Herbal Remedies Guide and Tips

Other MS Considerations

2011-05-31T23:23:00.001-07:00

Because the cause of the myelin sheath damage remains unknown, avoid the things that are rumored to be possible causes, even if it is not yet proven scientifically. For instance, several reports on aspartame (more commonly known as Equal or NutriSweet®, a chemical ingredient used to sweeten many sugarless foods and drinks) link the substance to a myriad of symptoms and illnesses including MS, nerve damage, brain lesions, brain tumors, headaches, depression, black-outs, forgetfulness, and other central nervous system disorders. For more information on this and other food additives, read the book Excitotoxins, The Taste That Kills, by Dr. Russell Blaylock. Eliminating all potential toxins going into your body can eliminate the source of what could be causing your problem. Some pesticides are known to be toxic to the nervous system, so search out organic foods whenever possible to keep potentially harmful pesticides out of your system.
Stress-reduction therapies should be incorporated into your life if you suffer from MS. Activities such as swimming, yoga, massage, reflexology, and other bodywork done weekly will help keep your nerves from overreacting and may help slow the damage in the nervous system.

Black Currant Oil

2011-05-31T23:21:00.000-07:00

Black currant oil is high in essential fatty acids, such as gamma linoleic acid (GLA). Research has shown that people suffering from degenerative diseases are low in these essential fatty acids, so GLA can help protect the immune system. Evening primrose oil has similar properties to black currant oil, but it contains only half the GLA. Flax seed oil and lecithin are also good sources of essential fatty acids, but they’re still not as rich in GLA as black currant oil.
Fatty acids are required to build up the myelin nerve sheaths, and this is why black currant oil can be your best single herb for MS. Essential fatty acids also build hormones, which are required for many biochemical processes and cellular communication.
Black currant oil has helped many and has been used for these conditions:
➤ Allergies
➤ Cancer
➤ Candida
➤ Eczema
➤ Female disorders
➤ Immunity
➤ Mental and nervous system disorders
➤ Multiple sclerosis
➤ Obesity
➤ PMS
➤ Skin ailments (all kinds)
Consider all foods and herbs that feed, support, and build the nervous system if you have MS. Vitamin E aids circulation and serves as an antioxidant, B-complex vitamins feed the brain and nervous system, and lecithin, cell salts, CoQ10, amino acids, and food enzymes have all been helpful supplements. Other helpful herbs besides black currant oil include liquid chlorophyll, black walnut, germanium, skullcap, passion flower, horsetail, and wild yam.

Multiple Sclerosis, Multiple Herbs

2011-05-31T23:19:00.000-07:00

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting the nervous system. The myelin sheaths that surround and protect the nerves become damaged, which affects the brain and spinal cord and impairs the function of all nerves involved. Unfortunately, I see more and more young people these days suffering from MS, but the good news is that I have also seen folks with MS recover and experience increasingly longer periods without relapse, thanks to herbal remedies and other nutritional supplements.
MS affects different parts of the nerves and brain, so symptoms are scattered and can vary. Symptoms generally include:
➤ An unsteady gait
➤ Shaky hands or legs
➤ Involuntary rapid movement of the eyes
➤ Spasmodic weakness
➤ Affected speech
➤ Blurred vision due to inflammation of the nerves behind the eyes
Now let’s talk about some herbs that might help protect you from this disease.

Mullein and Mumps

2011-04-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

Mumps is a common childhood viral infection characterized by swelling of the glands in the neck, fever, headache, and sometimes vomiting. The affected person usually feels sick for three to five days but remains infectious until the swelling of the glands has completely gone away.
If you did not have mumps as a child, catching the illness in adulthood is more serious and needs to be treated immediately. Mumps in adults can cause sterility in men. Some children get the mumps even when they have been vaccinated against it, but you can still help your child with some herbal remedies.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a common herb that’s also quite recognizable. This herb grows up to eight feet tall and has stalks that are conical in shape. It has small, yellow flowers that bloom a few at a time and sit close to the stalk. Mullein can be found along most roadsides where it is dry, warm, and open and where the soil has been disturbed. In a pinch, a dried stalk of mullein dipped in pine pitch may be lit and used as a torch.
Native Americans used to smoke the dried leaves of this plant for relief of coughs. The tea also can be drunk, or an infusion can be made and applied to the chest to help break up mucus congestion quickly.
That’s all nice and fine, but what can it do for the mumps, you ask? Historically, mullein has been used internally to treat mumps because of its affinity for the glands. You can take it or administer it internally to help with any childhood illness because it is a safe and mild herb. Apply a cooled fomentation of a mixture of mullein, lobelia, and white oak bark externally directly over the swollen lymph glands. Mullein also has an affinity for the sinuses and can break up congestion. The herb is very soothing to the mucus membranes, which makes it useful for dry, hot, irritated, and hacking coughs. Think of mullein for any type of chest or glandular afflictions.

Ginger for Morning Sickness

2011-03-31T23:19:00.000-07:00

Ginger is highlighted in nausea and motion sickness treatment because it is one of the best, well-known, and most effective herbal remedies used to combat the problem. In moderate quantities, ginger is also a safe herb used by women with morning sickness. You can buy ginger root in candied form and chew on a small piece if you start to feel sick to your stomach; this has been a godsend to many moms over the years.
If your liver is a problem, or if you tend to be anemic (low red blood count), you can nourish your body with herbs that are rich in iron. Plant forms of iron include red beet, yellow dock, red raspberry, chickweed, burdock, nettle, and mullein. A dab of peppermint oil on your tongue can stop you from feeling sick almost right away, and peppermint tea or peppermint candy has also been used to beat nausea over the years.

Cure for Morning Sickness

2011-03-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

Morning sickness occurs due to pregnancy and is usually caused by a toxic system, especially a stressed or overburdened liver. If you haven’t had a chance to do some internal cleansing before you conceived, you will not be able to cleanse now, but remember to do so if you have a chance before the next child. In the meantime, let’s take a look at some safe herbal remedies during pregnancy.
The leaves of the red raspberry bush (Rubis idaeus) are used as a tonic to strengthen the reproductive organs in both men and women. The fruit of the bush is used in jams, jellies, and wines, and you can take red raspberry leaves as a tea or in pill form. This herb is safe for use in pregnancy.
In contrast to pennyroyal, red raspberry serves as an anti-abortifacient, meaning that it prevents miscarriage. Red raspberry has been used to regulate hormones, as a tonic for the uterus, and also to tone the uterus after birth. The toning effect may be helpful for the prostate gland in men also. Some women have used red raspberry to correct infertility, aid labor, and ease muscle cramps and afterpains.
Red raspberry also nourishes breast milk and is rich in magnesium, iron, and niacin. It provides vitamin C and manganese, both which may help tone the abdominal wall and make labor less painful. This herb seems to have been made just for women who want to be moms!

Hormonal Helpers

2011-03-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

For irregular periods, take vitamin E to help increase fertility and bring more oxygen into the blood; licorice root has helped some of my menopausal clients rid themselves of hot flashes. Licorice root nourishes adrenals, regulates menstruation, and helps the body to release excess water retention. Sip ginger root tea to help promote the menstrual flow once you do get your period. Dong quai has come to the rescue for many women and is used to regulate periods, ease PMS, help menopausal symptoms, nourish female glands, calm nervousness, expel retained placenta after birth, reduce hot flashes, and eliminate anemia.
Evening primrose oil has also been a saving grace for many women with raging hormones, has been used to help regulate periods, eases PMS symptoms, aids skin and hair health, and boosts the immune system. Try taking up to six evening primrose capsules daily 7 to 10 days before your period is due. Stay consistent. You will need to give your herbal hormonal helpers at least a few months to be able to correctly evaluate if your cycle is becoming regular. Patience and experimentation will be needed unless you are working with a holistic practitioner who can help guide you, of course.

Pennyroyal for That Womanly Period

2011-02-28T22:22:00.000-08:00

Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides), or the more potent version from Europe (Mentha pulegium), is an herb that is hard to find. Because of its possible misuse, many manufacturers will not offer it to the consumer. Pennyroyal is an abortifacient, which means that it should never be taken while pregnant because it may cause the mother to abort a fetus.
If you are a generally healthy woman, however, pennyroyal can be effective in bringing on a late period. Others have used the herb after giving birth to help the delivery of the placenta (known as the afterbirth). Just a little pennyroyal also may lessen the cramps and bloating associated with menstruation. In this case, a penny goes a long way!
Pennyroyal should also be noted for its use in getting rid of bugs and pests. This herb is one of the most powerful bug repellents and seems to be effective against a wide range of bugs. Here are some uses of pennyroyal as a bug repellent:

The plant itself has been grown in pots or flower beds surrounding porches to repel mosquitoes. Because of this, it has also been commonly known as mosquito plant.
Used externally, the essential oil repels mosquitoes, fleas, and flies.
The dried herb can be made into a sachet and put in with wool clothing to repel moths.
The dried herb, burned for incense, can also serve as a great repellent.
The plant has been rubbed directly on the skin not only as a bug repellent but also for the relief of poison oak or poison ivy rashes. Again, remember to avoid any applications of pennyroyal—whether internal or external—if you are pregnant.

Menstrual Problems, Balancing on Your Cycle

2011-02-28T22:19:00.000-08:00

Menstruation can be viewed as your body’s monthly house cleaning. Each month, the body prepares the uterus while the ovaries are busy preparing an egg with the anticipation of attracting the best sperm and creating new life. If no lucky sperm make the grade, the lining of the uterus is shed and the process repeats again. There are three important stages during this cycle which include:

Actual menstruation: This is the three to seven days of your period, when the uterus is shedding its lining. This is when all your hormone levels drop. You can use this time as a time of rest, for gentle exercise like walking, and clean eating (less fats and sugar) to help your entire body get the most from this cleansing time.
The follicular phase: After your period is the time when your body is being prompted by hormones to produce eggs in the ovaries. At this time, estrogen levels begin to build and reach a peak. This is a time when your immune system strengthens in order to rid the body of germs and prepare for new life. (Note that some women become compelled to enthusiastically scrub their homes just before baby is due!) During the last part of this stage, is the time when most women feel their best and strongest (just before ovulation), skin tends to clear, and sexual urges rise. Nature designed this for the female to be better able to attract her mate just at the right time for fertility—isn’t that cool?
The luteal phase: This is the time when the produced egg leaves the ovary on its journey to the uterus. This is the time when progesterone takes over to prep the lining of the uterus to support a growing fetus. At this time, the immune system drops so that the potential sperm and (hopefully) fertilized egg can do their thing without being attacked by the immune system. If no sperm happens to show, the body goes back to the next phase, menstruation, and the cycle continues.

Menstrual problems are frustrating and include all the symptoms of PMS, irregularity in the cycle, late periods or no periods (amenorrhea), periods that come too frequently (epimenorrhea), periods that are heavy and may last too long (menorrhagia), and painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
If you have any of these problems, you should get a check-up and find out what is causing the irregularities or pain. Endometriosis and other abnormal growths, pregnancy, and hormonal imbalances and anorexia can all be factors.

Boneset, for Bone-Breaking Aches and Pains

2011-02-28T22:18:00.000-08:00

The herb boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) got its name back in the days of the Civil War, when it was used against the flu named breakbone fever. The muscle aches and pains were so severe with this flu that folks believed their bones would break! Boneset helped ease these fever-related pains and earned its name as it did so. It is said that boneset was also used in place of quinine during this time to fight malaria. You can still use boneset to fight the discomfort of the measles and other illness such as the flu. Boneset works as a diaphoretic (it pushes out fever) and an expectorant (it pushes out mucus); it also resists bacteria and viral infections and helps reduce the muscle pain associated with fevers. Make boneset into a tea or decoction and drink warm to help with fever. The energetic effect seems to change with this herb if taken in a liquid form. For instance, herbalists will tell you to take boneset warm for its diaphoretic effect (making you sweat to break a fever). But if you are chilled and shaking with a fever, boneset is more effective taken as a chilled tea or infusion. Of course, if you take the herb in a pill form or mixed with other herbs, you bypass these specifics.
Other herbs to boost the immune system that are safe for children as well as adults include Echinacea and golden seal, safflowers, liquid chlorophyll, marshmallow and fenugreek, slippery elm, and yarrow. Beta carotene and vitamin C both can boost the immune system as well.
Make a fomentation of thyme and apply topically to the rash or use for a sponge bath to help break fever. Garlic and catnip enemas are helpful in fighting infections in little ones and also help reduce mucus in the system. In addition, you can swab Oregon grape onto internal mouth sores to aid in healing.
The essential oil of eucalyptus diffused in a room can help protect others from airborne viruses spread by the coughing, infectious person.

Were You Vaccinated?

2011-01-31T20:49:00.000-08:00

Most of us already have experienced measles in childhood, whether we were vaccinated against it or not. However, exposure to this usually mild infection, through exposure to someone contagious with the measles, will usually ensure lifetime immunity so that you don’t have to experience the problem again. The vaccine against measles is not necessarily 100 percent protection against the virus, nor is it necessarily the reason for the eradication of the disease. Here are some interesting facts:

The death rate from measles declined by 95 percent from 1916 to 1958. Note that this occurred years before the introduction of the vaccine.
More than 95 percent of measles cases have a history of vaccination, according to Dr. William Atkinson of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Hungary, between December 1988 and May 1989 there were 19,000 cases of measles; 77 percent of these cases were found in people age 17 to 21 who had already received the live measles vaccine.

Whether you were vaccinated against measles or not, you can still utilize the same herbal remedies to help you recover. Let’s take a look at an old remedy, boneset.

Measles: No Measly Solution

2011-01-31T20:47:00.000-08:00

Measles is typically a childhood illness, caused by a contagious virus. The symptoms include a rash that lasts about three to five days, a cough, a fever, and sometimes small red spots with white centers on the inside of the mouth. This illness usually lasts a short time, but you should take care of yourself for at least a week after you recover to ensure that you avoid further complications from the illness. An inner ear infection or other ailments of the respiratory tract can sometimes follow a measles outbreak.

Suma: Wrestling with Lyme Disease

2011-01-31T20:44:00.000-08:00

When you think Suma, do you think sumo wrestling? Well, wipe that vision of a big black thong out of your mind’s eye, and let’s get back to business! Suma is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body recover from illnesses such as Lyme disease. This herb also has been called Amazon or Brazilian ginseng, and in Spanish it has been referred to as “para todo,” which means “for everything.” Suma can help get you back on your feet by helping to regulate sugar balance, acting as an aphrodisiac, and serving an immune stimulant. One herbalist claims that it helps fight the virus responsible for Epstein-Barr, and some recent Japanese research insinuates that suma may inhibit some cancer cells.

A Brief History of Lyme

2010-12-31T23:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-31T23:11:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-31T23:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-30T22:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-30T22:14:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-30T22:12:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-10-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-31T23:29:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-31T23:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-30T22:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-30T22:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-31T04:48:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-31T04:47:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-31T04:44:00.000-07:00

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:

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.
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.
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

2010-04-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-31T10:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-28T04:38:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-28T04:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-28T04:25:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-31T08:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-31T08:39:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-31T08:37:00.000-08:00

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.

Licorice Root: A Sweet Choice

2009-12-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a wonderful herb that is sweet to the taste and that helps balance the blood sugar level. This herb also has been called “The Great Harmonizer” and tends to live up to its name: It has helped me steady my hypoglycemia, and I have seen it work the same for many others. Take a couple of capsules between each meal to keep the blood sugar balanced and your energy level even keel.
Licorice root is considered a tonic for the adrenal glands and will help produce adrenal hormones such as cortisone when your body calls for it. Hypoglycemia can be brought on by adrenal stress which, in turn, is brought on by poor nutrition, vigorous physical work, and mental and emotional stress. Licorice’s harmonizing effects eliminate that three o’clock down-time—sometimes called the “afternoon blahs”—that you may experience, whether hypoglycemic or not. Licorice root also soothes mucus membranes, making it a good cough remedy. It helps lower allergic responses and is also useful to bring down high cholesterol levels. By supporting the adrenal glands, licorice also provides energy—so revered an herb it is that it was buried alongside King Tut in his Egyptian tomb! In addition, licorice root is used commercially as an additive to chewing tobacco and is added as a flavoring in Guinness beer. This does not give the hypoglycemic an excuse to drink beer, however; alcohol is detrimental for low blood sugar. (Go ahead, call me a party pooper.)

Dieting for the Hypoglycemic

2009-12-31T13:09:00.000-08:00

With hypoglycemia, it’s important to manage your diet well and always make sure that you have some type of food source handy.
Avoid caffeine, which will lower your blood sugar. Also avoid sugar, which can put your own blood sugar (glucose) on a roller coaster ride and make you crash harder and faster than if you didn’t eat it in the first place. If you must eat sweets, do not eat them on an empty stomach; eat sweets after a regular meal.
Other tips to manage hypoglycemia:

Eat a high-fiber diet to slow digestion of foods.
Eat small meals frequently to maintain blood sugar.
Watch out for fruits and fruit juices. These are high in sugar content and can cause a crash just like refined sugar can.
If you tend to wake up in the middle of the night, this could be an indication of your blood sugar dipping. To correct this, try a handful of cashews or other protein just before bed. Protein digests slowly through the system and will help keep you steady through the night.
Eat some protein every morning—some examples for breakfast can be yogurt, a protein smoothie, or peanut butter on an apple. You can also take three capsules of the herb spirulina, which is rich in protein. It will help carry you through the day.
Watch what you eat, and note any food allergies that may be triggering a problem.
Take your supplements. The following have all been helpful in the correction or management of hypoglycemia: GTF chromium (GTF stands for “glucose tolerance factor”) is a mineral that helps steady your blood sugar.

L-glutamine is an amino acid useful in sugar metabolism. A combination of licorice root, safflowers, dandelion, and horseradish is helpful to the glands and digestion. Spirulina taken between meals is a rich source of protein that can help keep you nourished.

Hypoglycemia: A Sweet Solution

2009-12-31T13:07:00.000-08:00

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which a person has low blood sugar. The opposite of low blood sugar is hyperglycemia, otherwise known as diabetes. Our pancreas and adrenal glands are mostly responsible for helping the blood sugar level stay balanced. When our blood sugar drops, it signals our hunger button and prompts us to eat. Almost every symptom you can think of can be related to hypoglycemia, which is what makes it difficult to pinpoint. Large fluctuations in blood sugar can make us feel depressed, anxious, and fatigued. Since hypoglycemia affects your brain, muscles, digestion, and glands, symptoms may also include: sleepiness, lack of concentration, memory problems, mood swings, irritability, insomnia, nightmares, blurred vision, and heart palpitations.
If a hypoglycemic gets hungry and ignores the signal to eat right away, he may experience these symptoms:
➤ Grumpiness
➤ Headaches
➤ Nausea
➤ Shakiness
➤ Sweating
➤ A spaced-out feeling
➤ Shortness of breath
Because blood sugar is the primary food for the brain, severe hypoglycemic attacks can cause a person to pass out. In some cases, an attack may even be damaging to the brain.
Hypoglycemia can usually be controlled by diet. I have managed to overcome my own systemic hypoglycemia after being properly diagnosed. I then was able to investigate the disorder thoroughly and understood what exactly was happening. As with many physical problems, hypoglycemia forces you to become more aware of your body’s communication with you.
Blood sugar fluctuates with the foods we eat. Learning to become conscious of the process will become routine once you understand some simple things you can do to manage the problem. Diet and herbs helped free me from attacks, and I am now able to recognize the symptoms associated with this ailment, which I’ll share with you here.

Kava Kava: A Quick Fix

2009-11-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

Kava kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant from the South Pacific that’s useful in promoting relaxation, sleep, and a mild feeling of euphoria. In Greek, kava means “intoxicating beverage,” and kava kava lives up to that name: In small doses, it can calm hyperactivity, relax tensed muscles, and ease anxiety. Many people report that they remember having vivid dreams or recalling their dreams more often the next day when taking kava before bed.
Kava kava also has some pain-killing effects: Chewing on the leaves from this plant can ease pain from a toothache. In addition, the Chinese believe that this herb opens areas of blocked energy and restores better circulation and energy flow throughout the body.

Cure for Hyperactivity

2009-11-30T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hyperactivity, also known as attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), seems to be more and more of a problem. This problem usually is first recognized in children but can be carried into adulthood as well. Hyperactivity is characterized by a wide range of disorders affecting behavior, communication, and learning ability and can include an inability to be still, outbursts of emotions, and an inability to focus.
Many factors have been linked to hyperactivity in both children and adults. In children, many experts say that a need for discipline is the main problem; others believe the real cause is a chemical reaction to food additives. Some chemicals in foods used as colorings, preservatives, and flavor enhancers cause strong reactions in certain people. If you are experiencing hyperactivity, or if your child seems uncontrollable, take a good look at the foods he or she is eating..
Eliminate stimulants such as caffeine and sugar from the diet. A good combination that has been used successful for children includes valerian, anise, black walnut, desert tea, ginger, and licorice. Other nutrients that feed the nervous system include B-complex vitamins, calcium, and magnesium.

Olive Leaf, for Olive Your Liver Problems

2009-11-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

Another special mention needs to be given to olive leaf extract as a natural herbal remedy good for fighting any form of hepatitis. In fact, olive leaf may be better for actually killing a hepatitis infection whereas dandelion is better used preventatively. Olive leaf has now been proven to be highly effective against numerous bacteria, viruses, yeast, and parasite infections. A compound called oleuropein contains the most medicinal part of this plant. Studies show it has the ability to inhibit growth of many types of bacteria and prevent viruses from replicating in the body. This herb is now being used to treat AIDS, arthritis, candida, colds, diabetes, Epstein-Barr, fungal infections (including toe fungus), hepatitis, high blood pressure, infections, shingles, herpes (both types), and worms.

Dandelion: Just Dandy for Your Liver

2009-10-31T07:04:00.000-07:00

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) seems to spring up everywhere when you start talking about herbs. And if you happen to be one of those green lawn-loving types, you probably have met the dandelion personally a few times! Well, I am here to be the mediator between you and the dandelion to personally introduce you to this herb and its wide variety of uses. Maybe when you get to know the dandelion and see all the value it can bring to your life, you might not try to poison it again! The root of the dandelion has been used for years as a tonic for the liver and to aid with hepatitis, jaundice, and gallbladder problems.
You can pick and wash bitter leaves and eat them in a salad. The leaves are used as a blood purifier and kidney tonic and help stimulate digestion. Dandelion also contains several minerals and has been helpful in treating gout and other structural problems, such as arthritis and rheumatism. The flowers have been used to make wine and beer, and the roots can be roasted and made into a coffee. Wow—and you thought you were versatile! If I had only one herb to use, I would use the dandelion root to protect my liver from hepatitis. Of course, you will be seeing your doctor for help with this illness, but you can tell him that you plan to support your liver with some home remedies that will help your progress.
If you can’t get to a doc, some herbs may help until you can get to see one. A mixture for the liver you can take include rose hips (for vitamin C), barberry and dandelion (both good for the liver), fennel, red beet, horseradish, and parsley. Milk thistle added to this program is especially helpful when recovering from hepatitis because it will help rebuild damaged liver cells. These are all listed in the table in the end of the chapter.

The ABCs of Hepatitis Prevention

2009-10-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

As you can see, prevention is definitely the best medicine for hepatitis. Here are some simple prevention tips:

If you feel uncomfortable about the cleanliness of a restaurant, choose a different one.
Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before eating—and always after using the toilet.
Stay away from any sources of contamination, such as blood-soiled products, hypodermic needles, tattoo needles, and intimate contact with infected persons.
Always keep your immune system strong and your liver supported with herbs and nutrition. Eat fruits and vegetables rich in organic iron to feed your liver.

These foods are generally dark in color and include dark green vegetables such as spinach, beets, and black cherries. Pesticides must be filtered through the liver, so eating organic fruits and vegetables will keep your liver from having to work so hard. When dealing with any liver affliction, add vitamin C, lecithin, vitamin E, and barley juice to your program.

Cure for Hepatitis

2009-10-31T06:20:00.001-07:00

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver usually due to a virus or a toxic substance, but sometimes also a result of an immunological abnormality. Hepatitis A is transmitted by contaminated food or drink and occurs as a result of poor hygienic practices. Symptoms include fever, yellow discoloration of the skin, and an ill feeling. The illness usually lasts about three weeks, and an infected person may be contagious during this time. The good news is that if you are infected once, your body builds a natural immunity to the disease so that you should be resistant to infection if exposed again.
Hepatitis B is transmitted via an infected person’s blood or blood-soiled products, contaminated hypodermic needles, or sexual contact with an infected person. Symptoms include headache, fever, chills, general weakness, and yellowing of the skin. Some people can die from this infection.

Gallbladder Flush Program

2009-09-30T01:39:00.000-07:00

Plan to have some time at home during this flush, as you will spend a lot of time in the bathroom!

Day One: Throughout the day, drink one quart (32 ounces) of unsweetened pear or apple juice, or a mixture of the two. Eat at least two cups of applesauce throughout the day. Optionally, you can add pears, apples, figs, or prunes, but do not eat any fats. For best effects, eat only fruits. If this makes you too weak, take some yogurt, soup, or brown rice to get you through.
Take the following herbs at lunch, dinner, and bedtime:
Psyllium hulls: 3 (totaling 9 daily)
Cascara sagrada: 1 (totaling 3 daily)
Hydrangea: 2 (totaling 6 daily)
Lecithin: 4 (totaling 12 daily)

Day Two: Repeat the same regimen as for Day One, but at bedtime drink four ounces of olive oil mixed with four ounces of fresh-squeezed lemon juice.

Day Three: By mid-morning, you should have passed little green balls known as gallstones. You can facilitate this process by giving yourself an enema.

After a cleanse or any fast, it is always wise to start back slowly into eating solid foods. If you ate only fruit for the first two days, you should eat only soup, fruit, and yogurt on the third day to ease your body back into digesting.
For occasional heartburn, an herb with a “cool, wet” energetic should be used first. The herb marshmallow (Althea officinalis) fits great into this category. This pretty little white flowering herb grows in marshy lands and is sweet to the taste. As you might guess, marshmallow was originally used to make those white, pillowish-looking candies we see around the campfires. As an herb, it has a soothing effect on body tissues and can be used instead of other herbs with the same qualities, such as slippery elm and aloe vera. If we strengthen digestion, heartburn usually ceases to be a problem. Pepsin, food enzymes, papaya, peppermint, catnip, and aloe vera all help to support digestion and will help get to the root cause of your problem.
The clinical studies of Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, M.D., suggest that heartburn is a symptom of dehydration. A special mucus lining serves to protect the inner walls of our stomach and small intestines from the damage of stomach acid. Lots of water is required in order for our body to produce this special mucus; when we don’t have enough water, we cannot create this protective barrier. Try drinking two glasses of water about 20 minutes before each meal, along with some marshmallow or food enzyme tablets. The marshmallow will help your body retain some moisture, and the enzymes will help you break down your food.

Heartburn: Putting Out the Fire with Marshmallow

2009-09-30T01:31:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has experienced bad heartburn knows that the word “heartburn” sounds just like it feels: like a hot coal burning through your chest cavity. But heartburn is just a sign of indigestion somewhere along your digestive tract. Heartburn can indicate other more serious troubles and should be checked by your physician if it persists. About 50 percent of the population who suffer with heartburn can track the condition to a hiatal hernia, a condition where the stomach is pushed up toward the esophagus, causing a “kink” that allows stomach acid into the esophagus causing heartburn. If you have think you have a hiatal hernia, soothing herbs such as marshmallow will serve as an excellent remedy, but you will also need to consider herbs that relax the nervous system, too (see “S-T-R-E-S-S:
That’s the Way We Spell Success,”, “R and S: Remarkable Recoveries and Super Solutions”), wear loose pants, and sip on warm herbal teas to help bring the stomach back to place. Sometimes your chiropractor will be able to mechanically “adjust” the area to bring temporary relief until the problem is healed.
Sometimes heartburn can indicate gallbladder trouble or gallstones. If you eat lots of fatty foods, tend to be constipated or don’t eat enough fiber, or have a family history of gallbladder or liver trouble, you may be a good candidate for a gallbladder flush. This technique is designed to break down gallstones so your body can pass them out of the bowel. This is a three-day cleanse, but you can condense it to a single day by taking oil and lemon juice on the evening of the first day. This cleanse is for those who are not in a weakened or debilitated condition, where a cleanse would not be appropriate.

White Willow Bark: Worse Than Its Bite

2009-09-30T01:17:00.000-07:00

As you are pinpointing the cause of your headaches, a couple of white willow bark (Salix alba) capsules will ease your head pain. The bark of the white willow tree is used as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and pain reliever. As you may remember, we talked about white willow bark originally being used to make aspirin. White willow also eases rheumatism pains and can help lower fevers in adults. Respect this herb as you would an over-the counter aspirin, and do not exceed over 60 mg daily. Ask your physician before giving white willow to a child suffering with Reye’s syndrome, since this herb is a salicylate, as is aspirin.
A combination of white willow, valerian, and wild lettuce makes an excellent remedy for a stress or tension headache. (Valerian and wild lettuce both help relax the nervous system.) A pinch of capsicum may be added as a catalyst to this remedy to speed the pain-relieving effect.
An excellent headache remedy using essential oils was brought to my attention by a client. I have used this remedy because I like the effect it promotes, stimulating and calming at the same time.
Plus it smells terrific! Here’s all you need:

6 drops pure essential oil of lavender
4 drops pure essential oil of peppermint

Drop each into the palm of your hand. Mix together with your finger using a clockwise motion. Dab a few drops on each temple and massage in gently. Rub your hands together briskly and run your fingers through your hair while massaging rest of solution into scalp. You’ll be glad you tried this one!

Oh, My Aching Head

2009-08-31T00:51:00.000-07:00

So how do you determine which factor is giving you a headache? Let’s start with the easiest first and then go to the more complicated:

Many headaches are due to dehydration. Try drinking two full glasses of pure water; this should help right away.
The most typical cause of headaches are from constipation.
For headaches that may be caused by poor posture, try ergonomically designed furniture to help you with correct posture and your comfort at work. Also see your chiropractor for a spinal adjustment. Your chiropractor can offer some suggestions or inexpensive supports to add to the back of your chair or neck if you can’t afford better furniture.
Stress and tension can block your body’s energy flow, or “chi.” If this is the cause of your headaches, try acupuncture, acupressure, or reflexology to restore your flow.
If your headache seems to be in the back of your head, get your eyesight checked. Your eyes could be strained, and you may need glasses or a prescription change.

Headaches: It’s All in Your Head

2009-08-31T00:48:00.000-07:00

Headaches are the body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. A headache will let you know if you drank too much; ate too much; are constipated, stressed, tired, or thirsty; need to get your eyesight checked, or that your hormones are out of balance, just to name a few! All in all, we should be grateful for a headache because it serves as our alarm to pay attention and do something about it! In a pinch, (so to speak) you can use the reflexology or acupressure point to rid yourself of a headache temporarily. Here’s how to find the spot:

Spread your hand out in front of you, palm facing down (either hand is fine).
Locate the V between your pointer finger and thumb.
Follow that V down almost to the wrist, where you can feel the two bones and muscles come together.
With your other hand, place your thumb on top of your hand on the point, and place the pointer finger of your other hand on the palm side of the point. Now squeeze!

This point is usually tender if you have a headache. Hold the point firmly, as deeply as you can tolerate. The headache usually disappears within a few minutes or less. The following illustrations show you how to find the right point.
The reflex point for easing a headache shown on front and back of hand: Use your other hand to squeeze this spot, and hold until your headache subsides. You can use either hand to stimulate this area.

Gout to Get More Herbs

2009-08-31T00:45:00.000-07:00

You will need more than just safflowers to change your gout condition. Other herbs that help the kidneys excrete uric acid include juniper berries, parsley, uva ursi, dandelion, and chamomile.
Make sure you take some type of food enzyme supplement unless your diet is at least 80 percent whole, raw foods to help your body break down your foods (especially proteins) more efficiently. Your diet should consist of fewer protein foods (such as meat and beans) and more vegetables—especially greens. Add the herb ginger to also help stimulate proper digestion.
In chemistry, one acid can neutralize another acid. Therefore, neutralize the excess acid floating around in your gout-ridden body with natural sources of sodium. Sodium-rich foods include celery, strawberries, and parsley (see the table at the end of the chapter for more). Goat’s whey is also an excellent supplementary food that is great for over-acidic conditions of the body.

Gout of Your Mind with Acid Build-Up

2009-07-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

Gout is a build-up of uric acid in the blood stream and the joints that causes damage to the joints and the kidneys. Many times there is a specific inflammation and swelling in the big toe. Stones may form in the kidneys. Deposits also may build in the skin and ears.
Native to India and Iran, the yellowish-orange flowers of the herb known as safflowers (carthamus tinctorius) have been used historically as a remedy for digestive problems, kidney problems, and problems of the pancreas. Safflowers have the ability to neutralize and eliminate uric acid from the body, which makes them a useful herbal remedy for gout.
Safflowers are taken (usually in pill form) internally to aid digestion of oils and will help to eliminate not only uric acid, but also cholesterol from the blood. This herb is rich in potassium and sodium, both minerals needed for proper water balance in the body.

A Poultice for a Swell Time

2009-07-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

External applications such as an herbal poultice or compress can sometimes work immediately to shrink swollen glands, bring boils to a head, and pull toxins from the skin.
Here’s what you’ll need:
If your glands stay swollen after you fight off any infection, you might want to seek
out a massage therapist who specializes in lymphatic drainage, which will force your
glands to drain and usually will reduce glandular swelling. Be sure to drink plenty of water to help you flush!
2 parts white oak bark powder
1 part lobelia tincture or fluid
1 part mullein
1 part grapefruit extract
Bentonite clay (as needed to create stiff mixture)

Mix all ingredients together; add water if using all dried herbs. The clay should cause the mixture to coagulate. Pack the mixture around swollen glands to help pull out the infection, reduce swelling, and soothe tissues. Let dry, and remove by splashing the area with cold water. If desired, add a heat source, such as a hot water bottle, to help the mixture seep into the glands. Remove heat source and let poultice dry before removing it.

Fighting the Infection with Herbs and Other Nutrients

2009-07-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

As I’ve said, swollen glands are usually associated with some type of infection, and herbs should be added to your program to help your body fight the infection internally. Echinacea and golden seal work together to help fight infection; add some black walnut, althea, parthenium, plantain, and bugleweed, and you have a combination to kill infection and shrink those glands. If your white oak bark is not working for you as well as you think it should, you can add some bayberry, another strong astringent herb to your program. You should be as tight as a whistle within a few days on this combination! Other things you can add are vitamin C, beta carotene, B6, vitamin D, magnesium, lecithin, and CoQ10. These nutrients will feed your lymphatic system and help boost your circulation, which can increase your ability to fight infection and help your body rid itself of waste products in the lymph tissues.

Tightening Up with White Oak Bark

2009-06-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

White oak bark (Quercus alba) is the bark from the white oak tree. The great white oak tree grows up to 100 feet tall, and its wood was used to build ships because of its ability to handle moisture. Its medicinal properties are mostly astringent in their effect, making this herb very useful in tightening tissues that are loose (in energetics, this would mean a “wet” type of condition). White oak bark can be used internally as well as externally for any inflamed tissue, and you can use it as an excellent remedy not only just for swollen glands but also for hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, gout, herpes, wounds, and gingivitis.
White oak bark is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, all minerals involved in tissue healing. For swollen glands, use internal application along with external application until swelling subsides.

Cure for Swollen Glands

2009-06-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Swollen glands are a symptom usually associated with a bacterial or viral infection. Our lymph glands are tiny glands dispersed throughout the body where white blood cells are stored and work to fight off infection. When we have swollen glands in the neck, the body is usually fighting off an infection to keep it from reaching the brain, where it could be most damaging to us.
When you have swollen lymph nodes or glands, you should try to help your immune system fight off whatever is causing the infection. Immune system herbs such as echinacea and even elderberry are both immune-boosting herbs that help do so. Otherwise, for the symptoms associated with the pain of swollen tissues, astringent-type herbs such as white oak bark make an excellent remedy for shrinking swollen tissues.

Just a Pinch Between the Cheek and Gums

2009-06-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

White oak bark is a strong astringent herb that will help shrink swollen tissues. You can moisten a little white oak bark with water or even liquid chlorophyll and pack it around your gums each night to help relieve your swollen gums. Take white oak bark internally, too, but not before meals because its tightening, drying, restricting type properties might inhibit your digestion.
Myrrh and golden seal packs can be used to pack around the gums and work just as well as the white oak bark. And don’t forget your vitamin C supplementation—rose hips work as a natural vitamin C source.
If gingivitis is caused by over-acidity in the system, eliminate acidic foods such as heavy protein.
Internally, green drinks such as liquid chlorophyll will help neutralize body acids.

Myrrh: Something to Chew On

2009-05-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

Myrrh (Commiphora nayrrha), a plant native to northeast Africa, serves as a disinfectant and astringent that can help tone the gum tissue. Myrrh stimulates the body to make mucus and therefore facilitates drainage. It is also used as an infection-fighter because of its ability to increase white blood cell activity. Myrrh is best teamed with golden seal, especially when taken internally to help fight infection and heal the gums. In small does, you can take myrrh internally every few hours until inflammation stops. You can then take myrrh daily for two weeks after your dental treatment to continue your healing process. Myrrh is not suggested during pregnancy for internal use, except in very low doses.
Myrrh is great topically, but you can make a tea from myrrh and golden seal and use it
as a mouthwash to treat your problem locally. Mix both with a little water and peppermint
or spearmint oil to help hide the taste. Rinse your mouth with cold water only,
which will help tighten your tissues. Myrrh resin mixed with white oak bark powder
and a couple drops of clove oil makes an excellent toothpaste that can help disinfect,
tone, and clean the teeth and gums. The clove oil also serves as an analgesic and will help relieve some of the soreness.
Other topical applications of myrrh include acne, boils, bruises, cavities, halitosis (bad breath), mouth sores, pain, sore throat, thrush, tonsillitis, and wounds. Myrrh resin can be burned as an incense to repel bugs.

Gingivitis to Your Party?

2009-05-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

Gingivitis (gum disease) literally means “inflammation of the gums,” and it may lead to pyorrhea (periodontal disease). Symptoms of gingivitis include swollen, bright red gums that usually bleed when you brush your teeth. The whole mouth and teeth can feel extremely sore and achy. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor dental hygiene or a lack of vitamin C or calcium. Some say it is also due to an over-acidic body system caused by eating too much protein. Protein foods cause an acid base when digested.
Herbs can be used internally and externally to help tone bleeding or swollen gums. A vitamin C deficiency needs to be corrected internally, but your dentist can get rid of deposits on the teeth that can be causing the problem. Either way, you can take herbs to strengthen and tighten your gum tissue to fight infection before, during, and after dental treatment.

Are You Masticating at the Dinner Table?

2009-05-30T03:28:00.000-07:00

Make sure you chew your foods well. We all have enzyme activity in our saliva, which is where the actual digestive process begins. Chewing thoroughly will give your stomach and the rest of your digestion a break and should help your gas problems. Because your body relies on digestive juices and enzymes to break down the foods you eat, don’t drink liquids (especially cold liquids) in large amounts during your meals. This may dilute the digestive juices and hinder your proper digestion. Be sure, however, to drink plenty of water in between meals, as proper digestion requires a lot of water. If you must drink during meals, sip warm herbal tea. The warmth will relax the stomach and aid digestion, whereas an icy cold drink will contract the stomach and inhibit digestion.
Bowel cleansing will help if you have foul-smelling gas. If you have started taking a new herb supplement, such as psyllium hulls, aloe vera, or any cleansing herb, you may experience gas the first few days to a week while your bowel is cleansing. I like to think of this process as sweeping out an old, dirty basement. You stir up a lot of dust, but when you are through, you have a clean basement!

The Answer, My Friend, Is Blowin’ in the Wind

2009-04-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

So, besides reaching for fennel and other supplements and herbs to get rid of this antisocial problem before it strikes, let’s take a quick look at how and why those things that cause the problem can be handled.
Proper food combining takes a little work, but it will help your digestion. When you eat foods together that are not complementary for each other, this can be considered poor food combining.
Let’s just cover the very basics of food combining:

In general, do not eat starches and proteins together.
Do not eat fruit on a full stomach (empty stomach only).
Do not combine fruits with any other food besides other fruits.
Do not eat more than one concentrated food (starches and proteins) at any one meal. To demonstrate, eat only fruit in the morning. For dinner or lunch, if you have a steak or some type of meat, have a salad or other green vegetables with it, and leave out the bread and cheeses. Or, have a big salad and add a concentrated food, such as cheese or beans or meat—but choose only one.

Gas: Dispelling the Myths with the Right Herbs

2009-04-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

Food enzyme supplements, especially those with hydrochloric added, will help your body break down foods that have been cooked. (Cooked foods kill the live enzymes in our foods, leaving our pancreas and liver to make up for the extra production of missing enzymes.) If you find a good enzyme tablet, take the tablet or capsule about 20 minutes before you eat. This gives the supplement a chance to begin breaking down in the stomach before you eat. Some people purchase food enzymes in capsules and open up the capsule and sprinkle it on their cooked foods before eating. If you forget to take your enzyme supplement before a meal, take one after or during your meal anyway.

Eat Here, Get Gas, Take Fennel

2009-04-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen those signs outside those rural roadside gas station restaurants? Eat here, get gas? Well, most of them don’t know what a prophetic sign that is—and if they were smart, they could sell a bottle of fennel capsules to you on your way out! Fennel (Foeniculum vlagare) is an herb that has historically been used to eliminate gas, colic, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Fennel has an affinity for the digestive and intestinal tract; primarily, the seeds from this plant are used for digestion. The raw seeds are served or offered in many restaurants in India and Nepal, similar to how restaurants in the United States give out peppermint candy at the end of a meal. For intestinal gas, take fennel tea or capsules right after meals. You can also chew on the raw seeds if you like their licorice taste.
In herbology terms, fennel acts as a carminative, which makes it effective for the subject we are talking about here. For colic in babies, fennel is effective for breastfeeding moms to take. No known side effects exist for fennel, and—as far as we know—it is completely safe even in high doses.

Got Gas?

2009-03-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

Intestinal gas is funny only when we see comedians carry on about it. However, flatulence is an embarrassing symptom caused by poor digestion or constipation. I know this is no fun to talk about, but if you are one of those gaseous types, read on for herbal help. The answer to your roommates’ prayers are almost over! Our bodies create gas for many reasons. Intestinal gas is created by fermentation of wastes in the bowel, and constipation is a large part of why we have this problem. How do you know if your gas is a result of constipation? It shouldn’t be too hard to recognize, but here are a couple of clues:

You have the mysterious power to clear out a movie theater without saying a word.
While flying, you cause airline attendants to strap on their parachutes while passenger oxygen masks drop from the ceiling above you.
Only when you sit up front during a live lecture does the speaker seem to become overwhelmed with unexplainable emotion, which causes him to go into long pauses, tightly close his eyes, and wipe sweat nervously from his brow.

But seriously, here are some reasons why you might be full of hot air:

Improper combination of food
Poor digestion
Inadequate mastication of food
Eating too fast (sucking wind)
Drinking lots of liquids with meals

What a Fungi Can Do?

2009-03-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

This list covers some things you can do to change your inner and outer environments for treating and preventing fungus:

Eat lots of brown rice, millet, veggies, and lean meats; avoid sugar, alcohol, dairy, yeast, and caffeine.
Exercise brings oxygen into the body and can suffocate carbon dioxide-loving fungus.
Colon cleansing helps rid the body of excess waste and mucus and allows more oxygen to revitalize the body.
For yeast infections, don’t wear wet gym clothes or bathing suits for long periods of time. Don’t wear panty hose or nylon underwear—wear cotton undies instead.
Wear rubber thongs in public showers to avoid catching athlete’s foot.
Always keep feet as dry as possible, and avoid wearing sweaty socks too long.
Apply tea tree oil morning and evening.
Take your herbs and supplements daily!

Black Walnut, Cracking Open the Fungal Poisoning Cure

2009-03-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is an excellent herb used both externally and internally to help fight fungus, worms, and all parasites. Black walnut is a very useful plant because almost all parts of this plant are used—and all parts have different purposes.
The rinds or hulls of the black walnut are most specifically utilized for antifungal properties. Black walnut hulls will usually come in a capsule form, or you may use the powder or liquid extract of the ground hulls for external applications. Black walnut bark taken internally may have a laxative effect, but can rid the bowel of parasites and fungus at the same time.
To fight fungus overgrowth and parasites use garlic and black walnut together—these two herbs make a good pair for this purpose. You have bacteria in your body all the time; fungus or bacteria overgrowth can occur only when your internal flora is out of balance. This is why supplementing with the good intestinal flora is helpful when fighting internal fungus infections or parasites.
Pau d’arco is another herb well-known for its fungus-fighting ability. Although this tree grows in a tropical area, its bark remains fungus-free. Drink a cup of pau d’arco tea each night along with taking your garlic and black walnut supplements to fight Candida, yeast infections, parasite infestations, and fungal infections. You can use tea tree oil as a topical application for athlete’s foot and ring worm; apply it directly to the area once in the morning and once in the evening. I have used a Q-tip dipped in tea tree oil for cleaning my ears to kill off an itchy fungal growth on my ear drum—in 10 days the fungus was gone. This is also effective if you dampen a cotton ball with tea tree oil and place gently in each ear. The fumes from the tea tree are effective in destroying fungus in the ear canal.

Cure for Fungus Poisoning

2009-02-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

Fungal infections seem to be more and more widespread these days and can include ring worm, Candida overgrowth (Candidias Albicans), yeast infections, jock itch, and athlete’s foot. While some of these problems are externally contagious, such as athlete’s foot and ring worm, some are caused by an imbalance of our internal environment. Just as mold and fungus need a warm, moist environment externally, bacteria and fungus need a certain environment to thrive in internally. Therefore, if we change our inner environment and make it less fungus-friendly, these problems will tend to disappear.
Some causes of internal fungal infections such as yeast and Candida include:

Sugar: Sugar is bad bacteria’s favorite food. Keep feeding it sugar, and it will think you want it to stay!
Caffeine: Caffeine wipes out the good bacteria in your digestive tract and may allow fungal overgrowth to get a head start.
Antibiotics and birth control pills: These can change your internal environment, causing it to be more fungus-friendly. If you are on birth control pills, it may be wise to supplement every day with acidophilus.
Lack of cellular oxygen due to mucus in the system: Fungus doesn’t like fresh air—it likes a stale environment and carbon dioxide to bathe in. Fungus thrives in or on a body that is not exposed regularly to fresh air. By now, you’re probably itching to know how to get rid of these things!

Charcoal and Other Supplements to the Rescue

2009-02-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

Activated charcoal capsules should be taken immediately if food poisoning or any other type of poisoning is suspected. This cannot hurt you, and in most cases you’ll be much happier safe than sorry. Activated charcoal has properties that attract and absorb poisons, making them unavailable to your body and therefore neutralizing the effect a poison will have.
Hydrated bentonite clay has a similar effect. Its powerful absorbing properties eliminate toxins, especially those in the colon, and remove them from your body. Aloe vera and slippery elm are other herbs that have a laxative effect on the bowel. Both can be taken with any of the previously mentioned supplements to help your body quickly rid itself of wastes via the bowel. As always, whenever your body needs to flush out poisons or toxins, drink plenty of clean water to assist the process.

Lobelia: Helping You Spit It Out

2009-02-27T15:25:00.000-08:00

We talked a little bit about lobelia and explored how it can serve as an expectorant to help the lungs get rid of wastes. But lobelia also serves as an emetic, which means that too much of it can cause you to throw up. This can come in handy if someone has swallowed any type of poisonous substance. A liquid form of lobelia could be most effective. Take your lobelia until you get the desired effect.
Lobelia is native to North America and is also known as Indian tobacco—and, most appropriate to its emetic quality, it is also known as pukeweed! Native Americans smoked this herb to treat asthma and lockjaw because lobelia has an ability to relax tissues and seems to soothe coughing. Because of lobelia’s emetic effect, it should be taken in larger quantities only when used to promote vomiting, such as in the case of poisoning. However, many have used to lobelia to induce vomiting as a fast-forward way to cleanse.
Lobelia could be considered the best herb remedy for poisoning, but you should seriously consider utilizing other natural substances, such as those discussed in the following sections, if you have been poisoned by a contaminant.

Your body has ways of protecting bacteria

2009-01-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

Your body has ways of protecting you from these bacteria; any foreigner that enters through the mouth and makes it to your stomach usually doesn’t last long. Your stomach produces hydrochloric acid, a powerful acid that actually sanitizes the foods you eat and kills any harmful bacteria. If your stomach acid is low and the bug makes it past this line of defense, the good bacteria in the small intestines will eat up the invader. However, low stomach acid (this becomes naturally lower as you age) along with lowered acidophilus (good bacteria in your intestinal tract that is easily killed off by antibiotics and caffeine) makes you vulnerable to invaders and can cause your body to react violently with diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. These symptoms are the body’s last resort to keep you safe from poisoning.
Your best supplemental protection against foodborne illness is to supplement with food enzymes that contain a small amount of hydrochloric acid before you eat. Adding acidophilus capsules every day—especially when traveling—will also help protect you. Acidophilus is best taken in entericcoated capsules so that it has a chance to reach the intestinal tract before being bombarded with your stomach’s digestive secretions. This protects these critters from being killed before they get a chance to make it to your intestinal tract.

Food poisoning is more common than you might think.

2009-01-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

In fact, food poisoning symptoms can be almost identical to flu symptoms. Many 24-hour flus may actually be the result of a bacterial food poisoning.
Food poisoning doesn’t come only from restaurants; many cases come from improper food handling at home. For instance, the number of bacteria able to grow in food that is not properly refrigerated or that is not kept hot enough is staggering and can be strong enough to make you sick. Most of the bacteria that gets into our food (such as E. coli) comes from the earth that it was grown in. When fruits and veggies are not thoroughly washed, the bacteria can infiltrate the foods when we cut them. If the foods are eaten raw, we can become ill.
Now, I don’t want to discourage you from eating raw fruits and vegetables! But I do want to encourage you to wash not only your hands but also the foods.
Some tips to avoid food poisoning:

Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating.
Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cutting.
Use separate cutting boards for meats and plant
foods.
In a restaurant, make sure that food is very hot when served; food left to cool can harbor bacteria.
Take food enzymes with hydrochloric acid and acidophilus supplements 20 minutes before eating (especially when dining out).
Cook all meats thoroughly.
Refrigerate foods immediately if not eaten right away.
Do not keep leftovers more than 24 hours.
Read the book Poisons in Your Food, by Ruth Winter.

Supplements to Ease Your Fibromyalgia Pain

2009-01-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

When suffering with fibromyalgia, you’ll need support in several different areas. This will certainly require more than one herb to help you get relief and help you to fully recover When dealing with fibromyalgia, you should concentrate on herbs and supplements that feed the following body systems:

➤ Structural system (bones, muscles, connective tissues)
➤ Nervous system (nerves, brain)
➤ Digestive system (stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder)
➤ Immune system (thymus, spleen, lymphatics)

Structural system: A supplement I have seen my clients benefit from is extra magnesium and malic acid. Magnesium works as a muscle relaxer in the body, and our muscles are made up of plenty of magnesium. Sometimes a pain indicates that your body trying to steal nutrients from that part of the body. Why not feed it what it might be asking for? And, of course, any bodywork that relaxes the muscles, eases stress and tension, and improves circulation will help you feel better. Reflexology and massage are both good therapies for this. Acupressure is another therapy that has been used to restore proper health to individuals. And who doesn’t need an excuse to go get a massage?

Nervous system: Lobelia may be used in small quantities to help relax nerves. In addition, make sure to add a B-complex vitamin with any conditions that could be brought on by stress. The brain utilizes a lot of the B vitamins for proper functioning, and our body utilizes a greater quantity of these important nutrients when under stress and in pain. Ginkgo biloba can be taken to nourish the brain and help increase blood supply to the head. Since researchers have now found a link between the brain’s blood supply and fibromyalgia, ginkgo might be your answer. Try one to two capsules or tablets two to three times daily. If dizziness occurs, back off slightly on dosage. This could indicate that fresh blood is being carried into the brain, and is a good sign, actually! Go slow and take your ginkgo as tolerated.

Digestive system: Liquid chlorophyll and aloe vera both aid digestion and are natural bowel cleansers. If the aloe causes you too much bowel rumbling, stick to the chlorophyll. Food enzymes help the body break down cooked or enzyme-less foods, and papaya is an excellent herb to support digestion. These can be taken at the same time if digestion is very poor, otherwise, try one or the other, first. Immune system: To boost the immune system effects of your uña de gato, you can add a combination of rose hips, Siberian ginseng, parsley, red clover, wheat grass powder, and horseradish. Beta carotene will also help boost immunity.

Uña de Gato: Clawing Your Way to Health

2009-01-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

Uña de gato is Spanish for “cat’s claw.” Uña de gato is an herb that comes from a thorny vine in Peru that has thorns that are curved and resemble a cat’s claw—hence its name.
Uña de gato is used by many for the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Its properties also serve to support the immune system, aid the digestive system, and feed the structural system—all of which seem to be affected by fibromyalgia. Personally, I use uña de gato combined with astragalus and echinacea for any type of inflammation. I am amazed that it works as instantly as an aspirin (within 20 minutes), and it also relieves pain and reduces inflammation. Take two or more capsules three times per day or as needed to ease your symptoms. Some relief should be felt within 20 minutes or so, if not, increase your dose.

Fibromyalgia: What a Pain!

2009-01-14T06:56:00.000-08:00

Fibromyalgia is considered a syndrome because it is a collection of symptoms with no apparent relation to each other.
You might be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if you have the following symptoms:

A history of widespread pain lasting more than three months
Pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist
Eleven or more established tender points that show extreme pain when pressure is applied Other symptoms include all-over aches; insomnia; chronic aches in the hips, neck, or low back; stomach trouble; and intolerance to cold. Fibromyalgia seems to strike after a stressful or traumatic event, such as an accident, marriage, divorce, or death of a loved one. Ninety percent of fibromyalgia sufferers are women.

The true cause of fibromyalgia seems to allude physicians, but herbalists and physicians alike have theories, although much of it has been blamed on psychological disorders. Some believe it to be deep-seated stress or an immune deficiency. Because stress can have the effect of lowering the immune system, these seem to tie together. Others blame the disease on a virus. And still others believe the problem starts with poor digestion, which then leads to poor absorption, which can lead to a mineral or nutritional deficiency. What they all seem to agree on is that fibromyalgia is linked to a lowered immune system brought on by stress. When our immune is lowered we are susceptible to every disease. Here’s a game plan for addressing fibromyalgia. The best plan for dealing with fibromyalgia that I have seen work in my practice includes this set of actions:

Support digestion. Using herbs such as papaya, chew properly, eat while not under stress, etc.
Cleanse the colon.
Eat more fruits and vegetables of an alkaline nature, which include most green vegetables, and fruits such as apples and pears.
Reduce stress, if possible.
Have frequent bodywork done, such as massage or reflexology.
Get gentle exercise to improve circulation.
Take your herbs.

Now let’s talk about some herbs that have been used to help this annoying syndrome.

Other Unpronounceables

2009-01-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

Elderberry is a wonderful remedy, but when suffering from flu symptoms, you are likely to experience more than just what elderberry can handle for you. For stomach flu and vomiting, a mixture of ginger, capsicum, golden seal, and licorice is helpful. Vitamins C and A will help boost your immune system. As always, drink plenty of liquids and eat very lightly; your body can use the extra energy to heal you.
A homeopathic from France known as oscillococcinum (Anas barbariae) is claimed by many to help stop a flu dead in its tracks. Currently, Cochrane Review Group is researching whether oscillococcinum is more effective than a placebo in the prevention and treatment of influenza and its symptoms. Oscillococcinum is available in most health food stores.
Another excellent herb worthy of mention is olive leaf extract. Olive leaf is anti-fungal, and anti-viral and can be used to kill infections, cold viruses and many other ailments.

Elderberry: Influencing Influenza

2009-01-14T05:11:00.001-08:00

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is an excellent herb for treating acute conditions of any kind, and this is one of Europe’s most widely used herbs for centuries. Different parts of the plant are used for different medicinal purposes, including the flowers, berries, leaves, and bark. The berries are rich in vitamins A and C and potassium. Elderberry strengthens the immune system and helps it fight off viral infections. Elderberry increases mother’s milk when taken by nursing moms. It can be used as a tea as a gargle and is good for head colds, laryngitis, and flu. It is best given to children in the late afternoon and evening to help break fevers.
It has been reported that research in Israel done by virologist Dr. Madeleine Mumcuouglu has shown elderberry to disarm the flu virus by neutralizing the spikes that viruses use to invade host cells. Elderberry has been used to reduce inflammation, promote perspiration, and to serve as a laxative and decongestant. Add yarrow and mint, which will enhance the effects and make a safe remedy for children and adults alike.

Flu (Influenza): A Flu Good Herbs

2009-01-14T05:07:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, there is no real medical treatment for the flu or colds because they are usually caused by a virus. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. The best way to deal with the flu, therefore, is to help the symptoms fast-forward. Herbs can be a catalyst to your recovery from the flu and can help prevent you from getting complications associated with the flu. And, if taken after exposure to an infected person, these herbs just might help you bypass the flu altogether.
A colon cleansing with the use of an enema or colonic can help rid the body of waste and speed your recovery. For any infection in the body, add garlic to the enema water, and always be sure to use clean water since the bowel absorbs what is put into it.

Bathing: Now You’re Not So Hot!

2008-12-30T22:53:00.000-08:00

Moms and herbalists alike use two good home remedies to break fevers:

A sweat bath: The sweat bath is the typical way an herbalist would handle a fever, knowing that the fever is doing the body a favor by killing infection. A sweat bath will assist your body and speed up the process.
A tepid sponge bath: It is a way to bring down a fever, but not necessarily to help the body rid itself of the cause of the fever. If you are worried about a child with a raging fever and cannot get medical care, this would be your safest home treatment.

The sweat bath will help break a fever in a similar way that the yarrow works, by opening the pores and sweat glands and pushing out wastes through the skin. For use and description of a sweat bath. The other remedy, a tepid sponge bath, involves putting yourself or a child in tepid water to eliminate a fever by conduction.
Traditionally, many moms have used rubbing alcohol in the tub to help break a fever. This is because of the quick evaporating action of alcohol. However, the alcohol’s fumes can be toxic. A better way to go for a tepid sponge bath is to add peppermint oil to the water. Peppermint oil also brings blood to the surface of the skin and has a cooling effect on the body. What’s more, the fumes are not dangerous, and the oil leaves you feeling more refreshed. Also the bath water does not need to be cold! A more pleasing temperature (approximately 70F) will still do the trick and can be tolerated for a longer time than colder water. A sponge bath would be a better choice than a sweat bath for very high fevers.
Either way you go, take your yarrow to help push out the inner heat and toxins through the skin.

Me and My Yarrow

2008-12-30T22:47:00.000-08:00

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium, L.) is an herb traditionally used for many medicinal purposes, including lowering fevers. It is a diaphoretic herb and will clear even the most deep-seated fever. Yarrow has an affinity for the skin and will diffuse the blood to the surface of the skin and open up pores, letting out the inner heat and eliminating waste products that could be causing the fever. For treating fevers with yarrow, a tea or decoction is best. It is also useful in any combination of herbs used to treat colds, the flu, and respiratory ailments.
Children respond well to yarrow used to break a fever, especially when the herb is mixed with elderberry and peppermint. Childhood illnesses that have been treated with yarrow include chicken pox, smallpox, measles, colds, and influenza.
Other herbs, such as an extract of catnip and fennel, can be used to break a fever. This is also a good remedy for children. And, of course, you can always take garlic, which contains anti-bacterial agents that help your body kill off an infection that may be causing the fever. Beta carotene will convert to vitamin A in the body as needed and is safer for feverish children. Vitamin E also will help protect the liver during a fever.

Cure for Fever

2008-12-30T22:43:00.000-08:00

A fever occurs when the body temperature is abnormally high. Most of the time, the body temperature rises in an attempt to burn off some type of bug or toxin. Fevers can be triggered by viral or bacterial infections of many kinds. You can think of a fever as your friend, helping you to burn off foreign invaders. Herbs will help you assist your fever and can fast-forward you to recovery.
The body temperature rises and falls an average of 1.5F during the course of a day, based on a person’s activity level, diet, anxiety, and clothing. As a guideline, you can consider the possibility of fever when your temperature reaches between 99F and 100F. If your temperature is 100F or over, you can be sure it’s a fever. If you have any of the following conditions characterizing a fever, consult your physician immediately:

Fever persisting more than five days could indicate a persistent or severe infection that is beyond home treatment.
Fever in a child less than four months old: They are more susceptible to seizures.
Fever accompanied by a sore, stiff neck could be a sign of meningitis, where an infection has entered the brain—a life-threatening condition.
Fever of more than 105F: If home treatments fail to bring down a temperature something serious may be going on that your body cannot handle without intervention.
Any fever above 105F can lead to brain damage.

I Can See! A Testimonial to Herbs and Eyesight

2008-12-15T01:08:00.000-08:00

When poor eyesight is caused by a lack of nutrients, herbs can restore eyesight safely and sometimes very quickly. My husband is a good testimonial for this wonderful herbal “side effect.” When I met him he wore glasses, he had chronic sinusitis that was long standing, and he was getting shots in his nose by his allergist, which didn’t seem to alleviate his suffering much. He suffered from stress because of his high-pressure job and other circumstances at the time. He also had mild digestive and intestinal distress and symptoms of fluctuating blood sugar.
The last thing I was concerned about for him was his eyesight. But I think it’s interesting to note how these other problems may tie in with vision.
Here’s the herbal program I put him on:
A combination for stress that included: chamomile flowers, passion flowers, hops flowers, fennel seeds, marshmallow root, and feverfew herb. A combination for his allergies that included: burdock root, ephedra, golden seal, capsicum, parsley, horehound, althea, and yerba santa. Bifidophilus to improve his digestion and absorption of nutrients. A fiber supplement for his bowel that included a mixture of psyllium, oat, and apple fibers.
A soothing combo for his digestive tract that contained: slippery elm bark, marshmallow
root, plantain herb, chamomile flowers, rose hips, and bugleweed herb.
Licorice root to help his body produce natural cortisone (he was getting cortisone shots in
his nose, and so he thought he’d try this natural alternative). Licorice root also balances
the blood sugar levels, which can have an effect on eyesight.
An enzyme designed to help him break down proteins. The enzyme also included hydrochloric acid.
And a combination to support his blood sugar levels and nourish the prostate that included:
golden seal, juniper berries, uva ursi leaves, cedar berries, mullein leaves, garlic bulb,
yarrow flowers, slippery elm bark, capsicum fruit, dandelion root, marshmallow root,
nettle herb, white oak bark, and licorice root. Within two weeks on this program, he was absolutely amazed to find that his sinuses cleared up almost entirely. Within two months he was completely Kleenex-free! His digestion improved dramatically, his stress level eased, and he became even more grateful he met me! However, after about four months using the herbs he began to get headaches. We finally came to the conclusion that his prescription glasses probably needed an update.
They sure did! A trip to see his eye doctor resulted in the recycling of his glasses because his vision had returned to 20/20! It’s nice to know that herbs can fill in nutritional voids and that your body will begin to restore the undernourished areas whether you “focus” on a particular ailment or not. That was over four years ago, my husband still takes his daily herbal supplements and continues to be sinusitis- and eyeglass-free!

Bilberry: Focusing on the Problem

2008-12-15T01:05:00.000-08:00

Bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a potent herbal antioxidant source. Its ability to neutralize free radicals in the brain and the eyes makes it a powerful protector for the eyes. The part used historically is the fruit, sometimes also called huckleberry or blueberry.
British pilots during World War II used bilberry to improve their vision for night flying. Some reported improved vision within two weeks of using bilberry, and longterm use of this safe herb will prove most beneficial. Bilberry’s ability to strengthen blood capillaries also makes it an excellent tonic for people who bruise easily. Bilberry used with eyebright and beta carotene makes a powerful combination to nourish and protect the eyes and to strengthen vision. It also works well for lightsensitive individuals. Bilberry is also used for diabetes, diarrhea, and mild inflammation.
Zinc and vitamins E, A, and C all work well to protect our vision and are all contained in eyebright and bilberry. Another practice you can choose to help tone the eyes is a cold water splash every morning and each night. Simply fill your sink with some cold water, cup the water in your hands, and splash your eyes. The cold will help muscles retract, will tighten capillaries, and will tone your eyes. Many find this very refreshing and strengthening to their eyes.

Eyebright: A Sight for Sore Eyes

2008-12-15T01:03:00.000-08:00

Appropriately named, eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is an herb used to nourish, cleanse, tone, and strengthen the eyes. It contains a component that strengthens the blood capillaries, which improves circulation to the eyes. Eyebright has been used internally and externally for eye problems of all sorts. For better vision take internally. Eyebright usually comes in capsules and is many times found with other astringent herbs. Its antibacterial effects make it an excellent tea to be used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis (pink eye) or sore, irritated, or itchy eyes.
To use eyebright as an external eyewash, you have two options. If you have the herb in a capsule, empty one capsule per cup of water (one cup at a time should be more than sufficient). If you are using the herb in bulk form, four heaping teaspoons equals about one capsule of powder. Then follow these steps:

Put herb in a cup of water, and bring to a boil.
Boil 10 minutes.
Let cool, and strain mixture well. (That’s better than a sharp stick in the eye!)
Use a glass dropper to administer to eyes as needed. Do not touch the glass dropper to the eye, however; this will contaminate the mixture with the dropper, unless you sterilize it first.
Store the mixture in a glass container in the refrigerator. Do not keep mixture longer than three to four days.

Eyes Got an Herb for You

2008-12-15T00:53:00.001-08:00

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and sight is one of our most valued senses, however sometimes we take it for granted until we begin to lose our perfect vision. Most often it is some type of malnourishment that causes our eyes to loose focus. Sometimes it is a symptom of another progressive disease. But for the common eyesight degeneration, I have seen people reclaim their good vision several months after incorporating an herbal program into their life. I have also seen people who have worked on their core problem with herbs improve their eyesight as a side effect of taking herbs and supplements.
You can use herbs to tone the eye muscles, relieve and nourish stressed or irritated eyes, and bring circulation to the eyes. All this can help restore better vision and increase the general health of your eyes.

Pau D’Arco for Endometriosis

2008-12-15T00:50:00.000-08:00

Pau d’arco is utilized by many women as a blood cleanser and to dissolve cysts. Use pau d’arco to help in all ailments that are related to abnormal growths, such as cysts, cancer, tumors, and endometriosis.
As always, combinations of herbs—and sometimes supplements—can speed your recovery. Use sarsaparilla and pau d’arco at the same time. Pau d’arco aids in dissolving cysts and tissue overgrowth while sarsaparilla aids your body in progesterone production—which will help balance estrogen levels sometimes related to endometriosis.
For extra benefit, and more hormonal balancing effects, add the following combination along with your pau d’arco and sarsaparilla: golden seal, capsicum, ginger, uva ursi, crampbark, squawvine, blessed thistle, red raspberry, and false unicorn. Extra vitamin C can enhance this herbal program. Soy estrogens from plant sources are known as phyto-estrogens and offer a very mild form of estrogen. They bind the estrogen receptors, making it difficult for “bad” estrogen to be effective. This makes soy valuable in helping to balance estrogen levels, especially when those levels are in excess.

Endometriosis: A Growing Concern

2008-11-30T04:47:00.000-08:00

Endometriosis is a female concern involving the presence of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus located (and usually growing) at other sites in the pelvis. Symptoms include painful menstruation, infertility, and, if left untreated, adhesions which attach themselves to other pelvic areas, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterine muscles, colon, and bladder. These adhesions pull pelvic organs out of alignment and cause other painful problems. Many women have hysterectomies for relief of this problem. Possible causes of this overgrowing tissue may be linked to hormonal imbalance, especially excess estrogen production, that cause tissue to grow wildly.
Estrogen dominance can be caused by an improper diet, prescription medications, xenoestrogens (plastics and petroleum products), and dioxins (herbicides and pesticides).

The Beauty of Herbs: Not Just Skin-Deep

2008-11-30T04:45:00.000-08:00

Combinations used together to cleanse the blood and feed the skin include burdock root, Oregon grape, pau d’arco, vitamins A and E, and zinc. Because you will either make or purchase Oregon grape in a liquid form, it will be easy to apply to affected areas on the skin. Apply to a test area, such as the back of your hand, for several days each day, and watch how it works for you. You may want to apply it straight, or you can add it to your natural shampoo for eczema in the scalp. Externally, you can also add the herb calendula (from marigold flowers), known for its soothing effects on the skin. Mix it with some aloe vera, and apply as a paste to affected areas. If you do not yet know the source of your eczema, eliminate any possible causes of skin irritants, such as toxic and industrialized chemicals. Make a note if you have changed any of your soaps or laundry detergents.
Some eczema can be triggered by allergies, so make a food diary and eliminate all things that show up on your food list more than every four days. Eliminate red meat, citrus fruits, and sugar from your diet, and see if your problem clears. This will help you learn what might be triggering this condition, too. Cleanse the bowel for quicker relief of all skin ailments.