A Brief History of Lyme

Ticks that normally feast on deer are the ticks that carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The condition was named after the town of Old Lyme, Connecticut (nice to name a disease after your town, don’t you think?), where Lyme disease was first identified. Some believe the continual encroaching of real estate developments into wildlife habitats is to blame for these new types of diseases. But if you are an outdoor lover, don’t fret—you can use herbs as tick repellents to help prevent a bite in the first place To help fight off infections of any sort, use parthenium, golden seal, yarrow, and a pinch of capsicum as a catalyst. Echinacea and garlic are also well-known infection fighters; take garlic before going out for prevention.
To detoxify after being bit, take four to six capsules of activated charcoal to help stop the spread of poison in the blood. Wash them down with two teaspoons of liquid chlorophyll in a large glass of water. If you are bitten by any questionable bug, take antioxidant vitamins, grape seed or pine bark extract, lots of vitamin C, Oregon grape, and any adaptogenic herbs you might have on hand (such as suma), to help your body cope with the stressful side effects of infection.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by spiral bacteria that is carried by ticks. A tick bite spreads the disease, which is characterized by a skin rash, aching muscles and joints, headaches, fever, fatigue, sore throat, and if not treated right away, may lead to arthritis, and sometimes even inflammation of the brain or heart.
Symptoms vary per person, and, unfortunately, many times symptoms appear weeks after the actual tick bite has healed. Usually this disease is treated with antibiotics. If a tick has bitten you, watch your bite for a rash that resembles a bull’s eye radiating out from the bite. This bull’s eye appears as a red circular spot and can expand in size to 20 inches in diameter. If you see this rash appear, head for the doctors to get it checked.

The Bigger Picture of Lupus

Because lupus is a disease of the immune system, it will be helpful to alleviate extra stress in your life while you recover. Stress can suppress your immunity, and this includes the physical stress of digesting solid foods. An herbal supplement can help take the energy out of digestion by supplying the enzymes necessary to break down cooked foods. Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D supplements may prove useful to feed the structural system, and antioxidants can supply your body with what it needs to help protect your cells from free radical damage. Of course, you will need to do some investigating to find out what may have triggered your lupus and what may be aggravating the problem. Here are my suggestions:

• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is also a condition in which the body is attacking itself, although not at such an advanced level as is experienced with lupus.
• Parasites/fungus: Many herbalists believe this can be the core issue causing lupus. Do some research on parasites in humans, and ask your doctor to test you for any and all possible parasite infections.
• Dental work: Speak to your holistic dentist regarding any dental work that you suspect could have an influence on your immune system.
• Breast implants: Consider problems with a silicone leak if you have breast implants.
• Environmental causes: Think about exactly when your symptoms started. Try to remember what changed in your environment up to two years before your symptoms started. This will give you clues to seeking an answer. If you suspect environmental allergies

Elecampane for treating lupus

Elecampane (Inula heminum) is one of many herbs I would take if I were suffering from lupus. Add elecampane for its high content of anti-amoebic compounds, compounds that kill or repel bacteria and parasites. If lupus is brought on by a parasitic infection, elecampane is one herb that has a great reputation as a powerful internal cleanser.
In the Middle Ages, elecampane—a yellow herb resembling the daisy and also referred to as wild sunflower—was used as medicine and by veterinarians to treat animals and rid them of parasites. It is helpful in ailments of the respiratory tract and has analgesic (pain-reducing) properties.

Cure for Lupus

Lupus is a general term used to describe any of several chronic skin diseases. When used alone, it usually refers to tuberculosis (TB) of the skin.
The three types of lupus conditions are:

1. Lupus erythematosus: This chronic inflammation of connective tissue affects the skin and internal organs. Symptoms include a red, scaly rash on the face; arthritis; and kidney damage. Considered an autoimmune disease, this type of lupus occurs more often in women.

2. Lupus verrucosus: This is a tuberculosis infection of the skin, with symptoms of warty lesions on the arms or hands. This happens to people who have had TB before and have become reinfected.

3. Lupus vulgaris: This infection of the skin can spread and cause ulcers and severe scarring. Children who have been given a TB inoculation usually suffer this type of lupus caused directly by the injection.

Loosening Up with Dulse

I chose the seaweed dulse as the best single herb in this case because we already talked about alfalfa, which is one of the most mineral-rich land plants. Dulse is a sea plant that may be as rich in minerals from the sea as alfalfa is from the soil.
Dulse is very similar to kelp, another sea “weed” used for its rich iodine content. Both of these herbs are also rich in potassium, which works with sodium to keep the acid/ alkaline balance in the body, to strengthen the heart and other muscles, and to keep the body healthy. Just a little of this herb goes a long way. It usually comes in a liquid form, and you can add a few drops daily in your water to obtain all that dulse has to offer. Otherwise, an encapsulated combination made from kelp, dulse, watercress, wild cabbage horseradish, and horsetail will supply you with a great array of minerals rich in potassium, among other minerals. Supplementing with extra calcium and magnesium will round out your program and feed your nervous and structural systems to keep you from twitching and cramping.

Do They Call You Thumper?

Leg or other muscle twitches are caused by involuntary spasms. These can happen anywhere in the body, including the hands and shoulders, or under your eyes. My husband thinks that when I say something important and my eye twitches, that means I am thinking more than what I’m saying. Some superstitious folks believe that a twitch in your eye is a sure sign that you’re lying—I think it’s a sign of mineral imbalance or nervous system depletion.
I once had a client who asked for some help for his twitching leg. His e-mail explained that as soon as he was getting ready to fall asleep each night, his leg would begin twitching uncontrollably! This twitching would aggravate him and keep him awake.
I was amused at his symptom because I couldn’t help getting the visual image of a dog shaking its leg when it’s tickled. When I realized that this person had a sense of humor, I also couldn’t refrain from addressing him as “Thumper.” Thumper went along with this name game while he began to take an herbal trace mineral supplement along with an herbal combination that would soothe his nervous system to help him relax.
Thumper says he put some of the liquid supplements in his bowl, lapped ’em right up, and slept like a baby that very first night! He told me that he didn’t know anything about herbs and that he might have been “barking up the wrong tree” by consulting me, but so far he has seen results. All kidding aside, since he has taken his herbs, he has not reported any more thumpin’.

Cure for Leg Cramps

Leg cramps can be caused by overexertion of the muscles. Sometimes I will get a cramp in my foot or leg when I am wearing a heeled shoe all day; when I get to bed, my foot or leg will begin to cramp (to get me back I suppose). But some folks who don’t wear high heels are still affected by this condition.
Sometimes a cramp or twitch is due to a muscle that has been overworked or stretched improperly. This can happen by any of the following:

➤ Utilizing free weights or exercise equipment incorrectly
➤ Overexertion in any activity
➤ Sitting incorrectly at a desk all day while working
➤ Repetitive movements over long periods of time
➤ Spinal misalignment while doing any activity

Other than overexertion and occasional cramping, ongoing problems with leg cramps or twitches can indicate a mineral imbalance, usually due to a deficiency of at least one mineral. All minerals work to keep each other in balance and need to be in proper quantities to function correctly. For instance, iron is a mineral that is antagonistic to calcium, which means that calcium can inhibit or suppress the complete absorption of iron in the body. Therefore, taking a calcium supplement and an iron supplement at different times of the day is best. (That’s another reason to rely on herbs to give you the right balance of these minerals.) Leg cramps commonly occur during pregnancy, when the fetus is utilizing many nutrients, so Mom should take more, too.

Herbal Lozenges

Of course, sage is not the only herb in the world that has been used successfully for laryngitis and sore throats. Licorice root also is healing for the tissues and can ease the coughing that may be causing your problem. In addition, slippery elm is mucilaginous and soothing to tissues, and golden seal and echinacea will help fight infections. You can use all of these herbs to help you if you have laryngitis.
Laryngitis is a condition where you will need to take energetics into account again. Consider the nature of your laryngitis: Is it caused by a wet condition? This would be a mucus condition, such as bronchitis or a head cold, in which mucus draining down the back of your throat is irritating your tissues and causing you to cough.
Or, perhaps your laryngitis is caused by hot, dry, scratchy conditions. If your throat is hot and dry, sage may make it worse because it will only continue to dry your tissues. In this case, use a humidifier and slippery elm or marshmallow to soothe your throat.
What can cause a hot, dry throat condition? Let’s take a look at some of the possibilities:
➤ Screaming at your employees, children, spouse, barking dogs next door
➤ A fever that’s drying you out
➤ Summertime allergies
➤ Turning on the dry, hot heat at the start of winter
➤ Singing opera under bright lights
➤ Riding on a motorcycle with your mouth wide open
➤ Sleeping with your mouth open (catching flies)
➤ Eating crackers on a hot day, without water, and reading my book at the same time

Wisdom of the Sages

The leaves of the sage plant (Salvia officinalis) have an affinity for the mucus membranes and, therefore, make an excellent herbal remedy when suffering from laryngitis. Sage also aids the nervous system, making it even more valuable for stress-induced laryngitis. Herbalists and others sometimes get this herb confused with sagebrush, a member of the wormwood or Artemisia family. You can rub the oil of the sage plant around your throat area for some relief, or you can stir up a decoction and use it as a gargle to stop mucus drainage that could be causing your throat irritation.
Taken internally, sage has been helpful for digestion and intestines, and it also tends to “go to the head,” making it great for sinus trouble, memory, inflamed gums, mouth sores, and headaches. In addition, sage is high in calcium, potassium, B1, and zinc, and it has drying properties, which is why it is good for laryngitis caused by excess mucus irritation. But be warned: Do not take sage internally if you are breast-feeding—its drying properties can dry up your breast milk! It is also not recommended during pregnancy.
I have put a homemade decoction of sage in a bottle and used it when I was growing my hair long to stimulate my hair growth. You can also use this herb rinse to clear up dandruff problems.

Laryngitis: Screaming for Attention

Laryngitis is the inflammation and irritation of the larynx, which is commonly referred to as our voice box. This irritation makes the voice sound raspy, which means that the person who has this condition will sound like he’s speaking in a whisper. Sometimes it hurts so bad to speak that the person does not speak at all! Although a little bit of laryngitis may make a woman sound enticingly sexy, this problem is usually caused by some unattractive problems such as allergies, colds, infections, or emotional stress.
Once the ailment has passed, the voice box will usually return to its normal condition on its own. In the meantime, you will need to soothe those vocal cords of yours.

Help from the Devil’s Claw for Swollen Knees

Devil’s claw can be used to help the knees because of its anti-inflammatory properties. This herb is also useful for the kidneys because it helps the body eliminate uric acid. Devil’s claw will usually be found in combinations of herbs, especially soothing herbs such as slippery elm, because it can be somewhat irritating to the digestive tract. Devil’s claw has helped many, but it is somewhat slow-acting; it may take you a couple of weeks to feel its positive effects, so be patient.
Carrot juice with goats whey powder added can make an excellent drink for all structural conditions—whey contains many minerals such as sodium, potassium, and other supplements that support the joints. Make and apply a poultice made from soothing herbs such as mullein and plantain to reduce inflammation in the knees or any inflamed areas.

Plantain Won’t Make You Weak in the Knees

If none of the other factors noted for joint injuries seem to fit you, weak knees may indicate a weakness in the kidneys, believe it or not! Supporting your urinary system with herbs such as parsley and uva ursi can be helpful for this problem. In the meantime, the herb plantain may just be just what the doctor didn’t know to order! Plantain (Plantago major) is similar to comfrey in its abilities as a healer. It is rich in minerals and vitamins C and K. Plantain also is a mucilaginous herb, which makes it soothing to the tissues and kidneys. You can take this plant externally as well as internally because it is mild and considered safe to use.

Down on Your Knees

If you’re weak in the knees or are experiencing any type of knee problems, such as inflammation or problems with the knee joint itself, read the previous section on joint injuries; the information on digestion and pH balance may apply to you also.
Other structural problems, such as poor shoes, may be contributing to knee problems. See your podiatrist (foot doctor) to help you. Your chiropractor also can help if you are misaligned. Sometimes the hips can rotate and can eventually affect your knees. If you have a growing boy or girl who is having pain in the knees, he or she may have an overactive thyroid or other gland that is that is resulting in abnormally fast growth and straining the joints. Have your doctor check for any endocrine imbalances.

Peach Bark: When Your Kidneys Are Not Feeling Peachy

When dealing with a kidney inflammation or infection, peach bark (Prunus Persica) is another helpful ingredient used in herbal remedies. The bark and leaves of the peach tree serve as a diuretic and will help flush out toxins from the urinary tract. Peach bark is high in phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium and can be used for problems with the bladder, the uterus, water retention, and the respiratory system (for coughs and bronchitis). If you are fighting a kidney infection, you should also drink lots of water to help your body flush out toxins—add lemon to the water to help purify your system. A spoonful of black strap molasses has proven useful as well.

Parsley: More Than a Plate Decoration

Clean your plate—then eat your parsley! Parsley (Petroselinum sativum) is a green, bushy herb commonly served on restaurant plates as a garnish. This is more than just a pretty piece of leaf, though: Parsley is excellent for the urinary system, and it also aids digestion and helps cut garlic breath.
Parsley also serves as a mild aphrodisiac. The word is derived from two Greek words, meaning “rock celery,” and it is rich in chlorophyll, to help get rid of excess water retention in the body without depleting potassium, as diuretic drugs can. Some of the same herbs used for bladder infections are also great used here; these include uva ursi, dandelion, chamomile, cornsilk, and liquid chlorophyll.

Hydrangea: Like a Rollin’ Stone

A kidney stone, a calcification of mineral deposits, is a painful ailment. The pain of having or passing a kidney stone has been described as one of the most painful conditions known to man! The stones can crystallize and cause very sharp, burning pains in the body. They can even be life-threatening if one gets stuck along your urinary tract and inhibits the natural flow of body fluids. Most occurrences of kidney stones happen in the summer time. This is thought to be linked with not drinking enough water to keep the kidneys flowing and stones from forming (during hot weather, the body’s need for water increases due to the excess evaporation from the skin).
Fortunately, the herbal kingdom has a stone-solvent herb for us to help break up these little rocks. Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) leaves and root have been used for the entire urinary system for bladder infections, kidney infections, gallstones, gout, kidney problems, calculi, and other renal irritations. This herb seems to be able to lessen the pain associated with passing kidney stones and also helps prevent them from forming in the first place. Furthermore, hydrangea is known to help back pain associated with kidney problems and has been used to help enlarged prostate glands.
When peeled, the bark of the hydrangea plant displays seven different colors. Thus, it was nicknamed “seven bark” by our ancestors, who used it as a folk medicine.
A Harvard University study showed that the following program prevented kidney stone formation:

• Vitamin B6
• Magnesium
• Hydrangea
• Pure water
• Extra lemon water

Cure for Kidney Problems

Supporting your digestion and getting the right minerals will take you a long way toward keeping your urinary system healthy, but let’s take a look at some herbs that can support that system anyway.
The kidneys are responsible for a lot more than just filtering out waste products. They are also linked to the circulatory system and help keep a mineral balance in the body. They filter out uric acid waste products, so when you eat foods that cause you to be more acidic, you are putting excess stress on the kidneys. Every food we eat is broken down and leaves an acid or alkaline residue.
Ideally, our diet should consist of 80 percent alkaline-forming foods and 20 percent acid forming foods. Here’s a table of some foods that are considered acid and alkaline. How well are you doing to stay in balance?
You can see by the table that most of the acid-forming foods are proteins (meat, cheese, beans, nuts). Therefore, in general, a high-protein diet is not as healthy for your kidneys because they have to filter out the excess acid left over from these foods. For general support for the kidneys, eat more alkaline foods. Also drink liquid chlorophyll daily in your water because it is alkalizing and good for the entire body.

Healing Is a Joint Effort

If you are continually getting joint injuries, you may have some other issues going on that could be aggravating your problem. Consider a hair analysis to determine if you could have too much calcium in your body or some sort of great mineral imbalance that needs attention. Yes, too much calcium is possible.

• See your joint specialist, and get his or her assessment.
• If there is a misalignment in the joints, a chiropractor can help.
• If there is some significant deterioration in your cartilage or other joint

tissues, you may be having a problem with digestion that could be creating a problem in your structural system. Proper digestion is essential for absorbing the minerals and nutrients needed by our structural system.
Let me explain. Our internal chemistry lab is a very complicated system that requires balance for perfect health. One of these balances is our pH balance between acidity and alkalinity. If the body is too acidic, it can harbor the overgrowth of bacteria, parasites, and fungus—and it even can make a perfect environment for growing cancer. On the other hand, being too alkaline is just as dangerous—and being severely too alkaline means death. Needless to say, balance is important. Diet and physical or emotional stress can throw this pH balance out of kilter.
Pain usually results when the body is too acid, just like in fibromyalgia, arthritis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, and recurring joint injuries. This is because the body tries to compensate for the overacidity in the body by neutralizing the acid with calcium. Calcium is alkaline and is stored in the bones.
So why are you overly acidic? Here are a few clues:

• Your digestion is poor (usually the cause for the overacidity in the first place).
• You are not getting enough calcium in your diet.
• There is a mineral imbalance in the body (minerals all work together in an intricate balance).
• Your absorption of minerals is poor due to mineral imbalance, improper diet, and poor digestion.
• You’re experiencing high levels of stress.
• You’re getting lots of physical exercise.

These factors can make it difficult for the body to properly utilize the calcium that you do ingest. In its attempt to compensate and keep you alive, your body takes its alkaline calcium from your largest storehouse of calcium: your bones. This process will eventually weaken your entire structural system, and you will see more injuries and displacements, such as back misalignments, stiff necks, injuries, and aching muscles and joints. I see this happen with the elderly too often; their hips finally give out and they fall, shattering the already weakened bones.
When this calcium-robbing business continues, the body also needs sodium to keep calcium in the blood stream. Guess where it gets the sodium? From your joints! Your joints contain one of the largest stores of sodium in the body. So, now you can see why you would want to support your digestion for the prevention of joint injuries—or any structural problems, for that matter.
Herbs and supplements that support digestion include:
➤ Papaya
➤ Peppermint
➤ Spearmint
➤ Liquid chlorophyll
➤ Food enzymes with or without hydrochloric acid
➤ Ginger
➤ Catnip
➤ Marshmallow
➤ Pepsin

Comfrey: Comfy for Them Joints

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has been used for more than 150 years, both externally and internally, by probably millions of folks; it has been hailed as a miraculous herb for healing bones. Unfortunately, this miraculous herb is banned in many places, but you should understand its value and may want to secure some for yourself before it is gone everywhere. For our purposes, we will discuss the external application of comfrey only. If you cannot get comfrey, I will give you some useful substitutes that have also worked well for many. So make yourself comfy, and we’ll talk a little more about this herb.
First, take a look at some of comfrey’s values:

• It helps the body to promote new cell growth.
• It destroys and then prevents amoebic bacteria growth.
• It’s very rich in trace minerals, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins A and C.
• It has also been used successfully for burns, wounds, open sores, ulcers, and gangrene, and has an amazing ability to basically weld tissues together.

Because comfrey seems to accelerate tissue repair, soak your injured ankle or wrist into a large bowel or bucket of comfrey decoction to heal injuries quickly. If you have a hip or knee joint injury, for instance, a fomentation or a comfrey poultice would be more appropriate. For all-over joints (an Evel Knieval type) you can certainly make a tubful and soak in the bath!
Other supplements to consider when comfrey is not available include:

• Glucosamine sulfite and chondroitin are supplements that have been used both together and separately to support the joints, with good results.
• Calcium with magnesium and vitamin D works as a team to help you absorb the calcium and aid in bone healing.
• Uña de gato (cat’s claw) or yucca both may help with any inflammation while you recover.
• Reducing the inflammation usually will alleviate your pain, but if not, use white willow bark in place of aspirin.
• A combination of yarrow (which reduces inner heat associated with injury), mullein, plantain, and rehmannia all have healing properties and support the structural system. If comfrey is not available, a mixture of any of the previously listed herbs will still support your recovery.

Cure for Joint Injuries

Joint injuries can happen to anyone due to a fall, playing vigorous sports, breakdancing, bungie-jumping the Brooklyn bridge, climbing the face of Mt. Rushmore, or during other normal activities. Our joints give us mobility, and when they are injured, we can feel very restricted and frustrated. You probably want to heal yourself as quickly as possible when you have an injured joint so that you can get back to those sports again.
But, slow down cowboy or girl—it is important to understand that if joint injuries are a common, recurring problem with you, there could be a deeper underlying problem to address. I know, you hyperactive sports types are now thinking, “Oh great, here we go again—she’s getting deep on me.” I’ll spare you the details this time around: If you just had your first joint injury and would like to help yourself fast-forward through the healing process, take a look at comfrey and the other supplements first. Then we’ll get back to the in-depth talk a little later.

Gentian, a Bitter Way to Treat Your Liver

An extremely bitter herb known as gentian (Gentiana lutea) has been used to support the liver, stomach, blood, spleen, and entire circulatory system. Gentian reduces liver congestion, promotes bile flow, and stimulates digestion. It is helpful for those in a weakened condition because it helps to strengthen the entire body and stimulates the appetite. Veterinarians have been known to administer gentian to their four-legged patients who have lost their appetite. Gentian is high in iron; the liver is considered an iron organ, and this may be why gentian has been helpful for liver conditions. A small amount of gentian taken before every meal will assist your body in breaking down fats. Take gentian in a combination of herbs because it is extremely bitter and may also have a strong laxative effect on you. It also has properties that serve as a cholagogue, meaning that it stimulates bile secretions. If its laxative effects aren’t working for you, make sure you are keeping the bowel clean with other fibers, such as psyllium hulls, or a bowel stimulant, such as cascara sagrada. Gentian is not recommended if you have ulcers.
Other herbs in a combination that will support the liver include: Oregon grape, red beet, dandelion, parsley, horsetail, liverwort, black cohosh, birch, blessed thistle, angelica, chamomile, and golden rod.

Accused of Obstruction of Jaundice

Find out from your doctor which type of jaundice you have. If it is obstructive jaundice, you probably will want to know if it is a reaction to a drug that may have caused damage to your liver, or if a stone in the bile ducts caused the obstruction. All this information will empower you to take better care of yourself once you recover so that you might never have to suffer the same ailment or related disease in the future.
If you have had jaundice because of gallstones, you can do a gallbladder flush on a quarterly basis to help your body break down stones before they get a chance to lodge somewhere again. However, in cases where there is an obstruction to bile flow, NEVER use herbs to try and stimulate the flow. This will only make matters worse. Also be sure to reduce the amount of fatty foods in your diet, especially fried foods. This will keep cholesterol from clogging up your system. Eat more red beets, which are stimulating to your liver. Also drink fresh carrot juice daily, with a small amount of beet added for a wonderful liver, gallbladder, and bowel tonic drink. Keeping the liver and bowel cleansed is imperative to your preventative measures. Use herbs as a fiber supplement to keep things moving along if you tend to get constipated. A colonic irrigation program will also help you stay on track. Add vitamin E with selenium to your daily program, as it is a nutrient that aids the circulatory system. Also add vitamin A or beta carotene (which will feed the liver) and a B-complex vitamin (which contains niacin to help keep the circulatory system clean).

Cure for Jaundice

If you have yellowish skin and eyes, and if it’s not Halloween and you’re not an alien, you may have jaundice. The yellow color indicates that excess bilirubin, a by-product of old blood cells, is floating around your blood stream (as you learned earlier, the skin reflects the condition of the blood).
Three classified types of jaundice exist:

1. Obstructive jaundice: Caused by obstruction of the small ducts that allow bile to flow into the intestine. Often, gallstones are a cause of this problem. Symptoms include dark urine, pale feces, and itchy skin.
2. Hepatocellular jaundice: Occurs because of a disease of the liver cells, which makes them unable to utilize the bilirubin. (Remember, the liver is a filter.) You may experience hepatocellular jaundice when and if you have hepatitis. Symptoms include dark urine, but the feces remains the same in color.
3. Hemolytic jaundice: Occurs when a destruction of red cells occurs in the blood, such as in the disease hemolysis. With this type of jaundice, the color of the urine and feces remains the same, but the problem usually leads to anemia.

Hemolytic disease—and thus, jaundice—can happen to a newborn child because of the incompatibility of the mother’s blood and her baby’s blood. A blood test taken by your doctor early in your pregnancy can detect the possible problem, and it can be handled at that time. Now that you understand the three types of jaundice a little better, you can see that the first type is caused by problems in or of the gallbladder causing an obstruction of bile flow, the second is related more closely to the liver, and the last is a rare problem associated more closely with the blood. We will primarily discuss how to prevent gallstones that can cause a problem in the first place. Let’s take a look.

More Ways to Cure Insomnia

Melatonin is a controversial hormone used successfully by many to regulate sleep cycles, especially when traveling, and for jet lag. Melatonin is made by your own pineal gland located in the brain and is the hormone believed to be responsible for your sleep/wake cycles, aging, and maybe even your dreams. Usually, supplements are made synthetically or from the pineal gland of a cow. Sunlight suppresses the brain’s production of melatonin, but when the sun goes down, melatonin production picks up, and makes you sleepy.
Supplementing with this hormone just before bed can help you—especially if you are over 50, when the production of this hormone seems to slow down.
Magnesium and calcium feed the nervous systems, among other things, and may help you get a better night’s rest. Because all the minerals in your body need balance, you can use a trace mineral supplement to make sure you are getting everything you need. Other herbs that work synergistically with scullcap include valerian, passion flower, and hops. Sip a nice warm cup of chamomile tea or any combination of these other herbs to help you relax and sleep.

Scullcap: Good for a Night Cap

Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) stimulates the brain to produce endorphins (commonly referred to as “feel-good hormones”), which not only can help you sleep, but also may ease your worry that could be keeping you up. Try a few capsules before bedtime to help you get your zzz’s.
Scullcap has been used historically in treatment of convulsions, delirium, emotional trauma, spasms, and restlessness. It also is used as an aphrodisiac (appropriate for this chapter!), so why not offer some to your partner if you both are lying there awake. Skullcap might be beneficial in giving you both something to do with that insomnia!
Scullcap presumably got its name from its appearance—the flower resembles a skull with a hood. Pagan ceremonies have used scullcap as a potion to be exchanged between partners who wished to be together in the afterlife.
Scullcap contains zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains moderate amounts of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as manganese, silicon, phosphorus, iron, selenium, niacin, and trace amounts of sodium.

Insomnia: Waking Up to Herbal Possibilities

So, seen any great infomercials lately? If you have, this could mean that you are watching TV between 2 A.M. and 4 A.M., a sure sign of insomnia. And if those infomercials didn’t put you to sleep, maybe some of these herbs will do. Who knows—once you find the value of using herbs for your health, you could be the next one to star in an infomercial for your own herbal concoction!

Slippery Elm: Soothing Solution

If I had irritable bowel syndrome and had only one herb to choose, I would have to choose slippery elm (Ulmus fulva). Slippery elm is an herb derived from the inner bark of the elm tree and is a very mucilaginous (literally, slippery) herb. Similar to marshmallow in its effects, these two can be used in place of each other. Slippery elm, marshmallow, dong quai, and wild yam all offer very soothing and muscle-relaxing effects to the body, which help with colitis by soothing irritated tissues and relaxing muscle contractions. You can add some ginger capsules or tea to support digestive trouble and nausea, and lobelia in small quantities for a relaxing effect.

Irritating Causes

Scientists are finding that our nervous system has direct influence on other systems of the body, such as the immune system, digestion, and the intestines. Thus, dealing with the source of your stress that could be causing your bowel trouble would be helpful in getting rid of this condition.
Food allergies are also a big culprit when it comes to colitis and irritable bowel. See an allergist or a holistic health provider who can help you determine your allergies. Eliminate wheat and dairy, for starters, since many are allergic to these foods.
More natural help for a spastic bowel:

• Magnesium is a mineral that is soothing to the muscles and also the nerves. Taking magnesium will nourish and relax your nerves and also your bowel—this is probably why the anti-diarrhea medication known as Milk of Magnesia® works for the bowel.
• Activated charcoal in capsules will help absorb any toxins that might be causing the irritable bowel. I always keep some in my herbal medicine cabinet for poisonings of any kind.
• Peppermint oil can aid digestion, and a little dab on the tongue can help ease the problem.

Your body could be short of the good intestinal bacteria lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium (more commonly known as acidophilus and bifidophilus), especially if you have had diarrhea for a while. Supplementing with these bacteria will help bring the bowel into better balance. Eliminate any food source that seems to trigger symptoms. Make a warm lobelia fomentation and place it over the lower bowel to help settle those spastic contractions.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and spastic bowel all share the same symptoms, including recurring abdominal pain with periods of constipation, followed by periods of diarrhea. The spasticity of the bowel is due to abnormal muscular contractions in the colon.
Some possible causes of irritable bowel syndrome include:

➤ Anxiety
➤ Stress
➤ Parasitic infestation
➤ Bacterial or other infection of the bowel
➤ Food allergies

A spastic bowel can be difficult to work with because of the unpredictability of the symptoms. If you are working with constipation, a bowel stimulant such as cascara sagrada will be helpful; however, when you have diarrhea, cascara may make it worse!

Dong Quai for Wannabe Moms

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is another Asian herb known for its female-enhancing qualities—in fact, this herb has also been called the ginseng for women. Dong quai seems to have similar effects on the body as estrogen does. You can take this herb to help your skin become soft and supple, help lubricate dry vaginal tissue, stop excess bleeding after giving birth, and promote menstruation when it’s late.
Dong quai has warming, moistening (wetting) energetics, and therefore seems to “warm” frigidity. It also can help soothe the nervous system and is used by many women to relax symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
In nature, seeds are a plant’s glandular system. The seed provides everything inside it to blossom into a fully developed, vital plant, given the correct conditions such as water, air, sunshine, and soil. Eating the glandular system of the seeds can help nourish your own reproductive system. Because seeds are usually small, seed butters can make an excellent way to eat seeds—when you’re thinking pregnancy, dip your celery stick into some sesame seed butter.

Ginseng: A Manly Solution

Ginseng (Korean Panax schin-seng) (Siberian Eleutherococcus) (Wild American Panax
quinquefolium) is both a male and female remedy for infertility and has been used since ancient times for a host of conditions. The root of the ginseng plant is thick and resembles a manly shape, which could be was how it was first considered to be a manly tonic. Ginseng helps the body to utilize oxygen better, acts as a tonic to the adrenal glands to help them conserve vitamin C, and serves as a tonic to the entire glandular system, thus saving energy.
You might notice a few different types of ginseng: typically, Siberian, Korean, and Wild American ginseng. Which one do you pick, you ask? That will come in handy again here. Wild American ginseng is “cooling” energetically, which makes it especially useful for you guys who tend to run hotter in general. You might want to take this ginseng during the hot months. On the other hand, Korean and Siberian ginseng are similar in their properties and have “warming” energetics, meaning that they have a warming effect on your body. These herbs tend to warm the system slightly, so you will probably want to use them during colder months.
Some say that Wild American ginseng is better suited to women and that Asian ginseng is better for men. It is difficult to say for sure, however, as I have seen each benefit from all three, depending on what effects people are seeking. Use the energetic approach to help you decide, or work with your herbalist.
Ginseng may help boost your fertility, but a combination of herbs to feed your entire reproductive and circulatory system is even better. See the table at the end of this chapter for some more herbs used for the glandular system. Some extra tips include munching on pumpkin seeds, avoiding alcohol and other toxins, switching to boxer shorts, and not exposing yourself to extreme temperatures too often (such as sitting in a hot tub). Sperm needs a balanced temperature to stay active—not too hot and not too cold.

Infertility: From Humility to Virility

Many frustrated wannabe parents are turning to science more and more to help them conceive with in vitro fertilization, fertility drugs, and the like. However, most insurance companies do not pay for these extracurricular procedures, which can be downright expensive, not to mention exhausting!
For a gentler approach, let’s look at some herbal alternatives that have helped others with this trouble. Besides, herbs are more mild and safe as concentrated food sources—there’s a good chance that you won’t wind up with eight babies at one time if you boost your system with herbs instead of drugs! Having just one baby at a time makes parenting about eight times less hectic!

Damiana, for Cold Dames

Women occasionally can experience frigidity (lack of interest in or feeling repulsed by sex) for some of the same mental, emotional, and physical reasons that men suffer from impotency. However, some other factors may be involved for women, including vaginal dryness caused by menopause, hormonal changes, or physical problems with the uterus, ovaries, or cervix that keep sex from being enjoyable. Find out what could be causing these problems, and talk to your doctor for answers. Follow the other guidelines in the previous table that also can work for men, and then start taking damiana.
Damiana (pronounced dame-ee-anna) (Turnera aphrodisiaca) has served both men and women as a sexual stimulant. This plant comes from Mexico and the West Indies and has been used historically to tone the nervous system and stimulate testosterone, predominately a male hormone. (Women have a little in their system, too.) Herbs will help balance out the body, so don’t worry—you shouldn’t start growing facial hair!
You ladies will also find damiana useful for hot flashes, depression, vertigo, PMS, and constipation It has been used to strengthen kidneys and ease menopausal symptoms. Some have even smoked damiana before making love (not recommended here!).

Yohimbe for Men: Hard to Find

Taking into account that many factors can be linked to impotence, I have highlighted one herb that has a stimulating effect on the male species. The herb known as yohimbe is a very powerful herb that is hard to come by (no pun intended!), for the pure stuff can sell for as high as $1.00 per capsule.
The bark of this herb contains the alkaloid yohimbine, known for its effects on the circulatory system—especially to the genitals. This tropical plant is found in West Africa and has been smoked, snuffed, and rubbed on the body for its sexually stimulating abilities. Yohimbe can cause hallucinations in high doses and is best mixed with other ingredients. See the table at the end of this chapter for a good combination you can use to heighten your senses without causing damage.
Yohimbe was the first FDA-approved substance for treating impotence and is successful in 34 to 43 percent of cases. You may want to try a combination that contains yohimbe before considering the drug Viagra. The side effects of Viagra include headaches, seeing blue, and blackouts due to a drop in blood pressure. Yohimbe used correctly and obtained from a quality manufacturer is a much safer way to add a boon to your sex life.

Impotence: A Very Impotent Subject

Pharmaceutical companies may have realized firsthand what a large problem male impotency has become with the explosive popularity of the new pharmaceutical drug Viagra®, a male sexual potency enhancer. But before you go experimenting with any pharmaceuticals, you might want to understand your underlying problem first. Once you eliminate some of your possible causes, I’ll turn you on to a healthy, holistic approach to impotency (or frigidity, in women) along with some very stimulating herbs.
These possible causes may be affecting your sexual interest or performance:

• Use of drugs such as blood pressure medication, tranquilizers, and antidepressants. Discuss these factors with your prescribing doctor.
• Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana, which can make a person numb to sex and may lead to impotency with prolonged use.
• Abuse of alcohol, which destroys important hormones and weakens sexual drive.
• Cigarette smoking, which can inhibit circulation to the groin area and contribute to impotency.Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to fat in the blood, hypertension, and/or calcium deposits), which inhibits circulation to all parts of the body and could affect your sex life.
• Mental or emotional issues from past experiences. Traumatic events or current stress all need to be evaluated to see whether this is the core of the problem—remember that sex is also a mental process.

All of these problems can be overcome separately with the use of herbs and changes in diet. But first you’ll need to consider which one(s) is most likely your contributing factor.