EM is an acronym for Effective
Microorganisms. EM was developed in 1980 as a substitute for agricultural chemicals and
chemical fertilizers. We selected 81 kinds of microorganisms safe for human consumption
from among some 2000 kinds that were considered useful. Fortunately, a breakthrough
experiment revealed that these microorganisms exist symbiotically irrespective of species.
This has lead to application of multiple microorganisms as a soil-improving material.
Twenty-one years have passed since then. EM is currently being used in more than 100
countries in the world. For instance, EM helped to solve the food shortage crisis in North
Korea, and remarkable development is being made in other Asian countries. Besides its
application in agriculture, EM is widely used to solve environmental and sanitary
problems. It is applied to eliminate offensive odor of garbage and other wastes generated
in agriculture, livestock and fishing industries. It is also applied widely to the
treatment of sewage. It is linked with organic farming and is indispensable for the
development of resource recycle and environment preservation type agriculture.
EM effectively suppresses growth of harmful insects such as flies, mosquitoes and
cockroaches. It also contributes greatly to antibiotic-free livestock industry. Even to
myself who originally developed EM, such mysterious and beneficial phenomena were
initially unbelievable.
After much experience and experimentation by trial and error, I have found that such
desirable phenomena are brought about by various antioxidant substances generated directly
or indirectly by EM. To facilitate usage, a liquid preparation of the antioxidants
generated by EM was prepared, and is called EM-X. EM-X was initially used to preserve
freshness of food and to control insects harmful to plants. After its safety was
confirmed, it has become widely used as healthy drinks. EM-X has an extremely high potency
to suppress free radicals. Nowadays, it is known that most diseases are related closely to
free radicals. In recognition of this fact, the EM-X Medical Research Association was
formed in Japan in 1994. Many medical doctors have since confirmed the effectiveness of
EM-X. The results have proved that EM-X has marked efficacy against diseases that have
been considered intractable so far. They include cancer, hypertension, diabetes,
rheumatism, various allergies, chemical substance hypersensitivity, AIDS, tuberculosis and
other infectious diseases.
The main effectiveness of EM is associated with its antioxidation action. At the same
time, it suppresses excessive ions and also serves as a catalyst. It increases remarkably
the activity of enzymes in the body. In addition, EM generates waves that resonate with
magnetism, which is considered to be possibly a gravitational wave. Therefore, EM may
suppress the electromagnetic hazards, and its protection effect against radiation exposure
is clearly confirmed. Much remains to be done to clarify the mechanisms of EM-X in various
medical effects. EM-X has no side effects, and presents no problems when used in
combination with other drugs. EM-X is expected to be widely used in the field of
alternative medicine. In a case, it is necessary to collect as much information as
possible concerning EM-X to support EM-X users. This “EM-X Research Articles”
was started with this particular I expect that the information contained in this
“EM-X Research Articles” will be utilized in many disciplines.
What is EM-X?
EM stands for a group of effective
microorganisms which have been proven safe through their long history of use in food
processing; such as, lactic acid bacteria and yeast and are collectively cultured in
diluted molasses. Some microorganisms are feared because of their harmful effects to
human; however, many other microorganisms are known to produce beneficial substances. For
example, lactic acid bacteria and yeast are well known to produce various kinds of
vitamins and lactic acids. Yogurt, cheese, and alcoholic beverages are made with the help
of microorganisms. Use of beneficial microorganisms has existed since the early beginning
of human history.
EM-X is an epoch making refreshment drink
extracted from rice bran and sea weeds that were fermented with effective microorganisms
(EM) and contains potent antioxidants. Major components of EM-X are minerals, antioxidants
and bio-active substances.
Based on the firm belief that nature
provides the best, EM-X does not include any artificial vitamins, Chinese medicine and
chemical additives which are often added in other health drinks.
EM-X is made from only those substances
provided in the fermentation process of natural products, and is rich with antioxidants,
40 kinds of minerals, and bio-active substances; such as, NAD, NMN, peptide, and such
amino-acids as L-alanine and L-glutamine. It has a strong power to stop chain reactions
that are initially caused by activated oxygen.
What are antioxidants? Antioxidants, a
term often used nowadays, mean the substances which prevent or slow oxidation. Breathing
is a type of oxidation process: Oxygen taken into the lungs is sent to all the cells in a
body. Then the oxygen dissolves nutrients to obtain energy. Oxidation is a vital process
to sustain human life; however, the same process brings harmful effects when it becomes
overactive in the human body. Activated oxygen is the cause of harmful effects. Oxygen is
generally stable, but looses its stability in the human body and becomes highly active.
When such highly activated oxygen becomes over-abundant, it oxidizes and destroys
everything that comes into its way.
The smallest unit of the human body is a
cell. It is covered with membrane that contains unsaturated fatty acid which is similar to
the major component of salad oil. Activated oxygen oxidizes unsaturated fatty acid to
lipid peroxide, which causes malfunctioning of the cell membrane and in turn brings
harmful effects to human body.
Oxidation is a process in which a
molecule gives up electrons and becomes unstable. When activated oxygen becomes excessive,
unsaturated fatty acid in cell membrane gives up its electrons. Antioxidants, if
available, will provide electrons to the activated oxygen or to unsaturated fatty acid
under oxidation and will restore them to a stable condition. Therefore, oxidation will not
proceed if abundant antioxidants exist Antioxidants provide electrons to activated oxygen
and other molecules which have lost electrons and been unstable. Thus, antioxidants
restore them to a stable condition. This is how antioxidants work to maintain a healthy
body.
In modern living, the number of oxidants
is increasing. Therefore, antioxidants are and will be more important. The major
antioxidants in EM-X are a-toco-pherol, flavonoid, g-oryzanol, ubiquinone, and lycopene.
In addition to such antioxidants, EM-X contains different bio-active substances and
minerals.
Unique Characters of EM-X
EM-X is a tasteless, odorless, transparent liquid with a golden tinge and has
some unique physicochemical features: Chemical formula of water is H20. In studying
physical properties of water, water is treated as (H 2 0)n which is a cluster of many
water molecules.
Seventy percent of the human body is
water which are bonded clusters linked with different substances. The size of the cluster
represents the activation degree of water.
When three types of water; water in EM-X,
tap water, and super pure water used to clean semiconductors, were measured by a nuclear
magnetic resonance (NMR) tester, a cluster of the water in EM-X is measured approximately
half the NMR of the tap water and is as small as that of the super pure water.
In addition, a measurement by a molecular
vibration tester called Raman spectroscopy was made to analyze water characteristics. The
measurement results confirmed that characteristics of the water in EM-X are very similar
to those of the super pure water. The same measurement also confirmed strong luminescence,
which indicates the fact that EM-X contains many different substances.
Generally speaking, the more substances
are contained, the larger the water cluster becomes. However, the cluster of water in EM-X
remains very small, flexible, and mobile. Because of this characteristic, the human body
can easily absorb EM-X with all its antioxidants, bio-active substances, and minerals.
THE EM TECHNOLOGY NETWORK
The EM Technology Network (EMTN) promotes
EM technology throughout the Americas and the world by providing up-to-date information
and by networking with individuals and organizations concerned with our environment.
EMTN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
corporation organized solely and exclusively for scientific, literary and education
purposes including continuing, furthering and improving the well-being of humanity through
the use of EM (Effective Microorganisms) as invented and developed by Professor Teruo
Higa, Ph.D. of the University of Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. EM technology has applications
in areas of agriculture, environmental remediation, waste processing and wastewater
treatment, and other fields. EMTN's operations include research and the dissemination of
information regarding the use of EM technology in these and other areas.
Their url: http://www.emtech.org/
Mediline index update
Three research papers on EM-X now appear
in the Mediline index (the most
authoritative medical reference index in the world), and are listed in
the U.S. National Library of Medicien website. To access this go to the
website at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/,
type in "EM-X" in the
search box at the top. The three articles on EM-X will then be listed
and can be accessed.
Antioxidants found in EM-X
Antioxidants have some benefit individually but are most effective as part of a system
where multiple antioxidants work synergistically to provide a broad range of support for
the body. EM-X contains the following;
Flavonoids have the ability to capture and eliminate free radicals and to regulate
enzymes.
Saponins increases the production of
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Lipid Peroxide Oxidase (LPO), which helps to strengthen the
immune system, protect DNA, slow the aging process and suppress tumor formation.
Ubiquinone (Co Enzyme Q10) helps maintain
cardiac health, increases energy production and stabilizes blood pressure. Ubiquinone
strengthens the immune system by increasing macrophage and T cell function.
Lycopene is twice as effective as
beta-carotene and 100 times more effective than Vitamin E in controlling free radicals. It
also has immune enhancing properties.
Vitamin E Tocopherol Complex slows the
aging process, halts the chain reactions associated with oxidation and prevents the
oxidation of lipids. Vitamin E prevents the oxidation of highly unsaturated fatty acids
found in cell membranes, decreasing muscle damage during and after exercise.
Gamma-Oryzanol is a powerful antioxidant
only found in rice bran. Gamma-Oryzanol is not a single antioxidant but a mixture of 20
components having numerous antioxidant properties.
The Minerals in EM-X
EM-X contains over 40 minerals that enhance the synergistic action of the
antioxidants and co-enzymes naturally found in the body. The minerals found in EMX enhance
the enzymatic mineral complexes that support the immune system and EMX's ability to
control free radicals.
Bio-Active Substances in EM-X
Alanine: An important source of energy for muscle tissue, the brain and central
nervous system. It strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies and aids in the
metabolism of sugars and organic acids.
Glutamine: Makes glutathione, the main
antioxidant of the body, which detoxifies and protects all tissues.
Glutamic Acid: The only compound, other
than glucose, used by the body to fuel the brain. It aids in the regulation of brain cell
activity, improves mental capacity and is essential for cerebral functions.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD
& NADH): The active form of Niacin, is a potent antioxidant and the highest ranked
coenzyme in the body. NAD and NADH have the ability to activate other enzyme systems and
are necessary to convert food into the bio-energy that powers the body.
Source: SCD world USA
EM groups
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EM-1/
This site is for those who will share and
seek knowledge of the Agricultural Effective Microorganisms. We need input on what you
have found to work. Some things that others experiment with are not recommended by this
group moderator or any professional sites that have any advertisements here. What others
do and share are their experiments, as long as no animals or vegitation are inhumanly
treated before consumption. There are many sites that explain a lot of this already and
many things are archived in previous posts. Please read at length before asking questions.
Article in Colombia Tribune
http://archive.showmenews.com/2000/aug/20000812news005.asp
Leigh Lockhart is co-owner of The Main
Squeeze, the only restaurant in Columbia to recycle food waste with a new process that
uses microbes.The restaurant’s refuse is trucked to MU’s South Farm, where the
treatment helps the waste decay faster and without odor.
Teruo Higa
Professor Higa was born on December 28,
1941 on Okinawa, one of the Ryukyu Islands located to the south of the main Japanese
archipelago, and grew up there. Following his graduation from the Department of
Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, he took his doctorate from the Agricultural
Research Department of Kyushu University Graduate School, eventually returning to join the
teaching staff of the University of the Ryukyus as lecturer in 1970, becoming Assistant
Professor two years later. He is currently Professor of Horticulture, a post he has held
since 1982. more....
The power of EM revives Seto
Inland Sea
It is a miraculous movement. On 23rd and 24th of June, I was able to witness the
miraculous results and confirm my belief in this wonderful movement when I attended a
reporting tour of "Eco-pure", an environmental magazine with Nihon-TV (NTV).
Both Eco-pure magazine and Nihon-TV will offer you a special report on this tour in the
near future, but I would like to tell you my impression briefly before them.
The key to the success in water
purification in Akitsu-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture is the unity of the government and
private sector. In Akitsu-cho, EM activated liquid is used in 60% of all households in
their daily life. The town is quite advanced in that the "Regulations for
environmental beautification and purification" requires people to make efforts to
prevent water pollution by using EM. Residents and local government, in cooperation with
each other, produce EM activated liquid and pour it into the river and watercourses. As a
result, polluted sediment has been reduced and people are happily surprised to see that
medaka and crayfish are back.
They have also started to utilize EM for
oyster farming in a new attempt to revive this industry. Because of the sea pollution and
having farmed oysters in the same place for too many years, polluted sediment prevents
oysters from healthy growth. Therefore, they have started installing EM balls under the
oyster beds. Professor Nakano has started to gather data for research to estimate the
effectiveness of this measure. We are expecting the results of his investigation around
next year.
More
Em-X ceramics
EMX-ceramix are made of chamotte clay,
also used for making bone china. The clay is mixed with effective micro-organisms, known
as EM*, and formed into beads. The beads are burned at 1200C degrees. The many minerals in
the clay and the EM work together to purify water.
What happens in the water?
Very little is yet known about how the EMX-ceramix work. At present the effects on water
have been studied and one of these is the alteration of the structure of water. Water
molecules do not normally occur as separate molecules but form clusters. The ceramic
minerals divide these into smaller clusters, which are more easily absorbed through the
mucous membrane of the intestines. These clusters of molecules also often gather around
impurities in water. The division into smaller clusters releases these impurities, which
are then transformed by the micro-organisms, resulting in exceptionally high-quality,
pure, soft-tasting water. More
Natural Soil Enrichment Program
Effective Micro-organisms or EM is a
mixed culture of beneficial micro organisms (primarily photosynthetic and lactic acid
bacteria, yeast, actinomycete and fermenting fungi) that can be applied as an inoculant to
increase the microbial diversity of soils. This in turn can improve soil quality and
health, which enhances the growth, yield and quality of crops.
The concept of inoculating soils and
plants with beneficial micro organisms to create a more favourable microbiological
environment for plant growth has been discussed for decades by agricultural scientists.
However the technology behind the concept of EM and its practical application was
developed by Professor Teruo Higa at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan.
More
An Organic Cure for a Turfgrass
Disease?
Golf courses in the United States spend tens of millions of dollars each year on
fungicides to control the turfgrass disease called dollar spot. First appearing as small,
unsightly spots of dead grass, the diseased areas eventually merge and cover large areas.
The cause of dollar spot is a fungus called Sclerotinia homoeocarpa.
Chemical fungicides for dollar spot may
someday be replaced by an organic inoculation consisting of beneficial soil microorganisms
as the first choice, thanks to University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) student Matthew T.
Wood, who became interested in ARS microbiologist Robert J. Kremer's experiments on
biological weed control. Kremer discovered that the highest numbers of weed-suppressing
microbes in fields were found where crops were rotated, chemicals and tillage were
minimal, and organic materials, like compost, were added.
More
Introduction to Effective
Microorganisms (EM) by Vinny Pinto
This EM Info website is intended to provide a complete introduction to a technology
generically known as Effective Microrganisms (aka EM) and it's uses in many fields,
including agriculture, waste remediation, odor control, and human and amimal health.
Throughout this website, the simple and generic abridgement "EM" will be used as
an abbreviation to denote the general class of microbial consortia known as Effective
Microorganisms (and known as well under many other names.) This is in keeping with the use
of this contraction throughout much of the world as a shorthand to indicate Effective
Microorganisms and cultures with similar properties and functionality, regardless of the
brand names or trade names which may be employed in a region.
More
Kitchen Waste Management - The Alc Way
[India]
Artificial limb Centre Pune has instituted a newer and simpler way of converting kitchen
waste into compost. Used as a substitute for vermiculture, EM technology has been put to
good use. First developed by Dr Teruo Higa in Japan, EM technology is now in use in 30
countries.
It essentially consists of the use of
friendly micro organisms like phototropic bacteria, Actinomyces, Lactic acid bacteria and
yeast contained in a stock solution (EM1 solution), which is diluted in rice wash water
that has sugar added to it (EM 3 solution). This is added to kitchen waste in specially
designed drums which converts the waste into compost, a process which helps plants grow
better.
EM 3 solution can also be used to clean
floors, de clog drains and as a de-odoriser precluding the use of chemical agents.
More
EM bug effective against dioxin
The EM (effective microbe) Institution of Ginowan and Mitsubishi Oil Engineering of Tokyo
are studying the means of stopping the diffusion of dioxin during the incineration of
garbage. It involves the use of the versatile EM. In experiments at the Saitama
Prefectural Incinerator, researchers from the University of the Ryukyus and Nihon
University were able to cut dioxin emissions by 90%. The results were reported by Nobuyuki
Sato, a staff member of the EM Institution at the Iwaki Skills Forum in Iwaki, Fukushima,
on August 27. EM was developed by Teruo Higa, a Ryudai professor. The merit is that EM can
be applied to existing facilities and, with a chimney, reduce emission to zero. It is good
news in the fight to halt this carcinogenic pollutant.
Source: The Ryukyu Shimpo News
Effective Micro Organisms (EM-1)
causes remission of Crohn's disease
For about a week now, I've been ingesting large amounts of a probiotic brew called
Effective Microorganisms (EM). I have Crohn's disease. Results have been rather
astonishing! Initially, I went through a rough couple of days with increased D and gas. I
reckon this was because of a major shift in intestinal flora balance. Then, things calmed
down to a level I've never experienced before. I feel very robust in my abdomen and I've
had LOTS of energy and
very good BMs (Bowel Movements)!
More
Eco-gardens for a health planet
There's a revolution underway these days in the world that's making big news.
It's not about political ideals or armed conflicts, but an invisible revolution that
begins within the world of microorganisms. Discoveries over the past two decade by
Japanese scientist and horticulturist, Dr. Teruo Higa are changing the way we grow food,
as well as the way we treat our water and industrial wastes. In his book, An Earth Saving
Revolution, he describes the research on EM or Efficient Microorganisms - selective
beneficial microbes that digest organic matter quickly and efficiently into nutrients for
plants.
By culturing compost, manure or field
residues with EM, organic matter goes through a unique fermentation process, instead of
the slower putrefaction process by common microorganism. This fertilizer is called
"bokashi" in Japanese and is winning wide acceptance in farming and gardening
around the world. For example, at the University EARTH in Guácimo de Limon, Professor
Richard Taylor is in charge of the program Bokashi and EM. The university's dairy employs
EM technology to turn the cow manure into rich fertilizer without the awful odors or flies
most common in dairy farming. So far, the program has trained more than 50 Costa Rican
farmers in the techniques of EM. These techniques are easy to use, cost effective and
provide farmers with an alternative to chemical fertilizers. What this means to home
gardeners is obvious - an odorless, and efficient way to make natural fertilizer from
kitchen wastes and other organic wastes in about one month. By the way, as you use bokashi
fertilizer, your soil becomes richer in efficient microorganisms to keep the soil in
balance, instead of the typical chemical fertilizer treadmill, where each year the soil
becomes poorer in beneficial microorganisms and dependent on more fertilizers.
More
An Earth Saving Revolution II -
new book
EM - Amazing applications to agricultural, environmental, and medical problems
Teruo Higa, Ph.D.
Preface
Since publication of the original Japanese edition of An Earth Saving Revolution, I seem
to have been in a state of consistent happiness. The reason for my mood lies in the sudden
collapse of the substantial walls that had presented a stubborn and a formidable barrier
to the introduction of effective microorganisms (EM) technology in Japan but which came
tumbling down in the face of the goodwill of my readers and the progressive attitude
toward EM demonstrated by individual members of the public. I also seem to have found my
days being spent in a frenzy of activity brought about as the result of the offers of
infinite and unconditional collaboration which I have received from so very many of these
people. Not only did this give me a new appreciation for my fellow countrymen and -women
because I was able to see they possessed a high level of awareness and the very best of
good intentions; it also made me feel grateful for having been fortunate enough to have
been born and brought up in Japan myself.
However, the other side of the coin is that going along with this happiness, I am also
experiencing an almost unbearable depression over the fact that there seem to be so many
forlorn people in our society: people who are sick and ailing or are otherwise living in
unfortunate or depressed circumstances, and I feel deeply concerned that such a situation
can be allowed to continue unchecked. In my opinion, no matter how you look at it, all of
these people can be described as victims sacrificed on the altar of modern-day Japan's
competitive society.
If we are to resolve problems of this nature, I feel most strongly that information on EM
technology must be made readily available through a system of distribution set up
specifically to achieve this end with the aim of ensuring its speedy and efficient
communication and dissemination to as large a group as possible. Such a system would also
need to work in reverse so that the goodwill generated by the information and offered by
so many in response to it would be effectively communicated back to the source thereby
allowing it to be processed in such a way as to enable optimum advantage to be taken of it
so that it may be used to maximum effect in those areas where it will be of the greatest
benefit.
Initially, I intended to write a sequel to An Earth Saving Revolution within a few years
of its publication. However, I have since decided to create a series on the subject of EM
technology with the idea of responding to a significant demand from readers for more
detailed information on EM, and also as a means of enabling me to fulfill what I consider
to be the social responsibility I see EM as having toward society in general.
My expectations were far exceeded by the speed with which EM technology gained in
popularity throughout Japan as well as by the intense effect of the demonstration of
positive intent and goodwill on the part of my fellow Japanese to do whatever was in their
power to improve conditions in the world around them. Both became apparent within just six
months of publication of the Japanese edition of my first book.
I appreciate this response most sincerely, as well as the ramifications that are occurring
because of it. I am also extremely gratified not only by the fact that total sales of the
book topped 200,000 copies in the same six-month period as the result of a reputation
acquired by word-of-mouth communication alone, but equally because of a clearly manifested
yet quiet determination to pass on the information it contained. This was evidenced by the
many stories I have heard of readers who were purchasing five or ten copies of the book at
a time and distributing them to friends and acquaintances simply because they felt it was
that important to have others read it and to share the information it contained.
I'm sure it must be the exception rather than the rule in the world of publishing for a
book of this nature, dealing as it does with a somewhat difficult subject, to attract this
level of readership. I can't help thinking it gained the degree of support it did because
it reflected the principles I've been advocating for so long: of a safe, pleasant,
low-cost, high-quality information-oriented coexistent society. This is why I have now
become convinced that if enthusiasm continues at its current levels, application of EM
technology in this country will enable Japan to become a role model for the rest of the
world and to stand as an example of a nation where coexistence and co-prosperity are
actually put into practice.
I'm afraid the limited amount of practical information regarding how EM actually works
contained in my first book must have been a source of frustration for my readers. My aim
in this sequel, therefore, has been to provide as much comprehensive data as possible on
the subject of both the dissemination and the supply of EM and EM technology.
While I feel there is still some way to go before a truly effective system of
dissemination and supply of both data and products can be said to exist, I sincerely
believe things are slowly but surely moving in the right direction, and that the situation
will continue to improve as time goes on.
It is my hope that the present volume will go that much further toward integrating both
the concept of EM and EM technology itself into our society and into our daily lives.
Teruo Higa
Source: http://www.emro.co.jp/english/library/books/esr2/esr2.html
Is EM safe?
EM consists of non-pathogenic and
non-toxic microorganisms. The microorganisms specifically used are not genetically
modified or engineered (non-GMO [non-genetically modified organism] or non-GM
[non-genetically modified]). Most of the microorganisms in EM are considered food-grade.
All microbes used for EM-1 production are classified as Biosafety Level 1. Items that are
Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) are known NOT to cause diseases in healthy human adults. The
classification is based on assessment of the potential risk using U.S. Public Health
Service guidelines and also as provided by the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)
scientific advisory committees. All lactic acid bacteria and yeasts used for EM-1
production are on U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) GRAS list (generally
recognized as safe). Also, two of the EM products are OMRI Listed.
Publications
List of books published on EM in Japan, click here