or from small trials, so TCM tends to be adjunctive rather than a replacement for antiviral drugs. PMC+1

Anecdotes & Herbalists’ experience

Herbalists commonly recommend topical lemon balm and propolis for cold sores, diluted oregano oil for acute topical use (very carefully), and oral licorice or L-lysine for systemic support. These recommendations are grounded in a mix of laboratory science, small clinical trials, and long herbal tradition. But personal testimonies are variable: some people report fewer outbreaks or shorter healing times, others notice no change.

Safety and clinical realities — don’t ditch prescribed antivirals

• Prescription antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) remain the best-evidenced way to treat and prevent HSV outbreaks and to reduce transmission risk. If you have frequent, severe, or complicated outbreaks, talk to a clinician about antiviral therapy. CDC

• Herbal/topical options are mostly adjunctive: they can soothe symptoms or, in some cases, modestly shorten lesion duration (especially topical lemon balm or propolis), but they are not proven cures.

• Herbs can interact with medications and have side effects — licorice can raise blood pressure and alter electrolytes; oregano oil can irritate skin or mucosa; concentrated essential oils should never be swallowed undiluted. Pregnant or breastfeeding people and immunocompromised individuals should check with a healthcare provider before using herbal treatments.

How to use herbs safely for herpes (practical tips)

1. Topical first: For cold sores, choose a lemon-balm lip cream or a medically tested propolis gel and apply at the first tingle.

2. Dilute essential oils: If using oregano oil topically, dilute heavily (e.g., 1–2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil), patch-test, and stop if burning occurs.

3. Mind dosing & duration: Use short courses rather than indefinite high doses. For oral botanicals (licorice, L-lysine), follow supplement labels and check with a clinician if you take blood pressure meds or other chronic therapy. ScienceDirect+1

4. Combine sensibly: Many people combine supportive measures — lip care, pain control, cool compresses, and hygiene — with topical botanicals for symptom relief.

Bottom line

There’s promising laboratory and some clinical evidence that certain botanicals — especially lemon balm and propolis for topical use — can help reduce duration or severity of herpes lesions. Oregano (carvacrol) and licorice (glycyrrhizin) show antiviral effects in lab studies, and TCM formulas have generated interesting preclinical results. But the strongest, most reliable treatments remain prescription antivirals; herbs are best used as complementary options with attention to safety, dosing, and medical supervision when necessary

Can Herbs Really Reverse or Help Dementia or Alzheimers? Read on....

 Millions of families seek natural ways to support memory and cognitive health. While there’s no proven herbal cure or reversal for Alzheimer’s or other dementias, testimonies are on the rise of those who explore certain herbs that support memory, focus, and cognitive health. Some plant extracts have shown promising results in early research, helping with symptoms like brain fog, memory loss, or mood — but it’s important to stay grounded 

Quick takeaway

Short answer: Although no herb has scientifically known to cure or reverse dementia, 100s of testimonies say otherwise.. Those using herbs such as — saffron, ginkgo, bacopa, and lion’s mane — have shown promising early results for symptoms, attention, or agitation brain fog etc.  

Top 10 herbs & fungi studied for memory and cognitive support

1. Ginkgo biloba — One of the most-researched herbs for brain health. Standardized extracts can sometimes modestly improve memory and daily functioning in people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, but large trials have mixed results.

2. Saffron (Crocus sativus) — Small randomized trials have shown saffron improved cognition in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s — in some short studies performing similarly to donepezil (an Alzheimer’s drug). More research is needed.

3. Huperzine A (from Chinese club moss) — Acts like an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (same mechanism as some AD drugs). Some studies report improved memory and clarity, but results vary and there are potential drug interactions.

4. Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) — An Ayurvedic herb with clinical trials showing improved memory retention and learning in older adults and healthy volunteers.

5. Curcumin (turmeric) — Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in preclinical research. Observational data suggest lower dementia rates in populations with high turmeric intake, but human trial results are inconsistent due to bioavailability challenges.

6. Sage & Lemon Balm (Salvia & Melissa officinalis) — Small clinical trials and aromatherapy studies show improvements in agitation, attention, and mood in people with dementia.

7. Panax ginseng — Evidence suggests ginseng can improve cognitive performance and reduce fatigue in aging adults; dementia-specific trials are still limited.

8. Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) — Early human pilot studies report cognitive improvement in older adults with mild impairment. Mechanistic studies indicate stimulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) pathways.

9. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) — Aromatherapy and extract studies link rosemary to short-term improvements in alertness and memory recall; carnosic acid is a neuroprotective compound found in rosemary.

10. Ashwagandha & Gotu Kola — Traditional neuroprotective herbs with animal and small human studies suggesting stress reduction and improved cognitive markers.

What the science actually shows

Several herbs have small randomized controlled trials showing symptom benefits, but most trials are short (weeks to months), small, or use different formulations. Meta-analyses are cautious: while symptomatic benefits exist for some herbs, none meet the standard of large, long-term trials proving disease reversal. 

iHeRQles / iHerQles spray — ingredients and evidence

iHeRQles (sometimes spelled iHerQles) is a sublingual botanical spray marketed for “age reversal” and cognitive benefits. Ingredient lists commonly include many herbs covered above (saffron, ginseng, lemon balm, sage, turmeric, astragalus, etc.).

Thousands of testimonials reveal that this herbal spray has improved memory, brain fog, and focus.  One Fellow claiming his mom who was far gone with dementia, was having sensible conversations with him within just 30 days of using the iHerQles Spray  .

Safety, interactions & practical guidance

• Talk to your clinician: some herbs interact with prescription medications (blood thinners, cholinergic drugs, blood sugar medications, etc.).

• Start low & monitor: introduce one supplement at a time and track effects and side effects.

• Combine with evidence-backed strategies: Mediterranean/MIND diet, regular exercise, good sleep, vascular risk control, cognitive training, and social engagement have the strongest evidence for protecting brain health.

Practical closing — an action plan

If you’re exploring herbs for memory:

1. Discuss options with a primary care provider or neurologist (especially if you’re on Alzheimer’s medications).

2. Choose reputable brands with clear ingredient lists and third-party testing.

3. Use herbs as a complement to lifestyle interventions

Click Here to Try iHerQles

Top 10 Herbs Studied to Support Memory, Brain Fog & Dementia — What Science Really Says

Millions of families seek natural ways to support memory and cognitive health. While no herb reliably reverses Alzheimer’s or dementia, several botanicals have scientific studies showing symptom improvements or neuroprotective effects. Here’s an evidence-first guide to the top herbs, safety notes, and where iHeRQles spray fits in.

Quick takeaway

Short answer: No herb is proven to cure or reverse dementia. Some — like saffron, ginkgo, bacopa, and lion’s mane — show promising early results for symptoms, attention, or agitation. Use herbs as supportive tools, not replacements for medical care.

Top 10 herbs & fungi studied for memory and cognitive support

1. Ginkgo biloba — many trials; mixed results but possible modest benefit in mild cognitive impairment or early dementia.
2. Saffron (Crocus sativus) — small randomized trials showed cognitive improvements comparable in some short trials to donepezil; more research needed.
3. Huperzine A — acts like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used in Alzheimer’s drugs; some positive trials but potential interactions and safety concerns.
4. Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) — Ayurvedic herb with trials showing improved memory retention and learning in older adults and healthy volunteers.
5. Curcumin (turmeric) — strong anti-inflammatory data in animals and populations; human trials inconsistent due to bioavailability issues.
6. Sage & Lemon Balm — small clinical trials and aromatherapy studies show improvements in agitation, attention, and mood in dementia patients.
7. Panax ginseng — evidence for reduced fatigue and improved cognitive performance in aging adults; more dementia-specific trials needed.
8. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) — early human pilot studies report benefit in mild cognitive impairment; mechanistic data suggest nerve-growth stimulation.
9. Rosemary — aromatherapy/extract studies linked to short-term alertness and memory recall; contains protective constituents like carnosic acid.
10. Ashwagandha & Gotu Kola — traditional neuroprotective herbs with animal and small human studies suggesting stress reduction and improved cognitive markers.

What the science actually shows

Several herbs have small randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showing symptom improvement, but most RCTs are short (weeks to months), have small sample sizes, or use different formulations. Meta-analyses are cautious: while symptomatic benefits exist for some herbs, none meet the standard of large, long-term trials proving disease reversal. Major health organizations advise caution when interpreting supplement claims.

iHeRQles / iHerQles spray — ingredients and evidence

iHeRQles (also spelled iHerQles in vendor listings) is a sublingual botanical spray marketed for “age reversal” and cognitive benefits. Ingredient lists commonly include multiple herbs listed above (saffron, ginseng, lemon balm, sage, turmeric, astragalus, etc.).

Important: marketing is dominated by testimonials. Although there are no clinical studies, there are testimonials of buyers saying it has reversed their memory loss, cognitiveness , focus, dementia etc. One man even claimed his mom was far gone and she began having regular sensible converstions with him in just 30 days of using the product. iHeRQles is sold at a private company www.nuxtrax.com/yabesthealth .. iHeRQles is a wellness spray that combines over 40 botanical extracts — including herbs like Siberian ginseng, astragalus, lemon balm, sage, turmeric, and rosemary — with the goal of supporting circulation, opening micro-vessels, “cleansing” the blood and improving nutrient delivery. The product claims to support detoxification, improve micro-circulation (i.e., clearing “blockages” in the small blood vessels), enhanced cellular energy and brain function, and even biological age-reversal. Although herbs are not required to go through proof and extended regulations, There is a disclaimer however that “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”

Safety, interactions & practical guidance

• Talk to your clinician: many herbs interact with medications (blood thinners, cholinergic drugs, blood sugar medications, etc.).
• Prefer standardized extracts: look for third-party testing (USP, NSF, or independent labs) to reduce contaminants and variable potency.
• Start low & monitor: introduce one supplement at a time and track effects and side effects.
• Combine with evidence-backed strategies: Mediterranean/MIND diet, exercise, sleep, vascular risk control, cognitive training, and social engagement are proven to help brain health.

Understanding Early Dementia and Alzheimer’s Early dementia and Alzheimer’s disease begin subtly, often years before a formal diagnosis. The most common early signs include forgetfulness that disrupts daily life, difficulty finding words, confusion about time or place, and changes in mood, judgment, or personality. These symptoms are linked to damage and inflammation in brain cells, as well as the buildup of abnormal proteins—amyloid plaques and tau tangles—that interfere with communication between neurons. Contributing factors may include poor circulation to the brain, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies (especially B vitamins and omega-3s), insulin resistance, and exposure to environmental toxins. Detecting and addressing these issues early can help slow progression and protect brain health.

Practical closing — an action plan

If you’re exploring herbs for memory:

1. Discuss options with a primary care provider or neurologist (especially if you’re on Alzheimer's meds).
2. Choose reputable brands with clear ingredient lists and third-party testing.
3. Use herbs as a complement to lifestyle interventions, not as a cure.

References & further reading: Summaries from Alzheimer’s Association, NCCIH, and peer-reviewed trials on saffron, Bacopa, ginkgo, huperzine A, lion’s mane, and sage. (Add inline citations or links in your CMS as needed.)